Mu Phi Epsilon International Professional Fraternity for the Advancement of Music in the Community, Nation and World.
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Kansas City Young Chamber Musicians
Barbara Hill Moore (Mu Chi) addresses attendees during the International Conference Grand Banquet after receiving the Elizabeth Mathias Award. Read more about all the convention award winners on page 12.
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contents FA L L 2 0 2 3
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V O L U M E 1 1 7, I S S U E 3
FEATURES 5
Convention 2023: A Texas-sized round up of the Fraternity’s first in-person convention in six years
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Celebrating 120 years of Music, Friendship and Harmony in Cincinnati by Jennifer Barnett
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Founders Day Message by Kurt-Alexander Zeller
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Music Therapy, Stat! by Danielle Musat
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Chords of Collaboration: Kansas City Young Chamber Musicians emphasizes teamwork and fun
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2023 Mu Phi Epsilon Fraternity Award Winners
30 Foundation Grants and Scholarships Information
COLUMNS 1
Envisioning the Future of Convention by Kurt-Alexander Zeller
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Musings: An 80th Birthday Concert by Jim Reilly
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From the Archives: The Women’s Symphony Orchestra of Chicago
DEPARTMENTS 34
Applause & Encore: Member and Chapter News
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Final Notes Compiled by Ann Geiler
44 District Directors Directory 45
Executive Officers Directory
On the Cover: Sister Caroline Neal attends the Kansas City Young Chamber Musicians recitals with her sketchbook and produces paintings from the sketches in her studio. A portion of her art sales benefit KCYCM’s student need-based scholarship fund. (Sr. Caroline Neal)
Fraternity Mission Statement: Mu Phi Epsilon International Professional Music Fraternity is a coeducational fraternity whose aim is the advancement of music in the community, nation, and world through the promotion of musicianship, scholarship and music education with emphasis on service through music. EDITOR Kat Braz editor@muphiepsilon.org DESIGN & PRODUCTION Paul Wilson thetriangle@muphiepsilon.org Send all material for publication to: Kat Braz, editor@muphiepsilon.org The Triangle welcomes story suggestions from Mu Phi Epsilon members and friends. Publication selections will be made at the discretion of the editor. Photos must be provided as the original digital file at high resolution. Please include photographer credit information. All photographs are published courtesy of the contributor unless photographer credit is provided. Deadlines for submissions: Spring — February 15 Fall — August 15 Winter — October 15 Change of address, renewals, notice of deceased members, requests for extra copies and subscription requests should be sent to: Mu Phi Epsilon International Executive Office 6510 Telecom Drive, Suite 200 Indianapolis, IN 46278 toll free: 888-259-1471 fax: 888-855-8670 email: executiveoffice@muphiepsilon.org The Triangle is published three times per year by Mu Phi Epsilon, International Professional Music Fraternity. Member, Professional Fraternity Association. (ISSN 0041-2600) (Volume 117, Issue 3) Subscription price is $20.00 per year. Single copies are $8.00. Periodicals postage paid at St. Paul, MN, and at additional mailing offices. Printed in the United States of America. POSTMASTER: Send all changes of address to: Mu Phi Epsilon, 6510 Telecom Drive, Suite 200 Indianapolis, IN 46278 © 2023 Mu Phi Epsilon. All rights reserved.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
K U R T - A L E X A N D E R Z E L L E R , IN T E R N AT I O N A L PR E S I D E N T, MU C H I , ATLA N TA A LU MN I PR ES I DE N T@M U P H IE P S ILO N .O RG
THE FUTURE CONVENTION
ENVISIONING OF
hat a wonderful time we had at our 2023 convention in Grapevine! We enjoyed fabulous music, inspiring workshops, stimulating discussion and, most of all, the warmth of friendships old and new as we gathered for our first face-to-face convention since 2017 to build “A Bridge Forward” for our beloved Mu Phi Epsilon. To thank everyone who made it possible would exceed my word count for this column, but I must give a shout-out to all the volunteers from our host provinces, Central and South Central, and most especially to our amazing convention chair, Nancy Laine. We also must express our gratitude to our partners at the Mu Phi Epsilon Foundation who generously sponsored many of the most memorable events and activities. For 60 years, the Foundation has been making great things happen for members of MφE, and they certainly did with this convention! The business sessions were full of lively discussions. The delegates representing you made several significant decisions, including elevating our wonderful social media manager, Haley Stevenson, to join INEST Jess LaNore and International Editor Kat Braz as an appointed, nonvoting member of the International Executive Board.
The delegates also voted to authorize the IEB to form a task force to study and make recommendations about the future role of conventions in Mu Phi Epsilon. The fact is, wonderful as conventions like the one we have just had are, they are increasingly unaffordable for both the fraternity and its members. Fully one-third of our chapters were not represented by a delegate at this convention because they could not afford the registration and the travel. Nor do we want only official delegates to come to the convention — convention should be a time for all Mu Phis to share, yet comparatively few of our members do participate. Ultimately, the expense of putting on a convention every three years is a significant strain on our finances, both organizational and individual. The task force will be studying many possibilities and scenarios for the future of conventions and will be asking everyone to weigh in with their views. They will be creating a survey of the membership, and I urge all members to share their thoughts and to have some earnest discussions this fall at your district conference and within your chapters. Mu Phi Epsilon needs to know — what would future conventions be like so that no member, including you, would dream of missing one?
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MUSINGS
GUEST COLUMNIST J I M R E I L L Y , E PS I LO N A L PH A , MI N N E A P O L I S A LU MN I
AN 80 BIRTHDAY CONCERT TH
Celebrating decades of song and the friends who’ve supported my musical journey
hen I held my 50th birthday recital — back in 1993 — I thought it would a one-time thing: fun, a nice group of friends, a benefit for FNVW (Friends for a Non-Violent World, a local Friends organization). I wasn’t so sure I should do one at 60; who wants to admit to 60, anyway, and I was in a difficult period of my life. But I went ahead, and it was fun again, even more friends, and this time the beneficiary was “I Love a Parade,” an organization that worked with people without homes to create visual arts. When 70 came, there wasn’t much doubt I should go ahead, this time with a benefit for the piano fund at the local Alliance Française, and because of space limitations, I had to do it twice. I thought my 70th birthday concert would be the last. I’ve already lived longer than any of my immediate relatives, and also didn’t think I’d still be singing at 80, or maybe even playing the piano; problems resulting from a broken wrist many years before were making piano playing increasingly painful, and 80 is awfully old for a singer. But in September, I performed an 80th birthday concert, twice. Surgery has helped the wrist, and, to my surprise, my voice still works. Back in my 40s, one of my Mu Phi colleagues said she worried I might not sing too long if I kept on using my voice “like that,” but I’m happy to say she was wrong. But any singer knows, whatever way one is using one’s voice, there is always someone who thinks it’s the wrong way! Selecting the program was difficult. This concert feels like a summing up, and it’s tempting to want to showcase every kind of music I’ve ever done, with homage to every person and every organization I’ve ever worked with. So instead, I decided to honor the two institutions where the performances will occur — one Norwegian (Mindekirken, a Norwegian language church, where I am music director emeritus) and one French (the local Alliance Française). The first half of the concert featured piano music: Haydn, then three pieces by the Haitian composer Ludovic Lamothe — 2
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Jim Reilly and Marcia Strait (Epsilon Alpha) at a Mu Phi benefit in 1980
whose acquaintance I owe to both the Alliance and a local Mu Phi program of composers from “South of the Border” — and finally Grieg. The second half was vocal, starting with a group of songs in French, including songs by the Norwegian composers Johan Svendsen and Halfdan Kjerulf. Finally, I closed with a Grieg song about Italy and three songs of my own with texts by the Italian poet Giacomo Leopardi. My own ethnic heritage, a genetic jumble, is more Italian than any other single thing. I did my own new translations of the Leopardi, a foolish thing to do in the face of the greatness of this poet, important in Italy, but little known in English speaking countries.
Jim Reilly with his accompanist Beatrice Giere in 2017
Friends and loved ones, most now gone, whom I thought about fondly during the preparation and performance of my 80th birthday concert: • My patient and long suffering voice teachers: Geraldine Braden, Mabel Jacobs and Bettina Bjorksten • My mother, Maria Pavia Reilly, the first pianist I ever heard. My first piano teacher, my aunt Estelle Pavia, and all my subsequent piano and organ teachers • Many singers who encouraged me as both pianist and singer, the first was Mary Jane Munson who, when I made the decision to be a musician after graduate work in the wrong field (English literature), was there to support me; I’m sorry I’m not mentioning all the others! • My friend Margaret Campbell, a Mu Phi colleague, who first introduced me to Nordic music, resulting in my job at Mindekirken and many other opportunities • And finally, one person very much with us, my dear longtime accompanist, pianist Beatrice Giere, who’s an SAI, but is otherwise perfect
Give a Little Extra Sparkle and Ensure a Brilliant Future CELEBRATING 120/60 120 Years of the Fraternity 60 Years of the Foundation Honor the Foundation’s diamond anniversary and the Fraternity’s double diamond anniversary with a 120/60 Campaign gift. Whether it’s $120 or 120 half-dollars ($60), we encourage you to give at the level that is meaningful to you. All gifts are valued and appreciated.
Shine On. Give Today!
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FROM THE
ARCHIVES W E N D Y A . S I S T R U N K , IN T ER N AT I O N A L LI B RA R I A N /A R C H I V E S C H A I R , MU MU, KA N SAS C I TY A LUM NI
THE WOMEN’S SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA OF CHICAGO Chicago has been acclaimed by eminent critics, guest conductors and internationally known musicians as becoming the most outstanding music center in the world, particularly in the fostering and development of American music and American musicians. Among the many musical organizations which have attained wide recognition for competency of musical expression, comparable to the best of similar ensembles, is the Women’s Symphony Orchestra of Chicago, almost entirely “manned” by women. It is the only woman’s orchestra definitely established professionally with standard repertoire, giving a series of concerts annually. [Like most industries of the era, women were barred from participating in most professional orchestras throughout Women’s Symphony Orchestra of Chicago, 1952 the mid-20th century.] The orchestra was founded in 1925 by a group of socially tors. Many of its members occupy important positions in the orchestra and executive offices. Mu Iota has contributed an oboe prominent people under the leadership of Mrs. A.J. Ochsner, a scholarship, Mu Xi a trombone, Iota Alpha two scholarships for member of Mu Phi Epsilon, who is president of the organization. French horn and class lessons for woodwinds. The national Mu She has given unsparingly of her time and intelligent direction Phi Epsilon chapter contributed the sum of $500, for which the to its welfare. Its growth, progress and interpretation has been conductor and orchestra are profoundly grateful. Members of not in the least short of remarkable, molded in the spirit of Mu Phi attend concerts in a body and otherwise assist in increasharmonious cooperation and evolving performances which have ing patronage. Mu Phi Epsilon is justly proud of the Women’s commanded the respect of every critic who has attended. Symphony Orchestra of Chicago and grateful to have a part in The orchestra is composed of 70 players. In addition to the assisting it to attain the heights in the realm of music. five regular concerts given during the ensuing season, programs have been planned in conjunction with Swedish, Bohemian, English and other societies, sponsored by resident foreign diplomats and consulates. For more information on the history of the The Chicago chapters of Mu Phi Epsilon have from its inChicago Women’s Symphony Orchestra, please ception ardently supported this orchestra and supplied conducvisit https://bit.ly/3QE6FiD 4
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CHICAGO HISTORICAL SOCIETY
BY PHYLLIS EILEENE BARRY (Mu Xi) Edited and excerpted from The Triangle, vol. XXV, no. 4 (Sept. 1931)
CONVE NTI ON H 2 0 2 3 A TEXAS-SIZED ROUND UP OF THE FRATERNITY’S FIRST IN-PERSON CONVENTION IN SIX YEARS
Welcome to
TEXAS!
Members of the host alumni chapters welcomed convention attendees with a rousing rendition of “Deep in the Heart of Texas.”
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CONVENTI ON H 2 0 2 3
Outgoing Fourth Vice President/Music Advisor Rebecca Sorley (Kappa, Indianapolis Alumni) and Fifth Vice President/Eligibility Advisor Terrel Kent (Beta Zeta, Baton Rouge Alumni) were thanked for their service to the International Executive Board.
A jazz quintet from University of North Texas College of Music in Denton, Texas, kicked off convention with an opening night performance. UNT became the first university in the nation to offer a degree program in jazz studies in 1947.
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Music delagates performing during Thursday’s recital included: Tiffany Piper Ragan (Gamma Gamma, Oklahoma Alumni) on flute; Lynn Godfriaux Maloy (Mu Kappa, Colorado Springs Alumni) on piano, at right; Emily O’Brien (Phi Tau) on clarinet; and vocalists Jeremy Sarmiento (Gamma Sigma) and Janelle Catbagan (Gamma Sigma, Palos Verdes/South Bay Alumni)
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CONVENTI ON H 2 0 2 3
Faces of Mu Phi Eves Mary Au (Mu Nu, Los Angeles Alumni) and Rik Noyce (Gamma Sigma, Los Angeles Alumni) performed music by Mu Phi Epsilon women composers including Chen Yi, Adrienne Albert (Phi Nu, Los Angeles Alumni) and a newly commissioned work for the convention by Deon Nelson Price (Gamma, Los Angeles Alumni).
