Sigma Alpha Iota

PAN PIPES WINTER 2015 saI-NaTIONal.ORg 14 F ieen years ago, the Ars Nova Project was founded with a two-fold mission: to promote and preserve musical works by composers writing accessible music in traditional forms and media. In keeping with this mission, Ars Nova Press, Inc. publishes new and out-of-print works aimed toward a broad audience, works appealing to both the musically educated and the general public. Current publications include solo, chamber, chorale and large ensemble works by a notable roster of composers—Vaclav Nelhybel, Frank Bencriscutto, Gloria Wilson Swisher, Allen Vizzutti, John Heins, Michael Twomey, and Donald O. Johnston, to name just a few. Our entire catalog, along with audio clips, notes, and composer biographies, is available for perusal and purchase online at arsnovamusic.com. You may also follow us at Ars Nova Music on Facebook, where we post new events and recent activities related to the Ars Nova Project. Co-founder Gloria Swisher is a Member Laureate of Sigma Alpha Iota. She was initiated as a collegiate member by Sigma eta at the Eastman School of Music. Swisher's compositions include works for solo instruments, solo voices and small ensembles, as well as concerti and compositions for band, wind ensemble, orchestra, and chorus, both accompanied and a cappella. She has written two musicals and three operas, as well as settings of the Service of Holy Communion and choir anthems for church services. Dr. Gloria Wilson Swisher became a Member Laureate on March 20, 1999. e Seattle Alumnae Chapter conducted her initiation. Swisher received a BA in Music in piano, summa cure laude, from the University of Washington. She holds an MA in Music Composition from Mills College and a PhD in Music Composition from Eastman School of Music. She has taught at Washington State University, Pacific Lutheran University, Shoreline Community College, and most recently at the University of Washington. She has performed regularly as a duo pianist with Sigma Omicron initiate and current Seattle Alumnae Chapter member Nancy Matesky. Swisher is a member of the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP). Swisher retired in 1998 from Shoreline Community College, where she had been Professor of Music. A leader in Sigma Alpha Iota, she was Nu Province President from 1970-1973, chairman of the International Music Fund from 1975-1981, editor of the 1990 edition of Songs of Sigma Alpha Iota, secretary of SAI Philanthropies, Inc. from 1981-1987, and a member of the Pan Pipes Staff, in charge of Composers Bureau Admissions from 1988 to 2000. Swisher was one of the Composer- Judges for the 1990 Inter-American Music Awards competition. Her composition, Salutations, for oboe and piano, was premiered at the 1990 National Convention in Minneapolis, MN. She holds the Sword of Honor, Ruby Sword of Honor, Rose of Honor, and Ring of Excellence. mEmBER lAUREATE AS COmPOSER I f you've written solo, chamber, chorale or large ensemble works that meet our mission, we encourage you to submit your very best compositions for consideration for publication and inclusion in our catalog. A selection committee comprised of professional musicians and educators—all active performing artists, historians, theorists, and composers—will carefully review your work. Each submission receives careful consideration and a timely response. If your composition is selected for publication, it will be promoted through our website, through social media, and in advertisements in professional music journals. For full details on our submission process and additional information on our organization, please visit us at arsnovamusic.com. Ars Nova Project Celebrates 15 Years call for compositions At top, SAI Member Laureate and Ars Nova Project co-founder Gloria Swisher. At left, the SAI Songbook.

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