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
ALPHA NU
Youngstown State University, OH
On March 24, Alpha Nu hosted its first Roses Banquet to raise money for the Beatitude House of the Mahoning Valley. Through many generous donations, Beatitude House will receive $2,480 for their new music program. — Amber Patrick, editor
IOTA OMICRON
University of Louisiana, Lafayette
Iota Omicron held its first solo competition on April 11, with seven University of Louisiana music majors participating. First prize and $100 went to flutist Roldon Brown for his performance of Luciano Berio’s “Sequenza I.” Second and third prizes went to SAI sisters Sasha Massey and Beverly Harlton. Sasha, a soprano, received $75 for her performance of “Vorschneller Schwur” by Brahms and “My Man’s Gone Now” from Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess.” Geraldine Hubbell, active alumna member, was Sasha’s accompanist. Flutist Beverly Harlton performed Saverio Mercadante’s “Concerto in e minor, mvt. III: Rondo Russo” and received $50. Accompanists and judges were given cookbooks donated by the Lafayette Alumnae Chapter. — Beverly Harlton, secretary/editor
GAMMA GAMMA
Shenandoah University, Winchester, VA
To promote camaraderie among the sisters of Gamma Gamma, which has 17 new members, the chapter shares “Thorns and Roses” before each meeting. This gives members a chance to express concerns and accolades. At recitals, a rose is presented at the conclusion of each sister’s solo performance. Other social events were the Gamma Gamma in Pajamas letter-making party and the catered holiday party. Additional chapter projects included Relay for Life, a nursing home musicale, blood drive, ushering, recital receptions, raffles for the Adopt-an-Instrument program, and the annual donation to Philanthropies. — Tracey Alperstein, editor
DELTA DELTA
Montclair State University, NJ
Delta Delta members Rebecca Tarantino, Meghan Page, Mary-Kathryn Trentalange, Andrea Saul, Elizabeth Taylor, Honorary Member Professor Heather Buchanan, Rachael Gareau, Jessica Gabbert, and Catherine Blankenhorn traveled with the Montclair State University Singers on a tour of Moscow and St. Petersburg, Russia. The Singers performed twice in the esteemed Rachmaninoff Hall at the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory and in the Imperial Garden Festival in St. Petersburg. The group was broadcast with a performance and interview on Russian television and also took part in a press conference which included Susan Cole, president of Montclair State, and U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Officer Mary Ellen Countryman. — Rachael Gareau, editor
EPSILON EPSILON
West Chester University, PA
Epsilon Epsilon was proud to initiate eight sisters on April 5. The following weekend, the Philadelphia Alumnae hosted Chi A Province Day. Both Dr. Leslie Odom Miller, Vice President, Alumnae Chapters, and Dr. Deborah Volker, Vice President, Ritual and Fraternity Education, were in attendance. The day started with a “Wizard of Oz”-style skit about affiliating with a chapter.
Dr. Odom Miller gave a presentation on leadership within the chapter and also hosted an open forum. Other memorable activities were the rounds of “SAI Squares” with fraternity education trivia and two chocolate fountains at the closing reception.
April 21 marked Epsilon Epsilon’s 40th anniversary! Sisters visited founding member Lois Alt to have tea, cake, and a sing-along. The anniversary celebration was held on April 26. Returning alumnae sisters were given a tour of the new music building, and a slideshow, speakers, musicale, rededication ceremony, raffle, and luncheon rounded out the day’s activities.
A major chapter service project involved helping 100 Girl Scouts receive their music badges. Sisters led singing, dancing, listening, and instrument-making activities with groups of Scouts. Fourteen seniors graduated, and five have already affiliated with alumnae chapters. — Heather Bostic, editor
ETA THETA
Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC
Members of Eta Theta participated in Relay for Life on April 11 and raised over $3,000, the largest amount of any of the teams. The chapter received a plaque and traveling trophy in recognition of their fundraising efforts. In addition, team captain Kristin Beesley will have lunch with the chancellor since she was the top female fundraiser and is now a gold member with Relay for Life. The chapter’s theme and slogan were "Phantom of the Opera/Unmask the Cancer.”
