sinfonian - dec. 2011

December 2011

Restoring Sinfonia’s Identity

The Sinfonian December 2011

The tradition of heraldry extends back to theMiddle Ages. Originally, symbols and designs ona knight’s shield and helmet would indicate his allegiance. These soon became formalizedcoats-of-arms for various lords and households.The modernization of warfare led to the decline inthe types of armor and shielding that originallybore coats-of-arms. The tradition, however, didnot die off. Throughout the Renaissance,Baroque, and Romantic periods,coats-of-arms continued to flourish. Churches, organizedguilds, noble families, andeven many cities wouldadopt a coat-of-arms duringthese periods. The traditioninevitably made its way fromEurope to America, and variousorganizations and individualscontinue this heraldic tradition to this day1.

The earliest references to the PhiMu Alpha coat-of-arms date back to1909, when Supreme PresidentPercy Jewett Burrell, Alpha (NewEngland Conservatory) 1899,appointed a committee on the cre-ation of a coat-of-arms. PaulBatzell, Theta (Syracuse University)1907, chaired the committee. Thecommittee had a large mail requestto the brotherhood, wherein theyasked for input on the Fraternity’scoat-of-arms with respect to Phi MuAlpha’s history, founding, and symbols. After compiling this information, the committee settled on an official design that was accepted at the1910 Convention. Following the Convention, Batzellwrote the earliest description of the coat-of-arms for a 1911 issue of The Mystic Cat. “To everySinfonian,” Batzell writes, “the design is truly

symbolic. The effort has been to eliminate all thatis needless, and retain all that is essential. The colors of the fraternity, red, black and gold, areharmoniously blended. The clasped hands, thepipes, the lamp are all deeply significant. We know

the harp that crowns the design, we comprehendthe full scope of the three Greek letters, Phi MuAlpha, and then looking to Sinfonia, in itselfbreathing the spirit of our brotherhood, in its

every element teaching us a better and nobler wayof comprehending, one can feel indeed that the coat-of-arms of our beloved fraternity hassymbolized the very essence of our brotherhood.”

In the years since the approval of the officialcoat-of-arms, a number of incorrect versions

have appeared, in some cases confusinghighly significant symbolic details. For

example, there is no bannerabove the coat-of-arms, as

some later versionsincluded. There areseven, not six, pipes ofpan, and seven, noteight, strings on theharp. Most significantly,

the configuration ofwhite and red stones on

the membership pin isnot part of the official coat-

of-arms. The two wereadopted at different times in

the early days of the Fraternity– 1910 for the coat-of-arms,and the pin in 1902 – and are intended to be separateand distinct symbols. The confusion dates back most specifically to the1940’s, when the cover ofThe Sinfonian from 1941-

1947 featured the pin. In1947, the magazine switched to

the coat-of-arms on the cover butretained the pin design in the center of

the coat-of-arms. Various publications from evenearlier suggest that the confusion began as early as1923, though ’47 seems to be when the errorbecame solidified. Brothers may note that the pindesign does not appear on the coat-of-arms on the membership shingle.

About the Cover: Phi Mu Alpha’s Coat-of-arms

Through numerous revisions, the Fraternityhas corrected the errors and restored the exactdetail of the coat-of-arms as adopted in 1910.Once again, care has been given to the grace, ele-gance and beauty of the design in its every aspect.

For Sinfonians, what this represents is morethan an aesthetic change to a well-known symbol.The brothers who designed and adopted ourFraternity’s symbols a century ago did so withpainstaking attention to symbolic detail. To restorethe integrity of the coat-of-arms is to acknowledgethat their choices were not arbitrary, but intendedto communicate key principles to future genera-tions. The coat-of-arms, then, like many of oursymbols, is not just a logo to be displayed but apowerful symbol of the ideals we strive for asSinfonians. May this constant endeavor help usbring Harmony to all mankind through the beau-ty and power of music.

1 Historical information from Heraldry and Symbolism of the Coat-of-arms by Alec M. Peters, Iota Epsilon (NorthCarolina-Greensboro) ’81

The Sinfonian is the official publication of Phi MuAlpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America, Inc. Currentmonths for publication are December and May.

First printed as the Sinfonia Year Book in 1901.

Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity National Headquarters10600 Old State RoadEvansville, Indiana 47711-1399Toll-Free: (800) 473-2649 Fax: (812) 867-0633www.sinfonia.org

Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia is a member of the FraternityCommunications Association.

