SAI Welcomes New Chapters · installed at Western Kentucky University on April 22. ... spaghetti dinners, breakfasts, ... SAI Songbook. The day’s events

2Province Days

4Collegiate Chapter

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7Alumnae Chapter

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THE INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FRATERNITY NEWSLETTER

A U G2017

Gregory Dickens PUBLICATIONS

MANAGER Ruth Sieber Johnson

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Linda McAlpinALUMNAE

COMMENT EDITORCONTACT US828.251.0606

[email protected]

The Tempo! National Newsletter is published by the Fraternity to provide a source for chapters to share their activities and for Fraternity Education updates. Many creative ideas for programs, fundraising, and service projects can be found in these pages. Take notes!

ational Vice-President, Extension Beth Lopez has been kept very busy this past year. Installations were conducted all year, with a total of six new and reactivated

collegiate chapters — GAMMA NU (Arizona State U.), MU TAU (Colorado State U.), ETA DELTA (Kennesaw State U.), MU IOTA (Western Kentucky U.), MU UPSILON ( Jackson State U.), MU CHI (Ohio Northern U.) — and two newly chartered alumnae chapters — COLORADO SPRINGS ALUMNAE and ASHEVILLE ALUMNAE. Many months of hard work prelude each new colony’s petition submission and subsequent installations. The Fraternity gives a warm SAI welcome to these new chapters.

At top, the Asheville Alumnae Chapter was installed on May 6 at National Headquarters. At right, Mu Iota was installed at Western Kentucky University on April 22. At far right, Mu Tau was installed April 23 at Colorado State University.

SAI Welcomes New Chapters

Tempo! • August 2017 • sai-national.org

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ALPHA More than 100 members representing 16 chapters of SAI gathered on March 25, in Midland, MI, for Alpha Day. The Alpha Day activities were planned by the chapters of the Alpha C Province: Theta Eta, Eta Xi, and Midland Alumnae. It was a wonderful opportunity to spend a day with our sisters of SAI. The morning started off with a fun icebreaker activity and moved right into ritual opening ceremonies which included a Founders’ Day ceremony. Following there was a delightful musicale with members from Midland Alumnae, Iota Pi, Alpha and Eta Xi performing a variety of works. Then we enjoyed Cassandra DeHann – PO, Alpha C as the morning presenter who spoke on Revitalizing your Chapter: Finding a Chapter Vision or Focus. After the morning activities a well-deserved lunch was provided. The afternoon began with the Memorial Ceremony, followed by two speakers. Dr. Janette Caputo, of the Midland Alumnae spoke on how to “Manage Your Stress or It Will Manage You” and Karen Viele, Midland Alumnae spoke about “ACT,” an orchestra program in Uganda. Both afternoon presenters provided information that was very well received by our Alpha members. Following the afternoon speakers members of NW Ohio Alumnae, Theta Eta, Gamma Omicron, Mu Alpha and Pontchartrain Alumnae provided the afternoon musicale. Of course the traditional Phlea-Phlam rounded out the day. The Midland Alumnae chapter was a wonderful host. It was a well-attended day of sharing and sisterhood. —Cynthia Mikulin, Midland Alumnae Chapter editor

EPSILON A “Advocacy for and Empowering Women in Music” was the theme for the 2017 Epsilon A Province Day held at Lawrence University in Appleton, WI, on Saturday, April 1. Over 50 members of the Rho, Theta Iota, Xi, Madison Alumnae, Milwaukee Alumnae, and Appleton Alumnae chapters were in attendance. The gathering was held in a sunny room

decorated in red and white, with large windows overlooking the Fox River. As SAI members arrived, the room buzzed with conversation and excitement for the events to come. Food, speakers, and of course, music were all on the agenda for the day. Province Day was particularly special because this year the hosts, the Xi Chapter, celebrated their centennial on May 17. The day began with SAI members placed at round tables where they would be able to mingle with members of other chapters. Each chapter’s president gave a presentation describing the musical activities, social events, and service their members had been a part of in the last year: spaghetti dinners, breakfasts, apple picking, scrapbooking, Women in Music concerts, Relay for Life, talks by composers and outreach to young female musicians. Each chapter’s presentation gave inspiration to the other chapters about ways to make SAI a stronger force for supporting women in music. The first speaker of the day was Dean Brian Pertl of the Lawrence School of Music with a presentation titled “Reframing the Classical Music Canon: Pushing Past White, Male, and Dead.” Rho Chapter member Brittany Dunnum was inspired by his talk. “My favorite part of the day was when the keynote speaker, Dean Pertl, made each of the tables converse about what steps we can take to promote women in music,” she said. “Then, when we came back together as a group to discuss an action plan, it was interesting to share and hear all of the ideas we had to continue to promote music through each of our chapters.” SAI members brainstormed ideas such as including female composers in the core curriculum (in both theory and history), performing works by female composers, and doing more research about women who influenced music. Dean Pertl encouraged everyone in the room to take action in making these new ideas happen. Professor Julie McQuinn, of Lawrence University, continued with the day’s theme of empowering women in music. Professor McQuinn received her Doctorate in Musicology and specializes in music in gender and film.

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Members of the Epsilon A Province gathered at Lawrence University in Appleton, WI, in April.

sai-national.org • August 2017 • Tempo!