Taryn Tyson, 2007-08 president, received the Ruby Sword of Honor during Tau B Province Day.— Kristen Cooper, editor
ETA OMEGA
University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA
Eta Omega chapter is proud to announce the addition of four new Distinguished Members: Professor Jennie Blomster, lecturer of horn; Professor Daniel Ebbers, voice faculty member; and Dr. Jaroslaw Kapuscinski and Dr. Francois Rose, chairs of the Theory and Composition Department. The ceremony was followed with a reception and a gathering to honor the chapter’s eight graduating seniors. — Julie Stephens, editor
THETA UPSILON
New Jersey City University, Jersey City, NJ
On May 31, the women of Theta Upsilon celebrated their 10th anniversary with members of the New Jersey Alumnae Chapter. Participating in the Rededication Ceremony were Milly Gonzalez, Melba Guerrero, AnnMarie Neissler, Agnes Kim, Britney Sanders, and Zoila Pinto. Among those attending were founding president Tracy Reinhardt, Mary Ann Corso, Danielle Romano, Victoria Wefer, Kim Chapman, Paula Specland, Dr. Janice Van Alen, and current advisor and founding Province Officer Dr. Ann Estill. Festivities included a musicale and formal reception. The Founders Day celebration was held on June 14 at the home of Cynthia Mizeski, a recent recipient of the Sword of Honor. — Dr. Ann Estill, chapter advisor
KAPPA GAMMA
University of North Carolina, Greensboro
Members of Kappa Gamma traveled to the Crossnore School of North Carolina on April 20 to work with the displaced children who live there. The children enjoyed making drums, participating in movement songs, and creating rhythms. The chapter was awarded the Overall Excellence in Community Service from the University for their work with NCMEA, Girl Scouts Triad Council, Music for a Great Space, and the Crossnore School.
Three women were initiated on April 27th. The Sword of Honor was presented to Kathleen Hall, Amy Trice, and Johanna Wolf.— Johanna Wolf, editor
Abilene (TX)
Throughout the 2007-2008 school year, we were entertained and edified during musicales at our meetings. Two presentations by guest artists were especially memorable. Dr. Larry Wolz explained the connection between Charles Wesley and Georg F. Handel, and he performed Handel’s setting of Wesley’s hymn “Rejoice, the Lord is King.” The Catclaw Boys presented a rousing program of history, humor, and homegrown blue-grass music. Several members also enjoyed Kappa C Province Day events at Howard Payne University, hosted by members of Lambda Epsilon, where our President Nancy Jones’s punch won the award for Best Taste.
For service projects, we awarded scholarships to Lisa Larson (piano) and Kristen Bigham (voice) at the 46th annual Ruth Skiles Memorial Scholarship Recital, and, in the spring, gave several scholarships to local music camps. We also collaborated with the Gamma Phi Chapter and the Alumni Relations Department of Hardin Simmons University to perform at Wesley Court, a local retirement community. We presented a varied program of American music, both vocal and instrumental, including folk songs, Broadway, movie themes, and a little jazz.
Arlington (TX)
The highlight of the year was the chapter’s 40th Anniversary Tea in May. The program included reading the chapter history and performances by the 2008 scholarship winners Jennifer Done-Reynoso (soprano),“Widmung” by Schumann; Katie Richardson (violin), “Scene de Ballet” by Charles de Beriot; and Ana Grotjan (flute), “Sixth Solo” by Demersseman. The program theme for the year was “Around-the-World” starting with France in October with Debussy’s “Petite Suite” performed by duetists Margaret Kleopfer and Lynn Macmillan. November featured Germany to honor the 300th anniversary of Buxtehude’s death with Charlene Dorsey presenting a brief biography and performing several of his organ compositions. Spain was highlighted in January with a public organ recital at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church by Friend of the Arts Dr. Linton Powell. In February, Lynn Macmillan presented a program of music, food, and culture based on her trip to Russia with music by Tcherepnine, “Overture” for 4-hand piano. An American Musicale was held in April which was a joint effort by the alumnae chapter and Zeta Nu. Lastly, in April, Japan was featured by the piano students of Jennifer Clarkson, Sean Sagan and Wade Griton, performing “Those Who Fight” and “One Winged Angel” by Uematsu.
Boston (MA)
In April, Friend of the Arts Harold Goldstein presented a program entitled “Music of the Holocaust.” Karol Carroll (soprano) paired up Kathryn Southworth (piano) for a joint musicale-presentation in May of the “Songs of Amy Beach and Gwyneth Walker.” Several members were recognized for their long-standing membership in the fraternity, including Alice Lovely (60 Year Certificate), Beverly Siefert (50 Year Certificate), and Catherine Tibbitts and Lisa Caliri (25 Year Certificates). The chapter’s annual Nancy Oliva Award of Excellence was presented to Martha Ebel for her exemplary contribution to the profession, the chapter, and the community. In June, the Founders Day Celebration was held at the home of Carol Demond Downs in Maine. The afternoon included a musicale of Satie and Telemann selections performed by Catherine Tibbitts on oboe and English horn. It was very fitting that Geraldine Barretto-Sims, former National VP-Alumnae Chapters, was presented the Rose of Dedication for her outstanding dedication to the chapter and to the fraternity.
