Sigma Alpha Iota
| Sigma Alpha Iota |
|
ΣΑΙ
|
|
| Founded |
June 12, 1903 (1903-06-12) (108 years ago)
University School of Music,
(Ann Arbor, Michigan) |
| Type |
Professional
Social |
| Emphasis |
Music |
| Mission statement |
To encourage, nurture and support the art of music. |
| Colors |
Red
White |
| Symbol |
Pan Pipes |
| Flower |
Red Rose |
| Publication |
Pan Pipes, Tempo! |
| Philanthropy |
Sigma Alpha Iota Philanthropies, Inc. |
| Chapters |
218 active collegiate chapters and 118 alumnae chapters. There is also one international chapter. |
| Members |
118,000 collegiate |
| Headquarters |
Asheville, North Carolina, USA |
| Homepage |
[1] |
Sigma Alpha Iota (ΣΑΙ), International Music Fraternity for Women. Formed to "uphold the highest standards of music" and "to further the development of music in America and throughout the world", it continues to provide musical and educational resources to its members and the general public.[1] Sigma Alpha Iota operates its own national philanthropy, Sigma Alpha Iota Philanthropies, Inc. Sigma Alpha Iota is a member of the Professional Fraternity Association.
History
Founding
Sigma Alpha Iota (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.
Title IX and membership
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, enacted on June 23, 1972, prohibits discrimination based on gender in educational programs receiving federal funding. This prohibition extends to professional societies for students enrolled at universities that receive federal funds for student financial aid or other programs. However, social organizations, such as social fraternities and sororities, are specifically exempted. In order to remain a fraternity of women, Sigma Alpha Iota petitioned for an exemption from Title IX from the U.S. Department of Education as a social organization. In 1981, the fraternity was officially granted exemption from Title IX by the DOE to remain single-sex.[4] Although considered a social sorority under Title IX, the fraternity remains a member of the Professional Fraternity Association.
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 is to encourage, nurture and support the art of music."
Member privileges
- To have contact with musicians all over the United States
- To make friendships with many Sigma Alpha Iotas who share the same ideals
- To be encouraged to seek the highest goals in personal development and professional stature
- To wear the badge as an introduction to Sigma Alpha Iota college and alumnae chapters and members everywhere
- To have opportunity at Province Days and National Conventions to broaden friendships to include members from other chapters
- To belong to a close-knit organization whose province and national officers visit chapters to bring assistance and stimulate maintenance of the fraternity's high standards of musicianship and scholarship and acquaintance with the broad scope of the fraternity
- To find opportunities for leadership training in the chapter guided by national policies and instructional materials
- To meet and know the nationally recognized musicians and supporters of music who are Distinguished members
- To participate in fraternity projects - scholarships, promotion of American music through the Inter-American Music Awards program, assistance in rehabilitation through music both in this country and in foreign countries, and other nationally organized and recognized endeavors of SAI.
Vision
The vision of Sigma Alpha Iota 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
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.
Famous members of SAI
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 (initiated as collegiate sisters, honored with Distinguished Member status)
Honorary members
Initiated as collegiate sisters
Patronesses
References
External links