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.
On March 28, Pi Chapter, with the assistance of their Impact Project Grant, sponsored “A Musical Trip Under the Sea” for 15 participants. At Instrument Island, members demonstrated their instruments and let the students try them. During Surf’s Up Singing, each group learned songs with movements. At the Seaweed Shuffle station, groups learned a dance to the song “Under the Sea” from The Little Mermaid. Everyone worked on ocean-themed musical crafts, such as shark kazoos and crab tambourines. The day culminated with a show for the parents.
Also in March, the chapter held its spring recital in conjunction with a chapter-sponsored performance of works composed by Drake students. A joint book fair with the Des Moines Alumnae Chapter was held in May to raise funds for music in the Des Moines Public Schools. Chapter fundraising for the spring semester totaled nearly $3,000. The chapter voted to make contributions to SAI Philanthropies, Inc., Adopt-An-Instrument, VH1 Save the Music, and the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers.
Awards were given to: Katy Ryan – Collegiate Honor Award; Stacie Bendixen – Scholastic Award; Tamra Novinska, Katie Owen, Katy Ryan – Swords of Honor; Maureen Malley – Kathleen Davison Award. — Stacie Bendixen, editor
On April 2 and 4, women of Alpha Gamma performed in the opera “La Boheme” on the Muskingum College campus. The role of Mimi was played by Laura Marshall, and the role of Musette was played by Danielle Zaborski, both Alpha Gamma members, as were chorus members Jenny Davis and Kiri Dicken. Edie Marshall, Delta A Province Officer and Regional Officer of Region I, and Chuck Marshall, Friend of the Arts, are grandparents of
Laura Marshall, and were in attendance for the April 2nd performance. — Edie Marshall, Delta A PO
After the devastating flood of 2008, the University of Iowa was left without a music building, but with an abundance of spirit. The women of Zeta Epsilon teamed with Phi Mu Alpha to host a School of Music Barbeque in April, providing an opportunity for music students and faculty to gather in one setting. Food was catered by Hy-Vee, and music was provided by a local Phi Mu duo, Giant Little Caterpillar. The centerpiece of the barbeque was a poster featuring photos of the music campus during the flood. All who attended signed the poster, which will be framed and displayed in the new music building. Despite numerous obstacles, the chapter was able to stay active in the community, performing and volunteering, and they even initiated eight new members. “This school year was a serious challenge”, said president Megan Bartlett, “but it was a battle we won together.” — Christine Augspurger, editor
Eta Phi welcomed a total of 12 women into the sisterhood, giving the chapter 32 active members as of May 2009. The year was devoted to building connections with the music faculty, as well as the entire School of Music. The chapter will continue ushering for the music events and hosting faculty appreciation days. — Meghan Zugibe, editor
The University of the Pacific’s Center for Community Involvement held its 2nd annual Groups Involved in Voluntary Efforts competition; this program recognized Pacific members who help others in need through service to the Stockton community. It awards a trophy to one campus group that logs the greatest number of service hours during the year. Among 29 campus organizations, the Eta Omega chapter emerged as the winner for 2008-09, with over 900 hours of service.
The chapter premiered “Where the Sidewalk Ends” by Pacific student composer Rosie Burrell at their spring recital and at the student composer’s concert. Inspired from a Shel Silverstein poem, she composed music to the words with the Eta Omega chapter in mind.
Two of the five winners of the concerto competition this year are SAI sisters. Anya Muradian, flutist, and Nora Plutzik, soprano, had the honor of performing at commencement. Lastly, 18 new members were initiated, as well as three Friends of the Arts: Keith Hatschek, Ann Miller, and Dr. Lynn Beck. — Hilary Yip, president
Iota Theta ladies held a pancake breakfast fundraiser at Applebee’s restaurant in March. Friends and supporters of the chapter gathered to enjoy good food, good company, and good service. The money earned that day went to supplies for the 2009 spring MIT class service project. — Alicia Mielke, editor
The spring semester included a free game night, member recruitment activities, the 3rd annual Love/Hate Program, which is a night of music and poetry about trust, love, and betrayal, Province Day at Loyola University in New Orleans, and initiation of three new members: Sonja Robinson-Brown, Alicia Joseph, and Ja’lisha Hollins. — Jasmine Reine, editor
Sigma Phi ladies participated in Province Day at Loyola University in March. They enjoyed two fun-filled and informative days of seminars on ritual, stress-management techniques in music therapy and more. Executive Director Ruth Sieber Johnson was the honored guest from NEB.