Volume LX Issue 1

20 Alumni Accent

24 Life Loyal

26 Campus Notes

30 Directory

31 Calling All Designers

32 Letters To The Editor

Editor-in-Chief:Jeremy M. Evans

Managing Editor:Mark A. Wilson

Contents

TO SUBSCRIBEAnnual subscriptions to The Sinfonian are

$5.00. Your subscription can be paid online at www.sinfonia.org/subscribe or through mail by sending a check or money order to the NationalHeadquarters. Please make sure to provide your mailing information. If you are interested in a lifetimesubscription, please visit www.sinfonia.org/lifeloyal.

2 Restoring the Identityof America’s FraternalSociety in Music

12 SEF Annual Report

This issue printed on 10% post-consumerrecycled paper using soy based inks.

December 2011 The Sinfonian 1

2 The Sinfonian December 2011

Restoring Sinfonia’s


There are over 109,000 Sinfonians across the

world. Just imagine the difference we can make

with music in our communities, schools and the

lives of others if each man acts a brother’s part.

Identity

Phi Mu Alpha stands for brotherhood amongmusicians, the best in music, and building men ofhigh ideals. For 113 years, every Sinfonian hasbeen dedicated to these principles. What it meansto be a Sinfonian has never changed. However, fora brief period our Fraternity’s classification waschanged—from social to professional, then backto social. Consequently, brothers who experiencedthe same unique combination of brotherhoodand music in their collegiate chapters, and whoshare the same devotion to Sinfonia’s aims andideals, can have very different ideas about theFraternity’s identity and mission.

Brothers initiated between 1970 and 1998were taught that Phi Mu Alpha was a “professionalfraternity for men in music,” even though this wasnot true for the last 15 years of that period. I was initiated in 1994, in one of the last classes who were taught that being “professional” was our main point of pride and distinction, so Iunderstand how hearing that Phi Mu Alpha is“social” can seem confusing or even dishearteningto some. Having served on the National ExecutiveCommittee since 1997, I have observed

the Fraternity’s transformation from a unique perspective, so I want to describe the reasons and meaning of these changes, not only as theyrelate to our legal classification, but in terms of a movement to rebuild Sinfonia’s identity andrestore our core values to their intended promi-nence. It is my hope that every brother will takepride in how integrity to our founding principleshas revitalized our Brotherhood, and inspiredwork that puts our highest ideals into action.

Sinfonia was born in response to the real needs of musicians and the music world. At thedawn of the 20th century an American musiciancould not expect to advance unless he wasEuropean-trained. There was intense competitionfor the few positions available to American musicians. The field of music was notorious forpetty hostilities among musicians, and there was“an unhealthy rivalry and a definite distrust”between schools of music. By promoting a spiritof brotherhood and mutual support, Sinfonia’sfounders overturned that dominant condition of hostility, and revolutionized music in Americaat its birth.

As our country was beginning to assert itself in world affairs and take its place as a leader among nations, musicians wanted to be part ofthat movement. American musicians had a deepsense of inferiority, and wanted to be treatedequally with their European counterparts. Theirnationalism was a driving force behind the creation of Sinfonia, which quickly became therallying point for American musicians to supportone another and the best in music. Believing thatgreat art brings out the noblest instincts in manand creates a better democracy, they wanted themusic of the nation to represent the highest standards in musical art.

For those men, brotherhood and their lives and livelihoods as musicians were insep-arable. They took immense pride in the fact thatSinfonia was the first society to advance music bypromoting brotherhood and mutual support.They valued and drew strength from their frater-nal bonds. They considered brotherhood to be“the keynote of our organization” and warned, “Let us not lose this individuality and thus becomeonly one of thousands of similar organizations,

The President’s Message

WHAT HAPPENED TO PHI MU ALPHA?Restoring the Identity of America’s Fraternal Society in Music


“This is a time for reassessment and introspection. This is a time to retrace our stepsand see who we are as a fraternity. This is a time to study the path that brought us tothe end of this century…and chart the course that will move us into the next one. Whobetter to guide us than our Founding Fathers? Let’s look back on some of theirthoughts and hopes for Sinfonia…and examine our current circumstances in the context of their wisdom.”

- Col. John R. Bourgeois, (Ret.); Director, “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band.Keynote address presented at the Centennial Luncheon, October 6, 1998; Boston, Mass.

when at present we are at the head of a field trulyour own.” Therefore the development of fraternalspirit was called “our chief purpose,” and was listed first in the original Object of 1901:

The Object of this Fraternity shall be for the development of the best and truest fraternal spirit; themutual welfare and brotherhood of musical students;the advancement of music in America and a loyaltyto the Alma Mater.

