Sigma Alpha Iota

FALL 2020 34 PAN PIPES SIGMA ALPHA IOTA ANNUAL AWARDS 2 0 2 0 M usic has always been a part of my life. At five, I begged my parents for a violin. By ten I was taking piano lessons, and by fourteen I was convinced I should be singing and dancing in school musicals. While tap dancing in 42 nd Street didn't become a reality, I took voice lessons and participated in the school choir. I was fortunate to study music in college, and there I found my passion: providing musical opportunities for others. My career of providing music and a musical education to others has been rewarding. Lifelong learning is important and is valuable to being a good educator and performer. However, it had been years since I participated in a formalized music education class, and I was feeling the need to refresh my skill set as a performer and educator. My friend and fellow SAI, Virginia Johnson, had recommended the BodyMind and Voice Course. After looking for myself, I felt this course would connect the science of singing to efficient and effortless singing for students of all ages. My impression was correct, but it just scratched the surface of what I was about to learn. The 2019 BodyMind and Voice Course had fourteen participants. We hailed from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Japan, and India, all at various stages in our career. Our instructors included: • Axel Theier, Executive Director and Professor of Voice/Director of Choral Activities at St. John's University/ College of St. Benedict • Elizabeth Grefsheim, Music Educator and Choir Director • Carol Klitzke, Speech Pathologist and Clinical Specialist • Babette Lightner, Movement Educator and Founder of The Lightner Method TM • And special guest André-Louis Heywood, the St. John's Boy's Choir Artistic Director The course was held at beautiful St. John's University in Northwest Experiencing BodyMind and Voice

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