Tempo! Comments

While the many chapter comment submissions prove that SAI is a thriving music organization, the cornucopia of material literally overflows from the pages of Tempo! Here, we provide the comments that couldn't fit in each issue of the SAI's national newsletter.

As always, comments should be sent to the appropriate editor:
Pam Prouty, Collegiate Editor | Kim Everett, Alumnae Editor

Tips for submissions (updated 3-07)
Deadlines and Contact Information (updated 3-07)

COLLEGIATE COMMENT

Σ∆ SIGMA DELTA
University of Illinois/Urbana-Champaign

One of Sigma Delta’s major service projects is the annual Solo Competition, which is held for middle- and high-school students at the end of February. School of Music judges contribute their services to prepare participants for Spring solo competitions. Other chapter activities included a Mom’s Weekend and participation in the University’s Relay for Life, which raised almost $4,000 for the American Cancer Society. Sigma Delta welcomed 11 new members in the spring semester, while six seniors graduated and participated in the Senior Commitment ceremony with the Urbana Alumnae Chapter.— Jennifer Nance, editor

ΑΓ ALPHA GAMMA
Muskingum College, New Concord, OH
Calla Powers, Kellie Hartmeyer, Laura Marshall, and Kayla Wyers were initiated into Alpha Gamma chapter during the spring semester. The annual Chili Cook-Off with the Beta Lambda chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia was held on April 25. In May, several chapter members participated in commencement ceremonies with the Muskingum College Wind and Percussion Ensemble and/or Concert Choir. — Sarah Dwyer, editor

ΑΠ ALPHA PI
Fort Hays State University, Hays, KS
Alpha Pi chapter created the Faculty of the Month award last fall, where students nominate faculty members and each month one of the nominees is presented with a gift certificate. New initiates in December were Denise Gibbens, Melissa North, Abigail Rhoades, and Jennifer Warner.

December 13, 2006, marked the 75th anniversary of Alpha Pi chapter. An anniversary ceremony, recital, and reception took place on February 9, 2007. Faculty members Dr. Kristen Pisano, clarinet, and Joseph Perniciaro, tenor, performed selections on the recital. Both were accompanied by Dr. Tali Morgulis. The sisters of Alpha Pi performed the “SAI Chorale,” “So Near, So Dear,” and “When We’ve Parted.” The Alpha Pi chapter song, written by charter member Ernestine Fields, was performed by a sextet. A beautiful anniversary ceremony was presided over by Alexis Korbe, Vice President-Ritual. The reception was hosted by the Hays Alumnae Chapter.

This spring, the sisterhood worked with Cathy Drabkin of the Western Kansas String Academy to secure funding to sponsor a string fair in the fall. — Abigail Rhoades, editor

ΒΛ BETA LAMBDA
Valparaiso University, IN
The sisters of Beta Lambda welcomed 21 new members in the 2006-07 school year. Musical and professional experiences for the other active members included studying abroad, touring Germany with the University Chorale, and student teaching. — Danielle Pearce, editor

ΓΕ GAMMA EPSILON
University of Maryland, College Park
The Gamma Epsilon chapter’s Business Music 2006-07 lecture series was a resounding success. With funding from an SAI Project Seed Grant and the University of Maryland School of Music, the lecture series showcased a variety of music industry specialists who presented several topics relevant to students and faculty. Guests included Discovery Channel’s Gary Ford; BMI representative Consuelo Sayago; ARC music group’s Kenneth Higney; and the musical group Lloyd Dobbler Effect. Panelists discussed subjects such as record labels and how to obtain them, copyright laws, and steps for developing a successful marketing campaign. While the lecture series was of special interest to music students, it also attracted business school students who came to hear how they could combine their business studies with the study of arts management.

The Gamma Epsilon sisters invited the Washington, DC Alumnae Chapter to spring initiation, and a “mini-convention” resulted! Representing all levels of alumnae leadership were Patty Eitemiller, Washington DC Alumnae VP-Ritual; Elizabeth Aldridge, Iota A Province Officer; Mary Jennings, Philanthropies Scholarship Director; Katie Battle, Fraternity Director, Chapter ByLaws; and Deb Volker, NVP Ritual and Fraternity Education. Chapter President and Presser Scholar Sarah Schramm graduated summa cum laude, received the Sword of Honor, and was one of five runners-up for the University Medal. — Jessica Zweig, editor and historian

Ε∆ EPSILON DELTA
Ouachita Baptist University, Arkadelphia, AR
The women of Epsilon Delta began the 2006-07 school year by hosting a music major/minor mixer for the department. Service projects have included the campus-wide “food fight,” caroling at nursing homes, and hosting the Arkadelphia Philharmonic Club. The chapter held several social events, such as a mixer with the Mu Omicron chapter of Phi Mu Alpha and a movie/spa night in the choir room. Six MITs were welcomed in the spring, and in May, Dr. Charles Fuller, Dean of the School of Fine Arts, was initiated as a Friend of the Arts. — Kara Rainey, president

ΕΕ EPSILON EPSILON
West Chester University, PA
Spring semester brought the relocation of music students to a new School of Music and Performing Arts Center. The piano-shaped building boasts a theatre, recital hall, 88 Steinway pianos (making it an all-Steinway school), and over 50 practice rooms.

On March 28-29, Epsilon Epsilon participated in Relay for Life and raised $615 by walking a total of 110 miles. The women also taught music to the West Chester Area Daycare Center on May 3. Children from ages 3-12 enjoyed music lessons throughout the day. Ann McFarland, Elizabeth Pfaffle, and Kimberly Reighley were initiated as Friends of the Arts this spring.