Cleveland (OH)
Our chapter hosted the Sigma B Province Day on April 12. A new handmade Sigma B banner was presented to Province Officer Diane Lundeen and a very competitive SAI Jeopardy game was played. Other activities included a musicale featuring composers from Purcell to Ginastera and a salad luncheon followed by Phlea Phlam. The May meeting was “Music of Australia” presented by Claire Stair. On June 14, a fundraiser was hosted by President Katie Jennings. Gift items, including books, baskets, specialty foods, and make-up, were offered in a boutique-style setting with a percentage of the profits going to our chapter. The first-place winner of the 2008 Blair L. Sadler International Healing Arts Award for her study of music therapy in palliative medicine was Lisa Gallagher. In Richen, Switzerland, on April 5, Carol Boyd reached a lifetime goal of having seen 1,000 paintings by Claude Monet.
Dallas (TX)
The April meeting featured Dr. Chris Chesky from the University of North Texas presenting information on Hearing Loss in Musicians. Scholarships were awarded to Angela Pendelton, Dallas Alumnae Chapter; Lauren Blackerby, Southern Methodist University; Kaitlyn Carty, Texas Women’s University; and Nadia A. Maldanado, University of North Texas; and the Marian Flagg Scholarship was awarded to Julia West, Mt. Auburn Elementary, Dallas Independent School District. Installation of new officers occurred during the May meeting, which included Angela Pendelton, 1st Vice President, Membership and Yearbook; Mary Jane Dickson, 2nd Vice President, Ritual and Fraternity Education; Ann Petty, Secretary; and Katrina Tabinowski, Editor and Historian. The following awards were presented at this meeting as well: Janice Harris and Joyce Patton were awarded the Sword of Honor, the Rose of Constancy was awarded to Marian King, and Cynthia DeVies was awarded the Chapter Service Award, as well as honored with a fifty- year member certificate, along with Jon Ann Rucker. Twenty-five year member certificates were presented to Marla Maxson and Jane Samford.
Des Moines (IA)
The Des Moines Alumnae Chapter wrapped up its year with two very special events. On April 14, members enjoyed a special musicale at the historic Salisbury House in Des Moines. The featured performers were the Polaris Wind Quintet and the Drake (University) Fine Arts. On April 26, the alumnae teamed up with Pi Chapter from Drake University and Barnes and Noble to benefit schools in economically disadvantaged areas of Des Moines. Members of both chapters presented musical performances at a local Barnes and Noble through the afternoon. Also featured were student groups from two of the schools benefiting from this special fundraiser. Barnes and Noble contributed a portion of the proceeds from that day’s sales. When the totals were calculated, Des Moines Alumnae, Pi Chapter, and Barnes and Noble were excited to be able to present the Des Moines Public Schools with a check for $2,375.89! This money will be used to purchase instruments to give economically disadvantaged students the chance to participate in instrumental music. Both the Des Moines Alumnae and Pi Chapter are planning to team up again in a similar fundraiser in the fall to help pay for even more instruments for these students.
East Bay (CA)
Lavonne Rodean presented a beautifully designed and framed Charter to the East Bay Chapter at the May luncheon held at Carol Morris’s home in Walnut Creek. Ann Marquis Fisher was honored with a Certificate of Outstanding Service and the Founders Day Ritual was performed. Holly Johnson, Debra Miller, and Diane Barton Brown were elected as new officers, with Dorinda Chase, Nancy Rude, Nancy Cioni, and Ann Marquis Fisher continuing in their current roles. Scholarship funds of $1,500 were disbursed to support local musical groups such as Oakland Youth Orchestra, Contra Costa Youth Orchestra, and the Junior Bach Festival. Priscilla Magee, Adelaide Tolberg, Ariel Witbeck, Nancy Rude, and Virginia Cockrell presented the musicale.
Fort Wayne (IN)
On May 16, the Fort Wayne Alumnae Chapter performed a Program of Duets at Trinity English Lutheran Church. Artists included Ann Donner (flute), Leah Fear (flute), Marcella Trentacosti (violin), Lauren Tourkow (violin), Janice Furtner (soprano), and Dorothy Kittaka (soprano). At our May meeting, former National President, Ginny Johnson, led the initiation ceremony of Wayne Peterson as Friend of the Arts. Wayne is the Organist-Choirmaster of Trinity Episcopal Church and a member of the American Guild of Organists. The chapter ended the year with a family potluck. After a time of socializing and great food, the members performed selections from our SAI songbooks that had been rehearsed at meetings throughout the year.
Fort Worth (TX)
In May, we went to Texas Wesleyan University, home of our Beta Kappa chapter. Dr. John Fisher, Chairman of the Music Department and Friend of the Arts, spoke on “Musicians of the Future” and the new Sacred Music degree offered at TWU.
