Sigma Alpha Iota

SAI PhilanthropieS, inc Thank A Music Teacher By Donating to SAI Philanthropies By Suzanne Floyd Philanthropies Board Member I n Miami, I saw a bumper sticker with a Mozart classical music excerpt on a grand staff next to some text that said, "If You Can Read This, Thank a MUSIC Teacher!" Having been a music teacher for the last thirty five years, and having helped a lot of students learn to "read this," it puts a smile on my face every time I see one of those bumper stickers. However, I am wondering how many more students will be able to read that grand staff in the coming years. I'm still teaching students how to read music, but with the economy in the current state of turmoil, what will happen to the music and other arts in our schools during the next few years? Will our school systems be able to afford the luxury of arts education for the students that they are educating? Although I use the word "luxury" I truly don't believe that teaching any of the arts is a luxury, in my opinion it is a necessity, as this becomes the cornerstone of a well-rounded individual. As an educator I am not trying to convince any of my students that they should become music teachers but rather I am working to instill a love of the art form – something that will carry them through their lives; the good times and the bad. When my granddaughter starts school in a few years will she be able to enjoy this art form that has given me such pleasure, or will I have to teach her how to read music during my retirement years? Through my membership in Sigma Alpha Iota I have been privileged to meet many outstanding educators, people who love what they teach whether it is in elementary, middle, high school, or at a university/college. True educators have a passion for their field of study In a time when funding for music education is severely limited, or being totally cut from districts entirely, Sigma Alpha Iota can, and does make a difference. and are not embarrassed to share that passion with anyone – no matter how young or old! I have been so fortunate to have been able to be a part of their adventures in the classroom through my giving to SAI Philanthropies, Inc. During my many years as a sister of Sigma Alpha Iota I have watched the evolution of our philanthropic arm, SAI Philanthropies, Inc. become a wonderful force to be reckoned with, particularly in the area of grants and scholarships. Sisters have applied for and been given opportunities to study music abroad, go to summer music camps, intern at The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, purchase instruments, study privately with world renowned teachers — and the list goes on. We, as sisters, and collegiate and alumnae chapters of this Fraternity, have provided the funding for these many adventures. I read with such interest all of the stories that are printed in Pan Pipes about all of these opportunities and how our philanthropic dollars have been put to use around the world. We are a very fortunate group of women, one that knows the value of money and shares it with others so that they can help Kelly Nelson's Music Education Outreach Grant allowed Mooresville Middle School to buy a variety of percussion instruments including bongos, congas, and a djembe to study world music drumming. 6 PAN PIPES WINTER 2011 sai-national.org spread our joy and musical wealth throughout the world. Does it get any better than that? Since my life's work has been in music education, I naturally look at the recipients of the Music Education Outreach Grants and marvel at the work that they have accomplished. How lucky our youth are to have so many talented educators guiding their growth in this art form. Recently, I was forwarded an update from one of the music education outreach grant recipients who, last school year, applied for a grant to purchase World Music Drumming instruments through West Music. Prior to this grant, her rhythm instruments were in one single box and many of them were broken. Kelly Nelson of Mooresville (NC) Middle School wrote to update Dr. Brenda Smith, Music Education Outreach Grant Director, upon the arrival of her instruments. The instruments include but are not limited to: djembes, congas, shakers, and bongos. "So far this is the most fun I've ever had teaching general music," Kelly said. "Students run down the hall to get to my room and are actually sad when they leave my class. Everyone participates and is engaged. Plus there is something new and exciting to do each day. Thank you SAI Philanthropies for giving my students this awesome opportunity!" I could tell you many more stories like this but would rather you look at some of the photos from Mooresville Middle School instead. This is what your donation to SAI Philanthropies, Inc. has done, and you should be proud of your involvement. In a time when funding for music education is severely limited, or being totally cut from districts entirely, Sigma Alpha Iota can, and does make a difference. Every dollar that you donate to SAI Philanthropies, Inc. goes into helping our sisters through funding requests

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