Sigma Alpha Iota

2 Spring 2026 • sai-national.org D ear Members of Sigma Alpha Iota, Spring is upon us, a season of renewal where creativity reawakens and the world feels alive with possibility. In many ways, it mirrors the spirit of our Fraternity. Like music itself, it connects us through a shared language, celebrates the unique voice of each member, and inspires us to imagine what we can create together. Spring is also the time of year when many Province Days take place. For a National President, it's a chance to experience the Fraternity at its most vibrant. While much of national leadership happens behind the scenes, Province Days bring it all to life through the energy, creativity, and camaraderie of members gathered in one place. Impromptu harmonies echo through rehearsal halls, laughter spills out of chapter rooms, and across generations, connections spark in unexpected ways. These gatherings are a chance to listen, learn, and celebrate alongside members from different chapters, witnessing firsthand the ties that sustain our musical community. Conversations at these events often go beyond music. When invited to speak at a Province Day, I tend to share stories from my professional life in the science industry—the realities of research, the twists and turns of a scientific career, or the occasional lab mishap that becomes a memorable anecdote. Members are often surprised and amused, seeing a side of my world far removed from their own musical experiences. This spring, the roles were reversed. In addition to sharing my scientific career with SAI members, I found myself presenting my "career" in Sigma Alpha Iota to colleagues in my professional community. Just as our members are intrigued by the science behind my life, my colleagues were captivated by the creativity, commitment, and community SAI inspires. Then came a moment I didn't see coming. I reached the slide highlighting my service as National President, and a colleague burst into applause. I paused for a moment, half in disbelief, half amused, but in that instant, it hit me: the leadership, experiences, and connections we cultivate in SAI resonate far beyond our musical circles. As you turn the pages of this spring issue, you'll discover stories that celebrate the talent, dedication, and creativity within our Fraternity. From a reflection on Pan to highlights from SAI booths at national music education conferences, this issue showcases the many ways our sisterhood engages with the broader musical world. You'll meet inspiring musicians in our Alumnae and Sister Spotlights, explore journeys ranging from earning a Ph.D. in Music Education to becoming a DJ, and see the impact of music through fields like music therapy and Orff-based teaching. With glimpses into experiences like the Ravinia Music Festival and other moments from the World of Music, each feature reflects the depth and vibrancy of our shared musical life. That unexpected applause from my colleague reminded me that the impact of our work extends far beyond chapters, rehearsal halls, and concert stages. Every connection we build, and every act of leadership helps carry our mission into the world. It is this shared sense of purpose that makes SAI Philanthropies, Inc. so essential— sustaining programs, scholarships, and service that empower musicians and strengthen our community for generations to come. I invite you to consider how you might support this work, ensuring that the opportunities we value today remain available for those who follow. Together, we carry our music—and our values—into the world, shaping a future rich with creativity, connection, and possibility. May you each experience your own unexpected moment of applause. Much SAI Love, Jessica A WORD FROM THE NATIONAL PRESIDENT PAN PIPES Print Subscription Update IN the next issue of the Fraternity Journal, PAN PIPES, members will find an opt-in card for those who wish to continue receiving the journal in a printed format. Members who prefer to keep receiving a mailed copy should simply complete and return the card or respond through the digital option that will also be provided. If a response is not received by August 31, 2026, the member's subscription will automatically transition to the digital edition of PAN PIPES for the Fall 2026 issue. is change is part of a thoughtful effort to be mindful of rising postage and printing costs and to help steward the resources of the Foundation responsibly. Currently, the combined costs of publication, printing, and postage for PAN PIPES total nearly $250,000 per triennium. at said, if you prefer receiving a printed copy, we absolutely encourage you to respond. We are happy to continue providing a mailed journal for members who value the print edition and want to keep it arriving in their mailbox. We encourage members to watch for this card in the upcoming issue and respond according to their preference. ank you for helping us continue to share the stories and accomplishments of our Fraternity and members, while caring responsibly for the resources that support our mission.

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