Sigma Alpha Iota

8 Winter 2023 • sai-national.org SAI Philanries, Inc. As musicians, we can promote music through commissioning, recording, and performing works of our composer colleagues, thereby enriching our catalogue of new repertoire. Sorores Duo, with the assistance of a Sigma Alpha Iota Philanthropies, Inc. Professional Development/ Education Grant, was able to perform the world premiere of a newly adapted song cycle, No Ordinary Woman! by Gwyneth Walker, at the International Clarinet Association ClarinetFest 2022 in Reno, Nevada on July 1 st , 2022. Sorores Duo is a partnership of Dr. Amy Rosine, soprano (Kansas State University), and Sandra Mosteller, clarinet (William Penn University). Our musical friendship began through Sigma Alpha Iota in the Epsilon Pi Chapter in Kirksville, Missouri. Many of our goals are grounded in philosophies we learned from SAI back in the 1980s! For the last several years, we have been on a mission to enhance the repertoire for soprano and clarinet with an emphasis on women. We presented to composer Gwyneth Walker the idea of commissioning works by a female composer, with text written by women, and performed by women; she was quick to respond. From this commission, she adapted two of her song cycles, Emily! (Texts by Emily Dickenson) and No Ordinary Woman! (Texts by Lucille Clifton) for soprano and piano to include the clarinet. Dr. Walker collaborated closely with us, allowing our input on each step of the process. We have since recorded these song cycles (2023 release). We also premiered Emily! at Kansas State University last spring at an event with the composer, celebrating her music through performances of her varied works. In July, Sorores Duo, along with pianist Gail Novak, premiered No Ordinary Woman! to a very receptive audience at ClarinetFest. Several of the audience members remarked that the would be purchasing the music. Completing commissioning/recording/ performance projects is extremely important, and the process and outcomes are incredibly rewarding. Each step is so important to keeping our music traditions alive. Sorores Duo appreciates the support of SAI Philanthropies, Inc. and encourages anyone to take advantage of this valuable resource we have as SAI members. — Submitted by Sandra Mosteller, Sorores Duo Promoting Music Through Commission and Performances Music of Gwyneth Walker At top, Gail Novak, Sandra Mosteller, and Amy Rosine At top, Gail Novak, Sandra Mosteller, and Amy Rosine at ClarinetFest 22 in Reno Nevada. at ClarinetFest 22 in Reno Nevada. Above, pianist Gail Novak with Sorores Duo Above, pianist Gail Novak with Sorores Duo (Amy Rosine, soprano, and Sandra Mosteller, clarinet) (Amy Rosine, soprano, and Sandra Mosteller, clarinet) performing performing No Ordinary Woman! No Ordinary Woman! at ClarinetFest2022 in Reno, NV. at ClarinetFest2022 in Reno, NV.

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