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Sigma Alpha Iota
ΣΑΙ
Coat of Arms of Sigma Alpha Iota
FoundedJune 12, 1903; 121 years ago (1903-06-12)
University School of Music, University of Michigan
TypeProfessional
Affiliation
  • PFA
  • National Interfraternity Music Council
StatusActive
EmphasisMusic
ScopeInternational
MottoVita brevis, ars longa.
Life is short; art is long
Member badge
Colors  Red and   White
SymbolPan pipes
FlowerRed rose
PublicationPan Pipes, Tempo!
PhilanthropySigma Alpha Iota Philanthropies, Inc.
Chapters220+ collegiate; 114 alumnae
Members124,690+ lifetime
HeadquartersOne Tunnel Road
Asheville, North Carolina 28805
United States
WebsiteSigma Alpha Iota homepage

Sigma Alpha Iota (ΣΑΙ) is an international music fraternity. 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 National Interfraternity Music Council and the Professional Fraternity Association.[2]

History

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Founding

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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 in Evanston, Illinois. Chapters have now been chartered at over 300 universities, conservatories, and colleges.

Title IX and membership

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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. 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 as a social organization.[5] Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity remains a member of the Professional Fraternity Association.

Symbols

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Sigma Alpha Iota's motto is Vita brevis, ars longa or "Life is short; art is long." The fraternity's colors are red and white. Its symbol is the Pan pipes. Its flower is the red rose. Its publication is Pan Pipes, Tempo!

Symphony

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Esher Requarth of the Nu chapter wronte the Sigma Alpha Iota Symphony:[6]

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.

Chapters

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Main article: List of Sigma Alpha Iota chapters

The fraternity has chartered more than 220 collegiate chapters and 114 alumnae chapters.[7]

Philanthropy

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Created in 1974, Sigma Alpha Iota Philanthropies, 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."[8] 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.[9]

MacDowell, Pan's Cottage

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

SAI Philanthropies also supports Pan's Cottage, a house at MacDowell, a retreat 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 MacDowell. SAI also provides continuing financial support to the cottage, including utilities, general repairs, and replacement of furnishings. In 2018, members of SAI supported a $100,000 renovation project for Pan's Cottage. SAI also supports the greater MacDowell mission, including a $75,000 donation in 2007 to restore and preserve Edward MacDowell's music room at Hillcrest Farm.[10][11]

Inter-American Music Awards

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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.[10]

Support for musicians with special needs

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Since 1959 SAI Philanthropies, Inc. has assisted 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.[10]

People-to-People

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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.[10]

Composer's Bureau

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SAI Philanthropies, Inc. began the, then called The Composer's Update, in 1949[12] which is now called the Composers Bureau. In the modern day, this is a database of information about Contemporary American Composers. This group is composed mostly of currently acting American composers who have been recognized at the national or international level. The Bureau focuses on Concert Music. The first publication was in 1949 and contained four pages written by the first director of the Bureau, Marguerite Kelly Kyle[13] who acted in the position for 32 years.

Music Therapy

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SAI Philanthropies, Inc. supports the arts through a service called "Music Therapy".[14] These are specific projects focused on music that benefit communities such as veterans, hospital patients, nursing home attendants, school children, and more. These projects began after World War II with services giving out different types of musical instruments and portable music players.

Grants

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SAI Philanthropies, Inc. gives out Grants[15] for different needs based on their membership and outside the membership to produce involvement in music in America. Music Education Outreach Grants can be awarded to different public schools in America for grades K-12. The purpose of these grants is to help fund and assist music programs for certain needs or projects. These grants can be up to $5,000 per music program. Professional Development Grants are grants awarded by SAI Philanthropies, Inc. to encourage any music-related educational paths and Professional development with those opportunities given to current alumnae and affiliated patroness members of Sigma Alpha Iota.

Notable members

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Sigma Alpha Iota has been honored to welcome a multitude of artists from all walks of life, including musicians, teachers, composers, and conductors. Here are just a few of the many men and women who have been honored with Distinguished Membership by Sigma Alpha Iota:

Member laureates

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This category of Distinguished Membership is 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."[16]

Sheryl Crow

Initiated as collegiate sisters

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Honorary members

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Honorary Members are women who have "achieved international distinction in the music profession who is [are] not an initiated member of Sigma Alpha Iota. She may be a performer, composer, teacher, author, musicologist, or philanthropist."[16]

Marian Anderson in 1940

National arts associates

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Distinguished membership given to "a man or woman who is nationally recognized for distinguished contribution to the arts."[48]

Patronesses

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"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."[59] Some famous patronesses:

