Sigma Alpha Iota

A Word from the National President F Dear Members of Sigma Alpha Iota, or the past six years it has been my honor and privilege to serve as your National President. I thank you for the love and support you have given me. It has been quite a journey and I have enjoyed every minute of it. So writing this column is bittersweet, as it is my last. A lot of things have happened over these six years. We faced challenges that we had no idea were coming. For example, when I took office the economy was booming. But then the economy went from boom to bust and we watched schools cut or eliminate their music programs. We saw natural disasters destroy homes, schools and lives. How does a music organization deal with these life changing events? Well, we obviously couldn't turn the economy around or rebuild cities or countries, but we could help heal the spirit of people with music. Chapters went into their communities and raised money to rebuild destroyed concert halls and music buildings. SAIs gave free music lessons, held instrument drives to replace lost instruments, and gave concerts. We did all we could to live up to our mission — to encourage, nurture and support the art of music. I am so proud of our members! It is so obvious that we value music so much that we are willing to use our money, our time and our skills so music will continue to be a part of people's lives and children will have access to music education. Within our organization there have also been many changes. We had long dreamed of being "green" – moving to a paperless reporting system, and we are on our way to doing that. As the cost of a college education increases, we have to make sure there is value in joining our organization. I believe we have done that, as the number of young women joining our organization continues to increase. And lastly, part of my job as President is to plan our National Convention. I have spent the last few months scheduling speakers and workshops, choosing performers and planning the events. I can promise a convention filled to the brim with music! I do hope that you will join me and the rest of the National Executive Board August 2-6 in Atlanta, as we celebrate our organization, our sisterhood and music. With SAI love, Elizabeth M. Nordling National President CONTACT SAI One Tunnel Road Asheville, NC 28805 ( (828) 251-0606 2 (828) 251-0644 @ nh@sai-national.org facebook.com/sigmaalphaiotafraternity linkedin.com (under "Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity") sai-national.org twitter.com/SAINH SUBMISSION DEADLINES PAN PIPES is always accepting new article submissions and ideas. Email inquiries to Editor Heather Davis at panpipeseditor@gmail.com. Deadlines for submission are as follows: Summer: April 15 Winter: November 15 Fall: August 15 Spring: January 1 CORRECTION: SAI Member Laureate Marilyn J. Ziffrin's listing in the Winter 2012 PAN PIPES composer update was accompanied by an incorrect photo. We present Marilyn's photo at the right. Also, Jeanne Rowley Burull was incorrectly listed as J. Robert Burrell in the composer update.

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