Chapter members sang at the Battered Women’s Program in Baton Rouge in April as part of their philanthropy activities within the community. The sisters performed for the children who reside in the shelter and taught them new songs. Six new sisters were welcomed into the chapter in April: Rebecca Chapman, Ashley Lopez, Sarah McBride, Kristin Percy, Abigail Stewart, and Linden Uter. — Laura Bratcher, editor
Boulder (CO)
In February, the annual Valentine’s Day Musicale “Love Songs, Fun Songs, and Music to Melt the Heart” was held at Golden West Manor and was a huge hit! Ten of our members performed a sing-along, and attendees received roses. Harriet Simons was one of fifteen authors of a new book released in March, Wisdom, Wit, and Will: Women Choral Conductors on their Art. Mary Marks served as the President and Junior Festival Chair NFMC, the Board secretary of the Tri-State Chapter, AGO, and as the Event Coordinator for Avery Historic District House/Museum, Ft. Collins. Marcia Green played harpsichord with the Greeley Chamber Orchestra and served as the Director of Music of Trinity Lutheran in Loveland, CO. Verna Owens served as an usher for the Colorado Music Festival. Tula Roberge performed as a soloist with the Timberline Symphony and as assistant director for the Aster Women’s Chamber Choir. Mary Lou Heslip directed the Anthem Singers in six concerts. Stephanie Newcomb graduated with a BA in Music from the University of Colorado-Boulder in December and affiliated with our chapter in March. Patty Kuster graduated with a MA in Classics from the University of Colorado-Boulder in May.
Buffalo (NY)
Our spring meetings were up beat as we affiliated three new wonderful sisters, Barbara Hodder, Dr. Carole Harris, and Melanie Voytovich. They are very enthusiastic about SAI and bring a high degree of talent. Our June meeting was a delicious luncheon at the Old Red Mill restaurant, where we remembered Founder’s Day and used the lovely new, electric candelabra for the first time. The board, headed by President Carol Murphy, has been gathering ideas for the next year’s activities.
East Bay (CA)
Dorinda Chase was awarded the Rose of Honor at the May luncheon held at Carol Morris’ home in Walnut Creek, CA. Nancy Rude was the Province nominee for the National Leadership Award. Marilyn Minor, Holly Burnett, Ariel Witbeck, Debra Miller, and Ann Marquis Fisher attended the National Convention with Carmen Marie Coleman giving a presentation.
Fort Lauderdale (FL)
The Florida Intergenerational Orchestra of America (FLIOA) presented an unusual and exciting program to benefit our chapter at the John Knox Retirement Village through May Alice Elkins, our program director. As recipients of a $2,500 Philanthropies Impact Grant, combined with $500 from the chapter, the group wanted to show its appreciation and share its enthusiasm. Director Lorraine Marks, a Delta Delta initiate from Montclair University, originated the idea and formed an intergenerational orchestra in New Jersey. The ninety-member group is composed of retired musicians and new young players who benefit from this collaboration, with ages ranging from eight to 89. Chapter president Wendy Powell (clarinet) and secretary Terree Althaus (cello) joined the group. Following media coverage, the group has been invited to perform throughout South Florida. For more information, please visit the web site flioa.org.
Fort Wayne (IN)
In March, the Fort Wayne Alumnae Chapter held its annual student recital at the Allen County Library Auditorium. Alumnae members presented their students to perform in a concert that included many different instruments. Chapter member Diane Barton received the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Music Educator of the Year Award, presented at a Philharmonic concert in April. During the April meeting, Diane passed out recorders for everyone to play. She demonstrated how she uses recorders in her classroom and presented her own arrangement of the chorale for everyone to play. Another member, Dorothy Kittaka, served as keynote speaker for the National Convention this year. The Fort Wayne Alumnae Chapter is honored to have so many talented and influential women as members.
Fort Worth (TX)
In April, a successful Scholarship Tea was held at the home of Chuifun Poon, colleague of National Arts Associate Dr. Tamas Ungar, founder of PianoTexas International Academy and Festival. Alumnae members, assisted by the Fort Worth Council of Patronesses, prepared hors d’oeuvres and desserts complementing the Oriental décor of the home, including music-themed chocolate fortune cookies. The Marjorie Murphy Music Scholarship Fund, named for one of our long-term members, provides scholarships to members of Beta Kappa at Texas Wesleyan University. Two scholarship recipients performed along with alumnae, organized and accompanied by Echo Wilson. Our formal meeting in May featured installation of officers and a choir of our members led by Margaret Bolding. The Honors committee presented 25-year certificates to several members, and the Rose of Honor was awarded to Nila Mair for her many years of tireless service to the chapter. In May, our volunteers assisted Dr. Ungar by providing snacks for the PianoTexas participants, a supper for the teachers and amateurs along with a dinner for the judges of the Concerto Competition. Since the festival coincided with the quadrennial Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, our members also prepared sack lunches for the participants to enjoy as they attended the preliminary rounds at Bass Performance Hall.
