Sigma Alpha Iota

Life always slows down for me in the winter. Maybe it's living in the northeast, where the temperatures don't often go above freezing; maybe it's simply coming down off the holidays, with the sudden drop in performances and social gatherings. This slowing down becomes a good time to reflect, to catch up (on reading, music, chores), and the perfect time to delve into everything this current issue has to offer. The Winter issue of PAN PIPES has traditionally been dedicated to composers, accompanied by the annual SAI Composers Bureau update. Director Krista Vásquez-Connelly shares the latest premieres, performances, and news from its members, which reach to all corners of the world. There are several new composers added to the bureau this year as well, so make sure to check out their works. The spotlight on composers continues through the pages of PAN PIPES, including details on the 2025 National Convention Wind Ensemble program; an introspective from Hollis Thoms on Samuel Adler's The Binding; and a story from Mary Jane Tashiro, Composers Bureau member, on her personal journey from church pianist to internationally-recognized composer. Like all good stories, they spark hope and inspiration even in the darkest times, from war-torn America to a cold winter night. As always, I hope these stories inspire you as well, wherever you may be in the world. If you have a musical story, interview, or article to share, get in touch! I can be reached at SAIPanPipesEditor@gmail.com and would love to hear from you. Fraternally, Angela C. Silver EDITOR'S NOTES A WORD FROM THE NATIONAL PRESIDENT DISTINGUISHED MEMBERS REVIEWS IN MEMORIAM OPPORTUNITIES D E P A R T M E N T S CONTENTS 2 22 27 30 32 THE 2025 NATIONAL CONVENTION CHANTAL BRAZIEL HONORED WITH AMERICAN PRIZE 2025 MARGARET BLACKBURN COMPETITION WINNER HOW DO PIANISTS TEACH SINGERS? IN MEMORY: BARBARA STATON A BAND THAT LOOKS LIKE AMERICA MORE COMPOSER DISCOVERIES: SAMUEL ADLER'S THE BINDING A STORY ABOUT A JAPANESE-AMERICAN WOMAN COMPOSER HEARING HEALTH FOR MUSICIANS VISITING TWO BEL CANTO MUSEUMS IN LOMBARDY MY JOURNEY TO MAKING A CD OF ONE-HANDED PIANO WORKS BY WOMEN COMPOSERS F E A T U R E S 3 6 7 8 10 11 13 16 18 20 26 D ear Readers,

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