Sigma Alpha Iota

35 sai-national.org | Fall 2026 Cool Charney (Wisconsin), where he served as Chair of the Piano Department; the University of Wisconsin–Marathon Center, where he developed an adult piano class program through continuing education; and was a piano instructor at the University of Toledo and Bowling Green State University. Dr. Pearsall is a past president of the Georgia Music Teachers Association and a member of the Executive Steering Committee for the National Group Piano and Piano Pedagogy Forum. He also maintains a private studio of pre-college and adult students, and is an active clinician, performer, author, and adjudicator. He is a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and Phi Kappa Phi honor society. Dr. Pearsall earned a Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Oklahoma, a Master of Music in Piano Performance from Bowling Green State University, and a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from the University of Kentucky. Dr. Suzanne Charney Dr. Suzanne Charney was initiated as a Friend of the Arts by the Delta Chi Chapter at the University of South Florida in May. Dr. Charney joined the University of South Florida faculty in 2025, where she conducts the concert band and teaches undergraduate courses in conducting, wind techniques, music education, and learner-centered pedagogy. Originally from Ohio, Dr. Charney taught for seven years as a middle and high school band director following her undergraduate studies, earning consistent distinguished teacher and ensemble ratings. She was selected as a Top Ten Teacher of Influence three times. As an Associate Instructor at Indiana University, Dr. Charney conducted the Marching Hundred, was the Interim Athletic Band Director, and served as a guest conductor for their wind ensembles. Dr. Charney actively researches memory and motor skill development. Her work has been presented at the National Association for Music Education National Conference, the International Society for Music Education, the Society for Music Perception and Cognition, and the Texas Music Educators Association Clinic and Convention, all of which she holds professional memberships. In addition, she is an honorary member of Tau Beta Sigma and an active guest adjudicator and clinician. Dr. Charney is an educational consultant for the Scoreable Music Project, a recent Rainwater Innovative Grant winner and repertoire composition strategy that encourages inclusivity for varied ability levels in large music ensembles. Dr. Charney earned a PhD in Music and Human Learning at the University of Texas at Austin, and a Master of Music in Wind Conducting, a Master of Music Education, and a Bachelor of Music Education from Indiana University. Matthew S. Cool Matthew S. Cool was initiated as a Friend of the Arts by the Buffalo Alumnae Chapter in May. Cool has served as Director of Bands at Williamsville South High School since 1992, where he conducts the Wind Symphony, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Marching Band, and Pit Orchestra. He is former Adjunct Professor of Music at Canisius College, where he founded the concert band program. Active throughout New York State as a conductor, clinician, and adjudicator, he also serves as Music Director of the American Legion Band of the Tonawandas and summer conductor of the Amherst Symphony Orchestra. Previously, Cool was Conductor for the Williamsville Community Summer Band, Concert Band Director at Canisius College, and Director of Bands at Graham High School in St. Paris, Ohio. He frequently serves as a guest conductor, leading All-County, Area All-State, and honors bands across New York; the Tri-Band Festival in Clinton, New York; and international engagements through the American Music Abroad Exchange Program. His honors include the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra Award for Excellence in Music Education and the Richard Snook Band Director of the Year Award. Cool earned a Master of Music in Conducting Performance from Louisiana State University and a Bachelor of Music in Education from Ohio University. Richard Davenport Richard Davenport was initiated as a Friend of the Arts by the Delta Zeta Chapter at Troy University in May. Davenport is Dean of the School of Music and Worship at Baptist University of Florida, where he is also Assistant Professor of Music. Previously, he was Assistant Band Director at Graceville High School, Band Director at Graceville Middle/High School, and led Chipley High School's band program. His bands have earned thirty consecutive years of superior ratings, and have won the Otto Krushaur and Lewis Jones Awards for state performances. Davenport was named Teacher of Year by both Chipley High School and Washington County, and in 2010 received the FBA Oliver Hobbs Outstanding Director Award. As a life member of the Florida Bandmasters Association, he served as State Conference Facilitator for five years and as State President. He is a member of Phi Beta Mu, Kappa Kappa Psi, and was inducted into the Florida Bandmasters Hall of Fame in 2025. DISTINGUISHEDMEMBERS Davenport FRIEND OF THE ARTS a person who is supportive of and actively involved in the arts at a local or regional level

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