Chapter member Melissa Castillo starred as “Maria” in a Center Stage Productions rendition of West Side Story held at Neumann College on June 21-24. Dawn Sheppard played the role of “Rosalia,” and Heather Siegfried performed in the orchestra. —Heather Bostic, editor

ΘΛ THETA LAMBDA
Furman University, Greenville, SC
Happy Birthday, Theta Lambda! Furman University’s chapter just celebrated 10 years of sisterhood. Nineteen new members were initiated in the spring, and they are already planning great activities for next year. The Sword of Honor was awarded to Membership chairman, Allison McSwain, and 13 graduating members went through Senior Commitment in June. — Emma Plehal, editor

ΚΓ KAPPA GAMMA
University of North Carolina, Greensboro
After being chartered at the School of Music for seven years, the Kappa Gamma chapter is now fully affiliated with the university. The chapter hosted Tau B Province Day, which included a session on Old English country dance and a lecture on the life of Dr. Dika Newlin, Member Laureate. Province Day activities also featured the initiation of six new members. Caroline Jones was the recipient of the Sword of Honor for the 2006-07 school year. — Johanna Wolf, editor

ΛΙ LAMBDA IOTA
Rollins College, Winter Park, FL
In only their second year, the sisters of Lambda Iota have continued to uphold the high standards of SAI. Volunteering throughout the Rollins College community, the women have helped to support music students of all ages. Five new sisters were added to the chapter. The largest event, the SAI-lent Auction, served as a fundraiser, with donations coming from local vendors. With live music, free food, raffles, and auction prizes, the successful event raised over $1,200. — Whitney Coulter, editor

ALUMNAE COMMENT

Abilene (TX)
The chapter celebrated sisterhood throughout the year with themed meetings promoting stronger bonds of friendship. Themes included “Spa Night,” “A Very Merry Un-Birthday,” and “Flip-Flops and Fun.” The 45th Annual Ruth Skiles Memorial Scholarship Recital was held in January, with scholarships given to the top vocalist, Kaitlyn LeCompte, and the top instrumentalist, Christine Mallon. The winners performed at the Scholarship Tea held in the home of patroness Jackie Gonzalez in February.

The chapter also sponsored the Big Country Youth Recital, featuring thirteen performances by youth from area middle schools and high schools. The students were selected via taped audition and received master-class-type instruction in stage etiquette prior to performance.

At the Senior Commitment luncheon, five seniors were honored and two Patroness members, Dr. Tiffany Fink and Kristin Isaacson, were initiated. In addition, three Patronesses and a Friend of the Arts were remembered with the memorial ritual.

Arlington (TX)

The American Musicale on March 27 featured performers from Arlington Alumnae, Zeta Nu, and guests. A highlight of the evening was the ZN/MIT choral group singing two selections by Friend of the Arts George Chave.

At the April UTA University of Texas-Arlington auditions , the chapter committee chose clarinetist Caitlyn Melton to receive the Isabel Henderson Memorial Scholarship and soprano Annaliese Stelzer to receive the Vera Barnes Memorial Scholarship.

Lynn Macmillan presented a program in April about black composers, starting with a quiz which reminded us how little we know about this subject. Guest Kanoe Ruberson from Hawaii sang art songs, "Cassandra’s LuIlaby" by Mark Fox, and a setting of Edna St. Vincent Millay's , "'For You There Is No Song" by Leslie Adams. Lynn played played the a CD Live from South Africa CD with music by Avadagin Pratt and shared a couple of web sites: Afri-Classical.com (http://chevalierdesaintgeorges.homestead.com/index.html) and the Center for Black Music Research (www.cbmr.org). Chapter members hope to learn more about black composers in the future.

The May Salad Supper at Kathleen Smith's ended the year, with scholarship winner Annaliese Stelzer singing "The Crucifixion" by Samuel Barber and "Faites-lui mes vieux" from Gounod's Faust.

Bloomington -Normal (IL)

The Bloomington-Normal Alumnae Chapter celebrated 75 years as an alumnae chapter on June 30, 2007, at the SAI House in Bloomington . , IL Inactive area alumnae were invited. A light lunch was served which included a sandwich tray that looked like a piano keyboard, lovely fruit and vegetable trays, spiced salad cups and a marvelous ice cream cake decorated in honor of our 75-year celebration.

Joan Edgren, patroness and house mother, was hostess. The Celebration Committee was included chair Sarah Tomkinson , chair, Gretchen Clemmons , and Mickey Drexler. A mini-musicale was presented by Sarah Nicholas Price singing "Early in the Morning" by Ned Rorem and "Where the Music Comes From" by Lee Hoiby. Her accompanist Debbie Winkler Stokes played "Duet" from Mendelssohn's “ Songs Without Words ”. Susan Randall Klotzbach was affiliated, followed by Installation of Officers for 2007-08. The Awards Service presented the Rose of Constancy to Maxine Lebkuecher Drexler and Sword of Honor to Sarah Tomkinson. Founder’s Day was celebrated with the ritual and song books for a song fest, with Phyllis Hancock Gehrt accompanying, for the SAI Song Cycle that is so dear to our chapter! Cycle.

Bloomington (IN)

Bloomington (IN) Alumnae ended their year with an Honors Luncheon hosted by Patroness Martha Harnack. Hilary Bair, who had just received her Masters in Music, entertained the group with vocal music by American composers. She then was awarded the Sword of Honor for her many chapter contributions. Others honored were Lenore Hatfield, who was given the Rose of Dedication for her many years of chapter and community service, and Janette Amboise-Chaumont, Diane Rivera, and Catherine Smith, who each received the Rose of Honor. Fifty-year pins were presented to Beatrice Carrol, Helen Lawson, and Jeanette Marchant. Barbara Roberts received a pin and a 60 Year Certificate.

A needed piccolo, worth $500, was presented by our Instrument Project to a local high school marching band. In June, a yard sale benefited the chapter by $200 , and President Mary Kominowski, accompanied by SAI Mary Dee Freed, presented a benefit vocal recital. This summer several members are volunteering their services during the International Harp Competition held at Indiana University.

Boston (MA)
The chapter continued to grow and thrive this past year with five new affiliates (Sofia Becerra-Licha, Kristen Bressler, Diana Cioffari, Jamie Green, Alice Lovely), two newly initiated Patronesses (Karol Carroll, Katherine Southworth), and six new Friends of the Arts (Mark Andrew Cleveland, Dr. John Ebel, Kirk Hartung, Charles Hieken, Christopher Porth, Rev. Glen Snowden).