June saw us again helping with the annual PianoTexas International Festival and Academy. Our members ushered for six concerts by Distinguished Artists (who also conducted Master Classes with students from 18 different countries) and for three concerts with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra.
Our Member Laureate Harriet Woldt received a standing ovation from the audience at the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra’s final concert of the season – and Harriet’s final concert, after 50 years of dedicated service with the FWSO.
Patricia Wooley and Jean Frick have been working with Fort Worth Sister Cities International to plan a program on September 11, commemorating the 9/11 tragedy. SAI members have been invited to sing with groups from our Sister Cities and local choirs from TCU and TWU. Concluding the program will be a piece especially written for the occasion by Samuel Douglas, professor of composition at University of South Carolina. Lyrics were written by Pat Wooley.
Houston (TX)
The chapter presented an American Musicale in April at Bethany United Methodist Church. Compositions featured were Vincent Persichetti’s “Pastoral for Winds” for woodwind quintet; Dominik Argento’s “Spring” and “Winter,” songs for soprano; William Grant Still’s “Incantation and Dance” for oboe and piano; Alvin Etler’s “Duo for Violin and Clarinet,” and Poulenc’s Trois Pieces for piano. Performers included members from the Houston Alumnae and Beta Pi chapters.
Congratulations go to Kim Everett and Christine Hall for receiving the Rose of Honor. Kim has served as a past president of the chapter, Province Officer, and is currently the Alumnae Chapter Comment Editor for Tempo!. She is the webmaster/designer of our chapter website, which received an Honorable Mention Award for Best Chapter Website for the last two years and is Editor. Christine, a former Province Officer, is a very dedicated member SAI. She has provided the chapter with many opportunities for service. She is also the moderator of the National SAI Listserv email discussion list.
Kansas City (MO)
The Kansas City Alumnae Chapter observed the Founder’s Day Ceremony at their June meeting, along with presenting retiring chapter president, Carolyn McDill, with the president’s gavel guard for her SAI badge. The chapter had a garage sale fundraiser to support special chapter projects and raised over $1,300. Chapter members and friends contributed items to the sale, and others took the items that were left afterwards to be sold at personal garage sales later in the summer. The proceeds from these sales will be added to chapter funds. The chapter is planning a dinner theater on October 19, 2008, with the theme, “The Fabulous Fifties – Our Hit Parade.” Proceeds will be used to fund scholarships through the Kansas City Co-Ordinating Council of Sigma Alpha Iota, the charitable arm of the chapter. Newly elected chapter president, Karen McGhee-Hensel, represented the chapter at the SAI Weave II Leadership Conference in Dallas. The chapter had a variety of performers at monthly chapter meetings, including The Heartland Ringers Hand Bell Choir, directed by member, Marilyn Lake; the chapter’s string quartet; winners of the Kansas City Co-Ordinating Council of Sigma Alpha Iota’s 2007 – 2008 scholarships; and Edythe McNown (piano) and Diamond Sword of Honor recipient.
LaGrange (IL)
The LaGrange Chapter announces the winners of the 2008 Elsie Sterrenberg String Scholarship Competition. The winner of the Junior Division is Alexia Vatente of Darien, a violin student of Emma Maydanchik. The Senior Division winner is Kathryn Knister of Hinsdale, a violin student of Nancy Jackson at the Western Springs School of Talent Education. The 2008 May Banquet included these outstanding string musicians presenting their competition selections, Founders Day Ritual, Installation of Officers, and presentations of a Recognition Pin to past president Clarissa Deterding and the Rose of Honor to Kathy Hummel. The LaGrange monthly programs included Jill VanProoyen (piano), Rita Brown (piano), Doreen Sterba DeZur (piano), and Marion Talley (piano), flutist Kathy Hummel (flute), a presentation about woman composer Conni Ellisor by Kathy Schmidt, and music of Billy Holiday by Beth Duszynski. Three chapter members play in the orchestra: Ellen Callahan (viola), JudyAnn Hirt (violin), and Dorothy Lund (cello). A financial donation was given to Celestial Ministries School of Fine Arts in the North Lawndale community where music and dance instruction are given to children with incarcerated loved ones. Hand-stamped goodie bags were filled with sweets and delivered prior to final exams to Kappa Omega and Beta Mu Chapter members.
