Elizabeth Grieger Wiegand *

In 2003, SAI Patroness Elizabeth Grieger Wiegand, NCTM, received her 12th consecutive ASCAP popularity award; the award was based on music composed for piano, choir, and harp. She also received the Rose Fay Thomas Medallion of Honor from the National Federation of Music Clubs, and is now a fellow in the organization, the highest accolade the Federation bestows. A special 2003 Blue Ribbon Award of Merit was awarded to her from the NFMC Music Outreach Department, for the Music Outreach Therapy Program she developed at St. Anthony Memorial Health Centers in Michigan City, where she volunteers as organist/pianist. Wiegand was invited to attend a special Mass at the International Our Lady of the Snows Shrine, Belleville, IL on September 25, her birthday. Her hymn Dear Mary, Our Lady of the Snows, was sung by the Shrine choir, directed by Orin Johnson. The song received its premiere at the Shrine in August 2001. The official Shrine prayer book, which contains Wiegand's heart story, is in its second edition and sold at the Shrine gift shop, and through the Missionary Oblates International Outreach. Currently she serves as organist and pianist at the First United Methodist Church in Portage, IN.

Premieres

I Know a Little Piano Song was introduced by Brett Giampa at the SAI Centennial Convention in Dearborn, MI, August 2003.

Performances

The Answer Is In Jesus was performed May 18, 2003, by the First United Methodist Chancel Church choir, directed by Wanda Samuelson, Portage, IN. Dear Mary, Our Lady of the Snows was heard in a choral performance directed by Orin Johnson on September 25 (the composer's birthday) at Our Lady of the Snows Shrine in Belleville, IL.

*Sigma Alpha Iota Member

Further Information

• 2001-2002 American Composers Update
• 2000-2001 American Composers Update
• 1999-2000 American Composers Update
• 1998-1999 American Composers Update
• 1997-1998 American Composers Update
• 1996-1997 American Composers Update
• SAI's Composers Bureau Online