Sigma Alpha Iota

Infobox Fraternity
letters= ΣΑΙ
name= Sigma Alpha Iota
crest=
founded= Birth date and age|1903|06|12
birthplace= University School of Music, (Ann Arbor, Michigan)
type= Social
emphasis = Music
mission=
vision=
motto= "Vita Brevis, Ars Longa"
maxim=
colors= Crimson & White
symbol=
flower= Red Rose
jewel=
publication= Pan Pipes, Tempo!
philanthropy= Sigma Alpha Iota Philanthropies, Inc.
chapters=
members=
lifetime=
free_label=
free=
address= One Tunnel Road
city= Asheville
state= North Carolina
country= USA
homepage= [http://www.sigmaalphaiota.org/ http://www.sigmaalphaiota.org/]

Sigma Alpha Iota (ΣΑΙ) is a music fraternity. Formed to "uphold the highest ideals of a music education" and "to further the development of music in America", it continues to provide musical and educational resources to its members and the general public. [cite web | url =http://www.sai-national.org/| title = Sigma Alpha Iota| publisher =Sigma Alpha Iota | accessdate =2007-08-27] ΣAI is a fraternity for women, yet it is not a member of the National Panhellenic Conference. Sigma Alpha Iota is a member of the Professional Fraternity Association.

History

Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity (Alpha Chapter) was founded on June 12, 1903 at the University School of Music [cite web|date=June 21, 2006 | url =http://www.sai-national.org/AboutSAI/1903.html| title = About Sigma Alpha Iota| publisher =Sigma Alpha Iota | accessdate =2007-08-27] [cite web | url =http://www.music.umich.edu/current_students/student_orgs/index.htm| title = Student Organizations| publisher =University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance | accessdate =2007-08-27] in Ann Arbor, Michigan by seven women: Elizabeth A. Campbell, Frances Caspari, Minnie Davis Sherrill, Leila Farlin Laughlin, Nora Crane Hunt, Georgina Potts, and Mary Storrs Andersen.

The next chapter of the fraternity (Beta) was chartered in 1904 at Northwestern University at Evanston, Illinois. Chapters have now been chartered at over 300 universities, conservatories, and colleges.

Purpose

*To form chapters of women college students and alumnae who have a sincere interest in music.
*To uphold the highest standards of music.
*To further the development of music in America and throughout the world.
*To give inspiration and encouragement to members.
*To organize the cultural life of Sigma Alpha Iota members as a contributing factor to their educational growth.
*To support the ideals and goals of the member's Alma Mater.
*To adhere to the highest standards of citizenship in school, community and fraternity life.

Mission

"The Mission of Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity is to encourage, nurture and support the art of music."

Vision

The vision of Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity is to be recognized throughout the world as the foremost fraternity that:

*Supports and encourages women musicians of all ages, races, and nationalities
*Supports and promotes successful and innovative educational programs in music for all stages of life
*Cultivates excellence in musical performance
*Promotes programs and activities that stress the love and importance of music in our lives
*Recognizes technological advances in the field of music
*Dedicates financial resources that ensure the continuation of programs necessary to support the objectives of the fraternity in perpetuity
*Has as its members people who exemplify professional and ethical behavior in the spirit of the Sigma Alpha Iota founders

ymphony (by Esther Requarth, Nu Chapter)

*To study and practice the goodness of life, the beauty of art, the meaning of music.
*To sing the song of sincerity and universal peace.
*To speak the words that build, that bless and comfort.
*To play the harpstrings of loving kindness, tolerance, appreciation, and genuine gratitude.
*To strive for the joy of simplicity, for the noble, to be faithful over a few things.
*To listen, to be still and know the harmony from within.
*To falter never in seeking loving service, wisdom, and understanding.
*In a word, to be loyal to Sigma Alpha Iota and her teachings; to find joy, hope, inspiration; to remember that "every good gift and every perfect gift is from above" and "whatsoever ye do, do it heartily as to the Lord, and not unto men."
*And again to practice.This is to be our Symphony.

Famous SAIs

Over a century old, Sigma Alpha Iota has been honored to welcome a multitude of women from all walks of life, including musicians, teachers, composers, and conductors. Here are just a few of the many ladies who have joined the sisterhood of Sigma Alpha Iota:

Member Laureates

*Libby Larsen (composer) [cite web|date=June 21, 2006 | url =http://www.sai-national.org/AboutSAI/1903.html| title = About Sigma Alpha Iota| publisher =Sigma Alpha Iota | accessdate =2007-08-27]
*Jessye Norman (operatic soprano)
*Dr. Loretta Long (Susan from Sesame Street)
*Linda Robbins Coleman (composer)

Honorary members

*Marin Alsop (conductor)
*Marian Anderson (contralto)
*Nadia Boulanger (composer)
*Jacqueline du Pré (cellist)
*Renee Fleming (soprano)
*Edith Killgore Kirkpatrick (music educator)
*Ruth Laredo (pianist)
*Anne-Sophie Mutter (violinist)
*Marni Nixon (soprano, "The Voice of Hollywood")
*Leontyne Price (soprano)
*Joan Sutherland (soprano)
*Dame Kiri Te Kanawa (soprano)
*Denyce Graves (mezzo-soprano)
*Deborah Voigt (soprano)
*Beverly Sills (soprano)

Collegiate sisters

*Sheryl Crow (singer/songwriter)
*Sheila Johnson (violinist & co-founder of BET)
*Jacki Schneider (Soprano/oboist/jazz pianist of Delta Sigma Chapter)

Patronesses

*Mamie Eisenhower (First Lady, 1953-1969, honorary)
*Pat Nixon (First Lady, 1969-1974, honorary)

ee also

*List of social fraternities and sororities
*Professional fraternity

References