Local musician and educator Afrika Hayes Lambe was awarded the chapter’s annual Distinguished Woman of the Year Award. At the June meeting, Lorraine Snowden was presented with a 25-Year Certificate and four members received 50-Year Certificates: Marcia Bachman, Geraldine Barretto-Sims, Donna Hieken, and Joan Reddy. Three members were further honored: Katie Tibbitts (Sword of Honor), Amy Boyd (Rose of Honor), and Donna Hieken (Ring of Excellence).

Monthly chapter meetings included musicales themed to coincide with holidays celebrated that month: “Christopher Columbus Meets SAI” (Italian musicale & potluck) in October; “Music of the Holocaust” in April; “Songs My Mother Taught Me” (how our mothers influenced our musical choices) in May, with selections such as “How Can I Keep From Singing;” and “You’re a Grand Old Flag” (American Musicale) in June, with selections by George Gershwin, Cole Porter, and more.

Buffalo (NY)
Our formal September meeting included a program featuring “Something Old, Something New,” a convention report by Jane Cary. In October Jane Cary and Deborah Jasinski presented a Benefit Recital – “Music of Colonial America.” This was a costumed performance at which Jane also demonstrated the workings of the harpsichord and told of traveling on an SAI study grant to play harpsichords at Williamsburg, Monticello, and the Smithsonian. Kelly McCulloch assisted with a PowerPoint show of the locations.

In November, we presented our annual joint Benefit Recital with the Amherst Bel Canto Choirs (Sue Fay Allen, conductor, and Allison Potts Altre-Kerber, accompanist). Marilyn Obermeyer played organ music by Pomper and Willan, and Carolyn Whaley performed flute music by Russian composers.

Early in 2007 we affiliated two new members: Kelly McCulloch and Lauren McNinney Helper. The March meeting featured composer Persis Parshall Vehar talking about her new “City of Light” clarinet concerto which she created for John Fullam, first clarinetist of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, of which many of us attended the premiere. Our April meeting featured the program “Longing for Home – the Life and Music of Stephen Foster” by Marilyn Obermeyer, and in June we met for the Founder’s Day Luncheon and Installation of Officers.

Chicago (IL)
Amid twinkling lights and beautiful Christmas decorations, the home of Agnes Smith was the perfect setting on December 3 for the Holiday Meeting, Musicale, and Boutique of the Chicago Alumnae Chapter. The musicale featured Viola Manning on alto recorder and Gloria Messerschmidt on piano in a group of pieces by Don Bateman – “Caroline’s Tune” and “Pent-Up.”

The chapter’s theme for the year, “Exploring Our Nation’s Heritage,” was followed in its musicales. The year’s activities culminated with the Annual Luncheon in May at the home of Kay Bobis and participation in the Founder’s Day Observance. Gail Swerdlik, Chairman of the Honors Committee, presented the Rose of Dedication to Gloria Messerschmidt and Yearbook Dedication to Maris Sternberg. Province Officer Liz Roth presided over the Installation of Officers for next year. They are President Viola Manning; Vice Presidents Kay Bobis and Linda Parapetti; Vice President Ritual Maris Sternberg; Secretary Agnes Smith; Treasurer Gail Swerdlik; and Editor Gloria Messerschmidt.

Cincinnati (OH)

Sarah Harvie and founding member Elinor Johnson were awarded the Sword of Honor at our April 21 meeting at the home of Ruth and Eugene Englert.   Program performers included flutist Jennifer Elliott playing "Solosuite" by Schoeker; Jennifer and percussionist husband Richart Elliott playing "Chassidic Dances" for flute and tambourine; and soprano Sarah Harvie and pianist Carolmae Katz performing "I Reach for God in Prayer" by Cincinnati composer and Friend of the Arts Eugene Englert. The May luncheon program at the home of Janet Ebersole included Susan Herman and Janet Ebersole playing the "American Dance Suite" for two pianos, eight hands, composed by SAI patroness Julia Smith.    Editor/Historian Carolmae Katz is compiling a chapter history database with bios from each member for our archives including college and alumnae achievements, honors , and performance information.  

Board members elected and installed for the coming year are Susan Conrad, President; Joan Cavally,   Membership Vice President;   Trudie Seybold, Ritual Vice President; Janet Ebersole,  Recording Secretary;   Laurel Hinkle, Corresponding Secretary; Jennifer Elliott, Treasurer; and Carolmae Katz, Editor/Historian.

We mourn the recent death, after a long illness, of Debbie Schulenberg Day, flutist and loyal member of our chapter.

Cleveland (OH)

Winners of the 28th Annual String Competition gave a musicale for residents at Harborside Healthcare in March.    Prizes totaling $800 were awarded to three 8- to 12-year-old competitors. In May the meeting was held at the home of Barbara Fieger where several members were honored with certificates signifying membership of 50 years or more.   Recognized were Kirsten Faden, Marilyn Meadows, Natalie Welty, Virginia Dunkelberg, Jean Geis Stell, and Ruth Hamm. Our July meeting was the annual salad luncheon on the terrace bordering the Rocky River at the home of Nanci Kirkpatrick.   President Katie Jennings facilitated the planning for next year's programming.

Dallas (TX)
On May 19, 2007, Steinway Hall of Dallas , Texas, May 19, 2007, was the site of the 29th Annual Young Artists Concert sponsored each year by the Dallas Alumnae Chapter and chaired by Elizabeth Geyer. Performers Alexandra (13) and Robert (14) Switala, violinist and violist, respectively, are both students of Jan Mark Sloman, Associate concertmaster of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra (DSO).   Both are multiple prize - winners in area competitions and were featured in the radio show "From the Top ".  .” Alexandra played the Lalo "Symphony Espognole, Opus 21," and Robert played the Saint-Saens “Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso in A minor ". .” Chelsea Owen (15), soprano, studies with Linda Traue and is the granddaughter of former National Chair for Honorary Membership, Nelta Owen.   She sang three numbers including "Pieta Signore!" by Straddle. Caleb Potts (16), double bass, studies with Thomas Lederer, co-principal double bass for DSO.   Caleb played "Concerto for Double Bass & Orchestra in A Major" by Dragonetti. Kyle Orth (16), piano, is a student of Marcy McDonald and placed 1st first at the 2007 Lennox International Young Artists competition.   He was accompanied by Jonathan Ware, a former Young Artist Performer and graduate of Eastman School of Music. They performed "Totentanz" by Franz Liszt.

