Sigma Alpha Iota

Spring 2021 6 P A N P I P E S MUSIC NOTES J ennifer Clarke, an SAI Patroness Member, has joined the National Flute Association (NFA) staff as executive director. "I'm so impressed with the work the National Flute Association is doing to support and enrich flut- ists' lives and opportunities in these challenging times," Jennifer said, "and look forward to being part of the organization's innovative and inclusive future." Jennifer has extensive experience in leadership and management of non-profit arts institutions, most recently as executive director of Associated Chamber Music Players (ACMP) and the ACMP Foundation. She has also worked with Symphony Space, Chamber Music America, New York City Arts in Education Roundtable, the American Music Center, the Royal Festival Hall, and London Sinfonietta, among others. A consultant to many arts organizations, Jennifer has served on grant review panels for the New York State Council on the Arts and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and has pre- sented on panels for Chorus America, Chamber Music America, Yale University, and others. She is also founder and executive director of Melodia Women's Choir of New York City. Jennifer has a B.A. in Music and English from Bretton Hall Col- lege (Leeds University), UK, and an M.A. in Arts Management Studies from New York University. Founded in 1972, and headquartered in Chicago, IL, the not-for-profit National Flute Association is the largest flute organization in the world with more than 5,000 members worldwide including leading soloists, orchestral players, jazz performers, composers, flute scholars, students, teachers, adult amateurs, flute makers, music publishers, and flute enthusiasts. e organiza- tion boasts the largest lending library of flute music internationally with a catalogue of more than 15,000 works. Dedicated to inspiring young artists, NFA has numerous scholarship programs for continuing education including cultural out- reach scholarships in 15 U.S. and non-U.S. cities. Learn more at: www.nfaonline.org SAI Named Flute Association Executive Director SAI Patroness Jennifer Clarke SAI Patroness Jennifer Clarke The Metropolitan Opera's live recording of The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess won the 2021 GRAMMY Award for Best Opera Recording. This three-CD set stars bass-baritone Eric Owens and soprano Angel Blue in the title roles, and is conducted by David Robertson. Congratulations to the cast, orchestra, and chorus, which included a number of Sigma Alpha Iota members: Denyce Graves (Maria), Leah Hawkins (Strawberry Woman), Chantal Braziel, Jihanna Charlton-Davis, Dr. Christine Jobson, Tesia Kwarteng, Dr. LaToya Lain, Jamet Pittman, and Kimberli Render. "It meant so much to be able to make my debut at the Metropolitan Opera with a cast of unbelievably talented black musicians. We became a family, a community. To then also win a GRAMMY with this group, is unbelievable." — Dr. Christine Jobson, chorus member "I was incredibly happy when our recording won the GRAMMY for Best Opera Recording. The loving community that we created offstage translated completely onto the stage and into our performances. We are truly family! It was a special experience and I'm honored to have been a part of it." — Leah Hawkins, Strawberry Woman "It's certainly a well deserved win and the icing on what was already a spectacular experience! Everyone involved is beyond overjoyed and proud of the work we all did in creating a beautiful show. It was an honor to be a part of this historic production and I'm so grateful to have had this opportunity." — Tesia Kwarteng, chorus member A GRAMMY Win

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