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Sigma Alpha Iota". Sigma Alpha Iota. Retrieved 2007-08-27.
  2. ^ "Professional Fraternity Association Members". Retrieved 14 February 2013.
  3. ^ a b "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. ^ Sigma Alpha Iota Manual for Members.
  7. ^ "SAI Chapters Map". Retrieved 18 February 2013.
  8. ^ "Philanthropies". Retrieved 14 February 2013.
  9. ^ "SAI Philanthropies". Retrieved 14 February 2013.
  10. ^ a b c d "SAI Philanthropies". Retrieved 14 February 2013.
  11. ^ "Pan's Cottage". Retrieved 14 February 2013.
  12. ^ "Composers Bureau - Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity". www.sai-national.org. 2024-02-13. Retrieved 2024-10-22.
  13. ^ "SAI Composers Bureau- 75th Annual American Composers Update" (PDF). SAI Composers Bureau. Winter 2024. Retrieved October 22, 2024.
  14. ^ "Music Therapy - Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity". www.sai-national.org. 2024-04-30. Retrieved 2024-10-22.
  15. ^ "Scholarships/Grants/Awards - Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity". www.sai-national.org. 2024-10-17. Retrieved 2024-10-22.
  16. ^ a b "Distinguished Members". Retrieved 15 February 2013.
  17. ^ About Joyce Finch Johnson, D. Mus
  18. ^ a b "Member Laureates". Retrieved 14 February 2013.
  19. ^ a b "Member Laureates". Retrieved 14 February 2013.
  20. ^ "Member Laureates". Retrieved 14 February 2013.
  21. ^ "Member Laureates". Retrieved 14 February 2013.
  22. ^ "Member Laureates". Retrieved 14 February 2013.
  23. ^ a b "Member Laureates". Retrieved 14 February 2013.
  24. ^ "Member Laureates". Retrieved 14 February 2013.
  25. ^ "Success Stories". Retrieved 14 February 2013.
  26. ^ "Sheryl Crow Biography – IMDB". IMDb. Retrieved 14 February 2013.
  27. ^ "Famous Sisters". Retrieved 14 February 2013.
  28. ^ "Celebs Who Joined Fraternities". Retrieved 14 February 2013.
  29. ^ a b c "Honorary Members". Archived from the original on 11 January 2011. Retrieved 14 February 2013.
  30. ^ a b "Honorary Members". Archived from the original on 11 January 2011. Retrieved 14 February 2013.
  31. ^ "Honorary Members". Archived from the original on 11 January 2011. Retrieved 14 February 2013.
  32. ^ "Honorary Members". Archived from the original on 11 January 2011. Retrieved 14 February 2013.
  33. ^ "HonoraryMembers".
  34. ^ "Honorary Members". Archived from the original on 11 January 2011. Retrieved 14 February 2013.
  35. ^ "Honorary Members". Archived from the original on 11 January 2011. Retrieved 14 February 2013.
  36. ^ "Honorary Members". Archived from the original on 11 January 2011. Retrieved 14 February 2013.
  37. ^ "Honorary Members". Archived from the original on 11 January 2011. Retrieved 14 February 2013.
  38. ^ "Honorary Members". Archived from the original on 11 January 2011. Retrieved 14 February 2013.
  39. ^ "Honorary Members". Archived from the original on 11 January 2011. Retrieved 14 February 2013.
  40. ^ a b "Honorary Members". Archived from the original on 11 January 2011. Retrieved 14 February 2013.
  41. ^ "Honorary Members". Archived from the original on 11 January 2011. Retrieved 14 February 2013.
  42. ^ "Honorary Members". Archived from the original on 11 January 2011. Retrieved 14 February 2013.
  43. ^ "Honorary Members". Archived from the original on 11 January 2011. Retrieved 14 February 2013.
  44. ^ "Distinguished Member: SAI Initiates Dolly Parton as Honorary Member". Pan Pipes. 104 (Fall 2011): 10–11. 2011. Retrieved 14 February 2013.
  45. ^ "Sigma Alpha Iota – SAI Pan Pipes Winter 2016". Retrieved 11 May 2016.,
  46. ^ "Dearbhail Finnegan – Internationally acclaimed harpist". Dearbhail Finnegan – Internationally acclaimed harpist. Retrieved 2018-03-20.
  47. ^ Hendrix, Michael (8 December 2017). "Honorary Member – Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity". www.sai-national.org. Retrieved 2020-07-07.
  48. ^ "Distinguished Membership". Retrieved 15 February 2013.
  49. ^ "SAI National Arts Associates". Archived from the original on 27 January 2013. Retrieved 18 February 2013.
  50. ^ "SAI National Arts Associates". Archived from the original on 27 January 2013. Retrieved 18 February 2013.
  51. ^ a b "SAI National Arts Associates". Archived from the original on 27 January 2013. Retrieved 18 February 2013.
  52. ^ a b "SAI National Arts Associates". Archived from the original on 27 January 2013. Retrieved 18 February 2013.
  53. ^ "SAI National Arts Associates". Archived from the original on 27 January 2013. Retrieved 18 February 2013.
  54. ^ "SAI National Arts Associates". Archived from the original on 27 January 2013. Retrieved 18 February 2013.
  55. ^ "SAI National Arts Associates". Archived from the original on 27 January 2013. Retrieved 18 February 2013.
  56. ^ "SAI National Arts Associates". Archived from the original on 27 January 2013. Retrieved 18 February 2013.
  57. ^ "SAI National Arts Associates". Archived from the original on 27 January 2013. Retrieved 18 February 2013.
  58. ^ "SAI National Arts Associates". Archived from the original on 27 January 2013. Retrieved 18 February 2013.
  59. ^ "Training Curriculum for the SAI Patroness Member". Retrieved 15 February 2013.
  60. ^ Pan Pipes of Sigma Alpha Iota. 60 (4): 20. 1968. {{cite journal}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  61. ^ "Patroness of Sorority Here is Initiated". Gettysburg Times. November 21, 1967.
  62. ^ "Pan Pipes: Sigma Alpha Iota Quarterly". 85–86. 1992: 61. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  63. ^ Heintze, James R. (1987). Esther Williamson Ballou: A Bio-Bibliography. Greenwood Publishing Group. pp. 11, 101.
  64. ^ "About SAI". Retrieved 14 February 2013.
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