Sigma Alpha Iota

saI-natIOnal.ORg sPRIng 2014 PAN PIPES 27 prentice Barnett Prentice Barnett was initiated by the Denton Alumnae Chapter in January. e husband of charter member Ann Gribble Barnett, he was a member of the Denton Fine Arts Council and Denton Community Chorus, serving as its first president. For 25 years, he was a member of the Vocal Majority Barbershop Chorus, serving in several leadership positions and winning eight gold medals in international competitions, including a Ring of Honor Award. He has been an active supporter of Denton's Texas Woman's University and University of North Texas (UNT) and has provided piano accompaniment for vocal students at UNT. He has degrees from Trinity University and Princeton eological Seminary. aaron Buntin Aaron Buntin was initiated by the Houston Alumnae Chapter in October 2013. He served the Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District as a middle school band director for eight years and has taught privately since 1998. His students have succeeded in many regional, area, and state competitions and three have been selected for membership in the Texas All- State Band. Many of his students continue to study and major in music in college. Aaron has recently created a professional education course called "Leadership rough Music," which will teach corporations that music can bridge the gap between employer and employee and facilitate change management in the workplace environment. dr. John emert Dr. John Emert was initiated by the Iota Chi Chapter in March. e Associate Dean of the Honors College and Professor of Mathematical Sciences, his involvement in music is impactful. While his professional career is focused in mathematics in higher education, he remains a steady supporter of the arts as the organist at College Avenue United Methodist Church, and even served as interim music director. At his church he oen plays the organ or piano to provide accompaniment to hymns or other parts of service. As Associate Dean of the Honors College at Ball State University, Dr. Emert assists students in creating their Honors esis. He has been very generous to the Ball State and Muncie communities with his time and his knowledge. Dr. Emert truly embodies the distinguished membership and professionalism, all while incorporating musicianship and the values that music has taught him into his daily life. roger mcconnell Roger McConnell was initiated by the Iota Chi Chapter in March. An Associate Professor of Music Performance at Ball State, he is an exceptional individual who has created a reputation in the Ball State and Muncie communities. A trombone player, music educator, and conductor, McConnell began his undergraduate music career at Ball State University and returned to the university as Director of Bands in 1971. He has been the primary conductor for America's Hometown Band since 1988, was a founding member of the BSU Trombone Choir, has regularly performed with the Muncie Symphony Orchestra, Indianapolis Symphonic Band, and more. He has been involved in the Ball State and Muncie music community for much of his life, and over forty years as a professional. With a commitment to his students, knowledge of music education and conducting, and dedication to his community, Mr. McConnell is an excellent professor and role model. carolyn moravitz sherrill e Lansing/East Lansing Alumnae Chapter initiated Carolyn Moravitz Sherrill as a Friends of the Arts in January. Ms. Sherrill is a native of Ely, MN, and attended Michigan State University where she earned both Bachelor and Master of Music degrees. Carolyn has been Musical Director of the Meridian Concert Band since 1990. Active as a clarinetist, Carolyn performs with the Clarinet Connexions, Red Cedar Chamber Winds, the MSU Alumni Touring Band, and Keith Brion's New Sousa Band. Among her awards are Kappa Kappa Psi's Silver Baton Award and the YWCA's 1999 Diana Award. Carolyn teaches elementary and middle school band at Lansing's St. Gerard School, where she has taught since 1981. dr. christopher tanner Dr. Christopher Tanner was initiated by the Lambda Upsilon Chapter at Ohio's Miami University in February. He is active in our Miami University community by leading the MU Steel Band during fall and spring semesters, with additional opportunities for students during the summer. Dr. Tanner is also well known for teaching one of the largest music courses, Diverse Worlds of Music, and offering presentations on the history and influences of steel band music. Since 1996, Dr. Tanner has taught at Miami University and assisted in the musical and academic pursuits of students. Outside of our immediate community, he works to strengthen appreciation of music by working extensively with collegiate, high school, and community steel bands, as well as performing as a solo artist. Dr. Tanner has written several original steel pan compositions, arrangements, and commissions. FrienD oF tHe arts a man or woman who is supportive of and actively involved in the arts at a local or regional level dIstInguIshed memBers Barnett Emert McConnell

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