UTM’s chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota, presented their American Musicale at the Blankenship Recital Hall on Wednesday, Nov. 18, at 7:30 p.m.
The concert opened with the National Anthem sung by the Sigma Alpha Iota, SAI, choir and was accompanied by Elaine Harris, Professor of Music, on piano. The choir also sang “O’ America,” written by William Joseph and Brendan Graham, to keep with the patriotic theme.
The audience was presented many different styles of music including pieces performed on drum set, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, bass, marimba, piano, and voice. The performance as included a few guest accompanists. Jeremy Jackson, freshman Music major, and Gian Garma, also a freshman Music major, accompanied Mary Beth Chandler, sophomore Music major, for the song “I Can’t Help Falling in Love With You” on saxophone and piano respectively.
Many alumnae returned to perform, including Rita Winter who sang “Foolish Heart” by Kurt Weill with fellow alumnae Elaine Harris accompanying her on piano.
Natalie King, senior Communications and Music major says she really enjoyed the performance.
“I thought it was executed very well. I know a lot of the girls had been nervous up to this point, but I think they pulled it off. It was extremely entertaining for everyone viewing [the performance],” King said.
During the concert, SAI presented one of their members, Katherine Felthauser, senior Music major, with the Ruby Sword of Honor. This award is given to one girl among the three chapters in their province. This is the highest award of honor that can be given to a member of SAI. It is awarded to someone who shows exceptional leadership.
Felthauser was the president of SAI last year and helped charter another chapter at Bethel College. She says she wasn’t expecting anything back from her hard work.
“It is … an unbelievable experience. It [makes me] overwhelmingly happy that they would do this for me. It means a lot [to me].” Felthauser said.
