What is SAI ?*

Sigma Alpha Iota, International Music Fraternity, is a Greek music fraternity for women. It is an organization whose purposes are to foster interest in music and to promote social contact among persons sharing an interest in music. It is a specialized Fraternity which confines its membership to persons interested in the single academic discipline - music - in accredited colleges and universities. It may initiate members of general college fraternities. Sigma Alpha Iota organizes its group life specifically to promote competence and achievement within its field.

Sigma Alpha Iota, with over 86,000 initiated members, has more than 300 college and alumnae chapters all over the United States. College chapters may be established only in schools of music, conservatories or music departments of of college and universities with accredited music curricula. Alumnae chapters may be formed by post-college members in good standing and by non-student college chapter members at the end of their academic year of initiation.

In the beginning, Sigma Alpha Iota was called a sorority. In 1926, the word "fraternity" replaced "sorority." "Fraternity," which cones from the abstract feminine Latin noun fraternitas, refers to both men and women. It has been used by all the music fraternities for many years.

As a fraternity based upon a single academic discipline, Sigma Alpha Iota differs from the General Fraternity, Honor Society, and other organizations in the field of music. Members of Sigma Alpha Iota may join honor societies or social sororities, and professional fraternities in fields other than music.

History

Sigma Alpha Iota was founded June 12, 1903 at the University School of Music in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

The Founders were seven upper-class and graduate students - Elizabeth Campbell, Frances Caspari, Minnie Davis Sherrill, Leila Farlin Laughlin, Nora Crane Hunt, Georgina Potts, and Mary Storrs Andersen, all deceased.

The founding is described in a brief "History of Sigma Alpha Iota" by Elizabeth Campbell in the PAN PIPES of April 1910 "... when seven gifted young musicians solemnly pledged themselves to help each other with sisterly affection, stand for the highest possible musical scholarship, for nobility and uprightness of character, and for the maintenance of friendly and unselfish relations among women in the musical profession."

Incorporation papers, under the laws of the State of Michigan, were signed December 1, 1904 and recorded December 15, 1904.

The first extension as a national fraternity came when requests from student groups brought the installation of Beta Chapter, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, December 1904; Gamma Chapter, American Conservatory, Chicago, Illinois, November, 1906; Delta Chapter, Detroit Conservatory, Detroit Michigan, March, 1907.

An extension continued, the first twenty-four chapters were named for the letters of the Greek alphabet in order. For the 25th to 48th chapters, "Sigma" was prefixed to the Greek alphabet in order. This was continued for the 49th to 72nd chapters, with "Alpha" prefixed to the Greek alphabet. These have been followed with "Iota," "Beta," "Gamma," "Zeta," "Eta," and Theta" prefixed to the Greek Alphabet.

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

2006 - 2009 National Objectives

We will honor the courage of our seven founders by striving to attain the National Objectives.

   1. Lifelong commitment to SAI through active membership in collegiate and alumnae
     chapters and the National Alumnae Association.
   2. Effective communication among all levels of the fraternity.
   3. Increased understanding of the meaning and significance of our ritual.
   4. Furthering the outreach of Philanthropies through project participation and financial
     contributions.
   5. Embracing the talents and diversity of our sisterhood through collaboration with others.
   6. Enhance music education in schools and the community through support and advocacy.
   7. Performing the music of Sigma Alpha Iota at fraternity functions.

Chorale

SIGMA ALPHA IOTA (Music Song Book)

1. Daughters of a great and singing nation.
Let your voices rise in dedication,
Music tells unspoken noble creeds;
Music beautifies the simplest deeds;
Sing we now to Sigma Alpha Iota.

2. Sing the greatness of the soul and spirit,
Sing the joy of peace and friendship's merit,
Music is a kind and truthful speech;
In a language out of mere words reach;
Sing we now to Sigma Alpha Iota.

-- Margaret Blackburn, Alpha Mu

Symphony

SIGMA ALPHA IOTA

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 harp strings 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.

-- Esther Requarth, Nu

*Note: All information and images are taken from the Sigma Alpha Iota Manual for Members and the SAI National Website

Last Updated Tuesday May 06, 2008
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