Golden Triangle Individuals with 50-plus years of membership in the
Fraternity were recognized during Friday’s Honors Luncheon as members of the Mu Phi Epsilon Golden Triangle.
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Thank You, Foundation Board! Thank you to the
Mu Phi Epsilon Foundation Board whose generous grant helped fund the convention. Pictured from left: Katsua Yuasa, Isabel De La Cerda, Matthew Hoch, Kira Dixon, Zachariah Carlson-Giving and Sean Kilgore
Music therapists Hannah Estrella and Meg Beck were tapped to provide percussion accompaniment for “Tshosholoza.”
Convention Choir The convention choir, under the direction of
Francis Cathlina (Phi Tau), director of choral activities at the University of Memphis, and accompanied by Rebecca Sorley (Kappa, Indianapolis Alumni), chair of music at the University of Indianapolis, performed the closing concert on Saturday evening. The program included arrangements of “Tshosholoza” by Jeffrey Ames; “Lord, for Thy Tender Mercy’s Sake” by Richard Farrant; “Total Praise” by Richard Smallwood and Doreen Rao; and “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” by Molly Ijames.
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CONVENTI ON H 2 0 2 3
provinces AT
CONVENTION
ATLANTIC Stephanie Berry, Walter Todenhoft, Rosemary Ames, Susan Todenhoft, Ian Weise
CENTRAL Front: Ann Geller, Linda McNair, Evelyn Archer, Jewelianna Fuqua, Linnea Babcock, Shelby Bybee Back: Elaine Repking, Mary Gossell, Shulin Guo, Wendy Sistrunk, Nat Wiley
EAST CENTRAL Back: David Bozovic, Sean Kilgore, Brandon Barnett, Sean Paree-Huff Front: Rebecca Sorley, Haley Stevenson, Jess LaNore
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EASTERN GREAT LAKES Front: Charlotte Sienkiewicz, Janet Brown, Madison Mueller-Howell, Nancy Gray Back: Sally Tausch, Linda Florjancic, Megan McVicker, Masayo Fujiwara, Jonas Ardillo
GREAT LAKES Front: Donna Chrzanowski, Valerie Bruce, Morgan Sullivan, Christina “Storm” Byrdsong Back: Pat Butler, Karen Madsen
NORTH CENTRAL Front: Abbie Overturf, Liana Sandin, Carmen Chávez Back: Lucas Kendall, Susan Barksdale, Brandon May
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PACIFIC Front: Kirsten Forbes, Jordan Williams, Hannah Estrella Back: Sergio Franco-Gonzales, Monte Eoff, Sarah Sy, Jennifer Barnett
PACIFIC NORTHWEST Front: Kurt Alexander Zeller, Michael Lasfetto, Patti Duthie Back: Kirsten Forbes, Thomas Wieland, Charlie Kateley, Lindsey Rae Johnson
PACIFIC SOUTHWEST Front: Debra Shrader, Mary Au, Sally Etcheto Middle: Rick Noyce, Lorna Katz, Jeremy Sarmiento, Janelle Catbagan, Jason Pano Back: Tanner Wilson, Anthony Osborn, David Champion, Ayanna Delk Lewis
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SOUTH CENTRAL Front: Tena Hehn, Sandra McMillen, Carmen Coward, Martha MacDonald, Mary Ann Taylor, Rebekah Boatright, Peggy Capps Middle: Julie Cantu, Melissa Eddy, Ashley Bouras, Isabel De La Cerda, Jenny Smith, Emily O’Brien Back: Skyler Skillman, Gabrielle Wall, Abigail Hite, Jordan Riek, Daniel Park, Charlie Kantenberger, Mary Williams SOUTHEAST Front: Melody Little, Arietha Lockhart, Sarah Marchant, Wanda Yang Temko, Terrel Kent Middle: Samantha LeBlanc, Marshall Pugh, Lauren Moseley, Julia Nagel, Piper Gillam, Keenan Kade Back: Jamiliyah Ismaiel, Simon Miller, Francisca Maxwell, Kurt-Alexander Zeller, Eva May Pierce, Jason Collins, Tory Williams
WEST CENTRAL Front: Tiffany Piper Ragan, Marjorie Walton, Deborah Yagmin, Beverly Fernald, Ashley Roever, Kathleen Jung Back: Marilyn Hitchcock, Kirsten Forbes, Elphie Fey, Bridgette Shelton, Meg Beck
T H ANK YOU TO CO N V EN T I O N P H OTO G R A P HE R BAS I L BOU R AS .
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CONVENTION AWARDS
ELEANOR HALE WILSON-ROSALIE V. SPECIALE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Presented in convention years, the Eleanor Hale WilsonRosalie V. Speciale Lifetime Achievement Award honors members who have given the fraternity outstanding service beyond the local chapter level. The fraternity honored Lenita McCallum Witherspoon (Phi Iota, Palos Verdes/South Bay) with the Eleanor Hale Wilson-Rosalie V. Speciale Lenita McCallum Witherspoon Lifetime Achievement Award. Over the years, McCallum Witherspoon has held many leadership roles in the Fraternity and the Foundation — Pacific Southwest District Director (1993-2001); Director, Mu Phi Epsilon Foundation (20032007); Chair, Mu Phi Epsilon Foundation (2004-2005); President, Mu Phi Epsilon Foundation (2006-2007); and International 3rd Vice President (2009-2014). She’s served two terms as president of the Palos Verdes/South Bay alumni chapter and has been a member of its board for more than 40 years. Currently residing in Hawaii, she continues her affiliation with the chapter and serves as its recording secretary.
AWARD OF MERIT Presented in convention years, the Award of Merit recognizes a member of Mu Phi Epsilon who brings honor to the Fraternity in a particular field of music. The Award of Merit was presented to Julia K. Scott (Mu Chi) in recognition and deep appreciation of her dedicated service to music as an outstanding teacher of music and Julia K. Scott inspiring instructor and mentor to teachers of music. In more than three decades as a music teacher from elementary to university levels, and as founding director of the SMU Music Education Workshops, among the largest Orff Schulwerk and Kodály Certification Courses in the nation, Julia Scott’s contributions have significantly advanced music throughout the world. 14
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CITATION OF MERIT The Citation of Merit is presented during convention years to outstanding individuals in the music world, not members of Mu Phi Epsilon, who have contributed in an exceptional way to the goals of the fraternity. Past winners include Leonard Bernstein, Nadia Boulanger, Robert Shaw, Aaron Copland, Ellis Marsalis and Audra McDonald. John Holiday Mu Phi Epsilon awarded countertenor John Holiday with the 2023 Citation of Merit. Described as “one of the finest countertenors of his generation” by the Los Angeles Times, Holiday exemplifies the ideals of Mu Phi Epsilon by building bridges between cultural communities through his consistent excellence of performance and communication across musical styles and genres, from early music and opera through jazz, gospel and pop. In venues from the Metropolitan Opera to NBC’s “The Voice,” his work delights and moves audiences and inspires young musicians to imagine their future possibilities because of his present achievements.
ELIZABETH MATHIAS AWARD Established in 1968, the Elizabeth Mathias Award is given only in convention years to a member of Mu Phi Epsilon who has reached a high level of professional recognition or achievement. The award is named in honor of the co-founder of Mu Phi Epsilon and was first given in 1970. The recipient is selected by the International Executive Board. Barbara Hill Moore The Elizabeth Mathias Award was presented to Barbara Hill Moore (Mu Chi), an esteemed Mu Phi Epsilon member of 44 years who has combined an international career as a renowned soprano performer with a distinguished achievement as a teacher of singing. A member since 1974 of the voice faculty of the Meadows School of the Arts at Southern Methodist University, where she
is now Meadows distinguished professor of voice and senior associate dean, she has trained many singers gracing the world’s major stages and her work as a master teacher throughout the globe has encouraged countless others. Since 2000, she especially has fostered development of singers from South Africa through residencies with institutions there and has brought numerous African singers to the USA for advanced study. Her performance career has encompassed many repertoires and genres, notably promoting American music through annual recital tours in Europe from 1983 through 2009 and her 1990 founding of Spiritual Voices, an ensemble devoted to the performance of the earliest composed Negro spirituals and African American art songs. Dedicated to crossing cultural boundaries and inspiring talented musicians, her outstanding contributions to the advancement of music throughout the world have brought honor to her and to the Fraternity.
In her acceptance speech, Hill Moore addressed the newly inaugurated officers, new members and long-serving faithful members of our beloved Mu Phi Epsilon, stating: “You are the foundation of our future, of the impact we will continue to have on our communities … I challenge you, as I was challenged, to remember our motto of Music, Friendship and Harmony — and those who will come after you in our communities and into Mu Phi Epsilon. Take a moment to extend a helping or encouraging hand to someone who is stumbling or simply could use your help
INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD 2023-2026
2023-2026 International Executive Board members (from left): Ann Geiler, Liana Sandin, Ashley Bouras, Kurt-Alexander Zeller, Tanner Wilson and Marshall Pugh The fraternity installed a new slate of officers to its International Executive Board during the 2023 convention. INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT
Kurt-Alexander Zeller Mu Chi, Atlanta Alumni
FIRST VICE PRESIDENT, EXTENSION OFFICER
Liana Sandin Beta Pi, Lincoln Alumni
SECOND VICE PRESIDENT, COLLEGIATE ADVISOR
on their journey … And in the words of my grand-
Ashley Bouras Phi Tau, Dallas Alumni
mother, ‘remember who you are and whose you
FOURTH VICE PRESIDENT, MUSIC ADVISOR
are’ in this journey of life. Set and hold the banner and dreams high and as you hold on to them, bring others along with you! It will bless your life and the lives of others with fulfilling and joyful work.”
Marshall Pugh Alpha Xi, Roanoke Valley Alumni
FIFTH VICE PRESIDENT, ELIGIBILITY ADVISOR
Tanner Wilson Beta Alpha, Fullerton Alumni
Social Media Manager Appointed to IEB The fraternity also appointed Haley Stevenson (Kappa, Indianapolis Alumni), Mu Phi Epsilon’s social media manager, to the IEB as a nonvoting member. She joins Kat Braz, international editor, and Jess LaNore (Beta Psi, Indianapolis Alumni), international secretary and treasurer, as ex-officio board members.
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Celebrating 120 Years of Music, Friendship and Harmony Reflections on Cincinnati’s legacy in the founding of the Fraternity As Jennifer Barnett (Phi Mu, Palos Verdes/South Bay Alumni) made plans to attend the American Choral Directors Association conference in February, she couldn’t pass up an opportunity to organize a meetup for members of Mu Phi Epsilon. The national ACDA conference was held in Cincinnati, the birthplace of the Fraternity. Jennifer compiled the following information and photos in celebration of Mu Phi Epsilon’s 120th anniversary. “Meeting with other Mu Phis during the ACDA conference was great fun,” Barnett said. “We sang through ‘Our Triangle’ and I reflected on why a return to Cincinnati was so significant for our organization.”
Did You Know? The Alpha chapter of Mu Phi Epsilon was founded on November 13, 1903, at the Cincinnati Metropolitan College of Music which was established in 1867. In its first year, Alpha’s founding class consisted of 13 members and set forth many of the traditions and values that we uphold to this day, including but not limited to professional development, performance, research and community service. The College of Music of Cincinnati, a separate institution and later home to the Mu Omicron chapter, was founded in 1878 and was situated just south of the Cincinnati Music Hall. The College featured two music halls — The Odeon and the Lyceum, 16
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Mu Phi Epsilon members meet up during the ACDA conference in Cincinnati in February.
which sat 1,500 and 400 attendees respectively. In 1902, the day before the start of classes, an electrical short started a major fire that destroyed both concert halls as well as a number of surrounding classrooms, dormitories and administrative buildings. Fortunately, the Cincinnati Music Hall next door was spared from the blaze. Determined to aid the students of the college, the citizens of Cincinnati completed reconstruction of the destroyed buildings the following year in 1903. The new buildings were smaller, but considerably more fireproof. In 1930, the Metropolitan College of Music merged with the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. The College of Music of Cincinnati merged with the Conservatory in 1955. The Mu Phi Epsilon Cincinnati Alumni chapter was chartered in 1914. At present, there are no active collegiate or alumni chapters in the city.
