Sigma Alpha Iota

sai-national.org • Fall 2024 9 SAI Philanries, Inc. SAI Bold Notes Project SAI Bold Notes Project As former Chairman of Sigma Alpha Iota Philanthropies, Inc., the Bold Notes Project was one of the projects under my leadership. It was always intriguing to me how the project evolved and the need it fulfills for the visually impaired. In the early 1960s, a national repository and lending library for the blind and print disabled was established at the Library of Congress in Washington, DC. The Library was looking for ways to increase their music collection, and since our fraternity is music-oriented, SAI was a perfect match for the Library of Congress. The project of transcribing large note music was introduced to SAI at the 1965 National Convention in Minneapolis, MN. SAIs across the country began stamping note heads onto large 12" x 18" manuscript paper in landscape orientation. Only a few measures fit onto a page and the end result was quite a large volume (or often volumes) that had to be stored in the music stacks at the Library of Congress. It was a long, painstaking project for SAIs. By the 1990s, the music library was rapidly running out of shelf space and many selections were still needed. Many individuals tried to enlarge the music mechanically using copy machines, but it produced a poorly-spaced score that was illegible for most visually-impaired readers. Computer technology was evolving at this time, and it supplanted the archaic way of transcribing music. In 2006, SAI launched a new version of the Bold Notes Project using music computer programs, such as Finale and Sibelius. These programs produce a high-quality print score in a fraction of the time and with more accuracy. These transcriptions are saved as PDF files and sent to the Library of Congress, solving their storage problems exponentially. In addition, these files can now be printed on demand and sent out to all individuals who are U.S. citizens across the country and abroad, free of charge. Young beginners to senior citizens have access to piano, vocal, and instrumental scores available at many levels of attainment and ability. One of the purposes of SAI is to further the development of music in America and throughout the world at large. What better way can we support our National Objectives than by striving to promote SAI Philanthropies, Inc. projects? The Bold Notes Project helps to fulfill all these goals by providing music to those who need these vital resources. In 2013, the Bold Notes Project was recognized by the Professional Fraternity Association at their National Convention in St. Louis, MO. They presented the Bold Notes Project with a prestigious award, the Outstanding Professional Program Award, for 2012–13. Completing a piece of music for the Bold Notes Project is very rewarding. Just imagine how it would feel to lose some of your eyesight and no longer be able to play music because the music is too small to read. The Bold Notes Project enlarges these selections so that one can resume performing on their favorite instrument. Their perseverance to overcome physical or visual handicaps and create music is a great inspiration to all. Won't you join me in this endeavor? This can be done individually or as a chapter project. Most collegiate chapters have access to Sibelius and Finale on campus. Finale can still be used, but will no longer be updated. This software program has been replaced by Dorico for MacOS and Windows users. There are Chapter Outreach Grants (up to $500) available for alumnae and college chapters to procure these software programs. Alumnae members can also request funds by contacting me directly. Over forty collegiate chapters and individuals have already participated in this project since its move to digital, and approximately 350 pieces have been completed. Being a music major or even a music minor is not a prerequisite for working on the Bold Notes Project. It is a significant way to make a serious and meaningful contribution to Philanthropies without having the angst of performing on stage. It is a collaborative process and can be a social activity, especially for collegiate chapters. Make use of your musical talents in a different way. I have templates available for all three programs to ensure you use the correct format required by the Library of Congress. Once a piece is completed, it needs to be proofread to ensure the accuracy of the notes, rhythm, dynamics, accents, etc. It must be perfect before being placed in circulation. The Library of Congress carefully preserves and circulates your piece, with your name on the completed work. This results in a permanent expansion of musical opportunities for print-disabled students, teachers, and performers alike. Let's join the team. For further information, please contact me at saiboldnotes@gmail.com — Arlene Jospe Veron, Bold Notes Director Bold Notes Director Arlene Jospe Veron. Bold Notes Director Arlene Jospe Veron. The second line at top is how the headline The second line at top is how the headline would appear in Braille. would appear in Braille.

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