Congratulations to Kate Sinclair from Waikato Rivertones - our 2025 Spirit Award Winner!
Waikato Rivertones say: “Like many of us, the sound of ringing barbershop chords hooked Kate at her first Waikato Rivertones rehearsal 25 years ago. She quickly joined the music team and studied to become a certified director in 2011. She held the role of assistant director to Barbara Smith, co-director with Lynn Jamieson and received her Master Director (600+) status in 2013. For the last 7 years she has been sole director of Waikato Rivertones. She has sung lead or tenor in six quartets, currently singing tenor with regional champion quartet “Unlimited”.
Kate is relentless in raising the bar and walking alongside choruses and quartets to guide them. She applies that to herself - always open to feedback and opportunities for her own professional development. Kate has competed internationally six times giving her rich experience to share.
Kate gives her time frequently to coach quartets in person and under glass in regional workshops, gives PVIs and coaches other choruses. Kate has judged YSIH at regional and national level and loves seeing young people’s lives enriched by barbershop. She collaborates with local school choirs to broaden their learning and experiences and enthuse the next generation of barbershop singers. As a member of the SANZ faculty, she contributes with "music in the morning” and directing Star Chorus at convention and developing regional workshops.
Kate recognizes strengths in others and has built a strong team around her to support the wider aspirations of SANZ and SAI. Waikato Rivertones is incredibly grateful to have Kate as our director.
Kate is a loyal, well-respected and much-loved member of the Sweet Adelines community. She embodies what it means to share your gifts to uplift others and be an ambassador for Sweet Adelines in New Zealand and internationally.”
Congratulations Kate.
