Sigma Alpha Iota

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Sigma Alpha Iota
ΣΑΙ
Founded

June 12, 1903 (1903-06-12)
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 223 active collegiate chapters and 121 alumnae chapters. There is also one international chapter.
Members 120,000 collegiate
Headquarters One Tunnel Road
Asheville, North Carolina, USA
Homepage http://www.sai-national.org

Sigma Alpha Iota (ΣΑΙ) is a professional 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.[2]

History

Founding

Sigma Alpha Iota (Alpha Chapter) was founded on June 12, 1903 at the University School of Music[3][4] 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 music fraternity that would initiate only women at the undergraduate level, and men and women at the professional level. In 1981, the fraternity was officially granted exemption from Title IX by the DOE to remain single-sex.[5] Sigma Alpha Iota International Music 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.[6]

Mission and national objectives (2012-15)

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

We, the members of Sigma Alpha Iota, will: 1) Recommit ourselves to the fulfillment of Fraternity responsibilities and ideals, while also nurturing an atmosphere of sisterhood. 2) Celebrate and respect the diversity of our membership through appreciation of our varied educational, musical, occupational, generational, and cultural experiences. 3) Actively support SAI Philanthropies, Inc., our charitable arm, by learning about and participating in its projects, and by making chapter and individual donations a priority. 4) Honor and respect our Ritual, both its music and words, through careful study and dedication to excellence in its presentation. 5) Strengthen our lifelong commitment to SAI through active membership in chapters and the national Alumnae Association. 6) Promote music education through ongoing volunteerism, performance attendance, and support of local programs. 7) Advance American composers, especially women, through new commissions, performances of their works, and concert attendance. [7]

Member privileges and responsibilies

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.

Member responsibilities

  • To represent the fraternity positively at all times
  • To cultivate broad friendships and be democratic in all campus contacts
  • To be ethical at all times
  • To respect the authority of chapter, province and national officers
  • To refrain from the discussion of internal fraternity affairs with non-members, unless they are chapter advisors
  • To practice the high ideals of Sigma Alpha Iota at all times[8]

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[9]

SAI Philanthropies, Inc.

Created in 1974, Sigma Alpha Iota, Inc. is the charitable arm of the fraternity. Its mission is to "promote all aspects of music creation, performance and scholarship; and encourage service for and through music on the campus, in the community, in the nation, and throughout the world."[10] SAI Philanthropies, Inc. funds a wide range of projects. This includes grants to individual SAI collegiate and alumnae chapters; grants for chapter-run community outreach programs; and grants, scholarships, loans, and awards to individual members. It also funds the publication of Pan Pipes, the fraternity journal.[11]

MacDowell Colony, Pan's Cottage

Pan's Cottage (left) and Colony Hall at the MacDowell Colony.

SAI Philanthropies also supports Pan's Cottage, a house at the MacDowell Colony for Creative Artists in Peterborough, New Hampshire. The cottage was donated by SAI in 1918 and houses artists in residence. Pan's Cottage can accommodate up to 12 artists and is the largest residence at the Colony. SAI also provides continuing financial support to the cottage, including utilities, general repairs, and replacement of furnishings. SAI also supports the greater MacDowell Colony, including $75,000 donation in 2007 to restore and preserve Edward MacDowell's music room at Hillcrest Farm.[12][13]

Inter-American Music Awards

The Inter-American Music Awards is a triennial competition for young composers from North, Central, and South America. The first award was presented in 1948. Selected by a panel of well-known composers, the winning composition is premiered at a Sigma Alpha Iota National Convention and is published by C. F. Peters Corporation under the direction of Sigma Alpha Iota. The composer receives a monetary prize and royalties are shared between the composer and Sigma Alpha Iota.[12]

Support for musicians with special needs

Since 1959 SAI Philanthropies, Inc. has assisted blind and musicians with visual impairments by contributing to the Braille Transcription Project and Bold Note Music Project, which help transcribe music into formats more easily accessible for the vision impaired.[12]

People-to-People

Since 1963, SAI's People-to-People project has provided material assistance (instruments and accessories, scores, books, teaching materials) and encouragement to schools, music organizations, and musicians in developing countries. Musicians in more than 75 countries have received aid through this program.[12]

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.[14]

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

Distinguished membership given to "an initiated member of the Fraternity who has achieved international distinction in the music profession. She may be a performer, composer, teacher, author, musicologist or philanthropist."[15]

Dr. Loretta Long, with Hal Miller and Oscar the Grouch

Honorary members

Distinguished membership given to "a woman who has achieved international distinction in the music profession who is not an initiated member of Sigma Alpha Iota. She may be a performer, composer, teacher, author, musicologist, or philanthropist."[15]

Marian Anderson in 1940

National Arts Associates

Distinguished membership given to "a man or woman who is nationally recognized for distinguished contribution to the arts."[38]

Initiated as collegiate sisters

Sheryl Crow

Patronesses

Mamie Eisenhower, patroness, Epsilon Beta chapter (Gettysburg College)

"A woman actively interested in community musical affairs, in the endeavors of the collegiate or alumnae chapter, and the purpose of the Fraternity, who has been invited by a collegiate or alumnae chapter to join SAI."[54]