Des Moines (IA)
The Des Moines Alumnae Chapter was honored to start off the year by initiating duo-pianists David Piersel and David Liljedahl as National Arts Associates.

The science of music was the topic of the day when the chapter sponsored a special event at Phillips Traditional School in Des Moines. Second-graders had the opportunity to learn about music as they visited six stations allowing them to explore everything from sound waves to tone color.

Throughout the winter months, funds were raised for the Kathleen Davison Award Fund through work at the concession stands for Drake University basketball games. Periodically, alumnae were joined by members of the Pi Chapter, which allowed alumnae and college members to get to know each other. Our hard work helped substantially to add to the award fund which provides a scholarship to a Pi Chapter member in memory of Kathleen Davison, former National President.

At our final meeting, we were thrilled to award Pam Prouty with the Wreath of Achievement. Pam is a long time member who has served the chapter faithfully, acted as Province Officer for the Xi B province, and is currently editor of the Tempo! Collegiate Chapter Comment.

East Bay (CA)
In May, Lavonne Rodean was honored with the Rose of Dedication, and violinist Priscilla Magee was welcomed as a new Friend of the Arts. Marilyn Minor was elected as our chapter president, with Dorinda Chase, Nancy Rude, Ruthanne Crow, Lavonne Rodean, Nancy Cioni, Kendelyn Beck , and Ann Marquis Fisher continuing in their current offices, and pianist Nancy Rude and cellist Ariel Witbeck performed Rachmaninoff’s “Vocalise” and Milhaud’s “Saudades De Brasil.” Scholarship funds of $1 ,500 were disbursed to support local musical groups such as Oakland Youth Orchestra, Contra Costa Youth Orchestra and the J r. unior Bach Festival.

Fort Wayne (IN)
On March 19, 2007, Dr. Benjamin Christy, Dean of the Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne College of Visual and Performing Arts, was initiated as a Friend of the Arts. He is a strong supporter of SAI and has also been active in many community arts projects. Dr. Christy will be leaving us as he has recently accepted a position at Buffalo State College. We will miss him.

Our yearly recital of the students of our members has grown in length and quality. We are proud of these students and try to encourage them to continue to study and perform.

The Fort Wayne (IN) chapter has plans for raising monies this coming year to commission an orchestra piece for our chapter to be composed by Amy Scurria. Amy is a vibrant young American composer, and we are pleased she will be composing the work, which is to be performed by the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Orchestra. Our chapter has a strong SAI sisterhood which keeps us moving forward in the best spirit of the fraternity.

Fort Worth (TX)
Our new Member Laureate, Harriet Woldt, presented a program titled “Where Am I, and How Did I Get Here?” She described her formative years and the co-founding of Fort Worth Early Music (now Texas Camerata) and is completing her fiftieth year playing cello with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra.

The 52nd Annual American Music Concert presented the winners of the 2006 American Music Auditions held at Texas Wesleyan. The Stephen Barr Memorial Duo Piano Recital featured Steven Hall and Annie Lin. Anna Merey, a professional violinist, was visiting from Budapest, so we looked for ways to help Fort Worth Sister Cities in this cultural exchange. We applied for and received a String Outreach Grant that we used to help present professional violinist Anna Merey in a concert and workshop, making SAI much more visible in the community. (see Summer 2007 Pan Pipes.)

Six members received 25-Year Certificates and Patricia Barr, Margaret White, Gloria Williams, and Pat Wooley received 50-Year Certificates. Ava Nell Chambers and Pat Leito received 60 Year Certificates, and Special Awards went to Patricia Barr, Rebecca Lowrey, and Carla White. Harriett Clemons was recognized as Patroness of the Year, and Fran Kerlin received the Rose of Honor.

Grand Rapids (MI)
The Grand Rapids Michigan Chapter recently hosted an organ recital featuring Yoon Jung Yang at the Cathedral of St. Andrew in downtown Grand Rapids. Ms. Yang holds a Bachelor of Music degree in organ performance from Seoul Theological University and a Master of Music degree in organ performance from the Korean National University of Music and is currently a Doctoral Candidate in organ performance at Yonsei University’s Graduate School of Music in South Korea. She is currently residing in Grand Rapids where her husband is a student at Calvin Seminary. Ms. Yang’s concert repertoire included works by Bach, de Gringny, Liszt, Widor, and Vierne. Guests were invited to meet the artist at a reception following the concert.

Hampton Roads (VA)
In 2002, several ladies from the Hampton Roads area of Virginia began meeting with the hope of forming an alumnae chapter. They were unsuccessful in gathering members and put their work on hold. In 2006, a group of recent graduates from the local college chapter began work on their own alumnae chapter. They were put in touch with the original members, and the two groups, which merged to become the Hampton Roads Alumnae group, decided to collaborate and push toward becoming a chapter.

The group began meeting in the fall, and by the spring they were ready to become a chapter. They sold musical scarves locally and at the National Convention. This gave them a good financial standing and satisfied the need for a fundraiser. In April 2007, the group hosted the anniversary reception for Theta Pi at Christopher Newport University as their service project, and after everyone signed the petition the only thing left was to send it off for approval.

After several weeks of anticipation, the word came that the sisters would become an official alumnae chapter. On June, 16 sisters from around Iota B province gathered to install the Hampton Roads Alumnae Chapter with Anna Ratliff, NVP-Extension and Fraternity Development, presiding.

