Our Mission
The Mission of Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity is to encourage, nurture and support the art of music.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
- Cultivate 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 its members people who exemplify professional and ethical behavior in the spirit of Sigma Alpha Iota founders
History
Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity was founded on June 12, 1903 at the University School of Music in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
The seven founders included:
These young women set out to establish a sisterhood which would stand for the highest level of musical scholarship, and for nobility and unselfish relations among women in the musical profession. These women not only dedicated their lives during their educational years, but pursued music and these standards until their passing. Their lives have inspired over 100,000 people to become members of Sigma Alpha Iota.
In 2003, Sigma Alpha Iota celebrated its Centennial in our birthplace of Ann Arbor, Michigan. Here, members from all over the world joined to "Give thanks for Music" as well as discuss fraternity business. It was truly a memorable time for all in attendance and a great reminder that the lives of the founders have has a profound impact on not just our members, but on the world as well.
Theta Pi Chapter
The groundwork for the Theta Pi chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota began in 1994. The new group called themselves The Women's Music Consort. Starting on February 29, 1996, the WMC began meeting on a weekly basis to begin their journey into SAI.
The chapter was officially established on April 19, 1997.
Charter members of the chapter included:
The seven founders included:
- Elizabeth Campbell
- Frances Caspari
- Minnie Davis Sherril
- Leila Farlin Laughlin
- Nora Crane Hunt
- Georgina Potts
- Mary Storrs Andersen
These young women set out to establish a sisterhood which would stand for the highest level of musical scholarship, and for nobility and unselfish relations among women in the musical profession. These women not only dedicated their lives during their educational years, but pursued music and these standards until their passing. Their lives have inspired over 100,000 people to become members of Sigma Alpha Iota.
In 2003, Sigma Alpha Iota celebrated its Centennial in our birthplace of Ann Arbor, Michigan. Here, members from all over the world joined to "Give thanks for Music" as well as discuss fraternity business. It was truly a memorable time for all in attendance and a great reminder that the lives of the founders have has a profound impact on not just our members, but on the world as well.
Theta Pi Chapter
The groundwork for the Theta Pi chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota began in 1994. The new group called themselves The Women's Music Consort. Starting on February 29, 1996, the WMC began meeting on a weekly basis to begin their journey into SAI.
The chapter was officially established on April 19, 1997.
Charter members of the chapter included:
- Vanessa Angelone
- Dr. Jennifer Barker (faculty advisor)
- Corinne D'Amato
- Angela Foughner
- Kimberly Lewis
- Carlene “Cookie” Perry
- Emily Sargent
- Carol Seymore
- Lisa Schafer
- Kandy Stone
- Suzanne Sullivan
- Cameron Unz
- Elizabeth Waldschmidt
- Sarah White
- Susie Wise
Projects
SAI for a life in music... Members of Sigma Alpha Iota, in college and alumnae chapters devote their talent and energies to many national and international projects including those of Sigma Alpha Iota Philanthropies, Inc.:
- The triennial Inter-American Music Awards (IAMA) and commissions recognize and encourage the finest in creative composition throughout the western hemisphere.
- The SAI quarterly, PAN PIPES, comprehensively lists American premieres and works-in-progress in each Winter issue, and is included in the Library of Congress Archives.
- The Services for Musicians with Special Needs provide music, in cooperation with the Library of Congress, for the blind and partially sighted.
- The People-to-People Music Committe, Inc., sends music, instruments, and educational materials to deserving musicians world-wide.
- Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral Scholarships and Loans, Summer Music Scholarships, and Chapter Outreach Grants are available to SAI members and chapters.
- The SAI Alumnae Association