A Letter from Winthrop S. Sterling — 1923 Members of Mu Phi Epsilon, sisters, mothers and girls everywhere: Greetings sincere and best wishes without number for many happy returns of THE DAY, November 13, happier and more blessed for each and every one, each returning anniversary. An anniversary or a birthday is a good time to stop and ponder for a time, “taking stock” as they say in business terms, and this means to look back over the “stock” already taken, and to look forward to that that shall be taken in, to make sure the balance shall be on the right side at the end of the year. The early stock from which the beginning of Mu Phi started was splendid, and especially we should call attention to the one who was such a great, in fact the chief inspiration of Alpha in its earlier years of existence, Mrs. Dr. Fuqua, then Miss Elizabeth Mathis whose … splendid enthusiasm was the chief factor in giving Mu Phi a good start. … Let Mu Phi on this anniversary take courage and look forward to yet greater things, a greater number of blessings to give and thereby also receiving a greater number each year, so that all future generations of Mu Phi “will rise up and call you blessed.” —Excerpt from a letter by Winthrop Smith Sterling, dean of the Metropolitan School of Music and co-founder of the Fraternity, that appeared in the November 1923 issue of the Triangle.
Founders Day Message N O V E M B E R
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On November 13, Mu Phi Epsilon celebrates its 120th birthday — Happy “Double Diamond” to us! Since 60 years is a “diamond anniversary” (which our MφE Foundation is celebrating in 2023), and 120 is twice 60, we are calling this our Double Diamond Jubilee — one diamond for each of our two founders. I wonder if Winthrop Sterling and Elizabeth Mathias Fuqua had any idea that the fraternity they founded in Cincinnati with 13 women on November 13, 1903, would be a vital organization of musicians of all genders and all adult ages all across the nation (and even the world) 120 years later. We don’t know exactly what their dreams for the future of Mu Phi Epsilon were, but we all are here today because they had a dream and did the work to make it a reality. Similarly, in Mu Phi Epsilon’s 60th anniversary year, leaders in the fraternity had a dream that became the Mu Phi Epsilon Foundation, which has helped to make so many dreams come true in the last 60 years. Now it is our turn. We can’t know yet what Mu Phi Epsilon or the Mu Phi Epsilon Foundation will be in another “diamond” of 60 years (and some of us, including me, probably won’t still be around to find out), but unless we dream big and work hard in our present, just as Winthrop Sterling and Elizabeth Mathias did in theirs, a diamond-glittering future is unlikely. Therefore, for our 120th Founders Day, we are amplifying our historic tradition of Founders Day Pennies and asking each member to contribute this year to our 120/60 Campaign, shared between the Fraternity and the Foundation, with the equivalent of 120 of whatever denomination of coin or currency will be appropriate for them and their dreams for Mu Phi Epsilon. Whether 120 dollar bills or maybe only 120 quarters ($30), there’s a “double diamond” contribution that will be right for every member to take their place in the long line that began with Winthrop Sterling and Elizabeth Mathias — the line of those who have founded the future of Mu Phi Epsilon by dreaming big and doing what they could in their present.
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D A N I E L L E E . M U S A T , MU PH I , C L E V E LA N D A R E A A LU MN I
Music Therapy, Stat! The healing power of song in the emergency department
Walking into the emergency department — palms sweaty, knees weak (no, this isn’t the start of an Eminem song), I can’t catch my breath, feeling dizzy, panic setting in — I look to a nurse for reassurance. I get a cold stare back. Wait. I need help! I don’t feel good! I take a deep breath and close my eyes. Just breathe. I see a familiar face, the charge nurse. His question, “First day?” and a smile put me slightly at ease. I was here to help. I was here to relax other people; I had to start with being relaxed myself. This was my first day working as a music therapist in the emergency department at TriPoint Hospital in Painesville, Ohio. Interesting, huh? Unheard of, yes. For several years, I had been working several years for The Fine Arts Association (FAA) in Willoughby, Ohio. As a music therapist (MT) at FAA, I saw several individual, peer and group clients on-site. I also was contracted to work providing music therapy services to the Lake Health hospital system in Lake County, Ohio. Part of my contract at Lake Health was to walk room to room, seeing admitted patients in various states and reasons for being in the hospital. The other part was working on the geriatric psychiatric unit in the hospital, holding two groups a week and seeing individual patients as needed. A colleague of mine, who started the music therapy contracting position at Lake Health, asked if I would be interested in working with her on a three-year study in the hospital on music therapy in the emergency department. Before putting much thought into it, I said “Sure … what does it involve?” I sat down in several meetings with the two writers of the study. This was a blind study, which meant I was not given all the information for what they were looking for during the study. What did I know? I knew that I was going to be providing music therapy services to patients in the emergency department, focusing on stress and pain identification and relief. During our meetings, we spoke about what type of interventions would be utilized, what instrumentation would be needed, how I was to document sessions and the protocol of patients I was allowed to see according to the study parameters. I could only see patients who were 18 years and older, not admitted into the hospital and not pink-slipped into behavioral health. 18
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To say I was met with some resistance is being gentle. Don’t get me wrong, not everyone was difficult to convince that I was there to help, not hinder. But I was in an emergency department with a keyboard and guitar. Not something you typically see. Think about it … You walk into the emergency department for treatment for an illness or injury, and you see a woman holding a guitar in the hallway — how do you react? I’ve seen it all, from laughter, rolled eyes, expressions of concern and confusion, to smiles and a thumbs up. When I started my music therapy career, I never thought I’d end up here. Standing with my guitar in an emergency department. But here I was. Now … what do I do? Finding My Way Resistance came in many forms, from side glares, asking me to leave a room and saying “no, thank you” when asking the nursing staff if they had any patients to recommend for services. I had to make myself known and respected by not only the patients but by the staff. I started making personal connections with staff members, EMTs, nurses, doctors, cleaning staff. I let them know I was a person who was there to help not only the patients but them. How could I help the staff? When an environment is calm, it typically heeds calm people and experiences. I began my shift by checking in with the charge nurse and accepting referrals, if there were any. I then began to softly finger-pick my guitar as I walked up and down the emergency department halls. Not only did this allow me to be seen and heard, but it allowed me to make eye contact with potential music therapy subjects and to show the staff that I was a professional and knew what I was doing. More and more staff started greeting me on the floor. There were a couple of EMTs who noticed that when they needed to start an IV or blood draw, the sound of the guitar music helped them remain calm as well as decrease the stress of the patient. Soon, they were finding me prior to the start of the procedure and requesting my services. This was progress! Patients, family members or caregivers would poke their heads out of their room, looking for where the music was coming from, leading to an
interaction between them and me. From this initial meet, I could make the move into asking about why the patient was in the emergency department, how they were doing and if they would be interested in hearing some more music. Many patients said “sure,” some said “no, thank you,” but, again, this was progress. Now it was time for the assessment. Many of these patients were either in pain or distressed by being in the emergency department. Anxiety and stress levels were high thinking about all the unknowns of their scenarios. I first asked them to rate their stress and/or pain levels from 0-10. We did this pre- and post- session. From there, we spoke about their preference in music genre and what they felt may help them to relax at this time. When looking for a referral from staff, the following were reasons they could refer a patient for music therapy: pain management, relaxation, distraction/diversion, stress management, procedural support and waiting time before/after tests. Referrals could come with a high or low priority. A high priority may mean that someone needs immediate intervention to help calm them, decrease pain, decrease frustration, etc. A low priority would be more appropriate for a lower trauma score patient or someone who would be in the emergency department for a longer period and was more stable. When asked about music preferences, most patients gave me a few genres they prefer and don’t prefer. I occasionally had a request to play/sing a specific song. If I did not know the song, I was able to pull it up on my iPad and play it for the patient, sometimes singing along and sometimes just sitting quietly. Other times, the patient would ask me to choose a song for them. This
could be chosen with additional questioning by me, including: What kind of mood are you in? Do you want a fast or slow song? Would you prefer me to sing or just play the guitar? With these questions answered, I was able to make a more therapeutic selection for the patient. The interventions utilized during my time in the emergency department included music-assisted relaxation, therapeutic listening/musical requests, musical diversion, song-writing and therapeutic singing. •
Music-assisted relaxation was a technique used in which I played recorded music or sang/played live music to assist in relaxation. This technique could be guided or nonguided. Guided music-assisted relaxation involves the music therapist verbally instructing the patient to work on specific thinking or breathing exercises, while either live or recorded music is being played. Nonguided music-assisted relaxation would allow the patient to work on their own internal relaxation techniques with the assistance of music, provided by the music therapist.
•
Therapeutic listening/music requests was a popular intervention. By utilizing therapeutic listening, the patient was able to focus on the music or a selected piece which provides stimulation to the auditory system and gives them controlled sensory information.
•
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through at the time. The fact that music therapy was new in this environment was a piece of information the patient was not planning on receiving. Thus, it diverted their attention from stress or pain, even for a split second, and allowed them to engage in a musical experience while in the emergency department. •
•
Although not used as often as other interventions, songwriting was used to assist the patient in processing their current situation and also, at times, lightening the mood with comedy. Taking a well-known song and changing the lyrics to fit the occasion was the quickest way to write a song in this acute setting. Topics such as sciatica, panic attacks, accidents, etc. were turned into songs in which the patient could openly express their thoughts and feelings on their circumstances. Sometimes there were laughs, sometimes tears, but overall, a healthy expression of emotion. Therapeutic singing is a neurologic music therapy technique that involves the unspecified use of singing activities to facilitate initiation, development and articulation in speech and language as well as to increase functions of the respiratory apparatus. Therapeutic singing can be used with a variety of neurological or developmental speech and language dysfunctions. Therapeutic singing can help some patients slow their breathing and increase breath control. It also can trigger the release of endorphins and serotonin, increasing a natural high and improved mood which in turn decreases stress and pain levels.
Through trial and error, I determined that one part of the study interventions was not as effective as others. This was the use of an MP3 player, for music assisted relaxation, which had pre20 MuPhiEpsilon.org
recorded guided imagery and music selections. The MP3 player was not very user-friendly and the earbuds were uncomfortable in patients’ ears. Patients still had the opportunity to take advantage of the guided imagery and music through a drop card — a card with a code on it that the user could use to access the guided imagery and music. Both a positive and a negative, the user would need to use a computer, tablet or smart phone to access the music. Most of the older patients were not familiar with this type of technology. If family members were with them, they were given the instructions to help the patient utilize this form of relaxation. I truly enjoyed my time in the emergency department, although not every day was easy or uplifting. As you can imagine, some very serious events happen in life that bring people into the emergency department. I held the hands of family members who did not know if their loved ones were going to ever get better. I played music to patients enduring painful procedures, from blood draws, numbing for sutures, to fracture reductions, and more. I became a familiar and friendly face to patients and loved ones who needed someone to look to and offer some peace and understanding. Each patient eligible for the study was mailed a questionnaire to complete regarding their time in the emergency department. When asked about being provided music therapy, 100% of eligible participants — 1,113 patients — would request music therapy services if admitted to the emergency department again. Wow! It is one thing to feel as though I made a difference in someone’s experience in the emergency department, but another to have the acknowledgement from the patients after they left. Due to the overwhelmingly positive response to my work during this this time, I was able to stay and continue working seeing patients in the emergency department following the completion of the study. Patient Stories To help you gain a better understanding of the work I did while in the emergency department, I wanted to share a few patient stories. In one case, a 34-year-old woman came into the emergency department with complaint of abdominal pain. When I walked down the hall, I heard some crying coming from one of the rooms. The curtain was not drawn, and I could see the patient, sitting up in the hospital bed, and crying hysterically. Also in the room was a nurse and medic, attempting to triage the patient and prepare her for an IV and blood draw. I quietly began to play my guitar in the hallway. Seeing there was a stool at the foot of the patient’s bed, I asked if the medic was about to draw blood to which she responded, “yes.” I then asked if the patient needed a blanket, to which she responded, “no.” I sat on the stool, continuing to finger pick on the guitar and softly talk with the patient about the pain she was feeling. During this time, I gave a few verbal instructions on breathing and continued to play the guitar. The patient’s anxiety
level went from a 10 to a three in less than five minutes. At one point, the patient was joking with me and the medic, turning to me, saying “You are amazing. You are the best at your job. You have calmed me down so much. I have never even heard of music therapy, let alone expected this on my visit. You are definitely doing the job you need to be doing. I cannot thank you enough.” I continued to play as the medic and nurse finished triaging the patient. Following the completion of triage, blood draw and IV insertion, I spoke with the patient asking if she needed anything additional at this time. The patient had just been given pain medication and had started to feel woozy. I suggested the patient lie back on the bed and continue to relax, breathing slowly. I made closure with the patient as she started to close her eyes and left the room to see another patient. Another story I’d like to share involved a 79-year-old man who entered the emergency department complaining of back pain. I had already been playing my guitar in the hallway, walking up and down, and stopped at the doorway of this patient’s room. The patient looked up and said, “are you here to play a song for me?” The patient was lying on his side in the bed with his daughter at his bedside. I responded “of course!” I verbally checked in on the patient and assessed how he was feeling. He and his daughter explained that he has had back surgeries over the years, and he has been dealing with severe back pain for a week. The back clinic could not get him in until the end of the month and he needed relief. After some more conversation, I played and sang “Down in the Valley,” to which the patient sang along. During this time, the patient’s daughter became very tearful. When the song was finished, I asked the daughter if she was OK, and if she would like to share why she became emotional during the song. The patient’s daughter said that “Down in the Valley” was her mother and father’s song “back in the day.” The patient’s daughter explained that her mother now has dementia and both the patient and his daughter shared stories of how it seemed as though the onset of the dementia had “softened” their loved one. They went on to explain that that the small things that used to anger her do not seem to have an effect on her anymore. They both agreed they have been blessed by the way the dementia is affecting their loved one. The patient listened to another song, seeming to relax more and not focus on the pain. The patient and his daughter seemed to need to verbally process through the current situation and recent findings, given from the doctor. They shared their appreciation with me for listening to their stories and sharing, feeling grateful they came on a day I was working. The physician’s assistant entered the room to speak with the patient and stated that he would be writing up a couple of prescriptions. The patient responded, “Can you please write me a prescription to take her home?” as he pointed to me. The patient continued to say, “she has helped so much, we want to take her with us!”