Houston (TX)
The Houston Alumnae Chapter presented the annual American Musicale in April at Bethany United Methodist Church. The program featured compositions by American composers Paul Basler, Bernard Hermann, Alan Hovhaness, Mary Howe, Gian Carlo Menotti and Ned Rorem. Concert donations were used for the Katy Dixie Scholarship Fund and our project of assisting a school in New Orleans. Violist Rita Porfiris was the recipient of the Houston Alumnae Music Leadership Award.

The Katy Dixie Scholarship was awarded to Brittany Summers, a senior at Sam Houston State University's Beta Theta Chapter. In 2005 and 2006, Brittany was a participant at the South Central horn workshop at the University of Texas and the Southeast horn workshop at Northeast Louisiana State University, where her French horn quartet advanced to the finals.

Kansas City (MO)
At the National Convention, member Dixie Lou Morris received the 2006 Region II National Leadership Award. In September, Dr. John Ditto, an Associate Professor of Music (Organ) at the University of Missouri Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Director of Music at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, was initiated as a National Arts Associate.

The Kansas City Co-ordinating Council, the charitable arm of the Kansas City Alumnae Chapter, Tau Sigma Chapter, and Tau Sigma Patroness Chapter, made a total of $650 in philanthropic gifts to thirteen music performance organizations. Annual scholarship auditions were held at Leawood United Methodist Church where five scholarships totalling $5,700 were awarded totaling $5,700. The chapter awarded an Alumnae Projects Grant in the amount of $150 to the Turner USD #202 Youth Honor Choir for the purchase of choral music.

In June, there was a presentation of the following honors: Vicki Hedger received the Rose of Dedication and a 25-year membership certificate, and Julie Watson received the Rose of Honor. Marjorie Ounsworth, charter member, received the 75-year membership certificate in May at the Bishop Spencer Retirement Community.

Other activities included holding musicales at seniors communities and assisting the Kansas City Symphony Petting Zoo and the Children’s Center for the Visually Impaired. Our new affiliates are Diane Briggs, Annah Clark, Aimee DeSotel, Autumn Johnson, Jaime Scherrer and Sarah Burke.

LaGrange (IL)
The LaGrange Alumnae Chapter announced the winners of the 2007 Elsie Sterrenberg String Scholarship Competition. The winner of the Junior division is Susie Koh of Buffalo Grove, a 6th grade violin student of Almita Vamos, and Liaht Slobodkin of Oak Park, a 9th grade violin student of Tom Wermuth, won the Senior division. The LaGrange Alumnae Chapter sent money to support the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Three teachers in the chapter, Rita Brown, Doreen Sterba Dezur, and Marion Talley, invited their students to present a program held at the Presbyterian Church of Western Springs. The twenty-five students ranged in ages from 6 to 17 years and performed a variety of piano, vocal, clarinet, and handbell music. The audience was asked to donate funds to the People-to-People Adopt an Instrument Program through SAI Philanthropies, Inc.

Lawrence (KS)
The Lawrence Alumnae and Patroness Chapter began the year with the annual Salad Supper in September, hosted by Jackie Shmalberg. Paul Tucker, Associate Professor of Choral Activities at the University of Kansas, gave a talk on “Music, More than Sound.” The November meeting included a musicale with Heather Brown (saxophone), Lynda Canaday (soprano), Abby Huckvale and Sharon Learned (flute duet), and Betty Jo Miller and Carolyn Berneking (piano duet).

Scholarship auditions for area junior high students took place in February, with a recital performed the next day by the scholarship winners. In March, National Yodeling Champion Judy Coder, a member of the Topeka Alumnae Chapter, performed. Her program “From Opera to Opry” was enjoyed by many SAIs and their guests.

The Rose Luncheon, hosted by Grace Brooks, included Beta Betas from the collegiate chapter of Lawrence University. A performance by Julie Wilder (tuba) was given in recognition of the Elin Stene Scholarship that she had received the previous year. Everyone enjoyed a sing-along of SAI music, led by the Beta Beta members. Elizabeth Schellman was presented with the Sword of Honor, in recognition of her exceptional service as president of the chapter.

Miami (FL)
At the annual Spring Luncheon, William Hipp, Dean of the Frost School of Music, one of the top private music schools in the country, was recognized on his retirement following 24 years of service.

Chapter president, Jean Bova-Johnson, introduced Dr. Joyce Jordan, a music education faculty member of Frost School, who thanked the chapter for its support. Dr. Jordan expressed the value of the many grants from SAI toward early research efforts. The grants allowed her to determine what capabilities could be assessed in young children, provided an opportunity for research experience, and allowed her to build a profile of the value of investigating the benefits of music for preschoolers. Over the past two years, the Children’s Trust awarded Drs. Jordan and Galliford a grant of $199,000, and a grant of $214,000 was given to continue work with low-income preschools in South Miami-Dade County. Research documented that children exposed to music on a daily basis significantly improved their language and non-verbal skills, especially those related to auditory discrimination. Dr. Jordan expressed gratitude to the chapter and felt that these grants would never have become a reality without the early seed money from SAI laying the foundation for this on-going research.

Minneapolis-St. Paul (MN)
At our meeting in April , the musicale began with soprano Luana Mitchell and pianist Patricia Nortwen. Next we listened to Gian Carlo Menotti's “Trio” played by Shirley Santoro, violin; Charlotte Palmiter, clarinet; and Nortwen at the piano. The program concluded with Boehnen, soprano, singing French salon songs. We honored our student scholarship winners, soprano Angela Schmidt of Sigma Sigma and oboist Lauren Zemlicka of Epsilon Omicron.

In May, Patroness member Thelma Hunter not only hosted the meeting but also played the piano. Joke Suprisno, Artistic Director of the Indonesian Performing Arts Association of Minnesota, gave a lecture-demonstration of the gamelan orchestra. Afterwards Later, the chapter installed our 2007-08 officers.

In June, the chapter's season ended with a dinner held at the home of SAI National President Liz Nordling. Following the Founder’s Day celebration, the award-winning Sweet Adelines quartet Chord Company, including Patroness member Heidi Dick, entertained. Afterwards , we presented our chapter awards. We are looking forward to the Epsilon B Province picnic, to be held at Lake Phalen in St. Paul in July.

