Sigma Alpha Iota

sai-national.org • Winter 2026 5 The 2025 Natial Cvention accomplished music educator—he's a tuba and trombone player! He's attentive to all part- writing, but knows how to write for low brass (and isn't an engaged low brass section better than whatever it is they're doing back there?!). Dance of the Imp by David Samuel Think of a tiny, mischievous creature darting around, never staying still—that's Dance of the Imp. The music is playful, quick, and a little sneaky, like a game of hide-and- seek. It keeps you guessing with every twist and turn. It is so fun to play and conduct and, in my experience, is always a big hit at honor bands. Samuel, from Pensacola, Florida, is a composer, arranger, and educator. He earned both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Music Education and the Science of Education from Troy University. Samuel has composed and arranged music for concert bands, jazz bands, and marching bands across the southeast. In addition to composing, he enjoys performing live as a jazz pianist. He currently serves as Director of Bands at Foley High School in Alabama. (Let's hear it for those active band directors/composers who know how it is in the band room!) How to Train Your Dragon by John Powell / Arr. Sean O'Loughlin Okay, full transparency here: I selected this work because I love conducting it! Plus, I haven't met a musical group yet that doesn't just adore playing this work. I'm such a big fan of the movie—I always cry at the end. Because, to me, How to Train Your Dragon is about friendship and courage, and how empathy and trust can bridge differences and transform relationships (Hiccup and his dad/community). This piece brings the epic music from the hit movie right to the stand. You'll hear big soaring themes (Let's hear it for "Hollywood horn" playing!), exciting rhythms, and moments of real beauty that could move you (mostly me) to tears. Powell is best known for his scores for animated films like How to Train Your Dragon, Shrek, and Happy Feet. He's worked closely with DreamWorks, Hans Zimmer, and Harry Gregson-Williams, and has also scored major action films like The Bourne Identity series and Mr. & Mrs. Smith. Sean O'Loughlin is a composer, arranger, and conductor known for colorful, exciting music. He's Principal Pops Conductor for the Victoria Symphony and Syracuse Symphony, and has worked with orchestras like the Boston Pops and Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. Of Endless Miles and Empty Rafts by Michele Fernández This piece tells the story of Cuban refugees crossing the ocean in search of safety and a new beginning. The music opens tense and emotional, which reflects both the danger and uncertainty of the voyage, as well as the courage and resilience of the refugees. Fernández uses two Cuban dance rhythms: Guaguancó, a lively rumba rhythm, and Son Montuno, a rhythmic, call-and-response style. Will you need to dance a bit to convey the authenticity of the Cuban dance rhythms? 100% yes! Fernández is a composer, performer, and highly sought-after guest clinician whose jazz and symphonic works have been performed at national and international events. Her music is widely published, and she frequently works with honor bands, All-State groups, and regional ensembles. Fernández recently retired after thirty years of teaching (thank you for your service, Michele!), during which her ensembles earned top honors and international recognition. She has been featured in national media for her outstanding work as an educator. An accomplished performer in both classical and Afro-Latin/jazz styles, she continues to inspire musicians across the country through her compositions, clinics, and conducting. You simply must check out her works! Dr. Pam Klena is Assistant Professor of Music at Oakland University, where she conducts the Oakland University Symphonic Band. She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of North Carolina – Greensboro and a Master of Music from Central Michigan University. She is Immediate Past President of Women Band Directors International (WBDI), faculty advisor to the Nu Zeta chapter at Oakland University, and Director of the Doctoral Grant through SAI Philanthropies, Inc. She is an initiate of the Lambda Eta chapter at Lee University in Cleveland, TN, where she earned a Bachelor of Music Education, and is a recipient of the Sword of Honor. Fernández Fernández Samuel Samuel Powell Powell

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