Sigma Alpha Iota

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Sigma Alpha Iota (ΣΑΙ)
Founded	June 12, 1903 (1903-06-12) (age 104) University School of Music, (Ann Arbor, Michigan)
Type	Music
Scope	International
Motto	"Vita Brevis, Ars Longa"
Colors	Crimson & White
Flower	Red Rose
Headquarters	One Tunnel Road Asheville, North Carolina, USA
Homepage	http://www.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]

Contents 1 History 2 Purpose 3 Mission 4 Vision 5 Symphony (by Esther Requarth, Nu Chapter) 6 Famous SAIs 7 References

[edit] History

Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity (Alpha Chapter) was founded on June 12, 1903 at the University School of Music^[2][3] 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.

[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

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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)^[4]
• Jessye Norman (operatic soprano)
• Beverly Sills (soprano)

Honorary Members

• Marin Alsop (conductor)
• Marian Anderson (contralto)
• Nadia Boulanger (composer)
• Jacqueline du Pré (cellist)
• Renee Fleming (soprano)
• 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)
• Dr. Loretta Long (Susan from Sesame Street)

Collegiate Sisters

• Sheryl Crow (singer/songwriter)
• Mamie Eisenhower (First Lady, 1953-1969, honorary)
• Linda Robbins Coleman (composer)
• Teresa Coffman (conductor)
• Sheila Johnson (violinist & co-founder of BET)
• Pat Nixon (First Lady, 1969-1974, honorary)
• Lisa Vroman (soprano)

[edit] References

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v • d • e Music Fraternities National Interfraternity Music Council Delta Omicron • Kappa Kappa Psi • Mu Phi Epsilon • Phi Beta • Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia • Sigma Alpha Iota • Tau Beta Sigma