New York (NY)
Juggling performances of The Magic Flute and The Barber of Seville at the Metropolitan Opera, Member Laureate Claudia Waite found time to host the chapter’s February meeting where they bestowed the NYAC “Rose of the Year” award upon Sandy Schneider for her service to the chapter before she moved to Paris to pursue her career.

Members visited their beloved sister Eugenie Dengel to celebrate her 97th birthday in April and were delighted to share cake and hear her regale the sisters with an SAI sing-a-long. At the April meeting, they affiliated four new members and enjoyed a program of Springtime French chanson performed by the meeting’s hostess, Carolyn Boston Geer.
May brought participation in the NYC Revlon Walk/Run for Women’s Cancers and a chapter Sisterhood Retreat which included a service project for the local Turtle Bay Music School, a dinner out, and an evening of sisterhood-building games.

The annual American Musicale in June was held at Turtle Bay and raised money that benefited SAI charities. The chapter finished the year with a Founder’s Day ritual and celebration. A scholarship program was established this year for the Beta Tau chapter at NYU, and Alexa Lauren Cabellon was selected as the first recipient.

Orange County (CA)
The Orange County Alumnae Chapter presented its annual public concert on April 22, 2007, at the Richard M. Nixon Presidential Library in the beautiful “East Room,” an exact replica of the East Room in the White House. All of the performers were members or friends of the Orange County Alumnae Chapter.

Phoenix (AZ)
In June, the Phoenix Alumnae Chapter held its annual Founder’s Day Celebration at the home of Marilyn Daggett and combined it with a baby shower for the chapter’s VP Membership and Program, Tara McCaughey. On June 17, seven members gathered at the home of Doris Gazda to initiate Janet Farrar-Royce as a National Arts Associate. [CUT?] Janet Farrar-Royce has been a professional classical violist, teacher and conductor for over 30 years. She was one of the original MENC On-line MENTORS and was a member of ASTA’s 2005-2006 Alternative Styles committee. She writes regular articles and reviews in musical and educational publications. Two of Janet’s articles are in the new edition of MENC’s Spotlight on Orchestra. Janet is a frequent presenter and conductor and holds workshops in schools and conferences. Her first book, White Mountain Reel Companions, is used by many string teachers nationwide, and her new book, Fiddling Fingers, co-written with Doris Gazda, is published by Carl Fischer. Jan was very gracious at initiation and is eager to become a full-fledged sister of Sigma Alpha Iota. [CUT?]

Pittsburgh (PA)
Pittsburgh (PA) Alumnae Chapter , with sisters of Alpha Nu Carnegie-Mellon University and friends , presented a Spring Musicale in May for Jane Holmes Residence and Gardens, a private, non-profit, assisted living facility. Performers included Karina Bharne (trombone) and guest, Brad Courage, in Telemann’s “Canonic Sonata;” Rachel Stutzman (bass clarinet) in J. S. Bach’s “Cello Sonata;” Janis Kapadia (soprano) accompanied by Barbara McKelway (piano) with a medley of songs “The Way We Were,” “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “Not While I’m Around,”“Wouldn’t It Be Loverly;” and Barbara McKelway concluding with Robert Schumann’s “Scenes from Childhood.”

Members in Action included Barbara McKelway (organist) performing “Dancing Espagnola” in May in a concert with members of the American Guild of Organists. Melissa Lessure (flutist), a member of Johnstown Pennsylvania Symphony, played in a special July 4 concert, and Susan McLeod served as pianist in special presentation of the “The Last Days of Christ.” Honorary Member Patricia Prattis Jennings performed a recital for the Tuesday Musical Club in support of the National Federation of Music Clubs to promote American music.

The Pittsburgh Alumnae Chapter expresses its sadness at the death of Beverly Sills, Honorary Member, indeed a great contributor to music.

Pontchartrain (MI)
The Pontchartrain chapter was saddened by the loss of two members this spring: Dorothy McQueen, pianist and first president of Pontchartrain , and Peggy Bunge, violinist and longtime member.

On March 30, twenty-three second second-grade students attended a dress rehearsal of the children’s ballet, “Where the Wild Things Are ,” ”, at the Michigan Opera Theatre.   This field trip was made possible with money collected at the chapter’s Holiday Luncheon.

On May 26, members and guests presented an annual musical program at the Village of East Harbor where member Betty Heaton lives.   On June 15, several members attended a concert given by the Royal Oak Children’s Choir.   Pontchartrain will be donating one year’s tuition for a singer in need for the 2007-2008 season.

Members enjoyed singing SAI songs at the home of Kay Bruns in April.   The May musicale consisted entirely of handbell music , organized by Liz Wright. Activities included a video performance, a handbell solo by Liz, and a chance to ring bells during a mini-workshop.

Marilyn Fisher hosted the chapter’s Annual Picnic on June 9.    Flowers were presented to Betty Heaton, a 65-year member of SAI, and to Judy Culler , who recently retired after ten years as Alumnae Comment Editor in Tempo! and Pan Pipes.

Reno (NV)
The Reno Alumnae Chapter completed the second half of the “Family & Me” music education project last fall and added four new affiliates to the chapter this spring: Kate Fahey, Mary Ann Ballard, Amy Bischoff, and Tiffany Husted.

A great time was had by all at the January banquet, where they presented a live auction with all proceeds going to the scholarship fund.  The money raised was used to assist Kari Thomas, a local SAI, give a presentation at a national Kodaly conference.

The Wreath of Achievement was awarded to Peggy Hall, past secretary of SAI Philanthropies, Inc., and the Sword of Honor was given to new chapter president Josian Zdunich Jenkins.

Richmond (VA)
The Gellman Room in the Richmond Public Library was the setting for our annual musicale in November which featured several members and our Friend of the Arts, Robert Spiers, followed by a tea at the Jefferson Hotel. In February, a Saturday brunch meeting included a “Jeopardy” style Fraternity Education game. The spring lunch sale in the lobby of the Music Department of Virginia Commonwealth University was held to benefit our scholarship fund. Kathleen Winters, a flute student at VCU studying with member Francile Bilyeu, was the winner of our scholarship this year. Members enjoyed her performance of Messiaen’s “Black Blackbirds” at the May meeting.

