Sigma Alpha Iota

24 Winter 2026 • sai-national.org conducting the university flute ensemble, and mentoring students through the UE Music Conservatory. She is the Director of Education and Community Programs for the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra, overseeing all educational initiatives and the Youth Orchestras. Dr. Hampton also serves as Principal Flute with the Evansville Philharmonic and Owensboro Symphony Orchestras, and performs with the Harlaxton Woodwind Quintet. Her teaching career extends to the University of Louisville, where she is a Lecturer of Flute, and Kentucky Wesleyan College, where she serves as an adjunct instructor. Her orchestral experience includes performances with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, Breckenridge Music Festival, Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra, Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, and appearances at the Aspen and Texas Music Festivals. She has competed and won prizes at the Mid-South Flute Society Young Artist, Colorado Flute Society, Oklahoma Flute Society, MTNA, Plowman Chamber Music, and Bruce Ekstrand Graduate Competitions, and received additional training at the Aspen Music and Texas Music Festivals. Dr. Hampton earned a Doctor of Musical Arts and a Master of Music from the University of Colorado, and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Central Arkansas. Nicolai Janitzky Nicolai Janitzky was initiated as a Friend of the Arts by the Rockford Alumnae Chapter in December. Janitzky is a baritone performer in northern Illinois, sharing his talents with the Rockford Symphony Orchestra, the Mendelssohn Center for the Performing Arts, and the annual presentation of Handel's Messiah. He is a former member of the Core Supplementary Chorus with the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Janitzky supports local youth with outreach in schools, at the All-City Music Festival, and as a private voice teacher. As a recitalist, he is proficient in German, French, Italian, Russian, and Ukrainian. Janitzky has worked with many companies across North America, including San Francisco Opera, National Opera in Washington, DC, San Diego Opera, and New York City Opera. Some of his roles include Count Almaviva in Le Nozze di Figaro, Belcore in L'Elisir d'Amore, Germont in La Traviata, and Sharpless in Madama Butterfly. In 2012, he made his international debut in Hong Kong as Enrico in Lucio di Lammermoor. As a winner in the Marilyn Horne Art Song Foundation Awards, he made his recital debut in New York City at Weill Hall. Janitzky studied at Yale University and Music Academy of the West. He was a winner in the George London Foundation Awards and a Finalist in the Operalia International Vocal Competition. Matthew Mistretta Matthew Mistretta was initiated as a Friend of the Arts by the New Orleans Alumnae Chapter in May. Mistretta is a marketing professional, bringing experience from his work across diverse media organizations. A former saxophonist, Mistretta's early passion for music continues to shape his appreciation for the arts. He is an active member of the Krewe of Thoth, one of New Orleans' beloved Mardi Gras krewes. Mistretta earned a Bachelor's in Communications from Loyola University and a post-baccalaureate certificate in paralegal studies from Tulane University. He is the husband of Sigma Alpha Iota's National Vice President, Extension, Jennifer Zerangue Mistretta. Dr. Benjamin Morris Dr. Benjamin Morris was initiated as a Friend of the Arts by the Gamma Upsilon Chapter at Morehead State University in November. Dr. Morris is a saxophonist, chamber musician, and educator. His work includes many performances across classical, jazz, and commercial music. Dr. Morris serves as Assistant Professor of Saxophone at Morehead State University, where he leads the saxophone studio, coaches chamber ensembles, and performs alongside faculty and students. He has performed with the New World Symphony, Nu Deco Ensemble, the Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra, and the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Orchestra, and has appeared as a soloist with the Miami Sousa Band and the Carnegie Mellon Wind Ensemble. Chamber music has remained a focus in his musical career, leading him to co-found two professional saxophone quartets: The Deco Saxophone Quartet, winners of the inaugural Artist Launch Competition at the Frost School of music; and the Bridges Saxophone Quartet. Dr. Morris earned a Doctor of Musical Arts from the Frost School of Music, a Master of Music from Carnegie Mellon, and a Bachelor of Music Education from Morehead State University. Julia Schade Julia Schade was initiated as a Friend of the Arts by the Rockford Alumnae Chapter in December. Schade serves as a collaborative pianist who is versatile in many genres, including classical, sacred, jazz, gospel, and rock. She has played for many musical theatre events, recitals, vocal lessons, and juries, and learned to play the organ and serve as Music Director at Court Street United Methodist Church. Her versatility is what moved her career from Rockford to Chicago, where she became Associate Music Director for SIX – The Musical in its US debut at the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. When the production moved to Broadway, she continued as its Musical Director and collaborative pianist. Schade has maintained ties to her home and community in Rockford. Schade earned a Bachelor of Arts from Rockford University, and graduated from (Rockford) Auburn High School Creative and Performing Arts. She received a Tony award in 2022 and was inducted into the Rockford District 205 Hall of Fame in 2023. Distinguished Members Janitzky Janitzky Mistretta Mistretta Morris Morris Schade Schade

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