“Make it stop!”
— Sung to the tune of “Let it be” by The Beatles When I find myself in lots of pain, My sciatica is acting up. Spouting words of profanity … Make it stop! And when the doctor tells me that I’ve had enough pain medicine. More words of profanity … Make it stop! Make it stop Make it stop Oh, dear Lord, Make it stop! I may blow my top! Make it stop!
Danielle Musat, MT-BC, NMT, (Mu Phi, Cleveland Area Alumni) has been a board-certified music therapist since 2001. Her work experience includes children and teens diagnosed with behavioral disorders; individuals with intellectual and developmental disorders, from birth through older adult; individuals with physical disabilities; psychiatric disturbances; and many other physical, emotional and mental health needs. She has worked for The Fine Arts Association in Willoughby, Ohio, since 2012. She sees individuals, small and large peer groups, and instructs an adapted dance class for individuals who may have difficulty being successful in a typical dance studio. Musat earned her bachelor’s in music therapy with a minor in psychology from Baldwin-Wallace College in 2000. She serves as vice president on the board of directors for In Harmony Therapeutic Services, a nonprofit that focuses on trauma informed music therapy services. She also plays viola in the Parma Symphony Orchestra and Hermit Club Orchestra in downtown Cleveland, with her parents, John and Kathy, and her brother, John. “I believe that music can heal the mind and soul. Sharing my passion for music and helping others has become my life’s mission. I know how much music has meant to me and I strive to help others reach their own understanding through the therapeutic experience called music therapy.”
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Chords of
ollaboration C
Kansas City visual artist Sister Caroline Neal creates paintings inspired by KCYCM’s recitals. 22
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Kansas City Young Chamber Musicians emphasizes teamwork and fun During his toddler years, Nichoperson’s classical chamber las Dold (Omega Omega, Kansas music program for interCity Alumni) sang anything and mediate through advanced everything — TV show theme students ages 13 to 18. Young songs, jingles on the radio. musicians in violin, viola, He spent hours a week at the cello, piano and all wind/ upright piano in the living room, reed instruments are placed plunking out tunes by ear. He in duets, trios and quartets constantly found ways to make for the season. Members of music any way he could. the KCYCM coach students When he turned 4, his parents weekly. Although many of enrolled him in piano lessons. He these coaching artists have was fortunate to have supportive their own private teaching piano teachers who both pushed studios, KCYCM does not him to master technique and offer solo private lessons and encouraged him to explore his instead focuses only on chamown interests in repertoire. He ber music and small ensemble remained consistent with weekly instruction. lessons and daily practice sessions “I wanted to start a precolthroughout his training. lege chamber music training He loved piano. He just didn’t program because a pianist seriously consider pursuing a can go through 18 years of career in music until a violinist lessons without once playfriend in his high school orchestra ing with another musician,” approached him about collaboratDold said. “But string players ing on a piece together. Then, he typically start with orchestral began accompanying friends who and collaborative repertoire sang in choir. Through collaboraat a very young age. “In the tion, Dold found his passion for a Suzuki method, for example, Nicholas Dold is the founder of Kansas City Young Chamber students learn their instrucareer as a musician. “I had all this very serious and Musicians. ments while simultaneously consistent solo piano training learning collaboration skills. growing up,” Dold said. “But it was through collaborating with By learning chamber music repertoire at a younger age, students others that I realized I wanted to become a serious professional begin learning the skills necessary for playing in an ensemble musician. That’s what enticed me to become a collaborative sooner.” pianist specializing in instrumental chamber repertoire.” Prior to relocating to Kansas City, Dold ran a similar proTo instill a similar passion for chamber music and collaboragram in Santa Clara, California. The program was very popular tive performance in youth, Dold, now an adjunct professor in in Silicon Valley where a number of arts organizations promote keyboard arts, collaborative piano, at William Jewell College in chamber music. When he began establishing his studio in Kansas Liberty, Missouri, founded Kansas City Young Chamber MusiCity, he realized that there were multiple youth symphonies and cians in fall 2022. high school bands, but not a lot of opportunities for students to The nonprofit organization serves as a year-round young play in chamber music ensembles. FALL 2023
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“The Midwest culture is very different from California but we have many talented instrumentalists in Kansas City,” Dold said. “Students are committed to performing classical music in the Midwest because they want music to be a long-term fixture in their lives. I think that dedication to learning an instrument stems from the Midwestern work ethic.” Dold prides himself on playing musical matchmaker as he places students in their ensembles at the start of the season. The students’ families get excited about the ensemble experience, hosting additional practice sessions in their homes outside of the weekly coaching sessions. For some students, the experience of playing in an ensemble together leads to close-knit friendship. “Nick has a talent for matching students in both skill level and personality,” said Ashley Wood White (Epsilon Xi ), one of KCYCM’s coaching artists. “He truly wants to provide students with the best possible opportunity to flourish and grow as musicians. Whether they end up majoring in music or not, they can look back on this experience as a wonderful time in their lives when they matured both as a person and a musician.” As a clarinetist, White always played chamber music growing up. Working with KCYCM students as a coaching artist recalls her own wonderful memories of past collaborative ensembles. When Dold initially approached White about coaching, she was initially hesitant because she was already busy with her own private studio. But after watching her clarinet student develop as a musician during KCYCM’s first season, she plans to stay involved and encourage more of her private students to participate. 24 MuPhiEpsilon.org
“Nick has created an environment that’s all about finding the fun in chamber music,” White said. “As the program continues to grow, I envision the application process will become much more competitive. Not only did I see students improve their musicianship, I watched them develop skills for teamwork, conflict resolution, time management and communication over the course of the season. These are skills that will serve them in any profession.” KCYCM enrolled 15 students during its inaugural season in 2022-2023. There are three terms each season with each term lasting 11 weeks. In addition to the eight coaching artists, there
are four masterclass faculty who work with the students during week 10, one week prior to the final recital. During the masterclass, students have an opportunity to practice their repertoire in a constructive educational setting with a professional performing musician or college professor. “It’s a very methodical sequence so the students’ first exposure to chamber music is really supported,” Dold said. “The entire process is very nurturing with encouraging instruction from the coaching artists so that by the week of the formal recital, the students feel prepared to perform at their best.” As KCYCM enters its second season, enrollment has more
than doubled. Dold has nothing but appreciation for how the Kansas City community has embraced the program. Members of the Kansas City Symphony and faculty from area colleges and universities participate as coaching artists. Generous donors have provided financial support, enabling KCYCM to provide scholarship assistance for students who need it. Local artist Sister Caroline Neal attends the students’ recitals with her sketchbook and produces paintings from the sketches in her studio. A portion of her art sales benefit KCYCM’s student need-based scholarship fund. “I’m thrilled that our chamber music community has brought together all these young musicians, families, teachers, artists and supporters,” Dold said. “We started the program very quickly and it’s been exciting to see how much we’ve grown as an organization. Of all the things I’ve done throughout my career in music, working with these students, families and teachers has been my most artistically fulfilling endeavor. I couldn’t be happier with the community we’ve built in Kansas City through chamber music.”
Follow all Kansas City Young Chamber Musicians events and performances at
www.kcycm.org, on Facebook @kansascityycm or Instagram @kcyoungchambermusicians
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FRATERNITY AWARDS
2022-2023 ALUMNI AWARD WINNERS International Alumni Chapter of the Year: First Place: Palos Verdes/South Bay Second Place: Lincoln Third Place: Cleveland Area/Alliance
Orah Ashley Lamke Award:
Susan D. Poelchau (Epsilon Pi, Dallas Alumni) Elaine Repking (Beta Iota, St. Louis Alumni)
Katherine Doepke Creative Programming Award: Winner: Dallas
Honorable Mentions: Fullerton, Baton Rouge
Noteworthy Community Service Project:
Dallas — Anam the Witch and Beatrice the Beautiful
Outstanding Yearbook: Dallas
Outstanding Newsletter: Lincoln
PROVINC E ALU M N I C H APT E R AC H IE VE M E N T AWAR DS Atlantic Province: Boston Eastern Great Lakes: Cleveland Area/Alliance Great Lakes: Ann Arbor East Central: Indianapolis Southeast: Atlanta South Central: Dallas Central: St. Louis North Central: Lincoln West Central: Colorado Springs Pacific Southwest: Palos Verdes/South Bay
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ORAH ASHLEY LAMKE AWARD The Orah Ashley Lamke Award is given each year to a longtime member who has shown dedication and loyalty at the local level. This year’s recipients are Suan Poelchau (Epsilon Pi, Dallas Alumni) and Elaine Repking (Beta Iota, St. Louis Alumni). Susan Poelchau exemplifies all that is best in a Mu Phi Epsilon alumni member. She is completely reliable in not only her many official positions but also in her attendance, performances and support of the Dallas Alumni chapter and the larger organization. She always communicates with a smile, a kind word or encouragement to new or returning members. Her programs are thoughtful, insightful and fun. Poelchau finds many ways to lift those around her by using music. Although many members are willing to work occasionally and even perform regularly, she has invested significant time in promoting Mu Phi Epsilon through many years of booking hundreds of top-level performers for the concert series, accompanying, singing, performing and learning. Endeavors such as these entail significant juggling because of her many and varied musical commitments, and she has come through it all with grace and good humor. Elaine Repking has been a loyal and dedicated member since 1975 and has established a legacy of leadership in the St. Louis Alumni chapter. She is the chapter’s go-to person for all things Mu Phi. She always volunteers to do whatever needs to be done for the good of the chapter: hosting meetings, doing book reviews, serving on committees, suggesting themes for the year, putting together the yearbook, compiling the monthly newsletter, attending conventions, making table decorations and more. She is a prime example of an alumna who was able to raise a family, work and stay active in Mu Phi. She believes in the ideals and values of our Fraternity and continually pushes us to be the best Mu Phis we can be. She is a role model for the St. Louis chapter and for every Mu Phi.