To Sinfonia’s founders, the concept ofFraternity was not limited to sociability or friendship among musicians, but encompassedthe Enlightenment ideal they expressed as “theuniversal brotherhood of man.” They hoped that,through the character and work of individualSinfonians, the spirit of charity and fraternitywould pervade society with music and bringHarmony to all mankind. They wrote thatSinfonia was “a movement for the betterment ofmankind,” and that the Fraternity’s purpose wasto bring the musician to the “full realization thatservice to music is not enough, but that service to mankind should be the essential thing of hislife.” They believed that music and musicians hada particular power to aid and bless humanity.

It was under these influences that Sinfonia wongreat national prestige into the 1920s and 1930s,but rapid expansion and the passage of time took their tolls. Awareness of Sinfonia’s formerprominence in American music faded, and theintense commitment that characterized the earlyyears turned to complacency. As the foundinggeneration became more distant, fewer membershad even the most basic knowledge pertaining tothe Fraternity’s history, mission and symbols.

In the late 1940s, a massive influx of WorldWar II veterans returned to America’s campuses,older and more mature than the usual college student, and Sinfonia’s leaders questioned, “Whatinterest could fraternity membership have for these men?” The role of brotherhood wasdiminished as the Fraternity’s identity was redefined. This was amplified in 1950, when anew “Progress Program for Sinfonia” called for anemphasis on “the advancement of music inAmerica” as the Fraternity’s main purpose.

In the 1960s Sinfonia’s leaders began an activecampaign to characterize the Fraternity as

“professional.” Brotherhood, ideals, symbols andRitual – all the hallmarks of a fraternal society –were diminished. The early years were misrepre-sented as “the old closed-door days” when “whispered rites and mysterious signals” were separate from “the work-a-day world of music.”Of course, this would have been foreign to the earlier generations, for whom the symbols, secrets and Ritual provided the inspiration andstrength to lead virtually every aspect of Americanmusic. In fact, for the founding generation, making brotherhood and the ideals of our Ritualcentral to the world of music was the whole point.

In 1970, to reflect an “increased emphasis onprofessionalism,” the Object was changed to “fivepurposes.” The founders had called the develop-ment of fraternal spirit our “chief purpose,” but the new purposes turned this inside-out, stat-ing that the “primary purpose” was to promotemusic, and that fraternal spirit and mutual support were “further purposes.” The nationaloffice proclaimed: “the ‘old frat’ is gone.”

Only two years later, Title IX of the U.S.Education Amendments was adopted, requiringprofessional fraternities to admit both genders.Sinfonia’s leaders struggled with whether to keepthe new “professional” designation, or return to the original social status. Ultimately, after initiating about 250 females, the latter course waschosen. In 1983 the Fraternity received a muchsought-after exemption from Title IX, citing thatit had been legally classified as a social fraternitysince 1904. The 1985 National Assemblyaffirmed this, voting to limit initiation and chapter membership to men only, and to removefrom the Constitution the statement that “Phi Mu Alpha is a fraternity representing themusic profession.” Sinfonia’s interlude as a“professional fraternity” was officially over.

As we prepared to celebrate Sinfonia’scentennial anniversary in 1998, increasedhistorical research and widespread educationcreated a heightened awareness that theFraternity had been defined as “social” fifteenyears earlier, but was still teaching membersthat we were a professional society. At the same time, recognizing that an organizationcannot be both single-sex and “professional,”

Milestones in Our History

1881 – Boston Symphony is founded1898 – The Sinfonia Club is founded1901 – National Fraternity is founded1902 – First Ritual1910 – Coat-of-Arms adopted1914-1918 – World War I1920 – Death of Ossian E. Mills1926 – Sinfonia’s “New Ritual”1934 – Founding of the Music

Supervisor's National Conference (later MENC)

1939-1945 – World War II1944 – First undergraduate music

therapy program founded1948 – Fifty year anniversary1950 – “Progress Program for Sinfonia”1960 – Ritual shortened1970– Object changed to “five purposes”1972 – Title IX passed1976-1985 – Sinfonia initiates females1983 – Sinfonia receives Title

IX exemption1985 – National Assembly affirms

Sinfonia not professional1998 – Fraternity stops teaching

professional designation– Centennial anniversary– Ossian Everett Mills Music

Mission founded2003 – Object restored2009 – Ritual restored


> Brothers at the 1901 Convention.> Mills memorial

erected by theFraternity.

a growing number of school officials were questioning our chapters and calling the NationalHeadquarters with concerns. Clear contradictionswere obvious, and brothers were losing faith in theFraternity’s leadership to provide consistentanswers. We had largely ignored the decision of aNational Assembly for thirteen years, and had areal mess on our hands. So we began an ongoingand active effort to teach Sinfonia’s classificationand mission accurately.

