Sigma Alpha Iota

sai-national.org • Spring 2024 31 Keith Critcher Keith Critcher was initiated as a Friend of the Arts by the Ft. Worth Alumnae Chapter in February. Mr. Critcher is a Professor of Music at Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth, TX. In addition, he is a Collaborative Pianist at Brite Divinity School in Fort Worth, where he also serves as Coordinator of Vocal Studies, a Vocal Coach, teaches Chamber Piano, is a Music in Worship Instructor, and is the music director and pianist for music theater and cabaret performances. Critcher earned a Master of Music, with a Piano and Conducting Concentration, at Southwestern Baptist eological Seminary and a Bachelor of Music, with a Piano, Organ, and Bassoon Concentration, from Appalachian State University. He also had Pre-Doctoral studies, with a Piano Collaboration Concentration, at Southwestern Baptist eological Seminary from 1998-1999. His awards include: Outstanding Lecture Recital with Baritone at the College Music Society National Convention, in Vancouver, Canada in October of 2018; a 2004 "Caring Heart" Service Award from Harris Methodist Hospital in Fort Worth; and Best Musical Director from the DFW Column Awards in 2003. Critcher was also a Pianist Performer at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Dallas, TX in January 2003 and presented "How to Birth a Song" at the Edinburg Fringe Festival and World Art.Com Showcase in Edinburg, Scotland, in 2001. He has served as a Voces Intimae: e Art of Song Board Member, and he is a member of the American Guild of Organists, the National College Music Society, the American Choral Directors Association, the Texas Music Educators Association, Kappa Kappa Psi (Honorary), and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. Dr. Teresa Purcell-Giles Dr. Teresa Purcell-Giles was initiated as a Friend of the Arts by the eta Kappa Chapter at William Paterson University (WP) in February. Dr. Purcell-Giles joined the faculty at William Paterson University in 2021 and serves as Director of Bands/Assistant Professor of Music and Flute. In her role at WP, Dr. Purcell- Giles conducts the William Paterson Wind Symphony, teaches applied flute, advanced conducting and coordinates the instrumental area (woodwind, brass and strings) applied studies. She is currently preparing her Chamber Winds ensemble for a performance at Carnegie Hall this April and is also preparing another chamber ensemble to tour Europe this coming March. Prior to her appointment at William Paterson, she was Director of Bands at Oklahoma Baptist University, and taught 5th-12th grade bands in the public schools of Georgia and Kansas. Dr. Purcell-Giles holds degrees from the University of Oklahoma (D.M.A. Wind Conducting, 2017), Kansas State University (M.M. Instrumental Conducting, 2011), and the University of Texas at El Paso (B.M. Music Education, 2007). Her primary conducting teachers were Frank Tracz and Bill Wakefield, and she studied flute with Melissa Colgin- Abeln and Mary Lee Cochran. She is active as a clinician, adjudicator and guest conductor across the country. She has presented nationally on topics ranging from engaging audiences through interactive performances to wellness and injury prevention for conductors, and in 2016, was invited to guest conduct the United States Army Band Pershing's Own as part of their annual Conductor's Workshop. Dr. Purcell- Giles holds professional affiliations with the College Band Directors National Association, the National Association for Music Educators, New Jersey Music Educators, the National Flute Association and is an honorary member of Tau Beta Sigma and Kappa Kappa Psi. Dr. Roberta Winemiller Dr. Roberta Winemiller was initiated as a Friend of the Arts by the Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter in February. Backed by a wealth of professional experience in music, Dr. Winemiller excels as a bassoonist and saxophonist, but also as a conductor. She initially pursued an education at Bowling Green State University in Ohio, graduating with a Bachelor of Music Education, cum laude, in 1978. She subsequently earned a Master of Music Performance from Kent State University in 1985 and a Master of Education in counseling psychology from Temple University in 1991. In 2006, Dr. Winemiller obtained a Doctor of Philosophy in music education from the Esther Boyer College of Music at Temple University. Dr. Winemiller's began her career in 1978 as a music teacher for the Ohio Public Schools until 1983, at which point she served Kent State University as a graduate assistant and assistant director of university bands. From 1985 to 1992, she worked as the associate director of bands at Temple University. Dr. Winemiller has flourished as the conductor for the Rose Tree Pops Orchestra in Media, Pennsylvania since 2001 and was the department chairperson for guidance at the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District in Pennsylvania from 1992 to 2017. roughout the years, Dr. Winemiller has also found success as a freelance musician and private instructor for woodwinds musicians. One of her achievements was her opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City with her stalwart wind quintet. Dr. Winemiller's gi for music has been recognized by her listeners and many other talented musicians, and she has been celebrated throughout her grand career. Appointed to the Bowling Green State University's College of Music Arts Board of Tutors, she was presented with the President's Distinguished Service Award from the aforementioned university. She was also honored among the National Register of Outstanding College Graduates. Dr. Winemiller retains her membership with the Delaware County Arts Consortium, the Delaware County Symphony, and Pi Kappa Lambda, the honor society for students and professors of music. Critcher Critcher Winemiller Winemiller FRIEND OF THE ARTS a person who is supportive of and actively involved in the arts at a local or regional level Distinguished Members Purcell-Giles Purcell-Giles

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