Houston (TX)
The annual American Musicale sponsored by the Houston Alumnae Chapter was presented in April at Bethany United Methodist Church. The program included works by Samuel Barber, Aaron Copland, John Corigliano, George Gershwin, and Bernard Herrmann. The Music Leadership Award, presented to one who has made an outstanding contribution to the quality of music in Houston, was awarded to Kevin Riehle, founder and Artistic Director of CANTARE Houston, a professional chamber choir. He has served as Director of Music ministries and is the Chorus Master of the Gilbert & Sullivan Society. He is also a recognized choral composer with works performed in the U.S. and abroad. The Katy Dixie Scholarship, which is awarded to an outstanding college SAI, was presented to Carley Brennecke-Jones, a senior music education major from the Beta Pi chapter at the University of Houston. Carley performed an unaccompanied clarinet solo at the musicale. In June, Christ Church Cathedral held a choral concert directed by Robert Simpson to commemorate the 200th anniversaries of Felix Mendelssohn’s birth and Franz Josef Haydn’s death. Houston Alumnae’s own Jessica Tice was a soloist in the “Lobgesang” Song of Praise by Mendelssohn. She and fellow member Emily Tallant, are members of CANTARE.
Lake County (IN)
In April we held a memorial service for member Ruth Ann Teague, who died this past February. She received the Sword and Rose of Honor. Ruth Ann was very involved in the chapter and served in the positions of president, secretary, and treasurer. She dedicated much of her time accompanying others on the piano. She will be greatly missed by all. The chapter’s annual spring musicale took place on May 3 at the Trinity Memorial Lutheran Church in Merrillville, IN. Performances included a variety of solos, a vocal quartet, the chorale, and the chapter instrumental ensemble. The chapter closed out their 45th year with a banquet at a local restaurant. We had the privilege of presenting awards to two members. Anna Padberg, the chapter’s chorale director, received the Rose of Honor, and Kristen Marsh, Vice President of Ritual and chair of the social committee, received the chapter service award. For the 2009-2010 year Joanne Ross will continue as chapter president, and other officers include Amanda Boersma, Beth Flynn, Lauren Knust, Kelly Lorenz, Kristen Marsh, and Debbie Peterson.
Las Vegas (NV)
The Las Vegas Alumnae Chapter’s theme for this year was “Reinvigorate!” A special summer meeting brought the Las Vegas sisters back together with renewed focus and determination. Las Vegas is a very transient town, making it hard to know when SAIs arrive and leave the city, therefore much time was spent calling and e-mailing lists of names to find area members. A new executive board worked together to build the chapter back up with regular meetings and also two special events with the Kappa Theta chapter, including a holiday dinner in December and an end-of-year luncheon in May. We are looking forward to moving into the 2009-2010 year with a full executive board, new affiliates, and a revived sisterhood.
Long Beach (CA)
The Long Beach Alumnae Chapter celebrated its 60th anniversary on February 27 with a gala dinner-and-show fundraiser. Chairperson Amalia Garcia and her committee planned a fantastic dinner with a silent auction and performers from various groups from California State University Long Beach’s Bob Cole Conservatory. These included Jazz, Musical Theatre, African Xylophone, African Drumming and Dance, and the Salsa Dance Team. Over one hundred people attended the dinner, and $2,400 was raised for scholarships to CSULB students. Many friends and former members joined us for the evening.
Madison (WI)
At our May meeting, we were thrilled to have a performance by our Honorary Member Kitt Reuter Foss (soprano). Kitt’s delightful program was entitled “Firsts” and included the first aria taught to her by voice teacher Lois Fisher (Sigma Iota 1937 and composer of SAI’s “A Farewell Song”), her first recording, the first song her father wanted her to sing, and her first encore song. Also, the Rose of Honor was presented to out-going Alumnae President Peggy Walters, a 50-year certificate was given to Elizabeth Van Ness, and a Memorial Service was held remembering past Chapter President Yvonne Karp and patronesses Marjorie Hagan and Betty Usher.