Chapters

Collegiate chapters

(* Inactive Chapter, ** Closed Chapter)[60]

Alumnae chapters

(* Inactive Chapter, ** Closed Chapter)[60]

References

  1. "Sigma Alpha Iota". Sigma Alpha Iota. Retrieved 2007-08-27. 
  2. "Professional Fraternity Association Members". Retrieved 14 February 2013. 
  3. 3.0 3.1 "About Sigma Alpha Iota". Sigma Alpha Iota. June 21, 2006. Archived from the original on 2007-09-28. Retrieved 2007-08-27. 
  4. "Student Organizations". University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance. Retrieved 2007-08-27. 
  5. "Sigma Alpha Iota". Sigma Alpha Iota. 
  6. "The Purpose of Sigma Alpha Iota". Retrieved 14 February 2013. 
  7. http://www.sai-national.org/home/Portals/0/PDFs/NATIONAL%20OBJECTIVES.pdf
  8. "Member Privileges and Responsibilities". Retrieved 14 February 2013. 
  9. "Mission Statement and Vision of Sigma Alpha Iota". Retrieved 14 February 2013. 
  10. "Philanthropies". Retrieved 14 February 2013. 
  11. "SAI Philanthropies". Retrieved 14 February 2013. 
  12. 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 "SAI Philanthropies". Retrieved 14 February 2013. 
  13. "Pan's Cottage". Retrieved 14 February 2013. 
  14. Sigma Alpha Iota Manual for Members. 
  15. 15.0 15.1 "Distinguished Members". Retrieved 15 February 2013. 
  16. 16.0 16.1 "Member Laureates". Retrieved 14 February 2013. 
  17. 17.0 17.1 "Member Laureates". Retrieved 14 February 2013. 
  18. "Member Laureates". Retrieved 14 February 2013. 
  19. "Member Laureates". Retrieved 14 February 2013. 
  20. "Member Laureates". Retrieved 14 February 2013. 
  21. 21.0 21.1 "Member Laureates". Retrieved 14 February 2013. 
  22. "Member Laureates". Retrieved 14 February 2013. 
  23. 23.0 23.1 "Honorary Members". Retrieved 14 February 2013. 
  24. 24.0 24.1 "Honorary Members". Retrieved 14 February 2013. 
  25. "Honorary Members". Retrieved 14 February 2013. 
  26. "Honorary Members". Retrieved 14 February 2013. 
  27. "Honorary Members". Retrieved 14 February 2013. 
  28. "Honorary Members". Retrieved 14 February 2013. 
  29. "Honorary Members". Retrieved 14 February 2013. 
  30. "Honorary Members". Retrieved 14 February 2013. 
  31. "Honorary Members". Retrieved 14 February 2013. 
  32. "Honorary Members". Retrieved 14 February 2013. 
  33. 33.0 33.1 "Honorary Members". Retrieved 14 February 2013. 
  34. "Honorary Members". Retrieved 14 February 2013. 
  35. "Honorary Members". Retrieved 14 February 2013. 
  36. "Honorary Members". Retrieved 14 February 2013. 
  37. "Distinguished Member: SAI Initiates Dolly Parton as Honorary Member". Pan Pipes 104 (Fall 2011): 10–11. 2011. Retrieved 14 February 2013. 
  38. "Distinguished Membership". Retrieved 15 February 2013. 
  39. "SAI National Arts Associates". Retrieved 18 February 2013. 
  40. "SAI National Arts Associates". Retrieved 18 February 2013. 
  41. 41.0 41.1 "SAI National Arts Associates". Retrieved 18 February 2013. 
  42. 42.0 42.1 "SAI National Arts Associates". Retrieved 18 February 2013. 
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  44. "SAI National Arts Associates". Retrieved 18 February 2013. 
  45. "SAI National Arts Associates". Retrieved 18 February 2013. 
  46. "SAI National Arts Associates". Retrieved 18 February 2013. 
  47. "SAI National Arts Associates". Retrieved 18 February 2013. 
  48. "SAI National Arts Associates". Retrieved 18 February 2013. 
  49. "Sheryl Crow Biography at Lyrics Freak". Retrieved 14 February 2013. 
  50. "Sheryl Crow Biography - IMDB". Retrieved 14 February 2013. 
  51. "Famous Sisters". Retrieved 14 February 2013. 
  52. "Celebs Who Joined Fraternities". Retrieved 14 February 2013. 
  53. "Success Stories". Retrieved 14 February 2013. 
  54. "Training Curriculum for the SAI Patroness Member". Retrieved 15 February 2013. 
  55. Pan pipes of Sigma Alpha Iota 60 (4): 20. 1968. 
  56. "Patroness of Sorority Here is Initiated". Gettysburg Times. November 21, 1967. 
  57. Pan Pipes: Sigma Alpha Iota Quarterly. 85-86. 1992. p. 61. 
  58. Heintze, James R. (1987). Esther Williamson Ballou: A Bio-Bibliography. Greenwood Publishing Group. pp. 11, 101. 
  59. "About SAI". Retrieved 14 February 2013. 
  60. 60.0 60.1 "SAI Chapters Map". Retrieved 18 February 2013. 

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