Sigma Alpha Iota

PAN PIPES • SPRING 2016 • sai-national.org 6 Q R S T U V W X Y Z Wendy Hohmeyer, local musician, music educator, and supporter, has been named as the Midland Center for the Arts (MCFTA) Musician of the Year. "Wendy is a tireless advocate for music in our community," said Terri Trotter, MCFTA President and CEO. "She has had a positive impact on students, musicians and audiences through her roles with the Midland Community Orchestra, Center Stage Theatre and Choirs, Sigma Alpha Iota Music Fraternity, and private flute studio. We are so pleased to acknowledge her contributions with this award." The award was established in 1959 in memory of Harold S. Kendall and Grace and Earl Pelton, musicians who were instrumental in organizing musical activities of the Midland community that still flourish today. This award is given annually to a person who has made a great contribution to music in the community, and whose life has musically affected and encouraged people of all ages. Candidates are nominated by letter of recommendation from area residents and then reviewed by a committee consisting of past awardees and executive management at MCFTA. Hohmeyer was honored at a public reception at Midland Center for the Arts immediately prior to the April 9, 2016, Midland Symphony Orchestra concert featuring vocalist Storm Large singing Kurt Weill's "Seven Deadly Sins," and Center Stage Theatre's opening night production of The Mystery of Edwin Drood. Wendy Wanless Hohmeyer was raised in the Detroit area where she was very active on the music scene. She graduated from Clawson High School and received a Bachelor's degree in Music Education from Wayne State University where she also studied for a Master's degree in Flute Performance. While at Wayne State, she was recognized as a Woman of Distinction and a member of Sigma Chapter of SAI. She was a member of the Detroit Alumnae Chapter and current member of the Midland Alumnae Chapter. She previously served as Alpha C PO. Wendy's professional flute career has included serving as principal flute in the Detroit Symphony Civic Orchestra, Warren Symphony Orchestra, Rochester Symphony Orchestra, and Michigan Opera Theater Orchestra. She was also a substitute with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra for 12 years and subbed as principal flute for the Lansing Symphony Orchestra. She has played with the Flint, Dearborn, and Lake St. Clair Symphony Orchestras, as well as numerous musicals at WSU's Hillberry and Bonstelle Theaters and with various community theaters. Other than family and friends, teaching is Wendy's greatest love. She began teaching private flute lessons at the age of 14, and her career includes working as orchestra director for the Clawson and Troy school systems. During her final year at Troy, she took her orchestra on a two-week performance tour of Europe. Wendy also directed the Birmingham Musicale String Ensemble for six years, and conducted a production of Man of La Mancha for WSU's Hillberry Theater. She continues to have an active flute studio in her home. Since moving to Midland 17 years ago, Wendy has also played with the Midland Symphony Orchestra and for Music Society and Center Stage musicals and choral concerts. Wendy retired as conductor of the Midland Community Orchestra last May after 5 years of leadership. In addition to her musical pursuits, Wendy entered nursing school at age 42 and earned her RN degree. She worked at Grosse Pointe's Bon Secours Hospital for 8 years, then at the SC Johnson plant for 9 years. Wendy is a member of the Suzuki Association of the Americas. She is retired from the American Association of Musicians Local 5. Wendy is the mother of two children: Brooke Kemler and Andrew Hohmeyer; and grandmother to three: Alana, Christopher, and Ava. Midland Center for the Arts, Inc. is a non- profit, tax-exempt corporation formed under the laws of the State of Michigan incorporating six groups: Alden B. Dow Museum of Science and Art, Center Stage Choirs, Center Stage Theatre, MATRIX:MIDLAND, Midland County Historical Society, and Midland Symphony Orchestra. Activities at Midland Center for the Arts are supported in part by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. — MCFTA press release SAIS IN THE NEWS Hohmeyer Named Midland Musician of the Year FOR MORE INFORMATION on the Midland Center for the Arts, visit mcfta.org Wendy Hohmeyer with fellow members of the Midland Alumnae Chapter at a public reception to honor her efforts in the arts.

• Cover