Today we have clarified Sinfonia’s identity and classification.

In 1998 we eliminated from our nationalexamination the question which taught thatSinfonia was “professional,” and stopped describ-ing the Fraternity in those terms. We take deeppride in being what our founding members desig-nated – a “secret national fraternal society inmusic” – and do not presume in any way thatbeing “professional” is superior to being a fraternalOrder. Our identity and message are no longercentered upon being “professional,” but upon ourObject and ideals, our Ritual, and our legacy andresponsibility in music.

We have restored Sinfonia’s mission.Like the national examination, the “five pur-

poses” (of 1970) also had not been reconsideredsince the actions of the 1985 Assembly, so webegan an exhaustive nationwide discussion aboutthe history and meaning of the original Object,which was restored by the 2003 NationalAssembly.

We have renewed our focus on building men of high ideals in music.

Our Founder said, “Our business is the mak-ing of men.” Research in the Fraternity’s historicalarchives revealed something that was virtuallyunknown among brothers: the original Object isthe historical and symbolic basis of our Ritual andideals. So we used these associations as a structureto create a comprehensive fraternity educationprogram that covers both our outwardly-focusedObject (our purposes) and our highest values.Drilling exam questions and nonsense are no

longer status quo in the pledging process; we are focused with far greater consistency on buildingbetter men.

Improvements in fraternity education havehelped to increase national participation. We have aflourishing retreat program at the NationalHeadquarters; over 250 members visit Lyrecrestannually to grow stronger as brothers, learn aboutSinfonia’s history and ideals, and improve their chapters’ operations and work. We have establishednational archives for the preservation of our history and a museum for the education of ourbrothers. What began as an annual RitualEducation Workshop has now developed into awell-attended fraternity education pre-conference at our Leadership Institute and a nation-wide seriesof regional “Fireside Conferences” focused on fraternity education. Consider how our brothersdescribed the most recent one…

• An awesome learning and bonding experience!

• Education and fellowship with leaders andfriends across America.

• A life changing experience full of greatBrotherhood.

• Awesome experience to hang out with brothers from other chapters.

• Eye-opening, a life changing presentation.

• Mind-blowing. I wish it went longer.

• This event will leave you thirsty for more.

• Greatest weekend I’ve experienced as a Sinfonian.

• Changed my entire mindset as a Sinfonian.

• Inspiring.

• Informative.

• Absolutely amazing.

• Positively life-changing.

• A must for all Sinfonians!

…and just think about how that enthusiasm produces a more productive and dedicated stu-dent and brother!

We have revived the Ritual and made it centralto our Fraternity once again.

Sinfonia’s founders noted the close alliancebetween music and mysticism, and used symbolsand rituals to preserve values and teachings thatthey believed were important for men of music.Today there is more knowledge about the meaning of Sinfonia’s symbols and Ritual, and avastly improved respect for the ceremonies thatmake Sinfonia more than just a music associationor academic club. With the aid of historical materials that were previously unknown, we haverevised practically every Fraternity ceremony,including a meticulously researched revision ofthe Initiation Ritual that was adopted unani-mously by the 2009 National Assembly. Brothersembrace Sinfonia’s symbols and Rituals, not asmere decorative formalities, but as the repositoriesof wisdom and inspiration that guide our valuesand our work.

We act on our ideals and change lives with music. Tracing Sinfonia’s history led us to discover the

charitable work of our Founder, whose “Song andFlower Mission” took the healing power of musicto hospital patients in Boston for over thirty years.In 1998 we created the Ossian Everett MillsMusic Mission (MMM) as a grassroots effort to continue his work. Today it is Sinfonia’s officialphilanthropy, and the only ongoing, large-scaleservice project in the Fraternity’s history. Last yearalone, chapters reported more than 700 MMMs,touching the lives of an estimated 25,000 people!As brothers exemplify the spirit of sacrifice, theybecome more personally aware of music’s powerto elevate the human spirit.

National events offer opportunities for high level musical performances. The 2009Convention featured the 1898 Jazz Orchestra,Sinfonia Winds, and the Men of Song Chorus.The summer Leadership Institute and our regional Fireside Conferences have also featuredmen’s chorus performances. Next summer’sConvention will offer more musical opportunitiesthan ever before. These are unforgettable experiences that carry into our members’ lives andchapters. Brothers return again and again to renewfriendships and grow musically.