3Her presentation included video clips and music ranging from the opera Carmen to Taylor Swift’s hit song “Love Story.” Professor McQuinn emphasized the role of women in different types of pieces and how that shapes a general idea of women in music. Meg Huskin, Rho Chapter President, made a meaningful connection with an SAI alum after Dr. McQuinn’s presentation “I was really moved and touched by the talk Dr. Julie McQuinn gave on women’s empowerment, opera, and the way that music and storytelling matters. I went up to introduce myself and to say how much I admired the talk, and in the process met an Appleton alum who was doing the same thing. Though we had not met before, we had a chat about our ideas from the talk and our hopes for storytelling. It was nice to connect with someone I had never met before, and someone from a different generation with a lot of mutual respect and intelligence. Collegiate SAI members were able to network with SAI alumnae throughout the course of the day. The alumnae shared their experiences and wisdom from their collegiate years and how their lives have been shaped by music. The jobs of the SAI alumnae at the Epsilon A Province Day ranged from choir instructor to plant biologist. However, all have managed to keep music an important part of their lives. Even though it may not be everyone’s career path, music influences the lives of all who let it. SAI alumnae who have families, careers, and other commitments still make music a priority, and it was inspiring to hear about so many women who continue to promote music in their communities. To celebrate the Xi Chapter’s centennial, Sarah Swanson of the Madison Alumnae Chapter presented them with a rose cake sculpture made entirely of duct tape. The sculpture included 100 roses arranged in three layers. Everyone looked forward to the last event of the day -- the musicale. Pieces that were performed included works by Frederic Chopin, Astor Piazzolla, and, fitting with the theme of women in music, Clara Schumann. Though professional guest artists perform at universities frequently, it is rare for college students to have the opportunity to hear peers from different universities and alumnae musicians. The musicale was an extraordinary way for SAI members’ talent and accomplishments to be appreciated by a diverse audience. “Overall, Province Day brought great conversation about the topic of women in music and helped SAIs form new friendships and share ideas. I look forward to attending next year!” — Grace Subat, Rho Chapter

ZETA A Zeta A Province Day was held on Saturday, April 8, at University United Methodist Church in Tulsa where Friend of the Arts Dan Call is Minister of Music. The event was hosted by Tulsa Alumnae Chapter with representatives from all three collegiate chapters — Sigma Gamma, Iota Alpha and Kappa Rho — as well as Tulsa Alumnae and Patronesses in attendance Dignitaries introduced included Zeta A Province Officer Hazel Rowena Mills and former PO and Region II Officer Aileen Todd. The theme for the day was “Don’t Forget the Bold Notes” with emphasis on ways in which SAI emboldens women through music. Each of the tables featured a centerpiece based on one of the songs from our SAI Songbook. The day’s events got underway with a “Find the Sister” Mixer which had all of us involved with completing a list of items designed to get everyone meeting their sisters from across the Province. Two musicales were held during the day, one in the morning and the

second after lunch. All chapters provided performers, with the traditional Zeta A Province Day performance of Pan’s Flute Choir highlighting the afternoon musicale. Friend of the Arts Dan Call and his wife Kathy presented the keynote address. The twosome, who are actively involved in musical theater in Tulsa and are church musicians for University United Methodist Church, presented a delightful, yet thought-provoking address entitled “SAI….How….Where…How?” Dan and Kathy showed how lessons evolve into discipline and heightened membership, and a path to the future from 2017 forward. Province Day would not be complete without SAIs joining in singalongs. The afternoon singalong had an interesting twist: those at each table in turn got to sing the song which matched that table’s centerpiece. For instance, the ladies at the table with “Whistle Song” as its centerpiece got to serenade the rest of us by singing “Whistle Song” and so forth. Music Education included a presentation by Province Officer Hazel Rowena Mills on the impact of folk music themes on 20th century music, as utilized by the composers Kodaly and Bartok. Fraternity Education was not overlooked. An SAI “Jeopardy” game featured clues on five different categories relevant to Fraternity facts. Table mates were allowed to ring in with answers using various noisemakers which had been provided on each table. A more serious part of the day was the ritual observance of the Founders’ Day Ceremony. Representatives from each chapter in the province participated. The ritual was led by Sue Amstutz, Tulsa Alumnae Chapter’s Ritual Vice President. Mementos of Province Day 2017 included a special Province Day t-shirt emblazoned with the day’s theme, “Don’t Forget the Bold Notes,” as well as a miniature SAI pillow hand made by the Tulsa Alum Executive Board. — Sue Amstutz, Tulsa Alumnae Chapter

THETA B The Theta B Province recently enjoyed a Province Day celebration on April 1. The Wichita Alumnae Chapter hosted it on the campus of Wichita State University at Duerksen Fine Arts Center. The day started with registration, breakfast snacks, games, musicale, and an afternoon workshop led by Dr. Barbara Fox DeMaio, SAI Member Laureate, from Central Oklahoma University, on the topic, “Stages of the Female Voice.” It was an outstanding Province Day with chapters from Alpha Pi (Fort Hays State University), Alpha Alpha (Bethany College), and Lindsborg Alumnae members in attendance. A photo booth was included in the activities. — Donna Atkeson, Wichita Alumnae Chapter VP-Membership

Members of Wichita Alumnae Chapter attended the Theta B Province Day in April.

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ALPHA MU — Carnegie Mellon University, PA In celebration of Black History month, this February, the chapter put on its first ever Jazz Cafe at Carnegie Mellon University. The event was a charity concert that celebrated the amazing work of women in jazz. In addition to performances throughout the night, informational cards about the featured female composers were scattered throughout the venue. Sophie Thompson, a junior at Carnegie Mellon and the Special Events Coordinator for Alpha Mu, was the mastermind behind the event, gathering performers, decorations, food made by Alpha Mu and the local alumnae chapter, and handling preparations over the past few months for the event. Alpha Mu partnered with Alumni Theater Company, a local group that strongly supports the cultivation of a diverse, urban community in the Pittsburgh arts, and proceeds from the event went to the company to help them further their programs and outreach. The event

featured performances from SAI sisters, members of the Alumni Theater Company, Carnegie Mellon’s jazz choir JIVE, and the Carnegie Mellon Jazz Band. It was a wonderful night of interactive, educational, jazz-filled fun and Alpha Mu couldn’t be happier with the results of this project and certainly can’t wait to repeat the event next year! — Ali Dettmer, editor

