Issue link: http://saihq.uberflip.com/i/1543160
4 Winter 2026 • sai-national.org The 2025 Natial Cvention By Dr. Pam Klena By Dr. Pam Klena The National Convention Wind Ensemble concert was all about celebrating inclusivity in the music we play. For a long time, wind band music has been shaped mostly by white male composers, and their work is still an invaluable part of what we do, serving as a necessary foundation for the growth of wind band. But it's time to go further—by finding, performing, and commissioning works by historically-excluded composers, we make sure every musician can see themselves in the music. Every culture, voice, and experience adds something special, adding depth to our own humanity and how we view the world around us. Even while preparing for the SAI National Convention, a few musicians within our Wind Ensemble shared their own Cuban musical practices during rehearsals of Of Endless Miles and Empty Rafts, making the piece more authentic and alive. Moments like that show the power of including everyone in the creative process—how when all voices are heard, the music becomes richer, more meaningful, and completely human. After all, isn't that what music is all about? Here you will find our SAI National Convention Wind Ensemble program and a little more about each piece and composer. Hopefully, this can help you in your own adventures of discovering new music and sharing it with others. I, personally, am so passionate about this and happy to share new composers I've found along the way. Always feel free to reach out to me at pamelaklena@oakland.edu. Love and roses, sisters! Kalos Eidos by Carol Brittin Chambers Kalos Eidos comes from the Greek words for "beautiful form," and it's also where we get the word "kaleidoscope." Just like turning a kaleidoscope, the music is always shifting— sometimes bright and bold, other times smooth and lyrical. It's colorful, surprising, and always changing. Chambers is a composer, arranger, and owner of Aspenwood Music, as well as a sought-after conductor and clinician. She teaches composition and serves as Composer-in-Residence at Texas Lutheran University. She is also an accomplished trumpet player and used to be a band director, so she really knows how to write music that's right "in the pocket" for students. Plus... her pieces are just fun to play (and conduct!). Loch Lomond Arr. by JaRod Hall This is a fresh take on the classic Scottish folk song Loch Lomond. You'll hear the tune sung out with warmth and beauty, but also some powerful, full-band moments that make it sound brand new. It's tender, it's strong, and it really brings the old melody to life. Hall is a composer, educator, and performer from Texas. He holds degrees in Music Education from the University of North Texas and Texas State University, and studied composition, conducting, and tuba. Not only is he an SAI National Convention Wind Ensemble Chambers Chambers Hall Hall