Sigma Alpha Iota

saI-natIOnal.ORg sPRIng 2014 PAN PIPES 17 t raditionally, a choir or instrumental ensemble works in a systematic and deliberate way, rehearsing and preparing repertoire so that it is performed as flawlessly as possible. And, if the director or conductor were asked about the motivation for the music, their answer would most likely be related to the aesthetic of the piece, to honor the integrity and intent of the composer, or simply to provide a concert that is worthy of the audience that has come to hear the performance. However, that has never been the mission of Nashville in Harmony. Founded in 2004, NiH is Tennessee's first and only musical arts organization specifically created for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people – and their straight allies. With a mission to "use music to build community and create social change," Nashville in Harmony brings people together within both the GLBT community and also the community at large. In fact, in every concert, their repertoire includes songs specifically chosen to align with their mission. Music can heal, change lives, and cross generational and cultural barriers. As the curtains open for an NiH concert, you will simply see the risers filled with energetic singers, fronted by the talented director Don Schlosser and accompanist Bob House. And, just as you will not be able to tell where the altos end and the sopranos begin, you will notice that there are no divisions separating the orientation, education, economic status, race, or religion within the group: they stand as a living and breathing example of music building community and bringing people together. NiH rehearses weekly from 4 pm to 6:30 pm and many of the singers see the gathering as one of the high points of their week. e camaraderie is palpable and many members feel a sense of loss between seasons when the group does not meet regularly. But make no mistake, when "Don is on the rostrum," it is all business, and the repertoire is difficult. In addition, members are expected to access sound files to work on music between rehearsals. e two major concerts every season average eighteen pieces, all memorized, and all flawless. e 2013-2014 season is TENsational!, celebrating the tenth year the choir is singing for and serving the Nashville community. In addition to their ticketed events, they perform for such diverse groups as Room at the Inn Shelter, the Rescue Mission, Fiy Forward Seniors, the Nashville Film Festival, the Frist Art Museum, at Shakespeare in the Park, and were asked by Mayor Karl Dean to sing at the dedication of the Avenue of the Arts, a corridor of galleries in the Nashville Arts district. e group received the Nashville Scene 2013 Readers Choice Award for Best Performing Arts Group in Nashville, an honor not to be taken lightly. In addition, they receive support and grants from the Metro Nashville Arts Commission, Tennessee Arts Commission, and the Franklin Brooks HARMONY continued on page 19 dIversIty In musIc Music Builds a Bridge: the Mission of Nashville in Harmony Nashville in Harmony in performance in 2013. Please send me the Letter of Intent, with which I may announce my estate plans. I wish to support SAI Philanthropies, Inc. with planned giving. Please charge my: Visa Mastercard Discover American Express Card Number _____________________________________________________ Exp. Date ________________________________ CVI# _________________ Signature _________________________________________________________ Please do not send me a thank-you gift. Send your gift to SAI Philanthropies today. Donations may also be made on our secure website at sai-national.org/shop. "...but roses, roses, red SAI roses bind each of us both young and old. My roses, roses, red SAI roses tell peace to all, come and behold. While growing roses, red SAI roses I looked and they all turned to gold."

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