Purpose Symphony Factoids Frequently Asked Questions
Purpose
To form chapters of music students and musicians who shall by their musical interest uphold the highest ideals of a musical education.
To raise the standards of productive musical work among women students of colleges, conservatories, and universities.
To further the development of music in America.
To give inspiration and aid to its members.
To organize the cultural life of its members as a contributing factor to their educational program.
To cooperate wholeheartedly with the ideals and aims of the Alma Mater.
To adhere to the highest standards of American citizenship and democracy.
Symphony
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 word 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 as heartily as to the Lord, and not unto men."
And again to practice.
This is to be our Symphony.
FYI...
The official flower of Sigma Alpha Iota is the single red rose.
Sigma Alpha Iota's Colors are crimson and white.
The official publication of SAI is Pan Pipes.
The first National Honorary Member was Louise Homer, a famous contralto of the Metropolitan Opera. She was initiated in 1904 in Ann Arbor, MI.
The open motto of Sigma Alpha Iota is Vita Brevis, Ars Longa, which means Life is short, but Art is long.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Sigma Alpha Iota a fraternity and not a sorority?
SAI was originally called a sorority, but in 1926, it was officially called a fraternity because "fraternity" refers to both men and women.
How is Sigma Alpha Iota different from Tau Beta Sigma?
Sigma Alpha Iota's purpose is in developing and encouraging music in America. Tau Beta Sigma's focus is on bands in America.
How can I become a member of SAI in the Alpha Chapter and in other chapters?
As part of increasing our membership, like an fraternity or sorority, we hold Rush. Our informal rush is a meeting where interested music students can meet with current SAI sisters to learn more about SAI and whether or not they would like to be involved. This is an opportunity for the SAI members to meet these prospects as well. Those who are interested will fill out pledge sheets to express their commitment to rush SAI. If chosen, these students will be invited to Formal Rush, where the Pledge Ceremony takes place. The Pledge Period lasts basically all semester, giving the pledges the chance to learn more about the background of Sigma Alpha Iota and what is expected of them. Before these pledges can be initiated, they must take a national test, and once that has been passed, they can be formally initiated.
I'm coming to Ann Arbor, either through a chapter visit, campus visit, auditions, or a move. Whom should I contact in Alpha Chapter, so we can all get together?
Here at Alpha Chapter, we LOVE to have visitors. Unfortunately, the last few times other chapters or individuals came, we happened to have been on our own outing or were uninformed of the trip. Please contact us when you plan to come or if you are thinking about visiting, so we can all meet and have some great SAI fun and meet new people in the process. The best contact would probably be Corresponding Secretary and Webmaster Molly Doernberg or President Natalie Ruotsinoja, who will then pass along the information to the rest of the chapter.
I want to be in more contact with other SAIs around the country, how can I be more involved besides going to the conventions every few years?
The SAI Listserv is a wonderful opportunity to be in constant contact with other SAI members. It is a great forum for announcing chapter events (like rush and initiation), bringing up important chapter issues (importance of ritual, the meaning of SAI as a "dry" fraternity, ways to keep members more involved) and posing SAI-related or nonrelated questions ("What are some good fundraising ideas?", "How can I become involved with the Such-and-such city alumnae chapter when I graduate?", "Is anyone else going to the National Association Convention this year?", "I'm getting married soon. Does anyone have any tips on traditions, activities, music?", etc.). If you are interested, either fill out the subscription form at the SAI National Website, or contact National Vice President, College Chapters, Dr. Leslie Odom with your name, initiation name (if different from your current name), e-mail address and who it is registered to, initiation chapter, and initiation year. Don't miss this great opportunity for fellowship and communication with the sisterhood!