Lake County (IN)
The Lake County Alumnae Chapter closed out its 44th year as a chapter with a musicale and spring banquet. The musicale was held at a local church and was followed by a reception given by chapter members for those attending the concert. Many soloists and ensembles performed, including the chapter chorale, instrumental ensemble, and hand bell choir. The spring banquet was held to install new officers and celebrate the completion of a successful year for the chapter. Joanne Ross was installed as president. Other officers installed included Amanda Boersma, Kristen Marsh, Ruth Ann Teague, Debbie Peterson, and Kelly Lorenz. On June 14 , the chapter had the pleasure of initiating two Friends of the Arts. Michael W. Griffin established a community band in Highland, IN, to provide citizens with a place to continue their musical experiences after high school and to provide the community with access to free musical performances. Dr. Daniel L. Padberg directs the Readers Theatre Productions at Purdue University North Central.
Madison (WI)
Our Madison Alumnae have been very fortunate to have many talented and loyal patronesses. Some of our most interesting programs this past year were presented by these women. Our “SAI Muse,” Patroness Phyllis Reisdorf, read several of her poems to a most appreciative audience. Patroness Jeanne Burrell represented the Madison Alumnae at Province Day held in May at Lawrence University in Appleton, WI. Her program was a presentation of her songs for adults and children. Jeanne was recently selected to be in the Composers Bureau of Sigma Alpha Iota.
Melbourne/Vero Beach (FL)
On April 12, we hosted our students and their families at a Student Showcase Recital, where students of members Kelly Arner, Marleen Andrews and Ada Mazza performed a wonderful program of piano, vocal, and bell choir music. Megan Joslin provided a reception for all following the program which was held at the Lakewood Park United Methodist Church.
Two new members, Kathy Isaacson and Megan Joslin, were affiliated in May. We happily welcomed them to our chapter. Founder’s Day was celebrated at a Pot Luck Lunch at the home of Marleen Andrews in June.
Milwaukee (WI)
This past year, we sponsored a Girl Scout Project for the girls to earn the Music Badge. As a Ways and Means Project, we had a Rip-Roaring Chuck Wagon dinner followed by the Grandsons and Granddaughters of the Pioneers putting on a concert in April 2008. Our annual concert at San Camillo Retirement Center in Wauwatosa was “Ladies of Broadway.” It was so well received that other retirement centers have asked about the group performing for them. We had a good group attending Province Day at Lawrence University. It is a beautiful campus and has a great Music Conservatory, and we got to meet Sandy Erickson, our Province Officer. A musicale was held in the afternoon. Our Past President, Martha Stoner, is the National Music Education Director. She attended the MENC Convention in Milwaukee to tell about Sigma Alpha Iota with other members of our chapter. We hope to get some new members from contacts made there. Summer activities include a morning coffee and a luncheon in the Milwaukee area.
Minneapolis-St. Paul (MN)
The Minneapolis-St. Paul Alumnae Chapter February meeting at the home of Madolyn Babcock featured Jim Reilly (tenor) and Beatrice Giere (piano) in songs by Bellini, Gottschalk, Luzzi, and Norwegian composer Halfdan Kjerulf. The March meeting, held at Wendy Bokovoy’s home, included songs sung by Luana Mitchell (soprano), accompanied by Patricia Nortwen, and Susanne Kennedy (mezzo-soprano), accompanied by Reilly. Following that, Laura Boillat (flute) and Mary Estrem (piano) played Vivaldi’s Flute Concerto. In April, Shirley Santoro hosted a program with Katherine Majkrzak (vocal) and Judy Ranheim (flute) presenting music by Katherine Hoover and folk-song arrangements, and Melitta George (piano) playing Chopin.
Two 2008 scholarship winners, Michelle Klemmer, of Epsilon Xi, recipient of a Chapter scholarship, and Emily Way, awarded our Clara Williams Scholarship through the Thursday Musical Competition, also performed. After the musical program, we initiated a patroness member, Barbara Pihlgren-Warner, and two alumnae members, Bethany Jones and Virginia Parish.
In other news, alumnae member Diana Leland received the 2008 Weston H. Noble Lifetime Achievement Award in the Choral Art, presented March 8 at the North Central Division Convention of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA). She served as the national ACDA president from 1989-91.
Northern Delaware (DE)
The Northern Delaware Alumnae Chapter held a workshop with the Nativity Prep Middle School in Wilmington, DE, on April 5. We introduced jazz band instruments to the boys, allowing them to not only hear the instruments but also play them. We then presented tickets for the boys and their chaperons to see a performance by the Preservation Hall Jazz Band at the Grand Opera House. On May 10, the Northern Delaware Alumnae Chapter was proud to honor one of our sisters. Amanda Mill, outgoing President, received the Rose of Honor. Also, Nicole Gallagher and Elizabeth Lockhart-Videtto were congratulated for their new positions of National Chapter Website Monitor and Region VIII Music Education Coordinator, respectively. Finally, four members are taking on new executive board positions for our chapter. Our new officers are Lauren Cataldi-May, President; Amanda Mill, Treasurer; Amanda Cardillo, Corresponding Secretary; and Jennifer-Louise Palermo, Recording Secretary. Congratulations to all involved in these events.
