Sigma Alpha Iota
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Sigma Alpha Iota (ΣΑΙ) is a music fraternity for women. Formed to "uphold the highest ideals of a music education" and "to further the development of music in America", it continues to provide musical and educational resources to its members and the general public. [link]
History
Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity was founded on June 12, 1903 at the University School of Music in Ann Arbor, Michigan by seven women: Elizabeth Campbell, Frances Caspari, Minnie Davis Sherrill, Leila Farlin Laughlin, Nora Crane Hunt, Georgina Potts, and Mary Storrs Andersen.
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.
Mission
"The Mission of Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity is to encourage, nuture and support the art of music."
Vision
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
- 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
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.
Famous SAIs
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:
- Marin Alsop (conductor)
- Marian Anderson (soprano)
- Nadia Boulanger (composer)
- Sheryl Crow (singer/songwriter)
- Linda Robbins Coleman (composer)
- Libby Larsen (composer)
- Teresa Coffman (conductor)
- Jessye Norman (operatic soprano)
- Beverly Sills (soprano)
- Jacqueline du Pré (cellist)
- Renee Fleming (soprano)
- Ruth Laredo (pianist)
- Anne-Sophie Mutter (violinist)
- Leontyne Price (soprano)
- Joan Sutherland (soprano)
- Dame Kiri Te Kanawa (soprano))
- Denyce Graves (mezzo-soprano))
External links
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