BETA ETA — Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI For Valentine’s Day, chapter members decided to make Valentines for the children at Bronson Methodist Hospital. We featured designs of lady bugs, bees, and butterflies. This event was set up by our wonderful Secretary Fiona Beaton, and we were so happy to be joined by Alpha B Province Officer Sally Roach for this activity. We are always looking to spread the love (and roses) around Kalamazoo, and having the whole chapter getting crafty together was the perfect way to end a meeting. We would also like to congratulate our new MIT members as they start their journey through sisterhood: Bronte Spondike; Brooke Nuccio; Emily Mastenbrook; Maria Pinkowski; Katie Arntz; Kat O’Donnell; Rachel Butala; and Meredith Mason. We are so happy to have them as future Beta Etas! — Kaylah Babcock, editor

ETA MU — University of Hartford, CT Eta Mu has been working hard to raise money for SAI Philanthropies. As a group of musicians, we love supporting projects such as Pan’s Cottage and People-to-People. This year, Eta Mu’s fundraising committee, headed by senior chair Jessica Cerasoli, has planned several fun and unique fundraisers to raise money for SAI Philanthropies. One fundraiser is Change Wars. For this fundraiser, each Eta Mu committee has a jar to fill with spare change. The committee at the end of the semester with the most change wins a prize. There are also opportunities to sabotage other

collegiate comment

Members of Alpha Mu created a Jazz Cafe for Black History Month at Carnegie Mellon University.

Members of Beta Eta created bug-themed valentines for young patients at Bronson Methodist Hospital.


5committees by adding bills to their jar. For instance, one dollar subtracts a dollar from the committee’s jar. Michelle Werner, Phi B Province Officer, even got in on the action during her annual visit last semester. This fundraiser raised almost $100! Other fundraisers include bake sales, grilled cheese sales, and decal and canvas sales. So far, Eta Mu has raised over $530 for SAI Philanthropies, and we have more to go! — Erin Moebus, editor

ETA TAU — Shepherd University, Shepherdstown, WV On Feb. 23, Eta Tau chapter initiated saxophonist Dr. Kurtis Adams as a Friend of the Arts. Dr. Adams is an Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Jazz Studies at Shepherd University, as well as one of our chapter advisors. In addition to jazz, Dr. Adams teaches first year Music Theory and Aural Skills, as well as an Entrepreneurship in Music class designed to teach students how to be self-employed musicians. After a successful recruitment week which included a board game night and sister “speed dating,” Eta Tau welcomed seven new Members-in-Training. Our Members-in-Training are Shenandoah Sokel, Alexas Spiker, Kayla Starr, Anna Watson, Tara Foster, Caroline Hayden, and Abby Ayers. All of these young women are dedicated musicians who have so much to offer Sigma Alpha Iota when they become initiated members. We are excited to watch them thrive in this organization. — Mary Sullivan, editor

THETA TAU -- Southern Illinois University Carbondale The members of the chapter competed in Theta Xi at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Theta Xi is a Greek variety show and has been going on for 70 years now. Theta Tau won first place in the Musical Act category! They sang “The Star Spangled Banner” and Southern Illinois University’s Alma Mater. — Madison Riden, corresponding secretary

IOTA BETA — Murray State University, KY Bless our sisters, bless our show! Music has once again succeeded in bringing people together, this time for the Eightieth Annual Campus Lights production of Sister Act. A beloved Murray State tradition, Campus Lights is a completely student-produced and student-run musical jointly overseen by the Iota Beta Chapter and the Gamma Delta Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. This event takes place every January and acts as a fundraiser for music scholarships. For the eightieth anniversary, we wanted a show that would be fun for everyone involved, and Sister Act fit the bill perfectly with its funky, upbeat score, exciting plot, and endearing characters. Sigma Alpha Iota was represented by sisters in the cast, pit orchestra, board of producers, staff, paint crew, costume crew, prop crew, and more. Several alumnae also returned for the Saturday “Alumni Night” performance, allowing current sisters to recall the legacy left for them, and letting past Iota Beta members catch a glimpse of the chapter’s future. Overall, the Eightieth Campus Lights was a success, both in providing money for music scholarships and in reminding us all that we are “part of one terrific sister act.” — Madelyn Hogrebe, editor

IOTA OMICRON — University of Louisiana at Lafayette On Feb. 18, the Iota Omicron Chapter at University of Louisiana at Lafayette and the Lafayette Alumnae Chapter spent the day together singing songs in nursing homes in the Lafayette area. In the morning, the Lafayette Alumnae Chapter invited Iota Omicron to attend their informal meeting. The alumnae chapter president, Amy Williams, began the meeting by asking both chapters to participate in an exercise about the preparation to join the alumnae chapter after

graduation. Each person from the collegiate chapter paired with a member of the alumnae chapter to create an ad about why you should affiliate with an alumnae chapter after graduating. This was a great bonding activity and we all felt connected to each other. After everyone explained their ads, the president went over the minutes from the previous meeting. Upcoming on their agenda is a silent auction in the beginning of June. They asked the collegiate chapter to provide old cookbooks that the alumnae chapter published in 1997 to add in gift baskets for the auction. Some of the collegiate members offered ideas on possible places for the event. When the meeting concluded, the alumnae chapter invited the girls to dine on the lunch they prepared. Iota Omicron sat and talked to the women in the Lafayette chapter about their love for SAI and music. After lunch, it was time to rehearse the songs to sing later that afternoon. From the song books, we sang “So Near, So Dear,” “The Whistle Song,” “Pan in Cannon,” and “Chorale.” Some of the other songs included on the list were “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers, “I’d like to Teach the World to Sing” by The New Seekers, and “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley. The crowd at Cornerstone Village South enjoyed the older songs that were sang, and enjoyed the company of the two chapters even more. There was a retired band director in the audience whom some of the alumnae members recognized, so of course it was nice to hear their fantastic feedback. Later that afternoon, the two chapters sang at Garden View Assisted Living. Though it was a smaller crowd, the ladies still loved to hear Iota Omicron and the Lafayette Alumnae chapter sing together. — Katherine Hall, editor

KAPPA SIGMA — Saint Mary’s University, Winona, MN This year, we decided to include the Winona community in Fireside, our annual variety show, by inviting grade-school aged children to come to Saint Mary’s for a day and learn about music from the sisters, culminating in a performance by the children. We called it Little Campers Fireside. Sisters taught the kids various aspects of music. The lessons involved teaching the kids about note values, scales, and rhythms. The children were also shown our stage, lights, and sound. We then taught them the words to the chorus of “Happy” by Pharrell Williams, as well as a dance to go along with it. Sisters led the verses of the song by singing and playing in the band, while the kids led the chorus. At the end of the day, they performed for their parents. The kids had a great time, and were absolutely excited

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Iota Omicron members joined with the Lafayette Alumnae Chapter to performing at area nursing homes.

