Sigma Alpha Iota

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{{{letters}}} - Sigma Alpha Iota

Motto	"Vita Brevis, Ars Longa" (Latin: Life is short, but art is long.)
Colors	Crimson and White
Flower	Red Rose
Founded	June 12, 1903 at University School of Music, Ann Arbor, MI
Type	International
Scope	National
Headquarters	One Tunnel Road Asheville, North Carolina, United States
Chapters	212 college chapters, 121 alumnae chapters, 1 international chapter, 57 provinces
Homepage	sai-national.org

Sigma Alpha Iota (ΣΑΙ) is a music fraternity for women. 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. [1]

1 History
2 Purpose
3 Mission
4 Vision
5 Symphony (by Esther Requarth, Nu Chapter)
6 Famous SAIs

[edit] History

Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity, Inc. was founded on June 12, 1903 at the University School of Music in Ann Arbor, Michigan by seven women: Elizabeth Campbell, Frances Caspari, Minnie Davis Sherrill, Leila Farlin Laughlin, Nora Crane Hunt, Georgina Potts, and Mary Storrs Andersen.

[edit] 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.

[edit] Mission

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

[edit] 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

[edit] Symphony (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.

[edit] 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: