Sigma Alpha Iota

PAN PIPES Winter 2019 3 Board of Sigma Alpha Iota Philanthropies, Inc. sponsored a song competition to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the opening of Pan's Cottage at the MacDowell Colony. Composers were asked to express in song the importance of this philanthropic project to SAI members through the years. e premiere of the winning song was presented by the Strolling SAIs at the 2018 National Convention in Scottsdale. e winning composition, ODE TO pAn's CottAGE, was written by SAI member Debra Rue. Rue was initiated by the Sigma Gamma Chapter at the University of Tulsa, where she received her Bachelor of Music Education Vocal/ Instrumental degree. She received her Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting from the University of Colorado at Boulder. A retired Texas music educator and minister of music, Rue has written curriculum for AP Music eory and presented various presentations at the Texas Music Educators Convention, including "e Effective Accompanist." Her published compositions include Canticle for Peace— premiered for the United Nations Ambassadors in celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the Declaration of Human Rights and nominated for the Pulitzer Prize — and Daughters of Music, which was commissioned for the 70th Anniversary of SAI's Fort Worth Alumnae Chapter. When asked to explain the ideas behind her composition, Rue had the following to share about ODE TO pAn's CottAGE: "e title looks a little strange - it is formed this way to reflect the musical theme it provided to compose ODE TO pAn's CottAGE. Utilizing the straightforward theme of A, C, A, G, E and its use in retrograde, the song was formed. In the SONGS OF SIGMA ALPHA IOTA, our songbook includes fiy-two selections. Only one song is written in 6/8, Our Symphony written in 1952. is is the reason the 6/8 time signature was chosen. Song lyrics were designed to encompass all the arts since people from all artistic backgrounds have the chance to apply and be selected for the unique experience and environment Pan's Cottage has to offer. is special place provides what is required to create in any form of art - inspiration, emotion, and time. e flute was included as accompaniment to symbolize Pan, the namesake of the building whose 100th Anniversary is being celebrated. If a flute is not available for the performance, the part can be played on the piano. It is my hope that the combination of melody and lyrics in this song portray the unique setting and special atmosphere at Pan's Cottage, thus securing its importance as a continued key philanthropic project for SAI." The Song Competition Winner There is a place - where I could go - Where songs are sung, Stories unfold, Melodies come to life. There is a place - that we all know - Where nature inspires, And peace requires Time - in darkness or light. The muses come to me unheard, unseen To honor my gift - a unique, precious thing That rides on the wind of my soul. And takes me where my heart wants to go To satisfy - the call. We all need a place - where we can go - We need the place - that we all know To write, to draw, to paint, to practice, to compose, A place where artists have the chance To change the world with every work of art - At the CottAGE of pAn. Lyrics to O de to pAn's CottAGE 2018 NATIONAL CONVENTION IN REVIEW Pan's Cottage Song Competition Winner and Fort Worth Alumnae Chapter president Debra Rue poses with the illustration of Pan's Cottage at the National Convention in Scottsdale.

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