Send collegiate chapter submissions to [email protected]. Send photo submissions to Gregory Dickens at [email protected].


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to come back next year. As one sister said, “Seeing how excited the kids got about performing on a stage with the lights and microphones and a real band just proved to me that we succeeded in doing exactly what our fraternity strives for.” — Rachel Steiner, editor

LAMBDA OMICRON — Florida International University, Miami The chapter was proud in joining alongside the FIU Chapter of the Collegiate National Association for Music Education (CNAfME) in their annual benefit concert grant for “Music in Need.” The FIU CNAfME

Chapter holds an annual concert for “Music in Need,” which was created and is administered by FIU music students. FIU faculty, students, and “Music in Need” grant winners from the Miami-Dade County Public Schools present an evening of community music making. Proceeds benefit music programs at local public schools in Miami-Dade County. This year, the grant benefited Oak Grove Elementary School in their efforts to provide more instruments for their music program. This was the first year Lambda Omicron was able to match the CNAfME chapter’s $250 donation, bringing the grant total to $500 for Oak Grove Elementary. Lambda Omicron hopes to make this an annual tradition to assist in the funding of music programs within the community. — Jacqueline Ramirez, editor

collegiate comment

Lambda Omicron members helped raise money for a local elementary school music programs.

Kappa Sigma members taught local school kids about music and performance for the chapter’s annual variety show.

The Mr. Music Pageant

T he ladies of Zeta Epsilon at the University of Iowa put on our first ever Mr. Music Pageant. This event took more time and resources than most events, but was a blast to produce. We recommend that all chapters try out a new event they haven’t

done because the reward of completing a huge but successful project like this was amazing! One of our recently graduated members, Meredith Olson, has been in multiple pageants including Miss America, and helped us form the structure of the event, as well as tell us how pageants are in the works. We planned 3 outfit changes for the guys: creativity wear, formal wear, and basic wear which was a black t-shirt paired with jeans. This gave them an opportunity to assimilate in the group as well as stand out as an individual when they wanted to represent their personality. This planning also included what we would judge the contestants on, what events to compete in, and what awards to give. We chose to have 10 males run in the competition for the title of Mr. Music. The event started off with a choreographed dance number together, followed by creativity wear, individual lip sync, musical talent, and last but not least, were escorted to the stage by the lovely ladies in our chapter in their formal wear for their onstage questions. This gave SAI an opportunity to take part in the event. Musical talent ranged from a contestant performing a piano solo to one singing while spinning mace in a marching band uniform. This shows our contestants true range of talent and creativity. Contestants had 30 seconds to answer a random question. We had a panel of three judges from the music department of professors and faculty decided our top 3 winners, honorable mentions,

and of course, Mr. Music. Our honorable mentions included: Best Dressed, Best Smile, Best Energy, Most Eccentric, and Best Walk. While the judges were counting up the scores and determining winners, we performed SAI songs to advertise about our fraternity to the audience in hope for more membership and recognition at the University. This gave a break in the program so the judges could take all the time they needed to tally scores without a rush. We hung up flyers all over campus, in nearby businesses, published on our websites, social media, and set up a table for a few days in our music building to attract people for the event. We not only posted on our social media sites but shared it to our School of Music site, as well as any ensembles Facebook pages that exist at our school. For the event, we created a job list for everyone in our chapter. This included escorts, stage crew, electronics crew, ushers, and food crew. This gave everyone a chance to relax and enjoy the show but still gave us all a way to engage in the performance as an event manager as well. We had a reception after the events as a “meet and greet” for the contestants to interact with the audience. We hope this becomes an annual event as it was our most attended event of the year! It was also one of the most entertaining shows a lot of students have ever seen performed in our new recital hall.

— Amanda Stout, Zeta Epsilon editor

The contestants of the Mr. Music Pageant organized by Zeta Epsilon at the University of Iowa.


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AUSTIN (TX)— The chapter began 2017 hosting Kappa A Province Day on January 21, joined by sisters from San Antonio Alumnae Chapter, Beta Xi (University of Texas at Austin), Theta Omega (Texas State University), and Lambda Lambda (Texas A&M University-Kingsville) to celebrate “Music for a Lifetime.” On February 9, treasurer Linda Aguilar organized an SAI booth at the Texas Music Educators Association conference to help Texas sisters network and reconnect with alumnae chapters in their area. Later that month, the chapter and Beta Xi chapter presented a musicale and sing-along of Broadway classics to residents of Clairmont Retirement Community. The residents cheerfully sang along to favorites like “I Could Have Danced All Night” and “Oklahoma!” In March, the chapter held their annual scholarship recital to benefit the Carol Boyer Moody Scholarship Fund. Dr. David Small, Professor of Voice at the University of Texas at Austin, presented a concert of duets with friends and students from his studio. The chapter awarded scholarships to two members of Theta Omega: Echoe Burkhart, trombone; and Laura Crick, soprano. At the last meeting, the Austin Alumnae Chapter affiliated one new member. We are looking forward to a relaxing summer and more chapter growth in 2017-2018!