Alumni Chapter SERV Hours Awards:
First Place: Colorado Springs, 6,500 hours Second Place: Palos Verdes/South Bay, 5,682 hours Third Place: Cleveland Area/Alliance, 3,641 hours Fourth Place: Lincoln, 3,621 hours Fifth Place: St. Louis, 3,153 hours
Alumni Top 5 for Individual SERV Hours
40 members reported earning over 300 SERV hours First Place: Gwen Rapp (Colorado Springs), 5,500 hours Second Place: Anne Destabelle (Palos Verdes/South Bay), 1,160 hours Third Place: Liana Sandin, (Lincoln), 1,054 hours Fourth Place: Daniel Shavers (St. Louis), 950 hours Fifth Place: Jan Brown (Palos Verdes/South Bay), 766 hours
2023 COLLEGIATE AWARD WINNERS International Collegiate Chapter of the Year, Tier 1: Zeta Zeta, Elon University, International Collegiate Chapter of the Year, Tier 2: Beta Mu, Texas A&M University International Collegiate Chapter of the Year, Tier 3: Delta Psi, Clayton State University Collegiate Chapter of the Year Honorable Mentions: Tier 1: Alpha Nu, West Texas A&M University and Mu Eta, University of the Pacific Tier 2: Beta Zeta, Southern University and A&M College and Beta Alpha, California State University Fullerton Tier 3: Beta Psi, University of Indianapolis and Phi Mu, San José State University
Outstanding Chapter Service Project To School: Beta Alpha, California State University Fullerton, created a dedicated study room designed to support student academic endeavors. Students use the space for homework completion, focused study sessions and thorough preparation for impending final examinations. To further facilitate academic pursuits, the chapter also supplied students with a range of amenities, including nourishing snacks, reliable pencils, and engaging fidget spinners. Honorable Mention, Service Project To School: Gamma Sigma, California State University, Dominguez Hills, demonstrated a strong commitment to the Music Department by organization and maintenance of the music library, assembly of a storage cage for the university’s pep band equipment, and cleaning and arranging the equipment room to create space for rental instruments and other equipment. Outstanding Chapter Service Project To Community: Phi Mu, San Jose State University engaged in a valuable service project focused on promoting opportunities for musicians, theater students and dance students in collaboration with the San Jose Chamber of Commerce. Members hung posters throughout the community to raise awareness about businesses that seek performers from these artistic disciplines. Through this endeavor, the chapter successfully forged meaningful connections with local businesses, fostering partnerships that encompass both fundraising efforts and the provision of spaces for members and nonmembers to engage in creative pursuits such as music-making and performance. Honorable Mention, Service Project To Community: Epsilon Epsilon, Texas Christian University, held a collaborative service event at a women and family shelter during Women’s History Month. The chapter also organized a St. Patrick’s Day-themed activity centered around crafts and cookie decorating. Lower-income families had the opportunity to work on these projects together, creating an atmosphere of creativity and togetherness. Most Overall SERV Hours: Beta Mu, Texas A&M University, 862 hours
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FRATERNITY AWARDS
Honorable Mention, Overall SERV Hours: Phi Tau, University of North Texas, 535 hours
Honorable Mention, District Directors: Arietha Lockhart and Linda McNair
Most Reported SERV hours per member: Beta Zeta, Southern University and A&M College, 27 hours/member
100+ Individual SERV Hours: 129 — David Jimenez (Beta Alpha), California State University Fullerton 104.5 — Kathryn Dauer (Lambda), Ithaca College 104 — Hailey Shaw (Beta Omicron), Western Illinois 101.5 — Tyler Kowal (Mu Phi), Baldwin Wallace University 101 — Caitlin Glastonbury (Lambda), Ithaca College
Honorable Mention, SERV hrs per member: Beta Alpha, California State University Fullerton, 20 hours/member Most Chapter Total SERV Projects: Mu Eta, University of the Pacific, 16 Honorable Mention, Total Chapter SERV Projects: Alpha Omega, Stephen F. Austin University, 13 Outstanding Membership Recruitment Awards (includes high number of total initiations, and high ratios of recruitment): Beta Zeta, Southern University and A&M College; Zeta Zeta, Elon University; Beta Psi, University of Indianapolis Outstanding Fundraising: Phi Mu, San Jose State University Outstanding Collegiate Leadership: Hasina Torres (Mu Eta), University of the Pacific Tyler Kowal (Mu Phi) Baldwin Wallace University Elizabeth Enderle (Beta Psi) University of Indianapolis Evelyn Guzman (Gamma Sigma) California State University Dominguez Hills
Kirsten Forbes
Ashley Roever
District Directors of the Year: Kirsten Forbes and Ashley Roever
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PROVINCE COLLEGIATE CHAPTER ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS Central
Beta Omicom, Western Illinois University
East Central
Beta Psi, University of Indianapolis
Eastern Great Lakes
Phi Omega, Westminster College
North Central
Mu Psi, Coe College
Pacific
Mu Eta, University of the Pacific
Pacific Southwest
Beta Alpha, California State Fullerton
South Central
Alpha Nu, West Texas A&M University
Southeast
Zeta Zeta, Elon University
West Central
Phi Pi, Wichita State University
PROVINCE SENIOR ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS Eastern Great Lakes
Tyler Kowal (Mu Phi), Baldwin Wallace University
Pacific
Phoenix Harris (Mu Eta), University of the Pacific
Pacific Southwest
David Jimenez (Beta Alpha), California State University, Fullerton
South Central
Nathalie Calvo (Alpha Pi), Texas State University
Southeast
Conor Neuser (Eta Eta), Oglethorpe University
Tyler Kowal
Phoenix Harris
David Jimenez
Conor Neuser
INTERNATIONAL STERLING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD The International Sterling Achievement Award is given annually to the outstanding Collegiate chosen from the Collegiate Province Award winners. It is the highest honor Mu Phi awards to a Collegiate member. This year’s recipient is Nathalie Calvo (Alpha Pi), Texas State University. A remarkable individual in the field of choral education, Calvo has consistently displayed academic excellence throughout her collegiate journey. Her notable performances at Texas State University, including the Texas State Chorale’s rendition of Considering Matthew Shepard and her roles in opera productions such as Suor Angelica and Cendrillon, showcased her talent and versatility. Calvo served as president of the Alpha Pi chapter of Mu Phi Epsilon and as vice president of the American Choral Directors Association at Texas State. As a section leader in the Texas State Choir and a counselor for the Texas State Choir Camp, Calvo demonstrated ability to teach and inspire others in the field of choral music. Her commitment to academic excellence, musical performance and leadership positions make Calvo an outstanding role model for aspiring music educators.
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FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP AND GRANT APPLICATIONS s Available online only starting January 1, 2024 m p efou n d at i o n .o rg /g ra nt s -a n d -s c h o l a rs h i p s
SCHOLARSHIP CHAIRS
IM P ORTA NT UP DATES A ND REMINDERS Scholarship and Grant Applications
DANIELLE KUNTZ Grants/Scholarships Coordinator grants@mpefoundation.org
The Foundation Board is excited to announce the 2024 scholarships and grants season will be here before you know it. We have a few exciting changes ahead.
KIRA DIXON president@mpefoundation.org
Through the Adopt an Applicant program, alumni members can sponsor an application for students in need. Applicants pay $25 per application, and many of our applicants like to apply for multiple grants. If you are interested in sponsoring an application, please check out the grants and scholarships page on our website for more details.
SEAN KILGORE vicepresident@mpefoundation.org KATSUYA YUASA secretary@mpefoundation.org ISABEL DE LA CERDA treasurer@mpefoundation.org MATTHEW HOCH philanthropies@mpefoundation.org HANNAH PORTER OCCEÑA admin@mpefoundation.org
Adopt an Applicant
Other reminders: • Dues deadlines. Applicants must be dues-paying members. If dues are paid after 11:59 p.m. CT on December 31, 2023, a late fee will apply. • Application deadlines. Most applications are due by 11:59 p.m. CT on March 1, 2024. There are a few exceptions: Wilson Summer Scholarship — 11:59 p.m. CT on April 15, 2024 Music Educator Grant — 11:59 p.m. CT on November 1, 2023 • Recordings are accepted via links to websites such as YouTube (preferred). Websites such as Dropbox where sign-in by a third party is required to access materials will not be accepted. Make sure the listing is marked either public or unlisted. The Foundation encourages all students (undergraduate and graduate), student chapters, alumni chapters and alumni members to apply for these grants and scholarships. For reminders, tips and information on the process, visit our website (mpefoundation.org), watch our YouTube channel and follow us on social media.
Eligibility Statement • Application fees are non-refundable, even in the case of incomplete applications. • Applicants should be dues-paying members as of December 31, 2023. Applications from members whose dues were paid after December 31. 2023, will incur a late fee. • Applicants may apply for more than one scholarship/grant. • Previous winners may apply for the same scholarship or grant as long as three grant cycles have passed since they last won (winners in 2020 and before may apply in 2024). Winners of the Helen Haupt Alumni Chapter Project Grant or the Wiese-Abegg Collegiate Chapter Project Grant may apply every year. • A Mu Phi Epsilon Foundation scholarship or grant may not be used for everyday living expenses, to repay educational loans or to repay personal debt. • Required recordings must not be older than two years from the date of application.
* Designates grants and scholarships funded through the generosity of the Eleanor Hale Wilson Charitable Trust ** Designates grants and scholarships funded through the generosity of the Pearle Francis Finigan Foundation
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G RA N TS AND SCHOLA R SHI PS GENERAL DIVERSITY SCHOLAR GRANT To be awarded to traditionally underrepresented and minoritized populations such as BIPOC, AAPI, and LGBTQIA+ individuals. Applicants can be pursuing one or more of the following: study or research, performance, lessons or workshops, or projects.
Value $2,000 Chair: De La Cerda MUSIC EDUCATOR GRANT Deadline November 1 Grant awarded to music educators. Grant may be used to supplement classroom supplies, equipment or other educational expenses. Value $2,000 Chair: Dixon MERLE MONTGOMERY DOCTORAL GRANT* To a doctoral candidate whose advanced work toward the degree is at a significant stage of completion. Value $3,000 Chair: Yuasa LIANA K. SANDIN GRANTS-IN-AID** For a specific purpose essential to completion of an exceptional musical project or undertaking well beyond the planning stage. Value $2,000 (three awards) Chair: Yuasa MABEL HENDERSON MEMORIAL GRANT FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDY To support study outside the United States in a country other than the country of the applicant’s birth or citizenship. Applicants must be 21 years of age by June 1, 2023. Value $2,000 Chair: Yuasa HELEN HAUPT ALUMNI CHAPTER PROJECT GRANTS To support one or more special proj-
ects undertaken by an alumni chapter. Previous winners of this grant may re-apply for consideration of a significantly different project. Value up to $2,000 Chair: Kuntz WIESE-ABEGG COLLEGIATE CHAPTER PROJECT GRANTS* To help support one or more special projects undertaken by collegiate chapters. Value up to $2,000 Chair: Porter Occeña MARY ALICE COX GRANT FOR LIFELONG LEARNING To an alumni member, in good standing for 10 years or more at time of application. To be used for continued or renewed development of a mid-career transition in any field of professional music. Value $2,000 Chair: Kilgore MUSIC HISTORY & RESEARCH MUSICOLOGICAL RESEARCH AWARD — DOCTORAL DISSERTATION To a doctoral student, or recent grad within one year, who has written a doctoral dissertation. Value $1,000 Chair: De La Cerda MUSICOLOGICAL RESEARCH AWARD — GRADUATE THESIS To a graduate student, or recent grad within one year, who has written a musicological research thesis. Value $750 Chair: De La Cerda MUSICOLOGICAL RESEARCH AWARD — UNDERGRADUATE PAPER OR THESIS To an undergraduate student, or recent grad within 1 year, who has written a musicological research paper or thesis. Value $250
Chair: De La Cerda COMPOSITION & THEORY LILLIAN HARLAN RAMAGE GRANT FOR GRADUATE STUDY IN COMPOSITION* To a graduate student in composition. Value $2,000 Chair: Yuasa ELLEN JANE LORENZ PORTER GRANT FOR GRADUATE WORK IN COMPOSITION* To a graduate student working on an advanced degree in composition. Value $2,000 Chair: Yuasa ORIGINAL COMPOSITION AWARD — UNDERGRADUATE To an undergraduate student for an original composition or work. Value $1,000 Chair: De La Cerda ORIGINAL COMPOSITION AWARD — GRADUATE To a graduate student (master’s, doctorate, etc.) for an original composition or work. Value $1,000 Chair: De La Cerda ORIGINAL COMPOSITION AWARD — ALUMNI To an alumni member for an original composition or work. Value $1,000 Chair: De La Cerda RUTH DEAN MORRIS SCHOLARSHIP To a student majoring in music theory or composition. Value $2,000 Chair: Yuasa
@mpefoundation FALL 2023
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FOUNDATION
