Sigma Alpha Iota

PAN PIPES SPRING 2015 SAI-NATIONAL.ORG 22 Dr. Ilka Vasconcelos Araújo Dr. Ilka Vasconcelos Araújo was initiated by the Beta Kappa Chapter in January. e Brazilian pianist and musicologist holds a Bachelor's in Piano Performance from State University of Ceará in Brazil, a Master's in Piano Performance and Pedagogy, and a Doctorate in Musicology from the University of Florida. A first-prize winner in several regional and national piano competitions in Brazil, Dr. Araújo has performed and taught master classes in Brazil, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, and the United States. She has been awarded the Texas Wesleyan University Faculty Scholar Recognition twice. Her research work focuses on lesser known composers, especially those of Brazilian origin, and their use of twentieth- century compositional techniques. Her most recent contribution was an entry on living Brazilian composer Marlos Nobre for the 2013 Rutledge Encyclopedia of Modernism. Besides holding a faculty position in musicology and piano at Texas Wesleyan University, Dr. Araújo also works as an independent piano teacher and as president and piano ensemble director for the Fort Worth Music Teachers Association. Edward Decker Edward Decker was initiated by the Fort Lauderdale Alumnae Chapter in March. Edward is an enthusiastic supporter of all arts. An avid painter, he appreciates and supports local Florida theatrical groups. He and his wife, SAI Patroness Helen Decker, celebrate the arts with season tickets to e Coconut Grove eater and e Broward Center of the Performing. As a painter that specializes in landscape pieces, in both oil and acrylic mediums, he generously shares his artwork to be auctioned off to help organizations such as the "Woman's Fund of the Blue Ridge" in North Carolina. Edward considers it an honor to be a part of Sigma Alpha Iota and looks forward to continuing his support for many years to come. Dr. Ryan H. Fox Dr. Ryan H. Fox was initiated by the Mu Mu Chapter in March. Dr. Fox is the Director of Choral Activities at Henderson State University, a position he has held since August 2011. At HSU, Ryan conducts the Concert Choir and Chamber Chorale, teaches courses in conducting and music education, and oversees all aspects of the choral program. Prior to his appointment at Henderson, Ryan was the Director of Choral Activities at Southwest Minnesota State University, a graduate teaching assistant at e University of Kansas, and the choral director at Clarksville High School in Clarksville, AR. Ryan regularly presents workshops at music conferences, conducts honor choirs, and serves as an adjudicator at choral music festivals. Ryan has been a church musician for over 20 years. He has served in a variety of capacities (organist, chorister, pianist, choral director, and handbell director) both on a full-time and part-time basis. He attended the University of Central Arkansas where he earned a Bachelor's of Music in Education and a Master's of Music in Choral Conducting. Ryan also attended e University of Kansas where he earned the Doctorate of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting. His accomplishments have led him to receive the honor of President-elect for the Arkansas Chapter of the American Choral Directors Association. Dr. Kimberly Gelbwasser Dr. Kimberly Gelbwasser was initiated by the Eta Psi Chapter in February. Dr. Gelbwasser received her Master's and Doctorate in Vocal Performance from the University Of Cincinnati College-Conservatory Of Music. Since arriving at Northern Kentucky University in the fall of 2014, Dr. Gelbwasser has become the academic advisor for the Eta Psi chapter, has revived the opera program, and has created a new special topics course combining music and yoga. She is a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singers as well as the College Music Society. As a performer, Dr. Gelbwasser has taken on a number of roles at the university level and with Opera on Tap in San Francisco. Dr. Brian Gibbs Dr. Brian Gibbs was initiated by the Beta eta Chapter in February. Dr. Gibbs graduated with a Bachelor's of Music from Southern Methodist University in 1978. He completed his Master's in Business and Human Relations from Amberton University in 2000. He completed his Doctorate in Education in 2014. He has been a director of various bands for 29 years in the Texas public school system, an Adjunct Professor and Assistant Director of the marching band at Texas Christian University, and is currently the Assistant Director of Bands and the Director of the Bearkat Marching Band at Sam Houston State University. He has been awarded multiple honors and awards including induction into the Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity and Honorary Membership in the Tau Beta Sigma Southwestern Region. Dr. Scott D. Plugge Dr. Scott D. Plugge was initiated by the Beta eta Chapter in February. Dr. Plugge serves Sam Houston State University as the Professor of Saxophone and Director of the School of Music, where his responsibilities include teaching applied saxophone, chamber music, and administrative tasks. In addition to his duties at SHSU, Dr. Plugge is an active soloist/clinician. He also performs, on call, with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. As a soloist, Dr. Plugge has appeared in many concerts throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, Europe, and China. His awards include state winner of the Music Teachers National Association Concerto Competition, an Outstanding Musicianship Award from the National Association of Jazz Educators at the Longhorn Jazz Festival, and a Special Recognition Award from the College of Arts and Sciences at Sam Houston State University. Dr. Plugge is a former member of the Dallas Wind Symphony and the award winning Texas Saxophone Quartet. As a member of this group, he has appeared as soloist with the United States Navy Band in Washington D.C., the Dallas Wind Symphony, the Arlington Wind Ensemble, the Plano Chamber Orchestra, and many others. He has recorded with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, the Dallas Wind Symphony and the Texas Saxophone Quartet. Dr. Plugge has also performed with the Chicago Saxophone quartet 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 Gelbwasser Araújo Fox

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