Two members received recognition in May. Abby Baird was awarded the Sword of Honor for her work as Vice President for Programs, and Mary Breeden received Outstanding Chapter Member for chairing the lunch sale fundraisers.

President Betty Ann Fleenor encouraged members to purchase the new SAI Songbook, spearheaded the ongoing Paraguay Project, and attended Province Day at James Madison University where our chapter was proud to receive the Iota B Alumnae Chapter Achievement Award for 2006.

Rockford (IL)
In March, Marilyn Cade presented a program featuring the legacy for the piano created by Beethoven and Chopin. She performed Beethoven’s “Piano Sonata No. 30 in E major, Op.109,” Chopin’s “Etude, Opus 10, No. 9,” and the “Nocturne in B-flat minor, Opus 9." On the 31st March 31, the chapter hosted Beta Mu at the home of Sherry Dreyfuss. President Fern Armstrong was the “Queen of Hearts ” in a musical story “Who Stole the Tarts?” led by Leah Baskin, and everyone participated by playing Orff instruments and recorders, dancing , and singing to illustrate the story.

In April, Carmen Pursley, violin, and Mary Phillips, piano, presented a program of the history and works of Fritz Kreisler, performing “Shon Rosemarin,” “Liebesleid,” and “Tempo di Minuetto.”

In May, a flute quartet composed of Betty Leeson, Barbara Simon, Cheryl Hochstetler , and Anthea Halsey performed “Anouchka” by Pierre Paubon and “Safari” by Harold Walters. Mary Phillips was awarded the Rose of Honor for her service as accompanist for the chapter and her work as reviewer of year books for Region II. Sixty year certificates were awarded to Carmen Pursley, Carol Reckmeyer, Barbara Nelson, Mary Phillips, and Gerry Sjostrum. Recognition Pins were awarded to Lanna Raley and Arlone Kellogg for chairing the chapter’s 50 th celebration.

St. Louis (MO)
Our April meeting opened with an affiliation ceremony for Katie Solomon. After a regular business meeting, Kappa Nu college chapter performed music of Schubert, Beethoven, Martinet, and Groban. Following our annual May luncheon, the chapter awarded a Rose of Honor to Ellen Streib and a Sword of Honor to Laurie Tretter for their service to our chapter.

San Francisco Peninsula (CA)
San Francisco Peninsula chapter's April meeting was held at the home of patroness Carol Swenson, who also performed as pianist with Marge Cassingham in a two-piano work by Levitzki. Guest performers on the program included a Shostakovich piano trio from Palo Alto's Gunn High School, where Sandi Lewis is music teacher , playing Shostakovich; g . Guests joined cellist Sue Larson in Fannie Mendelssohn's Piano Trio, Opus 11, and a guest pianist joined Carol to play Gershwin's “An American in Paris.”

In May, the chapter gave a musicale for the residents of The Sequoias in Portola Valley, a retirement community where Marge Cassingham lives.   She joined violinist Cindy Fletcher and cellist Sue Larson in performing Clara Schumann's Trio, Opus 17.   Doris McCune-Mouton and a guest violinist performed selections by Handel, Brahms, and Misha Elman.

Lonna Smith in San Jose was hostess for the June meeting , which observed Founder’s Day and also honored Laurel Brobst-Gilbert for her ten years as president of the chapter.

The application nominating her for a National Alumnae Leadership Award was read.   Music for the meeting was provided by harpist Elaine Coombs, and Lonna Smith installed officers for 2007-2008.

Scheduled for July is our annual no-host luncheon at a Sunnyvale restaurant.

Seattle (WA)
This spring the Seattle Alumnae held our third annual Girl Scout music day. As a new twist , this year our chapter switched to assisting 1 st first- and 2 nd second-grade girls achieve their music Try-it badges. More than sixty girls attended , and the theme of the day was to try something new by teaching and learning. We had twelve members participate as leaders teaching action songs, movement songs, rounds , and music from around the world. For each song that the leaders shared , the scouts also shared one back; there was a great exchange of learning and music.

At our annual potluck this year , our chapter honored our three active charter members. Each charter member was recognized with a certificate, and a brief history was given about each member and her contributions to SAI.

Selinsgrove (PA)
Circle of Music is an early childhood approach to music education begun in 2004 by two of our members, M.J. Lippert- Coleman, director of Susquehanna University’s Music Preparatory Program, and Anne Marie Lawrence, master teacher and supervisor. Three years later, at parents’ requests, a second site was established in nearby Lewisburg. SAI alumnae teach the classes, assisted by Sigma Omega sisters, while others baby-sit siblings for attending parents. Although under the aegis of Susquehanna University, the program is self-sustaining and largely dependent on donations. The classes in Selinsgrove can use the university’s instruments, but a set of Orff instruments was needed for the Lewisburg site. The local SAI chapters volunteered their help.

Through the sale of greeting cards, the alumnae chapter raised $250. The college chapter matched that, and SAI Philanthropies provided a matching grant of $500 for a total of $1,000. Now the needed Orff instruments are on order: a Soner Alto Xylophone, a Soner Alto Glockenspiel, and seven Soner Early Childhood Soprano Glockenspiel. While most of our previous outreach focused on the elderly, extending our efforts to the youngest members of the community is a first and is certainly our most ambitious project.

South Georgia (GA)
The South Georgia Chapter meets bi-monthly from September through May, with the initial meeting traditionally held at the home of John Curtis, husband of deceased patroness Nancy Curtis, where the chapter was installed. Our activities included the White Elephant sale in January to fund our Philanthropies pledge, the American Musicale in March, and our prospective members luncheon at a local Country Club in May. The highlight of the May meeting was the awarding of the Sword of Honor to Cathy Horne in recognition of her exemplary service as president, secretary, early days “chaplain,” and membership recruiter par excellence. We were all deeply saddened by the sudden death of our dear sister, Valerie Fisher, shortly before our musicale in March which was dedicated to her. We miss her sweet presence and beautiful voice.

