Sigma Alpha Iota

PAN PIPES sPRIng 2014 saI-natIOnal.ORg 14 saI phIlanthropIes, Inc. I t is true that all SAI members do their best to make a difference in this world through music and support of sisters. It is also true that sometimes one star shines out brighter than others and creates a lasting impact. Helen Byrn May has become one of those shining lights, and we would like to share this with you, the members of Sigma Alpha Iota. Sigma Alpha Iota Philanthropies, Inc. has now received a bequest from the estate of Helen that is over $500,000. is generous gi, a true expression of her love for SAI, will provide the opportunity for Helen's name to be remembered by SAIs of the future, and will celebrate the joy of music that Helen was known to support. On Nov. 3, 2013, an invited audience gathered at the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., guests of the esteemed artist and Member Laureate Jessye Norman. Tributes of music and remembrances were offered to the gathering of SAI alumnae members, collegiate members, province officers, former and current National Executive Board and Philanthropies Board members, family, and friends. From the Chopin Polonaise-Fantasie, Op. 61, performed on the piano by SAI Honorary Member Ann Schein to the stirring and beautiful Lord's Prayer of Duke Ellington sung by Jessye Norman, the audience was lied to the sublime. Offerings of music by Friend of the Arts Francis Conlon, Carlos Rodriguez, Earl Carlyss, and Peter Burroughs joined with other performance by Ms. Schein and Ms. Norman, and the evening was truly a celebration of the life of Helen Byrn May. Many special and entertaining stories were told about Helen's unflagging energy and enthusiasm as she approached a challenge. A behind-the- scenes revelation about her 100 foot long telephone cord explained how she could sometimes appear to be accomplishing many things at once, whether on behalf of the SAI Graduate Performance Awards or the Friday Morning Music Club of Washington of the National Symphony Orchestra! Sigma Alpha Iota National President Dr. Leslie Odom Miller offered these remarks: As the National President of Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity, and on behalf of all her members, I am honored to be here and to join in this celebration of Helen May's life. "Music was the first sound of the creation, when the morning stars sang together. … It is the universal language, which appeals to the universal heart of mankind. … Its thrill pervades all Nature, - in the hum of the tiniest insect, in the tops of the wind-smitten pines, in the solemn diapason of the ocean." (George P. Upton, Women in Music) In the name of Sigma Alpha Iota, we express our gratitude for the life of Helen May and our association with her. She enriched our lives and the world of music. Her spirit will remain with us always. Helen was initiated into Sigma Alpha Iota, the music fraternity she so dearly loved, on May 27, 1936, by the Alpha Chapter at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. We can truly say that for the next seventy-seven years Helen exemplified every high ideal of our organization. SAI's mission is to "encourage, nurture, and support the art of music", and Helen did just that! Helen served many years as the President of the Washington DC Alumnae Chapter as well as Province President. At the national A Legacy of Music Janet McKinney photos Member Laureate Jessye Norman applauds Friend of the Arts Francis Conlon after his performance at the memorial concert for Helen Byrn May in November. P A N ' S L E G A C Y

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