In 1910 President George Williams wrote that the “ideals so clearly and wisely presented tous by Father Mills at the organization of Sinfoniaare the foundation-stones on which our fraternityhas been built, and all of our present greatness isdue to the fact that these foundation-stones werelaid soundly and well…” A century later, those foundation stones have been secured and reinforced. Our average collegiate membershipnumbers, initiation rates and financial health are better than at any time in the Fraternity’s mod-ern history. Collegiate and alumni members aremore engaged, and we have more alumni associa-tions than ever. Our position of enthusiasm andstrength gives us a unique opportunity to do morethan ever before, but we need every brother’s help.There are over 109,000 Sinfonians across theworld. Just imagine the difference we can makewith music in our communities, schools and thelives of others if each man acts a brother’s part.

Support Sinfonia.Love and support for your Fraternity equals

love and support for your brothers, and buildsfuture generations of stronger supporters and advocates of music. It’s easy. Stay in touch.Attend a chapter or alumni association meeting or event. Become a “Life Loyal Sinfonian” to support our magazine and alumni programs.Give generously to the Sinfonia EducationalFoundation to provide life-changing opportuni-ties for young musicians. Go to the NationalConvention—the last one was our largest ever,drawing over 600 brothers; the next one will beJuly 11-15, 2012 in Orlando, where we will celebrate The Power of Music. If you’ve neverbeen to a Convention, or it’s been a while, I hopeyou will join us and get reconnected! I know youwould find the harmony of brotherhood andmusic that has been the ideal and experience ofevery brother since 1898, and enjoy seeing ourFraternity at its best.

It is good to be a Sinfonian. Long Live Sinfonia!

John Mongiovi,National President

Among the changes and improvements that have come about as part of Phi Mu Alpha’srestoration is the development of our National Archives. At the beginning of the 1997-2000triennium, our National Archives were in disrepair. Documents were scattered throughoutclosets, attics, crawl-spaces and a barn at Lyrecrest, and some important pieces of Fraternityhistory were spread throughout the country. What followed was an organizational collabo-ration between the National Staff, National Historians, and many dedicated brothers to helpgather, preserve, and display our history for the benefit of the brotherhood.

The archives currently reside in the home adjacent to the headquarters, but it was notalways this way. All materials on the grounds had to be transferred and catalogued. Olderand more fragile documents were preserved using a de-acidification process. Fireproof safesand cabinets were purchased to ensure that many of our most important materials are pro-tected from disaster. Among the cataloging process was the transfer of all known Fraternityrecordings into digital format. This included over 250 cassette tapes of meeting minutes andperformances. And recently, we have hung pictures of notable Sinfonians in one of the roomsof Lyrecrest. Along with a supplemental reference manual, brothers can view these notableSinfonians while learning about their lives and achievements.

An archive is no good to the membership if it is locked away in safes all the time. To thisend, National President John Mongiovi and Director of Programs Will Lambert have devel-oped a Sinfonia Museum, which will eventually cover everything from Ossian Mills’ activitiespreceding Sinfonia to the Fraternity’s modern era. Included is a display on the Ritual, com-plete with reproductions of regalia from 1911 and 1916, and a full display of the 1926 regaliaand specifications on which all Rituals since have been based.

The improvements don’t stop there. Many documents, publications and photographshave been converted into electronic form. Various pieces of historical note are available toview on the Fraternity’s website, and we also have online access to many of the most influen-tial writings from the Fraternity’s founders and great leaders. Other additions will include aself-guided written and audio tour, a virtual tour for those who can’t make it to Evansville, andthe capacity to search for terms in scanned documents and publications online. The endresult will make the archives available and useful to any brother seeking to expand his knowl-edge about Sinfonia.

As a result of the hard work and dedication of many brothers during the last five triennia,brothers can now learn more about the Fraternity’s history than ever before. Brothers can visitthe Sinfonia Museum and Archives in passing or on retreats, and many do on a yearly basis.Last year alone Lyrecrest hosted 24 retreats and hundreds of brothers. Never in our historyhas such a wealth of information been available to us.

The result is a Fraternity of brothers who can actively seek out knowledge and apply it totheir chapters and their lives. It is an exciting time to be a Sinfonian for several reasons, notthe least of which is the comfort and excitement in knowing that these materials will now beavailable for this and future generations of Sinfonians.


The Sinfonia Museum and Archives:Rediscovering our HistoryThe Sinfonia Museum and Archives:Rediscovering our History

As Sinfonians, manly musicians and musicianly

men, our goals and ideals are largely uniform.

Established at the Fraternity’s outset, our bond

of music, our focus on fraternal brotherhood,

and our mission to bring harmony to mankind

provide the basis for all of our works and endeavors.

And nowhere are these forces more present and

focused than in the Mills Music Mission.

The Mills Music Mission (MMM), Phi Mu

Alpha’s primary and most lasting charitable

endeavor, actually predates the Fraternity itself. Its

purpose, however, is an early reflection of what

the Fraternity would one day become. In the 1880s,

Ossian Mills conceived of an idea that would bring

music and good cheer to those most unfortunate

around him. On Easter and Christmas, days when

we celebrate as a society, and conversely when

those who have nothing to celebrate are often most

acutely aware of that fact, Mills would visit the hos-

pitals of Boston in what came to be known as his

“Song and Flower Mission.” He would deliver


flowers to the sick, the depressed, and the dying,

and would also give them the gift of music. The

music was not from Mills alone, as he would be

accompanied by numerous friends and conservato-

ry students who helped him. Singers, orators, guitar

and mandolin players, individually and in small

groups, would visit, bringing light, hope and

harmony to those without health or happiness.

Anyone who, in the present day, has experienced

the MMM knows of the cathartic power music

can have on such individuals, and how it can

heal the spirits of not just patients but the

musicians themselves.

This description is known to many, but such

familiarity with Mills’ work did not always exist

in the Fraternity. On December 31, 1998, a group

of brothers at Lyrecrest – who were there for the

annual CPR Convocation – performed what

would become the first Mills Music Mission as

we know it today. Brothers who participated in

that first Mills Music Mission remember how the

heartbeat of a young girl in the pediatric intensive

care unit stabilized on the heart monitor before their

very eyes as they sang her favorite Christmas song –

an impromptu rendition of “Rudolph the

Red-Nosed Reindeer.” The day proved to be a

memorable one for the patients as well. One

resident remarked, “I don’t have much time left on

this earth, and I would like to say that you young

men have made my day a wonderful one. I will

never forget this special gift.” Many brothers have

similar stories from their own experiences, and they

all speak to the power of music, and the great gift

that we – following in our founder’s footsteps – are

able to give to others. And it is because of

the restored vision of Sinfonia, and the renewed

focus placed on the ideals of our founder, that this

gift has been made possible.

Often lost in such descriptions – intimate as they

can be – is the scope of Mills’ work. It was indeed a

“mission” in the truest sense. The participants, at

Mills’ behest, would gather the flowers from

Christmas and Easter church services after the

churches were finished with them. The flowers

numbered in the thousands, with one local

newspaper estimating the total to be 50,000

flowers, enough for each patient to receive

a generous cluster. As the mission grew, so did the

number of hospitals visited and people involved,

until it was an event that spanned nearly every

hospital in Boston. This was not a thrown-together

outing of music and flowers, though those two

elements were certainly involved. No, this was a

regularly planned event that was intended specifical-

ly for the uplift of others. In the words of

Percy Burrell, “[A man] must seek to love men as

brothers and art, not for the sake of art itself, but art

as a means toward bringing all men up to that

verdant plateau where their souls may be fed in

very rejoicing in all that is true, beautiful, abiding.”

The principle of sacrifice is never so clear as demon-

strated in this mission by our founder. The MMM

was, and is, personal belief made into reality, and is

why the power, beauty, and vision of the MMM

has carried Mills’ mission far past his earthly tenure.

Individual chapters already regularly take part in

the same mission in the present day, and it has

become the official philanthropy of Phi Mu Alpha.

And while not every MMM can reach the height

and numbers that Mills’ did, there are a number

of things that each chapter, and indeed each

brother, can do to ensure that we are staying true to

THE MILLS MUSIC MISSION–MAKING OUR IDEALS A REALITY

the legacy of the mission. It is a wonderful

opportunity to contact alumni members and

invite them to take part. Not only can it help

produce a larger and more meaningful

mission, but it can help to reaffirm bonds of

brotherhood with older members, and can

remind them of the purpose and beauty of

Sinfonia’s mission. The reverse is true as well, as

alumni can use involvement in a MMM as a

way of reconnecting with the Fraternity, even if

it is with an unfamiliar local chapter. The

Mission is also an opportunity to increase

Phi Mu Alpha’s positive exposure in our

communities and towns. Contacting local

media outlets can not only highlight our hard

work and dedication to our ideals, but it can

bring news of such philanthropy to a larger

audience and open the door for other organi-

zations to take part in the proceedings. The

number of people and organizations who

would willingly take part in such a beautiful

gesture is far greater than the number of

brothers of Phi Mu Alpha alone. We must ask

ourselves if our works are indeed a sacrifice, and

if they are not then we must be honest with

ourselves and strive to do more to be true to the

ideals in which we believe.