Northwest Ohio (OH)
The NW Ohio Alumnae Chapter was privileged to initiate renowned Metropolitan Opera tenor, John Easterlin, to distinguished membership as a National Arts Associate. A Broadway veteran, he also performs frequently with Chicago Lyric Opera, the Philadelphia Opera, and has debuted with San Francisco, Los Angeles, Opera Pacific and various others. Following the ceremony, John sang four songs: his signature song, the sacred solo “The Lord is my Light and my Salvation” by Allitsen, accompanied by chapter member Barbara Craig, and three operatic arias, “David’s Monolouge” from Wagner’s “Meistersinger,” “Aria of the Worm” from “The Ghosts of Versailles” by Corigliano, and the “Ice Cream Sextet” (For One) from “Street Scene” by Weill. These were accompanied by Toledo musician Gladys Rudolph.
Philadelphia (PA)
On April 12, Philadelphia hosted Chi A Province Day at Christ UCC in Norristown, PA. NVP Alumnae Chapters Leslie Odom Miller was guest speaker. NVP Ritual and Fraternity Education Deborah Volker also attended, as did members from Temple, West Chester, Susquehanna, Philadelphia Alumnae, and friends from Phi A Chapters at Delaware, Rowan, and Northern Delaware Alumnae. There was a musicale, as well as a skit encouraging alumnae membership after college. Philadelphia’s annual Eloise McKnight Scholarship winners were Megan Heber (Kappa Alpha) and Jule Sobota (Eta Rho). Rose of Honor awards were presented to Chi A Province Officer Jessica Chichester and Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter VP of Membership Helene Furlong. A game of Fraternity Squares was enjoyed by all as a fun, fraternity education activity. The May 18 meeting included installation of officers for 2008-2010, initiation of WRTI classical radio announcer Jack Moore as Friend of the Arts, and affiliation of 10 new members: Sara Barthol, Heather Bostic, Katie Capasso, Becky Dammers, Lauren Dezeeuw, Liz Grothmann, Alicia Kalb, Heather Siegfried, Laura Slavin, and Jennifer Smollinger. There were 14 affiliates in the 2007-2008 SAI season!
Phoenix (AZ)
The chapter presented awards and gave recognition to several of its members in conjunction with its “Breakfast with the Board” meeting in May. Traditionally, the executive board provides the breakfast foods, and sisters are invited to bring just themselves and an appetite. It is an opportunity for members to gather to socialize before the “‘snowbirds” depart for their summer homes. Recognized for service to the chapter and to the community were Tara McCaughey, who received a Sword of Honor, and June Chartrand, who received a Rose of Honor. Earlier in the year, a Rose of Honor had been presented to Marjory Clements who moved back to Nebraska with her husband. Also presented were certificates of membership in SAI that were presented to Quillian Ditto for 50 years and to Betsy Clark for 60 years. Both sisters were surprised and pleased to be recognized with their certificates. The new executive board members were sworn in, and the breakfast was followed by an executive board meeting to discuss the projects and schedule for the new year. At the closing of the general meeting, the new president, June Chartrand presented out-going president, Ellie Tapscott, with a bouquet of roses, thanking her for her work to make the chapter a vital, thriving organization.
Pittsburgh (PA)
Pittsburgh Alumnae Chapter had meetings in April, May, and July with special performances by members. Barbara McKelway (organist) performed for the Compline Service in the famous Heinz Memorial Chapel, Margaret Ross Mehl conducted the Chatham University Choir in The Annual Mostly Pops Concert, Marie Sensi Sellner directed the All University Orchestra at Carnegie Music Hall performing works of Copeland “Red Pony Suite”, Prokofiev from “Suite 2 from Romeo and Juliet”, Tchaikovsky “Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture”, and Julia Styne “Overture to Gypsy.” National Honorary Member Nancy Galbraith’s new work “Night Train” was premiered by Carnegie Mellon Baroque Ensemble and broadcast on Classical Music State Radio WQED FM. The Chi Province Day at Clarion University was hosted by Kappa Eta. A program was presented by our chapter about Margaret Blackburn with remembrances given and pictures shared of Margaret at the 1990 Convention where she was honored. We met with the Alpha Mu chapter which included a Senior Commitment Ceremony and a Memorial Service for our recently passed members Dorothy Whitlinger, Elizabeth Graf, and Lois Garver. SAI interim head of Carnegie Mellon Music Department and Teacher of Composition Marilyn Thomas wrote a book entitled “Leadership in the Arts – An Inside View” published by AurthorHouse. Libby Larsen’s piano work “A Ragtime Fantasy” was performed for the Tuesday Musical Club.
