05/27/2025
Congratulations to Gabriel on receiving the Presidentās Award for Distinguished Teaching at Commencement ceremonies today. The awards were established in 1990 through a gift by Princeton alumni Lloyd Cotsen of the Class of 1950 and John Sherrerd of the Class of 1952 to recognize excellence in undergraduate teaching by Princeton faculty members.
āGabriel Crouch, a professor of the practice in the Department of Music and the director of choral activities, came to Princeton in July 2010. Praised by colleagues for both his āstaggering musicianshipā and his commitment to students, Crouch conducts the 90-voice Glee Club and the 40-voice Chamber Choir as well as the tiny Vocal Consort, with five to eight singers.
āIn a University where quality teaching is the norm, Gabriel is, quite simply, a superstar,ā said a longtime colleague, who described Princetonās choral program today as āarguably the best non-conservatory vocal program in the country, evident not only in the quality of the performances but in the loyalty and enthusiasm of the participants, and in the high number of singers and conductors mentored by Gabriel who have gone on to have major careers.ā
āIt is impossible not to be struck by the joy that radiates from students as they sing together under Crouchās leadership,ā said a University administrator. āWhether they are singing a solemn medieval requiem or a lively African ballad, their pride and pleasure in achieving excellence in choral performance is palpable.ā
āGabriel is unique among University faculty in the sheer number of students in his charge at any given time,ā one graduate student noted, āand in the fact that many students work with him for the entirety of their time at Princeton.ā
A graduate student currently in the Glee Club said, āI have yet to meet a single person on campus whose eyes donāt light up when they talk about their experience learning from and working with Gabriel. His combination of excellence, mentorship and kindness epitomize the best of what Princeton has to offer.ā
āGabriel possesses a remarkable talent for making students feel seen, valued, and capable of greatness,ā said one undergraduate.ā
https://www.princeton.edu/news/2025/05/27/faculty-members-receive-presidents-awards-distinguished-teaching