Saturday, April 19, 2008

Beta Province Day

On Saturday, April 19, 2008, Beta Province held its Annual Province Day. This year’s event was hosted by Delta Theta Chapter on the campus of Wayne State University. The day provided an opportunity for all of Beta Province’s chapters to come together to share ideas on how to promote Delta Omicron and music in their communities. There were 32 people in attendance from all four chapters in Beta Province, including Alpha Chi Chapter at Hope College in Holland, Michigan, Delta Iota chapter from Central Michigan University, Delta Theta Chapter from Wayne State University, and Zeta Alpha Chapter, Alumni Chapter in Metro Detroit.

The day began with a welcome from Nannette Meyette-Younan, Beta Province President, who greeted all in attendance. She read the Letter of Greeting from International President Jonny Ramsey, and National Board of Directors members Nancy Meyette and Mary Chisholm also welcomed everyone in attendance. Attendees were reminded about the importance of the Centennial Conference scheduled for July, 2009 in Cincinnati. Chapters were encouraged to plan to attend the conference and to plan ways they could assist in making the conference a success.

Two Chapter Advisers, Dr. Eldonna May and Professor Linda Strouf, attended Province Day with their chapters. As Chapter Adviser of the hosting chapter, Dr. May also welcomed the attendees and reminded everyone that Delta Omicron is a place where we all share community and where “everyone knows your name.” She encouraged everyone to make new friendships at Province Day and to try and take a part of Delta Omicron back to their chapter with them.

Following introductions, the groups were given time to share their chapter’s activities and strengths and to brainstorm new ways to make their chapters stronger and more active on their campuses. Following the breakout session, Professor Dennis Tini, a Professor at Wayne State University, shared his inspirations for music making. Professor Tini has traveled the world performing concerts and raising money for various charities.

After lunch, Dr. Leddie Alston, Associate Professor at Oakland University, spoke about being a composer in modern times. She discussed who her audience is, what inspires her composing, and how she believes that her music changes based on these considerations. Dr. Alston graduated from Wayne State University with a bachelor degree in composition. Her Ph.D. is also in composition.

The Beta Province Recital followed Dr. Alston’s presentation. The performers included: Flutist Madeline Trombley from Delta Iota, Paul Connelly accompanied by Linda Strouf from Alpha Chi, Nannette and Nancy Meyette from Zeta Alpha who performed on the piano, and a prospective member from Delta Theta. President Amy Rever of Delta Theta Chapter was the Master of Ceremonies.

For the closing event of Province Day, Mary Chisholm, President of Zeta Alpha Chapter, conducted the ceremony to induct all of the graduating seniors as alumni of Delta Omicron. The members of Zeta Alpha welcomed the new alumni and extended an invitation for those members to be a part of their chapter. Overall, all of the chapters enjoyed the activities and were happy to share ideas and music with one another and meet new D.O. friends.