Pontchartrain (MI)
On May 28, Pontchartrain members enjoyed lunch with Stacy Garrop, winner of the inaugural Elaine Lebenbom Memorial Award for Female Composers. Stacy’s composition, Becoming Medusa, was premiered by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in May. On the March 15 musicale, hostess and pianist Ida Mucciante performed a Chopin Prelude. Guest Susan Peeples (horn) and Friend of the Arts Katy Holleran (piano) performed Aria by Alessandro Stradella and Folk Songs from the British Isles, arranged by Paul Basler. Performers on the April 13 musicale, hosted by Peggy Babcock, included Shelly Rouse-Freitag (flute) accompanied by Barbara MacIntosh, performing Lotus Land by Cyril Scott; Maxine Zeitz and Aliki Zachary, four-hand piano, performing Love Theme from Romeo and Juliet and Theme from Love Story; and guest Don Babcock (trombone) playing jazz by Duke Ellington. On May 17, hostess and pianist Aliki Zachary performed “Air” from The Holberg Suite by Grieg, and Marie Bonello (piano) performed “The Raindrop Prelude” by Chopin. Shelly Rouse-Freitag hosted the chapter’s Annual Picnic on June 14. Barbara MacIntosh, outgoing president, received the Rose of Honor, and Judy Culler was awarded the Rose of Dedication for over 25 years of service to the fraternity and community.
Richmond (VA)
Historic Hanover Tavern was an elegant setting for an August luncheon which opened our 2007-08 year. Rebecca Gilbert and Kim Witt affiliated with our chapter in February, and both have been elected to offices for next year. Rebecca will serve as recording secretary and Kim will be vice-president of membership and our chapter website expert. A spring lunch sale in the lobby of the Music Department of Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) was held to benefit our scholarship fund. The scholarship competition winner was Althea Chan, a piano student of Dmitri Shteinberg, professor at VCU. In May, the chapter recognized two dedicated members, Carol Purcell (Corresponding Secretary) was awarded the Sword of Honor, and Betty Ann Spiers (chairman of the annual Gellman Room musicale) received Outstanding Chapter Member. Last summer, Richmond Alumnae members participated in the installation of the Hampton Roads Alumnae Chapter. This summer, both chapters will join to celebrate Founder’s Day with a picnic at the home of Marjorie Gottschalk-Trone in Williamsburg. President Betty Ann Fleenor will continue to lead our chapter as we vary our meeting times to accommodate members, find creative ways to raise funds, and continue our Paraguay Project.
Rochester (NY)
The Rochester Alumnae Chapter has just completed a meaningful year of service to senior residential communities in the Rochester area. We find that these audiences are very appreciative of a wide variety of performers and music. Our members have performed music from the classical, modern, operatic and broadway show repertoires, and performers have included pianists, singers, a marimba player, flute players, and a violinist. The chapter also reached out to the local chapter of Mu Phi Epsilon and the SAI Buffalo Alumnae Chapter. We finished out the year with a joint Founder’s Day luncheon in a Buffalo suburb with the Buffalo alums. We are very busy planning for the 2008-09 year and hope even more performers will step forward to participate. We are planning several joint activities with the student chapter at Eastman School of Music (Sigma Theta) which is an important activity for us. We also hope to attract young music education graduates from several upstate New York music schools as they begin teaching in our area.
San Francisco Peninsula (CA)
Even though our initiation dates are 1942 to 2005, we 35 alumnae, plus seven Friends of the Arts and three Patronesses, continue our vitality in both friendships and chapter music presentations, both evident each time we meet together. More than half of us continue regular performances for all our chapter meetings, Public Musicales, and Province Days in solo, collaboration, or chamber settings, sharing the wonderful music.
Because of this great record, it’s important to name these 28 SAI alumnae performing-members and they are Elaine Coombs (Harp), Eleanor Hammer (Organ), Rebecca Nelson (Organ), Carolyn Pryor (Organ), Marge Cassingham (Piano), Katherine Forrester (Piano), Doris McCune (Piano), Carol Swenson (Piano), Sondra Clark (Piano), Chin Beckman (Piano), Marsha Rocklin (Piano), and Irene Whiteside (Piano). On solo handbells, Cheryl Baker Woldseth, Sandra Lewis (Violin), Cindy Fletcher (Violin), Teresa Merchant (Violin), Ann Coombs-Kenny (Viola), Noriko Iwamoto (Viola), Laurel Brobst Gilbert (Cello), Sue Larson (Cello), and Lucinda Lenicheck (Cello). Also, Michael Marmor (Clarinet), Faith Bamford (Horn), Katie Coleman (Horn), Frank Farris (Tenor), Helen Gruner (Soprano), Sarah Lodick (Soprano) and poetry by Eugenia Allen-Egbert. We had a wonderful year of music ending June ‘08, and our VP Program has scheduled a similar great calendar for ‘08-’09.