CONDUCTING JOHN AND MARY VIRGINIA FONCANNON CHORAL CONDUCTING OR SACRED MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP For study in choral conducting or sacred music. Value $10,000 Chair: Dixon JOHN AND MARY VIRGINIA FONCANNON CONDUCTING/ COACHING SCHOLARSHIP To support the study of conducting/ coaching. Value up to $10,000 Chair: Dixon INSTRUMENTAL ALBERTA DENK SCHOLARSHIP FOR VIOLIN, VIOLA, CELLO, DOUBLE BASS* To support a music major’s study of music performance. Value $2,000 Chair: Kilgore GERKE COLLEGIATE ARTIST SCHOLARSHIPS* Woodwinds, Brass, Percussion, Strings. To an undergraduate music major with a minimum 3.0 GPA in music and a 2.0 GPA in all other subjects. Value $2,000 (two awards) Chair: De La Cerda BETH LANDIS VIOLIN SCHOLARSHIP For undergraduate or graduate study in violin. Value $5,000 Chair: Kilgore JEAN LOUISE MARTIN SCHOLARSHIP To an undergraduate or graduate instrumentalist (brass, woodwinds, strings or percussion) for study in music performance. Value $2,000 Chair: Kilgore
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ELEANOR HALE WILSON CELLO SCHOLARSHIP To an undergraduate or graduate music education, music therapy or performance major whose primary instrument is cello. Value $2,000 Chair: Kilgore CHAMBER MUSIC JAMES AND LOLA FAUST CHAMBER MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP To a chamber ensemble with one or two Mu Phi Epsilon members (depending on total number of members) demonstrating a performance history of at least two years. Value up to $5,000 Chair: Yuasa ARTS MANAGEMENT EDYTHE G. BURDIN SCHOLARSHIP To a student studying arts management. Value $2,000 Chair: Kilgore MUSIC EDUCATION MADGE CATHCART GERKE SCHOLARSHIP To an applicant in music education with no professional classroom teaching experience who will complete certification requirements at the end of any term of the current academic year. Value $2,000 Chair: Dixon BETH LANDIS MUSIC EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP For undergraduate or graduate study in music education. Value $5,000 Chair: Dixon HAZEL B. MORGAN SCHOLARSHIP* For graduate study in music education. Value $2,000 Chair: Dixon
NADINE WILLIAMS SCHOLARSHIP To an applicant currently enrolled in an accredited program of graduate study in music education. Value $2,000 Chair: Dixon INES PRATT JAMISON SCHOLARSHIP To a music education major who is studying voice. Value $2,000 (see Voice) Chair: Hoch DR. FRAN IRWIN MUSIC EDUCATION MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP For a junior or senior majoring in music education. Value $2,000 Chair: Dixon MUSIC TECHNOLOGY BETTYLOU SCANDLING HUBIN SCHOLARSHIP FOR MUSIC TECHNOLOGY In memory of Lucie Benefiel Scandling for a project or study involving music technology. Value $2,000 Chair: Porter Occeña MUSIC THERAPY LA VERNE JACKSON MEMORIAL MUSIC THERAPY SCHOLARSHIP To an applicant who is enrolled in an accredited music therapy program and will be doing a pre-internship/ internship with a special population. Value $2,000 Chair: Kilgore KEYBOARD BERNSTEIN-CROSMAN SCHOLARSHIP Piano scholarship for study outside the United States in a country other than the country of the applicant’s birth or citizenship. Value $2,000 Chair: Kuntz
ELEANOR B. WEILER AND MILDRED B. FRAME PIANO SCHOLARSHIP To support piano study in France (preferably Paris). One or more scholarships available. Value up to $6,000 Chair: Kuntz HELEN HAUPT PIANO SCHOLARSHIP To a pianist. Value $2,000 Chair: Kuntz NANCY BROGDEN BOOKER COLLABORATIVE PIANIST AWARD To an affiliated member of Mu Phi Epsilon who has demonstrated facility and continued activity as an accompanist for soloists, choral groups, dancers or others dependent upon keyboard artists for rehearsals or performances. Value $1,000 Chair: Kuntz WIHLA HUTSON ORGAN SCHOLARSHIP To an organist. Value $2,000 Chair: Kuntz WORLD MUSIC BETTYLOU SCANDLING HUBIN SCHOLARSHIP FOR WORLD MUSIC/MULTICULTURAL MUSIC Awarded in memory of Lucie Benefiel Scandling for a project or study involving world/multicultural music. Value $2,000 Chair: Porter Occeña
VOICE ELIZABETH BOLDENWECK VOICE SCHOLARSHIP* For undergraduate study in voice. Value $2,000 Chair: Hoch LIANA K. SANDIN VOICE SCHOLARSHIP** To any Mu Phi Epsilon member for a project or to pursue vocal study. Value $2,000 Chair: Hoch MIKANNA CLARK TAURMAN VOICE SCHOLARSHIP* For postgraduate study in voice. Value $2,000 Chair: Hoch SARA EIKENBERRY VOICES SCHOLARSHIP* — UNDERGRADUATE To a deserving mezzo-soprano or contralto voice student. Value $2,000 Chair: Hoch
ELEANOR HALE WILSON SUMMER SCHOLARSHIPS For study at any American or International Summer Music Program. Scholarship applications may be made before program acceptance is confirmed. Value $2,000 (6 awards) Chair: Porter Occeña Applications for Wilson Summer Scholarships are due by 11:59 p.m. CT April 15, 2024. Complete information, qualifications, requirements, and online applications are available on Mu Phi Epsilon Foundation website at: mpefoundation.org/ grants-and-scholarships
SARA EIKENBERRY VOICE SCHOLARSHIP* — POSTGRADUATE To a deserving mezzo-soprano or contralto voice student. Value $2,000 Chair: Hoch INES PRATT JAMISON SCHOLARSHIP To a music education major who is studying voice. Value $2,500 Chair: Hoch BRENA HAZZARD VOICE SCHOLARSHIP To any Mu Phi Epsilon member pursuing vocal study, awarded on behalf of the Los Angeles Alumni Chapter. Value $5,000 Chair: Hoch
Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. CT March 1, 2024. Complete information, qualifications, requirements, and online applications are available on Mu Phi Epsilon Foundation website at
mpefoundation.org/grants-and-scholarships @mpefoundation FALL 2023
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APPLAUSE & ENCORE MEMBER AND CHAPTER NEWS
Pianist and songwriter Susan O’Leary (Beta Tau, Atlanta Alumni) held a premier concert for Sidetracks, her second album of original compositions in April.
The Kappa chapter at Butler University in Indianapolis held an open mic night recruitment event in the spring.
Soprano Jasmine Habersham (Gamma Pi) performed in Love & War and Rinaldo during the 2023 Glimmerglass Festival in Cooperstown, New York.
The Professional Fraternity Association recognized Francisca Maxwell, adviser to the Delta Psi chapter of Mu Phi Epsilon at Clayton State University, with its 2022 Faculty Adviser Award of Excellence. Maxwell, a music lecturer at Clayton State, was commended for reactivating Delta Psi, providing support and leadership to the chapter and building strong rapport with students. Delta Psi was named International Chapter of the Year (Tier 3) by Mu Phi Epsilon in 2022 and 2023.
Panya Amphone (Epsilon Phi) was named the 2023 Young Teacher of the Year by the Kansas American String Teachers Association. Amphone is the director of choirs and orchestras at Mayberry Cultural and Fine Arts Magnet Middle School in Wichita, Kansas.
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Members of Epsilon Phi, all vocalists, performed during the Wichita Collegiate Awards Recital in February. Cindy Blasdel (Epsilon Phi, Wichita Alumni), faculty accompanist at Friends University, accompanied the vocalists. Pictured from left to right: Adelynn Hobbs, Zachary Garraway, Cindy Blasdel, Sydney Nelson, Marilyn Hitchcock (Epsilon Phi, Wichita Alumni), Naomi Cavanaugh
In April, Francis Vu Cathlina (Phi Tau) conducted a workshop for the The Colony High School choir (The Colony, Texas) with Nancy Laine (Mu Chi, Dallas Alumni) serving as accompanist. Marlon Daniel (Mu Xi) participated on a panel titled “A Conversation on Chevalier, the New Film” during an OPERA America Onstage event in April. Chevalier tells the true story of the celebrated 18th-century French Creole virtuoso violinist and composter Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges.
Misty Hickman (Omega Omega, Oklahoma Alumni) was named the 2022-2023 Teacher of the Year at Hinton Middle School (Hinton, Oklahoma).
Anne Gray (Gamma Zeta, Lincoln Alumni) performed during the Lincoln Alumni chapter’s meeting in May. She was accompanied by Jack Rinke (Beta Pi, Lincoln Alumni).
Arietha Lockhart (Beta Gamma, Atlanta Alumni) appeared in a production of Grace to Accra, a musical theater work inspired by the life and work of William Edward Du Bois, staged by the Reiser Atlanta Artists Lab at the Alliance Theatre in May. She performed the role of Namesake, Dubois’ granddaughter.
Composer and electronic violinist Mary Lou Newmark (Mu Chi, Los Angeles Alumni Chapter) released a new album titled A Stitch in Time. The Glasgow-based music blog “podcart” praised Newmark’s song “Further North,” writing: “unflinching in its dynamic, this feels entirely singular and incomparable to many artists on the landscape.”
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APPLAUSE & ENCORE MEMBER AND CHAPTER NEWS
Dominique Gibbs (Beta Zeta, Baton Rouge Alumni) was named the inaugural Elementary Fine Arts Teacher of the Year by the East Baton Rouge Parish Schools system.
Lindsey Rae Johnson (Phi Tau, Portland Alumni) performed in the ensemble of a production of Verdi’s Rigoletto staged by the Portland SummerFest Opera in the Park in August.
Baroque Music and Beyond, a concert of violin and organ music performed by Cheryl Saborsky (Mu Rho, Denver Alumni), organ, and Lydia Sviatlovskaya, violin, was held in Denver in June.
Kelli Lair (Zeta Lambda) was featured in the winter 2022-23 issue of Waldorf Magazine, a publication of the Waldorf Lutheran College Foundation. The story shares highlights from Lair’s teaching career including establishing a music school in Guyana, teaching music at an all-girls American school in Kuwait and serving as a music and band teacher in Shanghai. 36 MuPhiEpsilon.org
The premiere performance of Christus, a new oratorio by Deon Nielsen Price, took place in June in the Tabernacle on Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Lina Lee (Gamma Sigma, Palos Verdes/South Bay Alumni) and Nancy Carr (Gamma Sigma, Palos Verdes/South Bay Alumni) performed “Sonata for Clarinet and Piano” by Saint-Saëns and “Vocalize” by Rachmaninoff during the April meeting of the Palos Verdes/South Bay Alumni chapter.
Soprano Elizabeth Woolner (Phi Iota, Minneapolis Alumni) and pianist Lynn Shackleford (Epsilon Alpha, Minneapolis), performed selections from the British Isles at the Minneapolis-St. Paul Alumni chapter meeting in April. The meeting was held at The Kenwood, a senior residence in Minneapolis and home to centenarian Katherine Doepke (Phi Beta, Minneapolis Alumni), former international president. Residents were invited to the musical program following the chapter’s business meeting.
Members of the Oklahoma Alumni chapter volunteered to prepare a meal at the Ronald McDonald House near Oklahoma Children’s Hospital in April. Pictured from left are: Misty Hickman (Omega Omega, Oklahoma Alumni), Tiffany Ragan (Gamma Gamma, Oklahoma Alumni), Chrissy Hagood (Gamma Gamma, Oklahoma Alumni), Kathleen Jung (Gamma Gamma, Oklahoma Alumni) and Bridgette Shelton (Omega Omega, Oklahoma Alumni).
Debra Shrader (Gamma Sigma, Palos Verdes/South Bay) and Mika Yamamoto (Omega Omega, Palos Verdes/South Bay) were recognized with the Violet Award by the Palos Verdes/South Bay Alumni chapter. Pictured from left to right are: Anli Lin Tong (Gamma Sigma, Palos Verdes/South Bay), Mika Yamamoto, Lorna Katz (Gamma Sigma, Palos Verdes/South Bay), Ramona Gifford (Mu Nu, Palos Verdes/South Bay), and Debra Shrader.
Brad Morris (Nu, Portland Alumni) was one of several members who participated in a March recital and sing-along hosted by the Portland Alumni chapter at Brookdale Senior Living.
Lorna Katz (Gamma Sigma, Palos Verdes/South Bay Alumni) graduated from California State University Fullerton with her Master of Music in theory and competition. She is now pursuing a PhD in musicology at Claremont Graduate University.
LET US CLAP FOR YOU!
Send your newsworthy member and chapter news to editor@muphiepsilon.org for consideration in Applause & Encore. Please include a sharp, high-resolution photo and include any identifying information, including the place, date, event or award, and name(s).
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NEW CHAPTER K U R T - A L E X A N D E R Z E L L E R , I N T E R N AT I O N A L PR E S I D E N T, MU C H I , ATLA N TA A LU MN I PR E S ID E N T@M U P H IE P S ILO N .O RG
Eta Theta Chapter Installed AT C A L I F O R N I A S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y, L O N G B E A C H
n Sunday, August 13, I was thrilled to conduct the first installation of a new Mu Phi Epsilon chapter during my presidency! The Eta Theta chapter of Mu Phi Epsilon was installed at the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at California State University, Long Beach, with nine charter members — seven new initiates and two graduate students, Shania Carden (Beta Alpha) and Chester Perez (Beta Alpha), who were instrumental in bringing their experience and love of Mu Phi Epsilon to their new campus. (We highly encourage other members pursuing graduate studies to do the same! I speak from personal experience in saying that, while undergraduate activity in Mu Phi Epsilon is wonderful, having the anchor of a fraternal support group in the heightened stresses of graduate school can be life-changing.) What made the occasion even more meaningful was the way in which Mu Phi Epsilon’s connectional bond was demonstrated in every aspect of the day’s events. Assisting and accompanying the new Eta Theta members every step of the way were members from all of the other active chapters in Pacific Southwest Province: Beta Alpha, Gamma Sigma and the Fullerton, Los Angeles and Palos Verdes South Bay alumni chapters. The new members were welcomed by brothers and sisters of all ages and Mu Phi experiences who joined me and International 5th Vice President 38 MuPhiEpsilon.org
The seven members initiated into Eta Theta at California State University, Long Beach (front, left to right): Lucy Edwards, Sofia Marmaud, Zachary Mascarinas, Jeremiah Pidlaoan, Jose Ramirez, Jake Roman and Bri Zucker. They are surrounded by supporters from neighboring chapters.