— Lauren B. Cunningham, editor

BLOOMINGTON (IN) — In September, Member Laureate Marilyn Keiser, organist and Chancellor’s Professor of Music Emeritus at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, was featured in our annual Matinee Musicale, a fundraiser to support scholarships and local music organizations. Member Daisy Chew assisted on clarinet. In October, soprano Connie Shakalis and pianist Beverly McGahey presented a work by member Barbara Roberts. National Arts Associate Joseph Rezits and member Catherine Smith, duo-pianists, performed, and members Vicki King, Mary Ruth Yates, Diane Rivera, and Lenore Hatfield played music for two pianos, eight hands. Louise Newman, piano, Leonard Newman, accordion, Victor Harnack, reader, all Friends of the Arts, and member Daisy Chew, clarinet, accompanied by Beverly McGahey, piano, presented the December musicale. The January musicale was presented by Lesley Anne Friend and Beverly McGahey and guests Nathan Blair and Alejandra Martinez. Reimagining Opera for Kids presented “Rufus and Rita,” by SAI Composers Bureau Member Lauren Bernofsky who was in attendance at the Meadowood Retirement Community event in February. Members Lenore Hatfield, Vicki King, Kelli Paul, Erin Thompson, and Fran Shelly visited a local pre-school HeadStart program to demonstrate musical instruments and allow the children access to instruments. Tabletop runners have been created and sewn by members to be taken to Province Day in April for a fundraiser. — Mary Yates, editor

CHARLOTTE (NC) — On Feb. 12, the chapter presented its second annual “Concert of American Music” at Queens University in Charlotte, NC. We were graciously sponsored by Becky Engen and the Queens University Music Therapy Club. Performances included members in a wide variety of American-made music. Rachael Struble, flute; Rosemary double bass; and Debbie Lesher, piano, offered seven American folk song arrangements by Dewey Owens. Pianist Kelly Nelson performed Leroy Anderson’s Forgotten Dreams and two pieces composed by Scott Joplin, Bethena (A Concert Waltz) and Elite Syncopations. Megan Armstrong played the hauntingly beautiful Ashokan Farewell by Jay Ungar on her bowed psaltery. The Gift to Sing by Rollo Dilworth and How Can I Keep from Singing, arranged by Jay Althouse, followed by several selections from the SAI songbook, were presented by the SAI Charlotte Alumnae Singers: Megan Armstrong, Crystal DiGiacomo, Becky Engen, Becky Flaherty, Amy Giles, Jessie Holbrook, Trista Schlick, Amanda Stokes, Rosemary Webster, and Kelly Brinton Nelson (director, pianist). The concert concluded with the singing of our chorale by all SAI members in attendance. — Melinda Lein, editor

EVANSVILLE (IN) — The chapter’s year was filled with service projects, sisterhood, music, ritual and, of course, the important business of the chapter. Our business meetings were most efficient with the assistance of the new Sergeant at Arms office filled by Bethany Steele. This allowed much more time for the other chapter activities. We were able to provide three service projects to various areas of our city: presenting an instrument “petting zoo” at Isaac’s Day of Music and a musicale at a local nursing home, “Making Music Together;” and serving a meal at the local Ronald McDonald House. “Making Music Together” was our third annual afternoon of music activities for local Girl Scouts at which they earned their music badges. A ritual memorial service was presented in February for our long time and very devoted member, Kay Reiswig. Our increased number of sisterhood activities included an ice cream social during the summer, a holiday dinner for members and significant others, attendance at Province Day and sisterhood time at the conclusion of every meeting.

— Carol Hahn, editor

Members of the Austin Alumnae Chapter and Beta Xi performed at a retirement community in February.

Beta Epsilon members assist a Girl Scout trying the cello during the Evansville Alumnae Chapter “instrument petting zoo.”


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HAMPTON ROADS (VA) — In October, the sisters volunteered staff support at the Junior District Strings Auditions and also donated all the remaining funds needed for Sedgefield Elementary, a Title 1 school in Newport News, to purchase 11 new, mini electric keyboards for their music department. The students sent us adorable thank-you letters and hand-drawn pictures! We affiliated 5 new members – Jana Campbell, Danielle Fagan, Jaielle Manning, Sara Martin, and Britney Spells – in a ceremony in November and completed a very successful fundraiser via locally-owned Jody’s Gourmet Popcorn & Fudge. We waved goodbye to 2016 with our Eighth Annual Family & Friends Christmas Party, complete with delicious food, hilarious party games, and a “White Elephant” ornament swap. Earlier the same day, we also held our Inaugural Strolling SAIs philanthropy and fundraiser, where sisters met at a busy shopping center in Chesapeake and sang traditional carols and popular holiday songs, bringing some peace and good cheer to hectic shoppers. In February, sisters gave our annual audience-interactive recital at Waterford Senior Living and Memory Care Facility in Virginia Beach, featuring solo voice, violin, piano, and a group sing-a-long. We all had a blast talking, laughing, and singing with the residents! — Mandy Collins, editor

INDIANAPOLIS (IN) — We in the Indianapolis Alumnae Chapter have been having a great time getting through this past year. We have all taken time to come together as sisters and learn not only from our day-to-day lives, but from each other as well. Through Province Day and regular chapter meetings we have been able to get to know not only more about each other as sisters, but also about our cherished sisterhood. Our wonderful vice-president, ritual Leslie Taylor Nelson has been doing an amazing job at keeping us in the know of what is going on in the world of SAI, not only now, but back in the day as well. During one of our regular chapter meetings, Leslie shared a FR.ED. activity about how much we knew/know about our sisterhood with a quiz, where other alumnae chapters were located around the United States, a Name That Tune contest, and some fun tidbits about what it was like to be part of Greek life with the For Gracious Greeks book, back when white gloves and pearls where worn at social functions. We all enjoyed each activity the entire meeting, making this one of the many great reasons that this Editor loves her sisterhood. — Jessica Foxworthy, editor