Tampa (FL)
On June 14, several members of the Tampa Alumnae Chapter gathered to honor our dear friend and sister, Darlene MacDonald Johnson in her brave fight against cancer. Recently, the Lambda Region sponsored a “Day for Darlene” celebration, where sisters from throughout the state of Florida contributed money to SAI Philanthropies in her honor. Serving as the Chairman of Philanthropies, 2006-2008, her favorite charity is SAI. The chapter wanted to find a special way to honor “our” Darlene, so, at our Founder’s Day meeting, our chapter decided to plant a rose bush in her yard that our precious symbol may grow and give her enjoyment. We gathered at Darlene’s house where her husband, Frank, had already picked out a beautiful spot by the front door, and, before long, our teamwork paid off with a beautiful rose bush with a plaque stating “In Honor of Darlene Johnson.” We then re-convened inside where we sang “So Near, So Dear” with special words written just for the occasion. “So Near, So Dear is our sister Darlene, she has inspired us and taught us to dream. Friendships lasting, loyal and true; here’s a gift of our love, Darlene, we dedicate to you.”
Topeka (KS)
The Topeka Alums are a busy group! Our All-American March Concert on March 30 was a big success, raising money for our scholarship fund for SAIs at Washburn University. An instrument drive was held in conjunction with the concert and over 30 instruments were collected for our Adopt-An-Instrument program. Two new patronesses with training were added to our numbers, and they are Gina Mangriacino and Nancy Epoch. Kenneth Forsyth and Dr. Gordon McQuere were also welcomed as Friends of the Arts. Next year, Topeka Alumnae will celebrate 70 years of sisterhood! Several members attended Washburn University and have been SAI friends and sisters since their initiation into Theta Chapter. Topeka is off and running, and planning ahead to SAI National Convention on July 30th in Lincolnshire, IL. See you there!
Tucson (AZ)
In January, a program of 20th Century clarinet music was presented by Chuck Aurand (clarinet) and Kathryn Conner (piano) at the home of Peg Arnold. The February meeting was held at St. Francis-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church in Green Valley. The musicale/fundraiser program was given to benefit the Tucson Unified School District’s “Opening Minds Through the Arts” program. Vocalist members Patricia Hardy and guest Margaret Cavitt were featured on the March program at the home of Charlotte de Windt. They presented duets and solos from “Faraway Places” around the world. In April, at the home of Betty and Duane Maurstad, composer and organist Gerald Near gave an informative talk about music composition and was initiated as a National Arts Associate. David Hardy was initiated as Friend of the Arts. The final meeting of the year was held May 3 at the home of co-president Sharlyn Matthews in Green Valley where guest singer/composer Helen Hanselmann sang some of her songs accompanied by Sharlyn Matthews. Piano duets of Debussy and Persichetti were also performed by Nancy Brown and Sharlyn Matthews. On May 12, chapter members attended a memorial service for longtime faithful member Eleanor Birdman Till, who passed away on May 2 in Tucson.
Volusia County (FL)
The Volusia County Alumnae Chapter held its eighth annual “Afternoon of Roses” benefit musicale on May 4 in Daytona Beach. Donations generated by the musicale fund the chapter’s Tippen Davidson Public Schools Strings Grant, monetary gifts to collegiate Eta Pi members based on performance, and other philanthropic activities. This year’s musicale resulted in donations of $3,709.10. Among the performers were Friend of the Arts Lynn Musco (clarinet) and National Arts Associate Michael Rickman (piano) of the Stetson School of Music faculty, and Ellie Covault (flute), member of Eta Pi Chapter, second-place winner of the Scholarship Competition.
Washington, DC
The Washington, DC Alumnae Chapter presented its annual benefit recital on April 20. SAI Maribeth and National Arts Associate Bradford Gowen gave a delightful performance of piano duets by Mozart, Schubert, Eric Ewazen, and David Burge. The benefit raised funds for the purchase of a piano for a Manor Care Nursing home in honor of Paul Traver, a resident at the facility. Paul, a National Arts Associate, and husband of Mary Kay Traver, was the director of the celebrated University of Maryland Chorus. In December, chapter members and their children presented a program of Christmas music for residents of Ingleside Retirement Home in Washington. In January, they gave the chapter's 27th annual recital for residents of Goodwin House, an Alexandria, VA, retirement home.