As Province Governor and Trustee to the

SEF Bincins Garcia, Omicron Pi (California

State Univerity-Fullerton) ’00, writes of our

organization’s obligation to charity, “As

Sinfonians, we have been taught to walk the

path, hold our heads high, and assist mankind

in reaching the same destination, Harmony!

We promised to give all that we can for

mankind, for all our brethren in this big

symphony of life. We are all part of this

masterpiece that sounds the greatest dissonance

and consonance, yet we forget that this artwork

involves everybody and that all of us add a

unique timbre to this special performance.”

His words echo the actions of our founder and

our continued mission. As recently as 2006,

over 2,000 Sinfonians took part in a

nationwide MMM week honoring the 150th

anniversary of the original Flower Mission.

Last year alone, chapters reported more

than 700 MMMs, touching the lives of an

estimated 25,000 people. The message is

clear, and it is that Phi Mu Alpha is dedicated

to the ideals of its founder and remains

responsible for the uplift of mankind through

music. This is each brother’s responsibility,

not a burden but a joy, and a calling to live a

life of harmony and to bring that harmony to

the world.


RESTORING OUR RITUAL“We have revived the Ritual and made it central to

our Fraternity once again… Brothers embrace

Sinfonia’s symbols and Rituals, not as mere decora-

tive formalities, but as the repositories of wisdom and

inspiration that guide our values and our work.”



The dawn of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia’s

second century has been characterized by

a movement to know and embrace the

intentions of Sinfonia’s Founder and those

who shaped the Fraternity’s symbols and

traditions. As the central experience shared by

all Sinfonians, the Initiation Ritual has gained

much attention during this period. As

members have sought greater understanding

of the Ritual, historical research has revealed

sections where revisions have diminished the

artistry and meaning of earlier editions.

The Ritual has undergone many changes

throughout its history. In the Fraternity’s first

three decades the ceremony reached a high

point of artistic and philosophical development

with The Revised Ritual of 1926. Subsequent

revisions in 1938 and 1947 brought some

changes, while maintaining the integrity of the

previous work. Revisions in 1960, 1970, and

1982 deviated significantly from the work of

these earlier revisions, which the Fraternity

attempted to restore with revisions in 1985

and 1988. As additional historical research was

conducted it became apparent that further

revision was necessary to restore the work of

the early authors more accurately.

Work on a definitive revision of the

Initiation Ritual was begun in July 2000 for

the purposes of restoring portions of spoken

text that were altered or removed (in many

cases, in revisions after 1947), and clarifying

staging direction that has been commonly

acknowledged as incorrect, inadequate or

unclear. This present revision is the product

of that work. Rather than restoring the text

and staging of any earlier version of the

Ritual indiscriminately, we have merged our

understanding of the earlier authors’ intentions

with that which is customary or necessary

in modern practice. We have endeavored to

provide directions that specify the ideal

staging. However, due to space considerations

and other limitations, some of the prescribed

staging will not be possible in all cases.

Nevertheless, chapters should be as faithful

as possible to the staging herein, and must

observe the spoken text exactly.

Historical background information sup-

porting each change in this revision has been

entered into the Fraternity’s archives. It is our

hope that the thoroughness of this revision

process will discourage future innovation with

the Ritual and establish one definitive version

that will stand the test of time, so that all

generations of Sinfonians may share one

unified exalted experience that transcends time

and place.

This revision restores and expands upon

the work of many dedicated Sinfonians, but

primarily the work of the 1926 Ritual Revision

Committee. Accordingly, we conclude with

their words:

Your committee prays that the power and

beauty of the life of Music’s first High Priest may

ennoble every ceremony, clothe the simple para-

phernalia with significance, and fire the hearts

of the brothers with dramatic sincerity.

Peter W. Dykema, Supreme President

Charles E. Lutton, Supreme Secretary

Rollin Pease, Supreme Historian

Turpin C. Bannister, Designer

Respectfully submitted,

Adopted July 16, 2009, Orlando, Florida.

To repair sections where previous revisions had diminished the artistry and meaning

of the Ritual, a detailed and thorough review of our initiation Ritual was begun in

2000. This culminated in the adoption of a revised Ritual at the 2009 National

Convention. Below is the text submitted by those primarily involved in the revision,

outlining the methodology and rationale for the changes.

Mark R. Lichtenberg, National Secretary-Treasurer

John Mongiovi, National Vice President

Ryan T. Ripperton, Executive Director

Sinfonia Educational Foundation


2010-2011 Annual Report

Dear Brother,Fraternal greetings and Hail Sinfonia! I’m proud to be able to share a lot of great news with you. From

June 1, 2010 to May 31, 2011, the period covered in this report, we granted more dollars than any other

year in our history. We added three dynamic board members to our Board of Trustees. We also established

our new Chapter Fund Program – giving you a way to directly support the efforts of your chapter. Your

generosity continues to allow us to make a difference in the lives of our members.

