Sigma Alpha Iota

sai-national.org • FALL 2017 • PAN PIPES 3 2018 CONVENTION 2003 was a big year. It marked the start of my senior year of school at e Crane School of Music, along with many other historical and pop culture happenings: we lost our beloved Mr. Rogers, but Found Nemo; Harley-Davidson celebrated 100 years and e Terminator quickly became "e Governator"; itunes was launched with gleaming success and our country celebrated 100 years of flight. And probably the most important event for this small town college girl was getting to attend the 2003 convention of Sigma Alpha Iota. is, too, was a huge milestone as our fraternity was turning 100! (Fun fact: while scanning for vari- ous dates, our fraternity's founding made the cut on Wikipedia!) I knew the second I went through pledging, then training, and eventually initiation, I absolutely had to be a part of this event. I was humbled to attend as my chapter's president and delegate. What an amazing experience! is would be the very first Convention of what I had hoped would be many in the future; I've been to three in 2003, 2009, and 2015. Ironi- cally enough, I was the delegate to my chapter each time: 2003 as Gamma Delta's delegate, and then in 2009 in Chicago and 2015 in St. Louis as the Boston Alumnae Chapter's delegate. I had very few ideas of what to expect as a collegiate delegate and of course had asked around for advice and done all sorts of research. None of it prepared me for the onslaught of amazing that would follow that long weekend in July in Dearborn, MI. 2018 in Scottsdale, AZ, will mark 115 years of Sigma Alpha Iota. Here is the top 10 list of reasons why you should attend Convention: Stephanie Riley is an initiate of the Gamma Delta Chapter at SUNY Potsdam and currently a member of the Boston Alumnae Chapter. A passionate music educator, Stephanie teaches 8-12 choral music on Cape Cod and is a member of the MMEA state board. Why Attend The SAI Convention? 10. Delegate or non-delegate. Whether the duty of being a voting voice of our fraternity has been entrusted to you by your chapter or you are attending to take part in ev- erything around you, you still get quite the real life lesson on how our fraternity functions as a whole and see what our fraternity has done over the last three years. Be prepared to be floored-it's ASTOUNDING the things we do as a fraternity in three short years. 9. Collegiate or Alumnae. You're going to get to know both very well so don't think you're too old or too young to attend. As a young collegiate, I adored getting to meet the executive board and all of the ladies I "stu- died" for my exam (it was like Hollywood!) as well as sisters who were alumnae of my collegiate chapter, and meeting and mingling with current collegiates. As an alumnae, it only gets better and you truly realize what a small (but big!) wonder- ful world we have in SAI. It's sort of like Cheers: everybody knows your name! 8. Workshops and sessions. ere is built in professional development. Whether it's in the form of sisterhood training, musician development, or anything really that a sister wants to share their knowledge on (I went to a workshop on Tai Chi that was fantastic!), you walk away feeling refreshed, validated, and con- nected in a positive way. 7. The SAI Whistle Shop! We all love SAI. We all love to shop. Now combine those two things. Nothing says SAI pride like coming home with SAI swag, acces- sories, and jewelry. I personally love collecting convention charms for my charm bracelet. 6. Location. Music takes us to all sorts of places, so it's ap- propriate that SAI does that as well. Conventions have been held all over the country — Dearborn, Chicago, St. Louis, Dallas, Denver, just to name a few. What a neat way to experience our frater- nity by visiting various areas of the country and seeing chapters hard at work, as well as witness- ing their passion for music and the events of a memorable convention. Side note—I highly recommend volunteering at convention. I did it in St. Louis and plan to again in Arizona. I met some pretty cool sisters (alumnae and collegiate alike) that I now communicate with regularly. 5. Alice Parker. at's who I got to meet in 2003 when she was the distinguished guest. What a treat to hear her speak as a composer, musician, and woman. Who could you meet in 2018? 4. Phlea-Phlam! Imagine the best cra fair that you have ever seen in your entire life with these three things in mind: items are related to SAI, Music, SAI AND Music! And, the icing on the cake, a portion of the proceeds benefit our fraternity's philanthrop- ic efforts. I still to this day have my cross stitched badge on display in my piano room and get many compliments on it! 3. Music. American music. Music by women compos- ers. Music by American women composers. Music performed by women. Original works premiered. A variety of choral, instrumental, and non-traditional music. e range is so broad and beautiful. Want to perform at convention? Want to play in an ensemble or to be a Strolling SAI? Keep an eye out for updates on how to become involved! 2. Sisterhood. In college, I roomed with three other girls from around the country. One sister was from the University of Illinois, another from Idaho, and another from South Carolina. What a wild fun time we had sharing stories and getting to know each other with the kind of ease that those who are friends for years have. Have you ever seen so many badges or letters in your life? Have you ever been able to strike up a conversation with another person who was a complete strang- er before and talk non-stop for a solid hour? 1. Daughters of a great and sing- ing nation. Let your voices rise in dedication. In 2003, nearly everyone in attendance gathered in the vast lobby in the hotel in Dearborn, joined hands, and sang the Sigma Alpha Iota Chorale. If that doesn't give you goosebumps, make your eyes swell with tears, and make your heart thump with complete joy and happiness, then I'm not sure what could. It was life changing for that then 20 year old. Attending an SAI Convention is truly life changing. Talk with sisters for tips on saving for and attending convention, and on different things to look for and do while you're there. Become involved with convention as a volunteer- either helping at registration or as a performer or usher at a concert. Create something beautiful with passion for Phlea-Phlam. Convention is you. Convention is us. Convention is SAI. TOP 10 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND CONVENTION:

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