Milwaukee (WI)
The program, “The Face of Love”, was given by Marjorie Fowler and her husband Dean, at the San Camillo Campus in Wauwatosa in February. A spring musicale was held in April at the home of Beverly Wilke. She played piano music by her relative, Fleetwood A. Diefenthaler, who had a music studio in Milwaukee called Marwood with his wife, Margaret Kissinger Diefenthaler. This music was written in the first half of the 1900’s. Tammy Enevold and Suzanne Freshley also played flute-clarinet duets. Installation of officers was held in May at the home of Clarice Wysocki and a jazz piano program was played by Dolores Sanicola. The chapter received the Epsilon A 2008 Alumnae Chapter Province Achievement Award for Outstanding Fulfillment of the National Objectives. In June, we initiated Dana Desormey as a Patroness. She is a music teacher at Fremont Intermediate School in Mundelein, IL, and is the recipient of the first Music Education Outreach Grant from SAI Philanthropies, Inc. She started a fifth-grade chorus with this grant. Our July outing for members, their families, and friends at Wisconsin Lutheran College was called “In the Mood” and featured an outdoor swing-band concert.
Minneapolis /St. Paul (MN)
In April, we met to listen to chamber music by Boehnen and performances of Bizet, Saint Saens, Mozart, Puccini, and Humperdinck. Also performing were scholarship winners Anna De Graff (soprano) of Sigma Sigma, Rachel Catheryn Carter (trombone) of Epsilon Omicron, and Mary Alice Zimmerman (piano) Epsilon Omicron. The May meeting featured piano music. Dolores Lenore played jazz by Joseph Makholm, both solo piano and with Charlotte Palmiter (clarinet). Thelma Hunter performed a selection from Dohnanyi’s piano arrangement of Strauss’s Episodes from the Gypsy Baron. Officers were installed and a memorial service was held. In June a dinner was held at SAI Patroness Kathryn Keefer’s home. After a Founder’s Day ceremony, SAI Patroness Martha Mathewson and her husband Dana presented classical and jazz works for piano and clarinet, and Michael Santoro was initiated as a Friend of the Arts. Also a luncheon was given in honor of Jorja Fleezanis, noted Violinist and Concertmaster with the Minnesota Orchestra, who recently retired. She was initiated as an Honorary Member of SAI. Shirley Lillehaugen Santoro, Concertmaster for the Minneapolis Civic Orchestra, and her husband hosted the event. Seigi Cataldo, the winner of Thursday Musical high school strings and the MacPhail School of Music concerto concert competition, brilliantly played the Sarabanda and Giga from the Partita #2 by J.S. Bach.
Oklahoma City (OK)
The Oklahoma City Alumnae Chapter held a fundraising concert on May 17. The Canterbury Youth Choruses presented a wonderful afternoon concert of works ranging from Handel, Spirituals, and Folksongs. An Alpha Zeta National Arts Associate, Judith Willoughby, directed the chorale of young ladies, and Johnny Mitchell directed the young men’s chorus. This is an annual event in which our chapter raised over $400 to support music in the Oklahoma City Public Schools. We provide instrument repair, equipment, and supplies to music teachers. Our last donation purchased elementary music software for Lydia McAlister at Boding Elementary School. It has been a worthy cause to enrich the music education of many students.
Philadelphia (PA)
The chapter began 2009 with an Incorporation Day observance, formal meeting, annual auction fundraiser, and musicale hosted by Margaret Wyppich. Friend of the Arts Pete Dorwart, Joan Paltenstein, Rheta Smith, Debbie Krauss, and guest Katie Litka (Kappa Alpha) performed music of Mendelssohn. In January, a group consisting of members, guests, and students performed for residents of Harlee Manor in Springfield. Helene Furlong hosted “Love Is in the Air” in February with Chi A PO Jessica Chichester attending. Members performed romance-themed music, Shirley Volker was initiated as a patroness member, and Grace Jung affiliated. A covered-dish luncheon hosted by Gail Mickelson and Jo Cauffman was held March 7. A public musicale to fundraise for SAI Philanthropies was held at Wallingford Presbyterian Church. Performing were Becky Dammers, Pete Dorwart, Martha Frampton, Linda Gagliardi, Krista Kiefski, Debbie Krauss, Elena Santangelo, Ruth Sheets, Heather Siegfried, Rheta Smith, and guests Elizabeth Braden and Tony Wastler. Several members attended Province Day at West Chester University. A Girl Scout Fun Day was held in Norristown to help area scouts earn music badges. At a covered-dish dinner in May, Mary Bushong and Linda McAlpin performed a piece by Buxtehude. Tom McAlpin was initiated as a Friend of the Arts, and Founder’s Day was observed.