Statesboro (GA)
The Statesboro Alumnae held a “name the newsletter” contest for the inauguration of its newsletter. Stephanie Furry submitted the winning name “Minnie Notes” after founder Minnie Davis. Other suggestions were used as column names.

We had two joint meetings with the Gamma Theta Chapter at Georgia Southern University. Gamma Theta served breakfast for the alumnae in October, and the alumnae chapter hosted the Senior Commitment ceremony in April where both chapters participated in the ceremony for the five seniors.

The Sword of Honor was presented to Editor and former Province Officer Jerry Anne Singletary. Brandi Sullivan was affiliated during the formal meeting in December.

The chapter lost one of its charter members, Edith Lavender, who had been a faithful member of SAI for over fifty years. She had been approved as a recipient of the Rose of Honor but passed away before the presentation was held.

Projects included a booth at the Georgia Music Educators Association Conference with Phi Mu Alpha and a bake sale with half of the proceeds contributed to the community band. The chapter also laid the ground work for Band Day to help beginning band students in the local schools. President Lisa Paulson presented a workshop at Province Day, and a family picnic concluded the year.

Tacoma (WA)
This spring chapter members collaborated to present a musicale featuring the music of National Arts Associate William Doppmann as part of our America Composers’ Project. Erica Minneman performed two movements of Mr. Doppmann’s “Partita” for piano. Tasha Parker and Ruth Burkes gave the premiere performance of Doppmann’s “Mirror Song,” a duet for soprano and mezzo soprano. Linda Parker, mother of Tasha and a Mu Phi Epsilon member, accompanied them at the piano. This concert helped support a “Meet the Composer” Grant awarded to Tacoma’s Second City Chamber Series. Performers were able to play for Mr. Doppmann and to discuss the music prior to the musicale. Mr. Doppmann has pursued the dual career of composer-pianist since early childhood, when, by the age of ten, he had conducted the Louisville Symphony Orchestra in his own composition and had appeared as a piano soloist with the Cincinnati Symphony.

Teaching posts in Iowa and Texas preceded his arrival in Tacoma, where – with his wife, Willa -- he co-founded the Second City Chamber Series. They have since lived in New York, Maine, Michigan, and New Mexico.

Tucson (AZ)
Soprano Betty Maurstad, accompanied by pianist Sharlyn Matthews, provided a fun program, "Musical Desserts," for the April meeting in Green Valley.   Betty dressed in costume for serving up "Amor" and "Lime Jello, Marshmallow, Cottage Cheese Surprise" by William Bolcom, "The Physician" by Cole Porter, "I Want to be a Prima Donna" by Victor Herbert, "Someone is Sending Me Flowers" by Harnick and Baker, and "A Word on My Ear" by Flanders and Swann. The final meeting of the year and a pot luck luncheon were held in May at the home of Becky Moore. The program included a Founder’s Day Celebration and Fraternity Sing. A Senior Farewell honored graduating Alpha Beta Leah Adams, and awards were presented to Sharlyn Matthews, Rose of Dedication, Margaret Nellis, Rose of Honor, and Dorothy Hendrickson, Wreath of Achievement.   On July 7 , chapter members attended the wedding of and reception for SAI sister Laura McCormick and John Weirich.  

Tulsa (OK)
The Tulsa Alumnae Chapter is beaming with pride at the accomplishment of one of our Emeritus Members, Marilyn Carver. About two years ago, Marilyn created a new organization, the Vocal Arts Ensemble of Tulsa. The first performance was an amazingly touching presentation that moved the hearts of everyone involved by presenting music dealing with the holocaust Holocaust and the concentration camps on the island of Tsunami Sumatra. Since then the Ensemble ensemble has expanded and will present the last concert of its third year in May 2007, performing a Centennial Salute to Oklahoma. The concert features several Oklahoma composers. Many SAIs sing in this remarkable Ensemble.

In other news, SAIs recently performed in a stunning presentation of Beethoven's “ Missa Solemnis” by the Tulsa Oratorio Chorus and the new Tulsa Symphony Orchestra. At the March meeting, members were treated to an organ recital featuring all SAIs in the recently renovated Sharp Chapel at the University of Tulsa. Tulsa Alumnae are making music in our community!

Urbana (IL)
After a successful membership coffee in the fall, potential patronesses and unaffiliated alumnae were invited to gather with chapter members. Newly affiliated members include Janet Slater and Amber Boyce; Jean Patton and Lois White accepted our invitation to become patronesses and were initiated in the spring.

The chapter was saddened by the passing of musician, teacher, and past president Joan Gray, and member Nancy Quisenberry, a dedicated teacher and community volunteer.

In February, the Annual Mary Payne Performance Award competition was held, where a member of the Sigma Delta chapter is honored for her performance and musicianship. This year’s winner was senior Lauren Frankovich, a vocal performance student who will attend Manhattan School of Music in the fall. The chapter continues to work with the Sigma Deltas, including caroling at Christmas and the bi-annual "Welcome Back" celebrations.

In May, honors were given to several dedicated members, including patroness Mary Bates (Rose of Honor), and members JoEllen DeVilbiss and Jan Simmons (Rose of Dedication). Past President Rebecca Wascoe has accepted a teaching position at Brigham Young University in Utah and has been awarded the SAI Doctoral Grant.

Volusia County (FL)
The Volusia County (FL) Alumnae Chapter held a very successful "Afternoon of Roses" (Mother's Day Musicale), raising $4 ,328 for our scholarship fund.   Performers included NAAs Routa Kroumovitch, internationally renowned violinist; Michael Rickman, pianist; Tand Boyd Jones, harpsichordist; and Ann Adams, oboist and recipient of the national Advisor Award at the 2006 convention. The musicale also featured winners of our 2007 Scholarship Competition: flutist Erin Helgeson, immediate past-president of Eta Pi chapter and principal flute of Stetson University's orchestra and symphonic wind ensemble; and soprano Amber Berlin.