All that said, did the Convention live up to expectations? My answer is a resounding “Yes!” From business sessions modeled around Robert’s Rules of Order to intense idea-sharing conversations, wonderful luncheons and dinners—the Convention was amazing.

The Fraternity retains its focus on music as performed, and we were not disappointed. Claudia Jameson and Mary Alice Rich’s opera Anám the Witch and Beatrice the Beautiful was performed to a full and most enthusiastic house, with accompaniment by Susan Poelchau. In the evening, we had the University of North Texas One O’Clock Lab Band quintet. Our new young friend from North Texas performed, clarinetist Emily O’Brien; she is an incoming junior and chapter president. The concluding choir concert featured not only several of our alumni chapter members but also Francis Cathlina, formerly Vu, whom we claim as our own as well. The selections presented were superb and beautifully done. Individually, singing with other Mu Phis will remain a highlight—these people are smart, talented, fervent and dedicated, and the wait staff and hotel guests who heard our songs were lucky indeed.

We were privileged to attend and participate in a collegiate initiation. The face of that young woman, before and after, was unforgettable.

Two versions of the memorial ritual:

President Kurt-Alexander Zeller led the group service by reading the names of those whose passing we commemorated. A somber flute solo reminded us of the solemnity of the occasion. Alumni VP Ann Geiler read several submitted obituaries.

Kurt-Alexander Zeller, arrayed in his beautiful, purple-trimmed white ceremonial robe, read with care and tenderness in his polished, trained voice the names of those who have passed on as collegiates from the provinces lit candles for each. Ann Geiler, also lovely in her symbolic robe, shared the lives and stories of our sisters and brothers whose memories and examples we need to remember. Rik Noyce, an Altus Flutes performing artist, shared a piece for flute alone he had commissioned in honor of his father, who had died of COVID during the pandemic. Tears were shed abroad.

Yes, Dallas Alumni, the 2023 Convention was worth the time and effort, the planning and more effort. We and the Fraternity owe a huge debt of gratitude to Nancy Laine. She coordinated the local side of the Convention and all that entailed, including loading up the choir risers on Sunday. We are also proud of Ashley Bouras, Collegiate VP, and her impressive work on the International Executive Board.

Remember to pay your dues, come to meetings, perform if you can, or present another sort of program. Most importantly, be proud and humbled, as I surely am, to be a member of this beautiful organization.

Loyally,
Mary Ann Taylor