Spring Sing 68 in Denver delivered everything we love about this tradition—great performances, deep camaraderie, and the joy of gathering as a community. But one of the most memorable moments of the weekend came when we paused to present the Pan Awards, recognizing two individuals whose impact reaches far beyond any single stage: Oakleigh Thorne and Mark Curchack.
Oak Thorne
It was with clear admiration—and a sense that no amount of time would quite be enough—that Oakleigh Thorne was introduced by the Wizards President, Alan Welty, as a “long overdue and well-deserved” recipient. His story is one that stretches across generations of a cappella music. From his early days singing with the Whiffenpoofs (Class of 1954) to decades of mentoring and arranging, Oak’s influence has quietly but profoundly shaped the sound and spirit of countless groups.
At the University of Colorado Boulder, he has been a tireless advocate for a cappella, helping nurture a thriving ecosystem of ensembles—now numbering six—and founding the Buffoons, often described as the “farm league” for the Wizards. In fact, without the Buffoons, the Wizards as we know them might not exist. Oak was there at the very beginning, helping launch the group more than 50 years ago, and later returned to sing with the Wizards for an extraordinary 32-year run from 1986 to 2018.
Perhaps the most telling moment of the presentation came with a simple question from Alan: “Raise your hand if you’ve sung an Oak Thorne arrangement.” Nearly every hand in the room went up. That’s the kind of reach that can’t be easily measured—but is deeply felt.
Beyond a cappella, Oak’s life has been equally rich. He founded Thorne Films and Thorne Records, contributed to the Boulder International Film Festival, and established Thorne Nature & Science (Thorne Ecological Institute), which has educated thousands of children in Colorado and continues its work today. And in a detail that perfectly captures his breadth as a musician, we were reminded that Oak once played vibraphone—with none other than Dave Brubeck.
For his numerous and far-reaching contributions to Spring Sing and the broader a cappella world, Oakleigh Thorne was honored with the Pan Award—an acknowledgment of a lifetime spent building, mentoring, and inspiring.
Mark Curchack
The second Pan Award of the evening recognized a different kind of impact—one rooted in steady leadership, organizational strength, and an unwavering commitment to keeping the community moving forward. The award was present to Mark by Donna Rhoads of the Counterparts with a brief history and tribute.
Mark has been a Counterpart for more than 18 years, with his first Spring Sing dating back to SS51 in Alexandria, VA. In 2014, he stepped into the role of AACA Executive Director—the very same year Counterparts hosted Spring Sing 57 in Wilmington, DE. Taking on both responsibilities at once was no small feat, but it set the tone for the decade of leadership that followed.
Over the past ten years, Mark has been instrumental in ensuring that Spring Sing runs smoothly—not just on stage, but behind the scenes, where so much of the real work happens. From logistics and planning to continuity and institutional knowledge, he has helped build the framework that allows each year’s event to succeed.
One of his most lasting contributions is the creation of a comprehensive Spring Sing playbook—a resource that future hosts will rely on for years to come. It’s already being looked to as a guide for upcoming events, including Counterparts’ return as hosts for Spring Sing 70.
If you know Mark, you know his style: focused, practical, and always moving things forward. He knows how to get down to business, keep people on track, and ensure that the work gets done—qualities that have been essential to the organization’s growth and stability.
In recognizing Mark, we celebrate not just what he has accomplished, but how he has done it: with consistency, clarity, and a deep commitment to the success of others.
Mark & Oak
Together, these two honorees reflect the full spirit of the Pan Award. Oakleigh Thorne represents a lifetime of artistic influence, mentorship, and creative legacy. Mark represents the leadership and structure that sustain and strengthen the community over time. Both remind us that while Spring Sing may last a weekend, it is built on decades of dedication from people like them.