Tanner Wilson in performing the initiation and installation ceremonies, and who performed alongside the Eta Theta members on the installation concert in one of CSU-LB’s recital halls, all accompanied by 2023 Convention Accompanist Mary Au. The concert culminated with all nine charter members (a conveniently well-balanced group of two sopranos, two altos, three tenors and two baritones) singing together Graeme Langager’s “Irish Blessing” and the entire assembly joining in “Our Triangle.” Following the recital, a picnic reception in the California sunshine afforded everyone the opportunity to get acquainted and share their own stories in Mu Phi Epsilon and music, as the members of Eta Theta excitedly discussed their plans for their first rush event. Send your congratulations and good wishes to Eta Theta in care of: Shania Carden, president, Eta Theta Chapter of Mu Phi Epsilon, Bob Cole Conservatory of Music, CSU-Long Beach, 1250 N. Bellflower Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90840-7101.
FINAL NOTES A N N G E I L E R , T HIR D VICE PR E S I D E N T/A LU MN I A DV I SO R , PH I TH E TA , ST. LO UIS ALUM N I A LU M N IA DV ISO R@M U P H IE P S ILO N .O RG
Julia Schnebly-Black Phi Gamma, December 15, 1945 Died December 2019 Educator. Julia was a Dalcroze teacher and former president of the Dalcroze Society of America. She was also the former editor of the American Dalcroze Journal. She led the organization through a formative time in its history and without her guidance, the DSA would not exist as we now know it. From 1993 to 2016, she co-directed the Teacher Training Program with Stephen Moore, organized through the DSA’s Northwest Chapter. These summer institutes were held at the University of Washington until 2000, and then at various sites thereafter. Julia earned her PhD in systematic musicology from the University of Washington. Later, she taught music theory there and directed the university’s extension division’s Dalcroze eurhythmics program. She also served on the faculty of the Seattle Conservatory of Music. In 2004 she was named to the Washington State Music Teachers’ Hall of Fame. She also authored two books on Dalcroze. Nathan Michael Beaty Epsilon Pi, April 30, 2006 Died March 3, 2020 Clarinetist, saxophonist. Nathan grew up in a house filled with music, art and books, but mostly a house saturated with his mother’s love. The dream of his life was to become a professional musician, and he persevered through years of health problems to achieve that dream. After starting as a saxophone
player in junior high school, Nathan switched to the clarinet on which he earned All-State honors in high school. He graduated from Texas Tech University with his bachelor’s in music performance in 2007. He furthered his knowledge and skill with a master’s in music performance from McGill University in Montreal, Canada, in 2010. Not satisfied, Nathan enrolled in the prestigious doctoral music program at the University of North Texas. By 2017, with several breaks to contend with his health issues, he had successfully completed all his doctoral coursework; he was a ‘dissertation short’ of his Doctor of Musical Arts degree. Fate intervened, and Nathan postponed his dissertation work to take care of his ailing mother. Through it all, Nathan was not content just to play his instrument, although he did so brilliantly. He was also a hands-on craftsman, and he worked as diligently on the technology of the clarinet as he did the playing of it. He became a recognized expert on the delicate and tedious art of customizing clarinet mouthpieces, and he served numerous clients throughout the world. This subtle but important work has touched the lives of thousands. The University of North Texas honored Nathan with his Doctor of Music posthumously. Marguerite Snow Scovel Mu Tau, April 19, 1942 Died May 22, 2021 Educator, organist, pianist. Marguerite began taking piano lessons in elementary school. Known as “Cookie” to family and friends, by the time she finished her undergraduate degree in Music Education at the University of South
Dakota, she was performing as a pianist at the artist level and was staff accompanist. Marguerite enrolled at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln as a music major and transferred to the University of South Dakota the following fall where she earned a music degree. She began teaching at the Pierre (South Dakota) Indian School in the mid-1950s, a boarding school for reservation children. When her position was eliminated in the early 60s, she was transferred to a reservation school an hour away in the middle of nowhere down a lightly traveled two-lane road, rarely missing a day of school during the many brutal South Dakota winters during her commute. Marguerite served as minister of music at the First Methodist Church in Pierre for many, many years, rehearsing the choir every Thursday night and conducting every Sunday performance. She was also the church organist and astonished everyone with her dancing feet on the bass pedals. She was a treasure in her church, loved and admired by all for her sparkling and cheerful personality, a true one-of-a-kind. Mary Hall Kogen Alpha Lambda, November 8, 1986 Died June 5, 2022 Educator, pianist. Mary was a professional pianist, a pedagogy teacher, an advanced certified teacher of TaKeTiNa and taught piano privately to both children and adults during her career. Mary spearheaded pedagogy workshops on learning through curiosity and play to music educators, schools and private groups nationwide. Mary earned both her bachelor’s and master’s in music education. She became FALL 2023
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an adjunct professor in piano and pedagogy at Eastern Illinois University before moving to Portland, Oregon, in 1979 to join the faculty of Portland State University where she taught for 26 years. Mary created a youth summer music camp through Self Enhancement Incorporated, which ran for 10 consecutive summers. As a certified TaKeTiNa teacher, she led and participated in workshops with students at the University of New Hampshire and in France as well as for numerous other organizations around the world. Mary was a member of the Oregon Music Teachers Association and was awarded the Nellie Tholen Excellence in Teaching in 2020. She wrote two children’s books and, for her granddaughter, recorded a musical CD entitled Grandmere Sings for Elli. Mary was a joyful soul, a true force of nature with an infectious smile who challenged one to think outside of the box. Sheila Angela Fulfer Mu Eta, May 16, 1955 Died October 2, 2022 Educator, bassoonist, vocalist. Shelia’s interest in music started at an early age. She played piano, flute, bassoon and sang in the choir. She attended College of the Pacific (now University of the Pacific). After graduation, she taught instrumental music in Stockton. Shelia and her husband were the founding members of the Sonoma Valley Chorale and Shelia was the associate conductor. The chorale hosted special concerts with Jester Hairston, Gwyneth Walker and Maya Angelou. As a musician and teacher, she ensured that each of her children could read music, play an instrument and sing. 40 MuPhiEpsilon.org
Claire Springer Phi, December 13, 1959 Alliance Alumni Chapter Died October 29, 2022
ry School in West Des Moines. She brought the light of learning and a love of music to thousands of students during her career.
Educator, vocalist. Claire lived the values of Mu Phi Epsilon, having been part of music in the community her entire life. She taught general music classes and choruses in sixth, seventh and eighth grades in the Marlington Schools. She served on the executive board of the Alliance Community Concert Association, was a member of the Alliance Music Study Club and was always in one seat or another on the Alliance Alumni chapter leadership team. Annually, Claire directed the chapter at local nursing homes in honor of St. Patrick’s Day.
Myrta (Borges) Knox Epsilon Xi, May 22, 1959 Rochester Alumni Chapter Died January 15, 2023
Anita Johnson Westerhaus Omega, May 6, 1967 Died November 10, 2022 Educator, cellist, pianist. Anita developed a passion for the cello at an early age. She majored in cello performance at Drake University in Des Moines. Anita then went to Lawrence, Kansas, to study cello and work as a counselor at the Midwestern Music and Art Camp at the University of Kansas. Along the way, Anita discovered an even greater love for teaching music to children and held positions over 15 years teaching elementary school music in Rhode Island, Kansas and West Des Moines, Iowa. During that time, she taught piano lessons to pay for her master’s and education specialist degrees at Drake and for 17 years was principal of Sacred Heart Elementa-
Vocalist. Myrta was born in the small town of Calimete, Cuba, the eldest of four sisters. From an early age, Myrta knew that she was going to be a singer, making her debut singing an aria from Rigoletto at age 12. At 17, she journeyed to Montreat College in North Carolina, with support from Presbyterian missions, to study music. From there, she traveled to Rochester, New York, to attend the University of Rochester’s Eastman School of Music, where she received her Master of Music degree in voice in 1954, and then became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1956. Myrta was very active singing locally, as soloist and choir director in various churches, most recently Lake Avenue Baptist Church, and with groups such as Morning Musicale and professional music fraternity Mu Phi Epsilon’s alumni chapter. She rose to first vice president of the international Mu Phi Epsilon organization serving from 1989-1995 and received its lifetime achievement award in 2003. Her special interest was in the art songs of Schubert, Brahms and Hugo Wolf.
Anne-Marie Katemopoulos Phi Mu, March 20, 1987 San Jose Alumni Died March 29, 2023
Marion Estella (Moore) Alan Phi Kappa, December 17, 1986 Detroit Alumni Died April 11, 2023
Educator, vocalist. Born in Hong Kong, Anne-Marie earned a Bachelor of Arts in music performance and a Master of Arts in choral conducting at San Jose State University. Her first teaching job was at San Jose High School, but after two years she moved to Abraham Lincoln High School where she taught and conducted all of Lincoln’s choir groups, for 32 years. Additionally, she served as the vocal director for all of Lincoln’s musical theatre productions. During her time at Lincoln, her award-winning choirs sang all over the country and internationally. She created a multi-generational love for singing, having inspired and taught members of the same families over her three decades of service. All told, the essence of Anne-Marie was music. She had high expectations and dedication. She was hard working and no nonsense. She was full of laughter and silliness. She was love and a safe harbor for so many. She believed deeply in equity and never hesitated to speak up for those who had not yet found their voice. She is deeply, deeply missed by all who knew her. But if you really want to see Anne-Marie Katemopoulos, look no further than the reluctant students of a beginning choir class; the ones who question if they have the strength to actually open their mouths and sing. It is there that she will always be, perched on the shoulders of those students, whispering in their ears with enthusiasm, “YOU … ARE … ENOUGH.”
Educator, vocalist. Marion grew up near the Jersey Shore. She graduated from Temple University in Philadelphia with a bachelor’s in education and a minor in music. Marion later received her master’s in reading from Wayne State. She dedicated her life to teaching inner city youth and spent the last 30 years of her career with Detroit Public Schools. She was also an accomplished opera singer and taught voice lessons for more than 25 years. After her retirement, she was a volunteer performer at local nursing homes and often brought her students to sing for the residents. Marion was a tireless advocate for many causes including Mu Phi Epsilon, which raised scholarships for those who were pursuing degrees in music. Caroline Taylor Craig Phi Pi, April 2, 2000 Wichita Alumni Died April 28, 2023 Educator, pianist. At the age of 4, Caroline declared her calling as a concert pianist. She devoted her life and nourished us all with her music, curiosity and conversation. Taking the concert stage at 9, she was launched into a life of sharing her extraordinary heart, soul and talent. At age 12, she performed with the North Carolina Symphony. Accepted as a private student of Carl Friedberg and Madame Lhévinne at The Juilliard School, just shy of her
23rd birthday, she made her debut at Town Hall in New York City with one reviewer asserting she played “with utmost delicacy.” Caroline and her husband, Thomas Craig, traveled across the globe through India, Europe and Africa. Despite the challenges of raising five children who were born on four different continents, Caroline continued to perform, teach and musically elevate the lives of people all over the world. Caroline co-founded the New Delhi Symphony Orchestra with General Chaudry of India and performed as a regular guest artist on All-India Radio. Caroline and her family eventually planted roots in Wichita. She continued to be overwhelmingly generous with her time, talents and treasures. Caroline was a guest artist for the Wichita Symphony in 1975. She was a member of local music organizations, taught piano to all ages emphasizing technique and perfection, and accompanied young artists and accomplished musicians. Shirley Jane (Lee) Fitzgerald Phi Theta, February 20, 1959 Palo Alto Alumni Died May 3, 2023 Educator, organist. Shirley graduated from Central High School in Kansas City, Missouri, and earned her Bachelor of Arts in music education from Lindenwood College in St. Charles, Missouri. After she and her husband, Bill, were married, they moved to the Bay Area where she continued her passion for music and her church. Shirley played the organ at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church and later was the director of music at St. Andrews and Hope Lutheran churches. She volunteered in the music departments at Knolls FALL 2023
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Elementary School and later Hillsdale High School in San Mateo. She eventually became the choral teacher at Hillsdale High School teaching there for many years and developed a dedicated following of students who adored her. Shirley started and directed several bell choirs and sang with the Cantare choir based at Canada College. The choir took many singing tours through Europe and Japan. Linda Sell (Seiferth) Gurney Epsilon Tau, May 14, 1975 St. Louis Area Alumni Died May 4, 2023 Pianist, clarinetist. Linda graduated from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in music performance. She started her music career in 1974 and performed with numerous local groups including the St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra, the Mighty Mississippi Concert Band, the Gateway Festival Orchestra and A Perfect Fit Woodwind Quintet. As a pianist, she was known for her vast repertoire of memorized music, from which she could play anytime on demand. Her jazz talent shined each time she performed the famous clarinet solo from Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. You could often catch her on the local news playing clarinet with The Jim Dandy’s group at Busch Stadium while she cheered on her beloved St. Louis Cardinals. Linda taught piano and clarinet lessons to many students over the years and was very active in the music ministry at Central Presbyterian Church. She helped others through many organizations in her lifetime, some of which included: the Widow’s Ministry at Central Presbyterian Church, Mu Phi Epsilon, and the 42 MuPhiEpsilon.org
volunteer program at the de Greeff Hospice House. Linda was a valued member of the St. Louis Alumni chapter where she held many positions throughout the years. She was the chapter’s go-to piano player and photographer. Linda will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Gladys Rudolph Epsilon, December 15, 1973 Toledo Alumni Chapter Died May 10, 2023 Pianist, organist, vocalist. From childhood, Gladys was interested in acting, playing the piano and singing. She had a beautiful coloratura soprano voice and a natural talent for the piano. Gladys graduated from Temple University with a bachelor’s in music education. In college, she often soloed with the Temple University Concert Choir and was a frequent accompanist for the choir. Over the course of the years until she retired from active performing, Gladys was a busy musical performer. She was music director and organist for First Unitarian Church for 38 years; assistant director of music for Monroe Street Methodist Church for 15 years; accompanist for all of the University of Toledo Choruses for 19 years; rehearsal pianist for the Toledo Opera Association for 35 years; and accompanist for the opera associations. Gladys also led a busy volunteer life. When she first arrived in Toledo, she volunteered in Toledo Hospital’s radioactive isotope lab. In the 1980s she arranged twice-weekly music programs for My Brother’s Place, a downtown ministry of Trinity Episcopal Church. For 25 years, she was a Special Music Docent at the Toledo Museum of Art, performing on the Skinner organ, Dutch cabinet organ and the Pugin
and Castle pianos. She recruited local organists to play recitals on the Dutch cabinet organ during TMA’s winter break program. She served as dean and assistant dean of the American Guild of Organists Toledo Chapter and was a member and officer of the Monday Musicale, Mu Phi Epsilon and the Euterpean Club. To all these activities, professional and volunteer, Gladys brought discipline, high performance standards, conscientious preparation, kindness, understanding and joy. Patricia Arand Gamma Sigma, March 27, 1998 Palos Verdes/South Bay Alumni Died June 14, 2023 Educator, pianist. Patricia was the owner of Patricia Arand Piano Studio and taught piano for 44 years. She attended the Baldwin-Wallace University Conservatory of Music. She was an active member of the Music Teachers’ Association of California (MTAC), South Bay Branch. Dating back to 1995, Patricia held many positions such as president, vice president of membership, Composers Today committee chair and parliamentarian. In 2014, Patricia was the recipient of the Lifetime Service Award, the highest honor presented by MTAC. Patricia was also an active member of the California Association of Professional Music Teachers and Mu Phi Epsilon Palos Verdes/South Bay Alumni chapter. She served as patron chair for the PV/ SB chapter for many years. Patricia loved teaching piano lessons and was very proud of her students and their accomplishments, particularly in the Composers Today program.