Phoenix (AZ)
Phoenix Alumnae Chapter has celebrated its 50th anniversary all year. All of the events were planned around this significant event. We had a “Georgina Potts-Luck Luncheon” hosted by Camille Conforti, and she performed on piano. We hosted an Honorary Tea for the various honorary members that had been initiated over the years. Our Silver Musicale presented for the public at the Beatitudes Care Center gave several of our members a chance to perform. The final celebration weekend began with an organ recital by Dr. Heather Hernandez and concluded with our 50th Anniversary Dinner. We were honored to have as our keynote speaker SAI NVP, Alumnae Chapters Dr. Leslie Odom Miller. Our President June Chartrand and our VP-Ritual Marguerite Burg, Patroness with Training, presided at two award rituals presenting a Sword of Honor to Anne Robinson and a Rose of Constancy to one of our Founding Members, Margaret Cook. Also in attendance at this celebration were NVP, Membership Sarah Mason; Past National President, Elsie Sterrenberg; Region 1 Director, Edie Marshall; Omicron Province Officer, Joan Simpson; Friends of the Arts Jack Mason and Joe Tapscott; Member Laureate Doris Gazda and two of our founding members, Margaret Cook and Roberta Lee. Immediate Past President and 50th Anniversary Committee Chair Ellie Tapscott emceed the evening.
Pittsburgh (PA)
The chapter would like to express its appreciation for Chi Province Day in February, hosted by Alpha Mu Chapter of Carnegie Mellon University. In March, Samanta Bonuce was affiliated. Dr. Annelle Joseph held her thirty-ninth summer Dalcroze Eurythmics work shop at Carnegie Mellon in July. Louise Burky and her husband Kenneth continued their duet performances in the area. Melissa Lessure played flute in a pops concert with McKeesport Symphony.
Pontchartrain (MI)
Pontchartrain Alumnae Chapter has grown this year with the addition of three new Distinguished Members. In May, Dr. Amy Porter, internationally known flutist and University of Michigan professor, became an Honorary SAI. We also initiated Lauren Walter and Douglas MacIntosh (husband of long-time member Barbara) as Friends of the Arts. Lauren is a fine vocalist, and Doug has enhanced our programs with his skill as a graphic artist and photographer. Other honors went to Jenise Collins and Shelly Rouse-Freitag (Roses of Honor) and Marilyn Fisher (Sword of Honor). Musical performances played an important part in our Spring agenda. In March, students of Lauren Erickson (flute) and Shelly Rouse-Freitag (flute) and of FOA Joan Haggard (piano) entertained us at our Student Recital. All performed beautifully and everyone enjoyed a festive Afterglow. In April, we combined with sisters from Detroit Alumnae to present a Joint Recital, which featured solos, duets, and a wind quintet with four-hand piano accompaniment.
Reno (NV)
Two members received honors on May 19. Beverly Kirkpatrick received the Rose of Honor award, and Kate Kirkpatrick, member of the SAI Philanthropies Board, received the Wreath of Achievement.
Rochester (NY)
The New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) sponsors more than 400 solo and 25 major music festivals each spring for middle- and high-school students. All of these are adjudicated by more than 100 individuals who have to pass a rigorous qualification process. The Rochester Alumnae Chapter has six of these individuals: Pat Stott, Linda Steiger, Barbara Rubenstein, Shirley Blandino, Ruth Heitz, and Marcia Bornhurst Parkes. They have all graciously given their time over many years to this massive effort in order to further music education and quantify musical performances in NYS. The range of festival types includes piano, solos, and ensembles for solo performances and bands, orchestras, choruses, and jazz ensembles in the major group category. Thousands of students look forward to this experience every year and come away with an objective evaluation of their skills. Thanks to these six members for their service to music, an invaluable effort which is often overlooked.
Warren-Youngstown (OH)
Our 2008-2009 year began with a “Back to School” theme with everyone catching up on news, fraternal and personal. Much fun continued at our October meeting where we unscrambled phrases from the pledge as a Fraternity Education activity, enjoyed delicious refreshments, and finalized plans for the biggest event of our year, the following week’s Scholarship Luncheon and Style Show. Our scholarship winner performed, guests enjoyed a salad luncheon, and Fashion Bug clothing was modeled by alumnae. Intergenerational friendships among alumnae and the Alpha Nu chapter at Youngstown State now span seven decades. We continued “constants” of friendship, good food, and music during the November meeting with Province Officer Dianne Lundeen. Our Patroness Mary B. Smith hosted December’s luncheon, and we surprised her with a gift basket of treats and conveniences donated by members. February’s meeting featured patriotic musical facts and “The Presidents’ Rap,” and students of members performed a March musicale. Winter activities included preparation for scholarship auditions and rehearsing for our upcoming chapter musicale.