Sigma Alpha Iota

PAN PIPES Spring 2019 5 GRACE NOTE Dr. Marilyn Mason — renowned organist, longtime Professor of Music at the University of Michigan, and SAI Member Laureate — died on April 4, 2019 in Fort Lauderdale, FL at the age of 93. Mason earned her Bachelor's degree in 1946 and a Master's degree in 1947 from the University of Michigan. She began work on her Doctorate in Sacred Music at Union eological Seminary in New York in 1950. She was the longest-serving faculty member at the University of Michigan, retiring aer 67 years on the faculty. Her extensive career as concert organist, lecturer, adjudicator, and teacher carried her throughout the Western world. She was the first American woman organist to perform in London's Westminster Abbey, the first American woman organist to perform in Latin America, and the first American organist to perform in the newly completed Sayyid Darwish Concert Hall in Cairo, Egypt. During one year, invitations took her to five continents. She served as adjudicator at almost every major organ competition in the world. Dr. Mason's dedication to contemporary music MORE ON MASON For an example of Marilyn Mason's teaching: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=oMbTWWIQjpQ See these examples of her performances: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=WtVHPDw_6hk https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=PFq_rlo2RxM Marilyn Mason's career is described in this book: Reflections. The Organ Department, School of Music (1997). The University of Michigan, ed. by Marilyn Mason and Margarete Thomsen, The University of Michigan School of Music, Ann Arbor, MI. was evidenced by the 60 organ works she commissioned and premiered. More than 20 research tours focused on historic organs throughout Europe. In 1987, she was awarded an honorary Doctor of Music by the University of Nebraska. In 1988, she was chosen as Performer of the Year by the New York Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. Her discography, on Columbia and Musical Heritage Society labels, includes music of Bach, Handel, and contemporary composers. She recorded the complete organ works of Pachelbel for the Musical Heritage Society. Mason also led a life of service as a church musician, serving 27 years as organist at First Congregational Church in Ann Arbor. Dr. Mason was initiated into Sigma Alpha Iota by the Iota Alpha Chapter at Oklahoma State University in 1944, where she spent her sophomore year, and was later honored as a Member Laureate by the Alpha Zeta Chapter at Oklahoma City University in 1954. Her organ concerts were presented at Sigma Alpha Iota National Conventions many times throughout the years, including the 1990 National Convention Vesper Service and as the featured performer at the 100th Anniversary Convention in 2003, where she performed at Pease Auditorium on Eastern Michigan University's campus. Member Laureate Marilyn Mason Passes

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