Adele Marie Trytko Phi Upsilon, November 17, 1952 Boston Alumni Died July 18, 2023 Educator, pianist, harpist. Adele held degrees from Boston University School of Music in piano and harp. She also taught at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, and the Vermont Conservatory of Music. As a clinician, she taught handbell and Suzuki piano workshops and festivals, both locally and nationally. She taught at the Perkins School for the Blind for 55 years and organized the Handbell Festival at Boston’s Old South Church. Adele held many offices in the Mu Phi Epsilon Boston Alumni chapter and the American Guild of the English Handbell Ringers. Carolyn Frost said she has fond memories of visiting Adele’s apartment for Mu Phi meetings and seeing her harp grace the living room. Harold Gray Alpha Lambda, November 8, 1986 Died August 5, 2023 Educator, pianist. In Portland, Harold was considered the father of piano — creating the Piano Recital Series, performing extensively with the Florestan Trio, and serving as Professor of Piano and Chairman of the School of Music at Portland State University for many years. Under his leadership, the Coordinate Movement Program was established, assuring that all music students would have access to body mapping and other wellness courses. From Lisa Marsh: “His impact on the lives of his students and friends is immeasurable, and I consider him the single most
influential force in my musical and professional life. He taught me how to be present in my life and modeled awareness without judgment.” Kay Hooper, who also studied with Harold, shared: “I wasn’t the easiest grad student, but he encouraged me and advised me with clarity and his sense of humor. He had a way of getting right to the matter at hand while also giving me freedom.” Harold inspired the best in all who knew him, which will be his legacy. Carole Stewart Nu, April 30, 1961 Portland Alumni Died August 10, 2023 Educator, vocalist. Carole began her singing career at age 12 when she joined celebrities Jane Powell and Johnnie Ray on a USO tour. Carole went on to earn a bachelor’s of music education at University of Oregon and a master’s in vocal performance at Lewis & Clark College. She pursued a doctorate at University of Oregon on a graduate student fellowship. Among highlights as a solo artist, she won the Metropolitan Opera auditions in Oregon and sang with the Portland Opera for several years. Carole began her teaching career in elementary schools, and eventually was a professor of voice and music education at George Fox University and taught voice at Willamette University. She taught voice for more than 50 years in her studio, launching many students into performance and teaching careers. She served as regional governor and president of the Cascade chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing and president of Mu Phi Epsilon’s Portland Alumni chapter.
Charlotte Brown Alpha Kappa, April 18, 1982 Kansas City Alumni Died July 25, 2023 Educator. Charlotte received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education from Northeast Missouri State Teacher’s College (now Truman State University). For 42 years, she worked as a classroom music and band instructor for the Shawnee Mission Public Schools where thousands of students thrived under her tutelage. In her retirement years, she was extremely active with world travels, church choir, attending concerts with friends and enjoying her family. She was active in philanthropic organizations including Mu Phi Epsilon, where she served as a district director and musicale chair. She attended many international conventions and was honored to be selected the international First Vice President/Extension Officer from 2011-2017. Charlotte was also the president of the Women’s Committee of the UMKC Conservatory. She was a passionate and integral leader in providing scholarships for deserving music students. She also enjoyed spending many years with Alpha Delta Kappa Education Sorority and attending the retired Johnson County Music Teacher luncheons. Charlotte loved her family and her dogs. Through the years, her many Westies were her furry, fluffy and sweet companions. Charlotte will be remembered for her gentle, giving and caring spirit.
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DISTRICT DIRECTORY
ATLANTIC DISTRICT A1 Stephanie Berry 574.596.8285 bmpenguin69@hotmail.com DISTRICT A2 Susan Todenhoft 703.323.4772 H 703.509.0224 C todenhoft@gmail.com
SOUTHEAST DISTRICT SE1 Marshall Pugh 252.599.2492 se1dd@muphiepsilon.org Lauren Mosely se1dd@muphiepsilon.org DISTRICTS SE2 Wanda Yang Temko 404.217.9712 wanda@yangtemko.com
EASTERN GREAT LAKES DISTRICTS EGL1 & EGL2 Hannah Flowers 814.897.6531 mrs.hannah.flowers@gmail.com
DISTRICTS SE3 Arietha Lockhart 404.284.7811 ariethal@hotmail.com
DISTRICT EGL3 Nancy Jane Gray 330.688.7990 bobgrayz@aol.com
DISTRICT SE4 Marcus Wyche 301.484.3652 videoauth@aol.com
GREAT LAKES DISTRICT GL1 Pat Butler 734.751.9069 liv2sail2@aol.com
SOUTH CENTRAL DISTRICTS SC1, SC3 & SC4 Isabel De La Cerda idelacerda@hotmail.com 210.204.6425
DISTRICT GL2 Linda McNair 314.494.7472 c1dd@muphiepsilon.org
DISTRICT SC2 Kaitlyn Swaim 281.757.9746 swaimk00@gmail.com
EAST CENTRAL DISTRICTS EC1 Herbert Jackson 678.577.3637 herbertjackson5@gmail.com
CENTRAL DISTRICT C1 Linda McNair 314.494.7472 c1dd@muphiepsilon.org
DISTRICTS EC2 & EC3 Brandon Barnett 317.557.3443 indianapolis@muphiepsilon.org
DISTRICT C2 Paula Patterson 417.773.1176 paulapatterson@missouristate.edu NORTH CENTRAL DISTRICT NC Carmen Chavez 952.460-0708 nc1dd@muphiepsilon.org
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WEST CENTRAL DISTRICT WC1 Ashley Roever 580.822.5682 amroever@hotmail.com DISTRICT WC2 Kirsten Forbes 720.232.6450 kirsten_forbes@msn.com PACIFIC NORTHWEST DISTRICT PNW1 Sophia Tegart 509.991.4906 sophia.tegart@gmail.com DISTRICTS PNW2 & PNW3 Michael Lasfetto 971.275.3800 pnw3dd@muphiepsilon.org PACIFIC DISTRICT P1 Jessica Dodge Overstreet 775.720.2135 jessicadodge@gmail.com DISTRICT P2 Kirsten Forbes 720.232.6450 kirsten_forbes@msb.com PACIFIC SOUTHWEST DISTRICT PSW Ayanna Lewis 310.970.4462 psw1dd@muphiepsilon.org
OFFICERS DIRECTORY
2023-2026 INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD Dr. Kurt-Alexander Zeller, Mu Chi Atlanta Alumni International President 770.961.4400 president@muphiepsilon.org Liana Sandin, Beta Pi Lincoln Alumni 1st VP/Extension Officer 402.560.7126 extensionofficer@muphiepsilon.org Ashley Bouras, Phi Tau Dallas Alumni 2nd VP/Collegiate Advisor 972.765.3252 collegiateadvisor@muphiepsilon.org Ann Geiler, Phi Theta St. Louis Alumni 3rd VP/Alumni Advisor 314.691.7648 alumniadvisor@muphiepsilon.org Marshall Pugh, Alpha Xi Roanoke Valley Alumni 4th VP/Music Advisor 252.599.2492 musicadvisor@muphiepsilon.org Tanner Wilson, Beta Alpha Fullerton Alumni 5th VP/Eligibility Advisor 951.515.9680 eligibilityadvisor@muphiepsilon.org Jess LaNore, Beta Psi Indianapolis Alumni Executive Secretary-Treasurer 888.259.1471 executiveoffice@muphiepsilon.org Kat Braz International Editor editor@muphiepsilon.org
Haley Stevenson, Kappa Indianapolis Alumni Social Media Manager social@muphiepsilon.org
HONORARY ADVISORY BOARD Rosemary Ames, Omega Boston Alumni 508.498.4669 rosemarykames@gmail.com Katherine Doepke, Phi Beta Minneapolis Alumni 763.513.0381 katdoepke@gmail.com Lee Clements Meyer, Phi Xi Austin Alumni 512.345.5072
MUSIC LIBRARIAN & ARCHIVES Wendy Sistrunk, Mu Mu Kansas City Alumni 816.836.9961 61gwensinger@gmail.com
INTERNATIONAL CHAIRMEN ACME Arietha Lockhart (Chair) Beta Gamma, Atlanta Alumni 404.284.7811 ariethal@hotmail.com Mary Au (Co-Chair), Mu Nu Los Angeles Alumni 323.666.2603 auhaus@gmail.com
BYLAWS & STANDING RULES Dr. Kurt-Alexander Zeller, Mu Chi Atlanta Alumni 770.961.4400 zellertenor@aol.com
FINANCE Evelyn Archer, Omega Omega St. Louis Area Alumni 458.562.9177 archerbe@sbcglobal.net
INTERNATIONAL Marlon Daniel, Mu Xi New York City Alumni 212.641.0305 marlondanielnyc@gmail.com
2022-2023 FOUNDATION BOARD Kira Dixon, President Phi Mu, Palo Alto Alumni president@mpefoundation.org Sean Kilgore, Esq., Vice President Kappa vicepresident@mpefoundation.org Dr. Katsuya Yuasa, Secretary Phi Mu secretary@mpefoundation.org Isabela De La Cerda, Treasurer Delta Omega, San Antonio Alumni treasurer@mpefoundation.org Dr. Matthew Hoch, Philanthropies Coordinator Lambda philanthropies@mpefoundation.org Dr. Danielle Kuntz, Artist Concert Manager Grants and Scholarship Chairman Mu Phi, Cleveland Area Alumni grants@mpefoundation.org Dr. Hannah Porter Occeña, Alpha Kappa admin@mpefoundation.org Dr. Kurt-Alexander Zeller Mu Chi, Atlanta Alumni president@muphiepsilon.org
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Mu Phi Epsilon Professional Music Fraternity 6510 Telecom Drive, Suite 200 Indianapolis, IN 46278 executiveoffice@muphiepsilon.org 888-259-1471 The Triangle is published four times per year by Mu Phi Epsilon, International Professional Music Fraternity. Member, Professional Fraternity Association. (ISSN 0041-2600) (Volume 117, Issue 3) Subscription price is $20.00 per year. Single copies are $8.00. Periodicals postage paid at Saint Paul, MN, and at additional mailing offices. Printed in the United States of America. POSTMASTER: Send all changes of address to: Mu Phi Epsilon, 6510 Telecom Drive, Suite 200 Indianapolis, IN 46278 © 2023 Mu Phi Epsilon. All rights reserved. NOTICE OF CHANGE OF ADDRESS OR NAME Update online at www.muphiepsilon.org
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