KANSAS CITY (MO) — We were pleased to affiliate three young women at our Feb. 13 chapter meeting, Sabra Cain, Leah Frisby, and Kayla Hawkins Wood. We have affiliated 14 women this year, and two more will affiliate in the spring. Our new affiliates presented the musicale at our March 13 chapter meeting. We also celebrated former national officer Dixie Lou Morris on her 75th anniversary of initiation into SAI, which was on March 7, by presenting her with roses and a special certificate from the Fraternity; reading letters of congratulations from Executive Director Ruth Sieber Johnson and National President Leslie Odom Miller; and announcing a $75 contribution that has been made by our chapter to the Pan’s Cottage Renovation Fund in honor of Dixie Lou. A reception in her honor followed the chapter meeting. On April 22, the chapter and the Kansas City Metro Music Therapists presented a Sensory Friendly Concert at Central United Methodist Church in Kansas City, MO. Sensory Friendly Concerts are performances of the fine arts that welcome those with sensory processing disabilities such as autism who may not be able to sit still and quiet as an audience member in a traditional concert setting. Performers included violin, vocal, accordion, and piano soloists, a violin and flute duet, a youth choir, and a brass trio. A reception followed the concert. Edythe McNown, Dixie Lou Morris, and Friend of the Arts Thomas Morris were honored by our chapter for their dedication to SAI by an ad placed in the program of the May 7 Bachathon of the Greater Kansas City Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. The Bachathon is an annual event consisting of several hours of continuous live performances of music by J. S. Bach. Our June 12, chapter meeting began with a pot-luck dinner and included installation of officers conducted by Dixie Lou Morris and presentation of the Founders’ Day Ceremony. — Vicki Hedger, editor

LAKE COUNTY (IN) — Prior to our formal meeting in February, our chapter enjoyed delicious food and sisterhood at our annual potluck supper. We really must put together a recipe book! The highlight of the evening was the musicale performed by our scholarship winner violinist Elena Cruz-Lopez. Elena, a senior at Valparaiso University and a member of Beta Lambda, was accepted into

alumnae comment

Kansas City Alumnae Chapter member Dixie Lou Morris and patroness Halide Smith at the celebration for Dixie Lou’s 75th initiation anniversary.

At left, one of the many thank-you letters the Hampton Roads Alumnae Chapter received from students at Sedgefield Elementary School for providing keyboards for their music department. At right, Octavia Diggs, Jessica Metcalf, Sara Martin, and Mandy Collins caroling at a local shopping center during the chapter’s Strolling SAIs philanthropy and fundraiser in December.


9the PhD program in Musicology at Ohio State University. Our spring musicale was May 7 in the sanctuary of Trinity Memorial Lutheran Church in Merrillville. The program featured our chorale, recorder consort, and instrumental group along with solo performances. All donations received go to support SAI Philanthropies. We performed for the Rosary Dinner at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Crown Point on May 17. Sisters came together at Teibel’s Restaurant for our annual banquet on May 15. In addition to recognizing the new officers for 2017-18, we awarded the Sword of Honor to President Tina Shultz and the Patroness Sword of Honor to Cindy Tokarz. We also presented rose bushes to sisters who lost family members during the year. To keep the “Symphony” ever in our hearts, we continue to record volunteer hours given to musical activities both in our chapter and community. — Anna Padberg, editor

MADISON (WI) — The chapter held its annual Brunch and Silent Auction fundraiser on Feb. 4. The theme was “Music Mania” and featured a number of music-related items for sale, including an antique metronome and large selection of sheet music and music books generously donated by Hal Leonard. Compared to last year, our fundraising income doubled! Thanks to Caitlin Podemski, our VP-Program, and the organizing committee (Sue Poulette, Kennedy Jo Hudgins-Gravell, and Laura McGuire) for putting together a fantastic event to support our SAI Rho chapter student scholarship, SAI Philanthropies, and other projects. Our chapter also enjoyed a sisterhood-filled brunch on January 7 to kick off the new year together. On March 11, chapter members and friends attended a tour of the piano restoration facility at Farley’s House of Pianos in Madison followed by a group lunch. — Sarah Swanson, president

MILWAUKEE (WI) — The chapter welcomed PianoArts semi-Finalist John Schindler to their Feb. 12 meeting at the home of Sue Medford. In June 2016, at the Biennial PianoArts Competitiion, Schindler was one of two winners of the ensemble awards funded by the chapter. He and chapter member Darcy Drexler performed the Violin Sonata No 1, first movement, which he had performed in the competition. Member Suzanne Freshley performed an unaccompanied flute piece and an unaccompanied piccolo piece. Member Martha Dodds Stoner sang two numbers from her upcoming concert: “Were I” by Carrie Jacobs-Bond and “Sure on this Shining Night” by Samuel Barber, accompanied by Schindler. He concluded the musicale with “Gargoyles” by Lowell Liebermann. Despite his young age of 17, Schindler was extremely impressive, and the members present wished him success in his many auditions for undergraduate music programs. Chapter member Martha Dodds Stoner presented a “Second Farewell Concert” on Sunday, March 26. Ms. Stoner shared some of her favorite

music from past recitals and performances. She sang four songs from the “Ariettes Oubliees” by Debussy, two Brahms lieder, and two Clara Schumann lieder. She made arrangements for piano, flute, oboe, clarinet, and voice of four of Britten’s “Folk Song Arrangements.” SAIs Suzanne Freshley, Beth Wilkinson, and Tammy Enevold joined her on these arrangements. A short group of American pieces included the Libby Larson piece commissioned by the chapter in honor of a past member “My Candle Burns” and Barber’s “Sure on the Shining Night.” For the last half of the concert, Ms. Stoner invited friends to join her in a couple of trios from musical theater as well as several solo numbers by Sondheim and others. Members of the SAI chapter were ushers and served a lovely reception following the concert. — Martha Stoner, editor

