Sigma Alpha Iota

P A N P I P E S Spring 2021 25 25 Elise Kashmiry Elise Kashmiry was initiated as a Friend of the Arts by the Delta Gamma Chapter at the University of Florida in January. Elise Kashmiry attended the University of Florida, where she spent her time as a Gatorette and holding leadership roles in the Gator Band. Earning two degrees from the University of Florida, a BSBA in Marketing with a minor in Communication Studies and an MS in Business Administration with a concentration in Entrepreneurship, she now works as the Administrative Specialist for the University of Florida Band Department. Ms. Kashmiry has a background in finance, administration and event planning/production bringing 10 years of business and administration experience to the department. Prior to moving to Gainesville she worked in New York City as an administrative assistant in a boutique investment firm, Lazard Capital Markets, gaining her Series 7 & 63 certifications. She continues to make contributions to the Arts through her work serving as an assistant coach for the UF Gatorettes, as well as her coaching of baton twirling and teaching at Pure Barre Gainesville. Dr. Kelci Kosin Dr. Kelci Kosin was initiated as a Friend of the Arts by the Iota Chi Chapter at Ball State University in February. Soprano Kelci Kosin has been an active performer throughout the Midwest, most recently singing in performances throughout Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan. Operatic performances include Rosalinda in Die Fledermaus, Mimi in La Boheme, Fiordiligi in Cosi Fan Tutte, Countess in Le Nozze di Figaro, Suor Angelica in Suor Angelica, and Lola in Gallantry. Dr. Kosin has a passion for exploring new repertoire, including both opera and art song. She sang the role of Trang in the Chicago premiere of Daron Hagen's opera Amelia and sang the premiere performance of Marjorie Rusche's Middletown Chronicles, which was broadcast on PBS as a part of Indiana's bi-centennial celebration. She premiered Dana Wilson's Love Me Like a Beautiful Dream, a song cycle for voice, horn, and piano, at the 51st International Horn Symposium in Ghent, Belgium. Concert performances include Vivaldi's Gloria, Rutter's Requiem, Orff 's Carmina Burana, and Beethoven's Symphony No. 9. Ms. Kosin holds a doctor of arts in voice performance with a secondary area of emphasis in musical theatre studies from Ball State University. She currently teaches voice as an adjunct faculty member and also serves as the academic advisor for the Ball State School of Music. Dr. Aaron Witek Dr. Aaron Witek was initiated as a Friend of the Arts by the Epsilon Chapter at Ithaca College in February. Dr. Witek joined the faculty of Ithaca College's School of Music in fall 2018 as Assistant Professor of Trumpet. He held this same role from 2013-2018 at the University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM) where he was part of the faculty ensemble in residence, Black Bayou Brass. Maintaining an active performance schedule, Witek has performed throughout the United States, China, Australia, and Bangladesh. His playing experience includes the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra (NY), Shreveport Symphony Orchestra (LA), Monroe Symphony Orchestra (principal, LA), Sinfonia Gulf Coast Orchestra (FL), Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra (FL), Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra (FL), Albany Symphony Orchestra (GA), and the Orchestra of Northern New York. As a soloist, Witek has performed with the International Shanghai Symphonic Band, Monroe Symphony Orchestra, Ithaca College Wind Ensemble, Florida State University Symphonic Band, University of Louisiana Monroe Wind Ensemble, and the University of Louisiana Monroe Symphonic Band. He is an award recipient, winning first place in the Historic Division of the National Trumpet Competition and an International Trumpet Guild Scholarship. As a noted author, Witek has been published numerous times in the International Trumpet Guild Journal. His book entitled Gordon Mathie: The Treasured Legacy of a Master Teacher and Performer, published by WR Enterprises, was released at the 2014 International Trumpet Guild Conference and is available at www. wiffrudd.com. In May 2018, Witek released his first publication with Mountain Peak Music entitled Solo Duet Training for Trumpet. Witek earned a Doctorate of Music in Trumpet Performance from FSU where he also completed his Master of Music degree in Performance. In addition, he received his Bachelor of Music in Education degree at the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam. Dr. Witek is proud to be a Yamaha Artist and a Monster Oil Performing Artist. DISTINGUISHED MEMBERS Kashmiry Kashmiry Witek Witek Kosin Kosin DISTINGUISHED MEMBERS Chapters may nominate a person for initiation as a Distinguished Member. Distinguished Memberships of four types are offered by the Fraternity: Member Laureate - an initiated member of the Fraternity who has achieved international distinction in the music profession. She may be a performer, composer, teacher, author, musicologist, or philanthropist. Honorary Member - a woman who has achieved international distinction in the music profession who is not an initiated member of Sigma Alpha Iota. She may be a performer, composer, teacher, author, musicologist, or philanthropist. National Arts Associate - a man or woman who is nationally recognized for distinguished contribution to the arts. Friend of the Arts - a man or woman who is supportive of and actively involved in the arts at a local or regional level.

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