Sigma Alpha Iota

SAI ACHIEVEMENTS Sigma Delta Initiate Inducted in Local Arts Hall of Fame O n April 19, 2012, I had the distinct pleasure of seeing my first oboe teacher, Carolyn Hove, inducted into the Fox Valley Arts Hall of Fame. My mom, SAI Patroness Elizabeth Hoeft, had nominated Carolyn for this honor, which she shared this year with 6 other notable contributors to the arts, all from the Fox Valley (Illinois) area. Carolyn, originally from Elgin, IL, has been the solo English horn player for the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra since 1988. She has three solo CDs and is in much demand around the world as an expert in her field. During her acceptance speech, she talked about the need for continued support of the arts in schools. The educational opportunities she had while she was growing up helped her become the wonderful musician she is today. Coincidentally, Oak Park Alumnae member Joyce Dlugopolski is on the selection committee for the Fox Valley Hall of Fame and discovered that Carolyn had been initiated into the Sigma Delta chapter while a freshman at the University of Illinois. Carolyn later transferred to Oberlin and hadn't been active in SAI since then. Schmucke dich, o liebe Seele, BWV 654 (Deck Thyself, My Soul, with Gladness) J. S. Bach The distinguishing characteristics of this legendary chorale prelude are its introspective character and the expressive ornamentation in the melody, showcased today by the cornet organ stop. Chorale III César Franck (1822-1890) The organ music of Franck has been described as "expressive of warm and deep emotion, of noble grandeur, of beautiful melodies and harmonies of uplifting character." This chorale, the most famous of his Trois Chorales composed in 1890 (the last year of his life), embodies all these traits, thus making it a significant and lasting part of the organ repertoire. Franck was an organist by profession, and, for a time, Professor of Organ at the Paris Conservatory. It was only very late in his life that he became respected as a composer. From left, Amy Saylor, Alice (Hove) Merrill, Carolyn Hove, Elizabeth Hoeft, and Joyce Dlugopolski at Hove's induction into the Fox Valley (IL) Arts Hall of Fame. Carolyn's sister, Alice (Hove) Merrill, is also an SAI and was the president of the Sigma Delta chapter. I am so happy that Carolyn was given this honor and even more so to find out she is also an SAI sister! She has reconnected with SAI and is now receiving PAN PIPES again. It's a good "Happy Are They Who Dwell in Your House" Walter Pelz (1926- ) (Text from The Book of Common Prayer) Ruth Sieber Johnson, Soprano Leslie Odom Miller, Oboe composers have used bell-tunes as the basis of their compositions. Since 1860, the four-note carillon tune in Vierne's composition has been associated with "Big Ben," the bell in the clock tower of the Houses of Parliament in London. Toccata, Op.7, No.3 Augustin Barié (1883-1915) A lesser known composer, Barie was born in Paris, blind from birth, and later studied with Vierne at the Paris Conservatory. Although he composed only a few pieces for the organ, Barie became one of a long line of Romantic virtuoso organists. This Toccata, perpetually in motion, is one of his best known works. Song of Peace Gregorian Rhapsody Jean Langlais These two pieces come from Langlais's collection Neuf pieces composed in 1942 and 1943 in response to the terrifying war years. The contemplative Song of Peace is strikingly contrasted with the Rhapsody that reflects the importance of the Gregorian chant to much of his music. The Rhapsody, at times full of anguish, is based on three chants: (1) Sacris solemnus, heard in the pedals in the beginning; (2) Verbum supernum heard first in the pedals in the second section and later in upper voices; and (3) the song of praise, Lauda Sion in the bright major mode, toward the end of the work when all three themes are combined. Carillon de Westminster, Op.54, N o.6 Louis Vierne (1870-1937) The carillon is a set of tuned bells that hang in the belfry of some churches, particularly in Europe. These bells, at one time, were sounded by clockwork, permitting a whole tune to be played automatically. Many reminder for all of us to ask any prominent musicians we may know, "Are you an SAI?" — Amy Saylor Past Secretary, SAI Philanthropies, Inc. sai-national.org SUMMER 2012 PAN PIPES 7

• Cover