PHILADELPHIA (PA) — When SAI meets, SAI eats -- and also performs musicales! The chapter was fortunate to be able to present two joint musicales this year. The first was with the Northern Delaware Alumnae Chapter along with students from West Chester University’s Epsilon Epsilon. All three chapters provided performers, and the audience included Chi A Province Officer Mary Bushong, and Jessica Chichester, NVP-Collegiate Chapters. The second musicale was with the Central New Jersey Alumnae Chapter. Performances included a French Horn duet with Lauren Parsinitz and Rebecca King from Philadelphia as well as a vocal performance by mezzo-soprano Alice Berman accompanied by pianist Janice Van Alen, both from the Central New Jersey Chapter In May we had the wonderful opportunity to celebrate music through a performance program by Linda McAlpin, Linda Gagliardi, Ruth Sheets, and Elena Santangelo. The theme included songs from 50 years ago, as the chapter celebrated two fifty-year SAI members this year, Barbara Ostroff and Joan Paltenstein. Also, Swords of Honor were given to two deserving women — Rebecca King and Tamara Friedlander — for their outstanding dedication to the chapter. — Lauren Parsinitz, president

alumnae comment

Members of the Madison Alumnae Chapter at a group lunch in March.

Milwaukee Alumnae Chapter members, from left, Suzanne Freshley, Martha Dodds Stoner, PianoArts seminfinalist John Schindler, and chapter member Darcy Drexler in February.


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Alumnae Chapter Comment Editor Linda McAlpin, a Delta Alpha initiate and a member of the Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter, can be reached at [email protected]. Send photo submissions to Gregory Dickens at [email protected].

RALEIGH/DURHAM (NC) — TThe chapter held a recital at its February meeting. The diverse program included: Christy Walker and Christine Bruns in a clarinet duet, Estudiantina, Op. 191 by Emil Waldteufel; Amy McGinnis on clarinet, with Salvation is Created by Tschesnokoff; Christine Bruns, oboe, and Elizabeth Huss, piano, performing To a Wild Rose by Edward McDowell; and Brittany Green, saxophone, and Christy Walker, clarinet, playing Total Praise by Richard Smallwood. The chapter had a successful Valentine’s for Vets crafting event, creating over 50 cards to share at the local veteran’s facility. The group also held its first Instrument Petting Zoo of the year at the Cameron Village Regional Library, highlighting woodwind, percussion, and brass instruments with the children. A number of social events are planned for this spring: a movie and popcorn night, attending a sister’s Master Chorale concert, and going to the movies to see the new release of Beauty and the Beast. The chapter celebrated its fifth anniversary and Founders’ Day on June 10 at the Harrington Grove Swim & Racquet Club in Raleigh, NC. Members and guests enjoyed a catered luncheon, the Founders’ Day ceremony, and a musicale. Micaela Bundy sang “Songs to You” by Ernest

Charles, accompanied by Elizabeth Huss on keyboard. Dana Gillooly performed “Adagio and Presto” by George P. Telemann on the French horn. Earlier this spring, the Raleigh Durham Alumnae Chapter Annual Scholarship was awarded to Patricia Tyler of Beta Psi at East Carolina University. A trumpet major, she is a graduating senior with a degree in Music Education. The topic of this year’s essay was to tell the chapter how a famous musician had influenced the writer’s musical journey. Patricia chose Tine Thing Helseth, a young trumpet player from Norway who has traveled the world and helped Patricia conquer her fears about performing. She will use this scholarship to attend the Windswept Conference in Ashland, VA, this summer to begin work toward her Orff certification. Chapter plans for the summer include instrument petting zoos at local libraries, concert attendance and support for sister activities, fundraisers for the scholarship fund, and planning for the upcoming year’s events. — Christine Bruns, editor

RENO (NV) — The chapter had a busy time with several craft nights for Phlea-Phlam sales. We also have been preparing for our current service project, singing show tunes and American folk songs for the Saint Vincent’s dining room Saturday lunch. We undertook the latter project for carol singing before the last two Christmases, and the homeless diners served there readily joined in and even conducted, making it a very rewarding experience for all of us. We are also concentrating on having more music in our music fraternity, now with time set aside not just for musicales, but also for song rehearsal at the meeting. This is preceded by regular home preparation helped by videos of performances at Convention, which we receive by email in advance of meetings. Results are enjoyable and successful. Among this year’s honorees, Ashley Melendez received the Sword of Honor, and Peggy Hall was presented the Rose of Dedication. We are

alumnae commentStudents from Rockford East High School celebrated Women’s History month with violinist and SAI Honorary Member Rachel Barton Pine. The Rockford Alumnae Chapter raises funds each year to help with purchasing and distributing performance tickets, allowing students to experience female musicians such as Pine.

Raleigh/Durham Alumnae Chapter members, from left, Sonya Mabry, Angela Bullard, and Brittany Green at the chapter’s Instrument Petting Zoo at a local library in February.


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proud of and thankful to both of them. Delta B Province Day at the University of the Pacific was a pleasant highlight for the chapter, where Amanda Craig and Ashley Melendez performed. Ann Owen played a concert with her chamber group in Brussels, Belgium, and the chapter sang once more at a St. Vincent food pantry lunch, where those in attendance again appreciated our efforts. Along with Eta Omicron, we have awarded two full scholarships, with private lessons, to the Lake Tahoe Music Camp; congratulations to Oswaldo Morales, a bass clarinet player and graduating senior from North Valleys High School, and Shelby Hunsmaker, a trumpet player finishing eighth grade at Mount Rose Elementary School Ashley Melendez received the Sword of Honor this year, and Peggy Hall the Rose of Dedication. Our annual family barbecue was held at the home of Kate and Beverly Kirkpatrick. Taking full advantage of the gorgeous mountains surrounding Reno, we are planning a summer camping trip together. — Ann Owen, editor

