Sigma Alpha Iota

24 Summer 2026 • sai-national.org Kevin J. Bylsma Kevin J. Bylsma was initiated as a Friend of the Arts by the Gamma Omicron Chapter at Bowling Green State University in March. Bylsma has over two decades of experience as a vocal coach, collaborative pianist, choral conductor, and organist. A longtime member of the Toledo Opera staff, Bylsma serves as Head of Music Preparation and Chorus Master, and was recently names Co-Artistic Director with the company. There, he oversees musical preparation, coaches singers, and directs the chorus. Dedicated to the education and training of the next generation of operatic talent, Bylsma is also Coordinator of Opera and Repetiteur at Bowling Green State University's College of Musical Arts, responsible for vocal coaching and serving as a collaborative pianist for the school's large body of young singers. He is also Co-Founder and Artistic Director of the Ann Arbor Festival of Song, and has served the historic Mariners' Church of Detroit as Associate Organist and Choirmaster. In recitals and master classes, he has collaborated with the great American singers including Samuel Ramey, Marilyn Horne, and Dawn Upshaw. Previously, he was Music Director of the Department of Community Programs for the Michigan Opera Theatre and vocal coach, accompanist, and chorus master for OPERA! Lenawee. Bylsma also served on the artistic staff of OperaWorks, an intensive opera training program based in Los Angeles. Bylsma received his musical training at Calvin College, Bowling Green State University, and the University of Michigan, where he received the Robert Glasgow Organ Scholarship. Jayme Dittberner Jayme Dittberner was initiated as a Friend of the Arts by the Delta Chi Chapter at the University of South Florida in May. Dittberner served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at the University of South Florida, focusing on Bands and Conducting. During that time, she led the concert ensembles, Rumble Pep Band, and Herd of Thunder Marching Band. Previously, was Band Director at Talent Middle School in Oregon, and Artistic Director of the Rogue Valley New Horizons Band, a community ensemble for adults still wanting to remain connected to music. She is a private music instructor in piano, clarinet, and music theory, maintaining a private studio that focuses on both performance and theory instruction. Dittberner has served as a clinician and guest teacher, adjudicator, masterclass instructor, and marching band technician. She is a member of the National Association for Music Education, College Band Directors National Association, Music Teachers National Association, and International Clarinet Association. Dittberner earned a Master of Music in Instrumental Conducting from the University of South Florida and a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Southern Oregon University. Timothy Jooste Timothy Jooste was initiated as a Friend of the Arts by the Northern Delaware Alumnae Chapter in March. Jooste serves as the Sound and Audio Visual Technician for Limestone Presbyterian Church. He has been a programmer from a young age, skills that have translated into decades of supporting music and performers behind the scenes. At Limestone Presbyterian, Jooste has supported choirs, handbell ensembles, and instrumentalists by giving his time to thoughtfully designing sound and lighting, often making the most of a limited budget. Outside of worship services, Jooste also offers his talents for groups that have used the sanctuary for recitals and other performances, whether it's moving the piano, setting up microphones, or laying cables. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jooste developed a streaming service that allowed music, worship, and other services to reach both the church's regular attendees and broader audiences online. Beyond his work at Limestone Presbyterian, Jooste supports the arts through his children, who he encourages to be involved in the arts and music. He spent many hours driving them to rehearsals and attending their marching band competitions. Marin Kimpton Marin Kimpton was initiated as a Friend of the Arts by the Epsilon Theta Chapter at Appalachian State University in April. Kimpton is currently pursuing a Master of Music in Instrumental Conducting at Appalachian State University, where she serves as a Graduate Assistant. She works with the Marching Mountaineers, contributes to the school of music's major ensembles, and co- directs the Concert Band. She is a member of NAfME and the National Band Directors Association. Previously, Kimpton was Director of Bands at West Side School District, where she conducted multiple ensembles, directed athletic bands, and co-founded the Franklin County Marching Band. She also collaborated on marching productions and guest conducted regional ensembles such as the Northern Utah Youth Ensembles (NUYE). Marin earned a Bachelor of Music Education from Utah State University, studying conducting, pedagogy, and trumpet performance. Distinguished Members FRIEND OF THE ARTS a person who is supportive of and actively involved in the arts at a local or regional level Bylsma Bylsma Dittberner Dittberner Kimpton Kimpton Jooste Jooste

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