Sigma Alpha Iota

PAN PIPES SPRING 2015 SAI-NATIONAL.ORG 16 recovery is a big part of that recovery. So many other changes in their bodies or brains or spirits are harder to see as benchmarks than setting a simple set of goals and reaching them through daily discipline and practice. e stress reduction benefits of a good 'jam session' with their housemates are powerful, as much research on the therapeutic benefits of the arts shows. Getting into the creative 'zone' has health benefits we are just tapping into understanding." — Nan Gordon JOPLIN, MO Joplin High School orchestra Following the devastating tornados that tore through the city in 2011, P2P was able to supply a variety of materials to schools and churches in Joplin including music, instruments, and even an electric keyboard that had been housed at National Headquarters. Donations were received at National Headquarters because of important local community connections in Asheville. SAI patroness Beth Stanberry drove the truckload of donations to Missouri. e project was also able to send the final instruments needed to rebuild the Joplin HS orchestra, three string basses. e band director at Joplin High School expressed deep appreciation to SI. PALM BAY, FL Palm Bay Academy Middle School SAI sister Michelle Scheen accepted a position at Palm Bay Academy Middle School, a Title I school, but quickly realized that she had no materials. She wrote on her request form, "I have an empty room." e P2P project was able to quickly acquire two clarinets, a trombone, band scores, and assorted reeds to help her start building the music program. PHOENIX, AZ Chaparral Elementary School SAI sister Kandice Nelson began teaching at Chaparral Elementary School, a Title 1 school, and requested instruments to start building her orchestra. P2P was able to acquire a complete violin outfit and a bow for her bass. RINGGOLD, GA Ringgold Middle School e city of Ringgold was also devastated by tornados in 2011. e SAI P2P Project was able to help them rebuild the music program at the Middle School by providing a set of hand bell chimes and this Yamaha keyboard. The National Flute Association and the University of Arizona Libraries e P2P Project received a sizable donation of advanced flute scores from Lesley Oakes, friend of SAI Distinguished Member Director Fran Creasy. Since none of the organizations that receive assistance from SAI P2P could accept such complex music, I contacted the NFA where, with the permission of Ms. Oakes, these scores will now be housed as e Sigma Alpha Iota People-to-People Project, Mervin and Lesley Oakes Collection. According to Bob Diaz, Special Collections Librarian, 145 of the scores require "original cataloging," meaning that few, if any libraries have these items in their collections. e remaining 340 titles donated, while held at other libraries, are new to the NFA Library. is catalogue of scores should be available by the summer of 2015. is will be a lasting legacy of music not just in honor of Mervin and Lesley Oakes, but also the SAI People-to-People Project. 2015 marks my 25 th year as a member of Sigma Alpha Iota. During that time I have been a member of one college chapter, and three alumnae chapters. I have performed and presented at many Province Days and Conventions, and have served as of Sergeant- at-Arms of Gamma Rho chapter, member and chairman of two of the Distinguished Membership committees, and for the last six years served as director of the People-to-People Project. I want to take this opportunity to thank all of the sisters of SAI who have made my time in this fraternity a joy. And I extend my heart-felt gratitude to every member and supporter of SAI who has given their time, their talents, and their energies to the SAI Philanthropies People-to-People Project, a globally recognized organization doing great work throughout the world. PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE Tracy Wright, Director of the Band program for Ringgold (GA) Middle School, and two of his students with the keyboard donated to rebuild the music program after tornados struck in 2011. P2P continued from page 15 + + +

• Cover