ROCKFORD (IL) — Despite the crazy winter weather, the chapter has managed to keep busy with celebrating Women’s History Month and initiating new Friend of the Arts Martha Frantz. Students from Rockford East High School were able to attend a concert given by violinist Rachel Barton Pine. The chapter raises funds each year to help with the purchasing of these tickets, allowing students to experience amazing female musicians. In February, the chapter initiated Martha Frantz. Frantz is currently on the Board of Directors for The Music Academy, a not-for-profit school of music. She also is a lifelong musician and music educator in the Rockford area. Next on our chapter’s agenda: State Day! — Lindsay Guinand, editor

ST. LOUIS (MO) — The chapter celebrated another year of fellowship and inspiring meetings, which included a guided tour of ”Amazing Horns: Building Continents, Bridging Time” led by Aurelia Hartenberger

at The Sheldon; a presentation on Dutch composers Verhulst, Wagenaar, and Zweers; Christmas caroling; musical programs featuring flute, harpsichord, oboe, violin, viola, and cello; and affiliation of two new members. Our scholarship competition winners — a violinist, cellist, pianist, and vocalist — received a total of $2,000. At our annual luncheon, we celebrated Founders’ Day. — Jayne Hanlin, editor

TACOMA (WA) — The February meeting was held at the home of Karen Wiley and featured fellow SAI member Stephanie Mennefee, a music teacher at Point Defiance Elementary School. She gave an interesting overview of the new ways of teaching music: how music impacts learning and improves listening skills; and how it helps children become good citizens. The March meeting was held at the home of Del Morrill. A unanimous ballot was cast for the slate of new officers. Diana Walker, faculty member of Pacific Lutheran University, offered to hold a benefit concert at PLU for SAI Philanthropies on April 22 entitled “Bach Rocks” and performed by a jazz trio. The meeting concluded with Marjorie Skreen-Dickerson, pianist, performing two pieces from Poulenc’s Trois Pieces. In April, the Beta Delta Brunch for college and alumnae members was held at Kilworth Chapel on the University of Puget Sound campus. Three Beta Delta graduating seniors were honored. The musical program featured two piano duos: Marjorie Skreen-Dickerson and Diana Walker performing two movements from Debussy’s Petite Suite, and Kaitlynn Igari and Erica Minneman performing Barber’s “Souvenirs.” Sue Docken hosted the May meeting featuring chapter member Del Morrill, a licensed hypnotherapist, who spoke on the role of hypnosis as personal guidance to reach the subconscious mind. — Dr. Evangeline Rimbach, editor TULSA (OK) — In Tulsa, SAI is a “family thing” due to many family connections. A few examples: Dr. Marilyn Carver and her daughter Joan Hatley are current chapter members. Alum Glenda Jo Powell’s husband

alumnae commentMembers of the Washington DC Alumnae Chapter with newly initiated National Arts Associate James Ross.

A call for

Workshop

submissions

and musicale

performers

will go out

this Fall.

Be watching

for it.

Tempo! August 2017ONE TUNNEL ROADASHEVILLE, NC 28805

INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FRATERNITY INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FRATERNITY

Charles is a Friend of the Arts. Friend of the Arts Ron Predl’s wife Peggy is a Patroness. Linda Roark-Strummer is an Honorary Member, her husband Peter Strummer is a National Arts Associate, and Linda’s mother Hilda was a Patroness during her lifetime. Friend of the Arts Lloyd Oler’s now deceased wife Doris was an integral part of the chapter and also served as SAI National Oral Historian. Mary Maxeiner Hargrave, daughter of Jean Maxeiner and Sherry May Crosby, daughter of Mary May, are Patronesses with Training members. Sisters Sue Esser Amstutz and Sherye Esser Halliburton are not only active alumnae but are currently chapter officers; their mother Mary Ellen Esser was a Patroness. James Cohn was initiated as a National Arts Associate in 1998; his wife Eileen is a Patroness. The Cohns live in New York but maintain close ties with the Tulsa Alums. Our In Memoriam list includes a number of other mother-daughter, sister-sister, and similar familial relationships. So, in Tulsa, SAI is now, and for many years has been, a “family thing.” The chapter is excited to be able to share with our SAI sisters across the provinces a wonderful new opera training venue which launched its inaugural season in Tulsa in the summer of 2017. The first Rose Rock Institute took place June 26 - July 16, with Honorary Member Linda Roark-Strummer and National Arts Associate Peter Strummer as founders and Artistic Directors. Both Strummers have enjoyed long and productive

careers on opera stages on several continents, but they call Tulsa home and were initiated by the chapter, The institute was created with the vision of preparing young operatic performers with the skills necessary to bridge the gap between academia and the professional world of opera. Chapter members have assisted the Strummers through financial support of the institute, organizational and business acumen, and attendance at the three performances offered in 2017. In addition, three master classes were offered. Of note: the rose rock, which is found only in limited areas in Oklahoma, is Oklahoma’s official State Rock. — Sue Amstutz, editor

WASHINGTON (DC) — The beginning of the new year has been an exciting time for the chapter. In February, we held our annual joint musicale with Mu Phi Epsilon. We enjoyed performances from Jeongseon Choi and Chen Li Tzeng, who performed a four-hand version of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, and Jane Thessin, who sang works by SAI Composers (two pieces by Wang An Ming and a set of six pieces composed by Sharon Schafer). Schaefer accompanied both sets. The chapter is looking forward to our Founders’ Day Tea where we will be presenting Mark Simon as our guest composer to talk about his compositions. — Stephanie Cutter, editor

Nominating

Committee

Chairman Laura Buntin

will be contacting

each NOC member

this September to

determine eligibility,

and will then

solicit nominations

for office for the

2018-2021 Triennium.

The new SAI website is here!Registration information for the

2018 National Conventionin Scottsdale, AZ, July 26-30,

will be posted on theConvention page as soonas it becomes available.

Documents

SAI Welcomes New Chapters · installed at Western Kentucky University on April 22. ... spaghetti dinners, breakfasts, ... SAI Songbook. The day’s events