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sai-national.org • Fall 2025 13 The Music of Convention Dr. Michael Braz Dr. Michael Braz Official Convention Accompanist Friend of the Arts Dr. Michael Braz received his B.M. and M.M. degrees from the University of Miami, later completing a Ph.D. as a University Fellow at Florida State University. During a half-century of piano, harpsichord, celesta, and other keyboard performances, he has participated in such varied concert venues as the Dolmetsch Festival of Early Music (Haslemere, England), the New Hampshire Music Festival, and the Savannah Music Festival. Professor Emeritus of Music at Georgia Southern University and a twenty-four-year faculty member, Braz taught coursework in theory/composition and music education, as well as classes on such subjects as Finale music software and Wagner's Ring Cycle. An SAI member for over thirty years, he has created instrumental and choral commissions for National Conventions since 2003, including A Pandean Pilgrimage (band/optional chorus) as an IAMA Composer/Judge, The Music in the Rainbow (treble choir/piano), Tempus Perfectus (brass quintet), and A Call to Reunion (trumpet ensemble). Singing SAIs Singing SAIs The Singing SAIs led the membership in song throughout Convention, including General Sessions, Welcome Luncheon, and the Dinner of Honors. They were directed by Dr. Angelica Brooks, accompanied by Akilah Watts (far left). The 2025 Natial Cvention National Convention Wind Ensemble National Convention Wind Ensemble The Wind Ensemble performed during the Welcome Luncheon, under the direction of Dr. Pam Klena. This specially-curated concert was all about celebrating inclusivity, including pieces by historically-excluded composers and cultures. Complete program and notes to be featured in the Winter 2026 issue of PAN PIPES!