As you look at our financial overview, you will see how we have been able to enhance the amount of

support to our brothers by adding to our scholarship program and increasing travel grants. We continue

to find ways to reduce our expenses, which allows even more of your dollars for programs. We utilize the

expertise of our board members to manage all aspects of our operations. I am truly excited by the steps

we have taken and the direction in which we are going.

Your gifts greatly impact the lives of our brothers, allowing them to participate in inspiring leadership

development opportunities. I had the privilege of witnessing the effect of these gifts by talking to our grant

and scholarship recipients at Leadership Institute this summer. Our brothers continue to need and ask for

our help. I heard many stories about the increasing cost of tuition and the lack of scholarships and financial

aid available. One brother in particular told me that the scholarship he received from the SEF was the

difference that enabled him to continue his education this year.

The Board has been hard at work planning for the future. We are working closely with the Fraternity to

develop future men of music. Our brothers go on to become the conductors, performers, educators, creators,

and supporters of our art – as many of us are today. It is up to us to ensure that music can continue to thrive.

The SEF has positioned itself for growth. With your continued support, Sinfonia will continue to change

lives with the beauty and power of music. If you have not been an active donor, I urge you to join us in this

movement. I thank you all for your loyalty and the generous commitments you have made to our efforts as

we continue to enrich the lives of collegiate Sinfonians and advance music in America.

On and ever upward,

Derek J. Danilson,

President

“My true appreciation for the SEF comes in mymemory of the event [Leadership Institute 2011] ithelped me to attend… I saw many familiar facesfrom last year and met plenty of other brothers. Itfelt as though I stepped into a room where eachman was a stranger, but the common denominatorof Phi Mu Alpha brought us so close that it felt likewe’d known each other our entire lives. It’s thatfeeling of brotherhood that drew me back this yearand will bring me back for future LeadershipInstitutes. If it wasn’t for the travel grant I received Iwould not have been able to make it to Evansville.Just that small contribution made all the differenceand allowed me to attend this amazing program.”

Garrett Lefkowitz, Beta Iota (Albion College) ’08


The Trustees of the Sinfonia

Educational Foundation are

committed to the growth of

our scholarship and leadership

programs. The following is a

breakdown of program support

this past fiscal year:

Support Sinfonia. Love and support for your Fraternity equalslove and support for your broth-ers, and builds future genera-tions of stronger supporters andadvocates of music.

Scholarships55%

Other15%

5%

FraternityLeadershipPrograms

25%

2010-2011 Annual ReportFinancial Overview



Travel Grants

These charts outline donations by

giving level and donors by decade

for your review:

Percent of TotalDecade Donors # Donors $$ Raised

1930s 3 0.6% 0.6%

1940s 44 8.2% 4.8%

1950s 82 15.3% 9.0%

1960s 121 22.5% 24.0%

1970s 66 12.3% 10.7%

1980s 41 7.6% 19.3%

1990s 50 9.3% 12.4%

2000s 130 24.2% 19.2%

Total 537 100.0% 100.0%

FY 2011 DONORS BY GIVING LEVELLevel Donors Percent of TotalLevel Donors # Donors $$ Raised

$0.01 - $9.99 37 6.9% 0.4%

$10.00 - $24.99 78 14.5% 2.3%

$25.00 - $49.99 127 23.6% 6.8%

$50.00 - $99.99 132 24.6% 13.5%

$100.00 - $249.99 129 24.0% 32.2%

$250.00 - $499.99 20 3.7% 11.4%

$500.00 - $999.99 6 1.1% 6.8%

$1000.00 - $2499.99 5 0.9% 10.5%

$2500 + 3 0.6% 16.2%

Total 537 100.0% 100.0%

Endowment growth -Percentage increase 21%

The endowment saw some growth thispast year due to the performance of thestock market, income generated fromthe portfolio, and a 5% contributionfrom the dollars raised during the year.

The SEF continues to keepa close eye on our expenses,choosing fundraising approaches withthe biggest bang for our buck. Ourspending on fundraising continues tobe in line with standards within theindustry ($0.25 per $1 raised).

Cost per $ Raised

2011 2010 2009Total Raised $60,111.78 $76,475.17 $62,213.42

Development Expenses $14,177.79 $15,238.43 $35,724.87

Cost per $ Raised $0.24 $0.20 $0.57


FY 2011 DONORS BY DECADE

The educational endeavors of the Sinfonia

Educational Foundation have a single focus: to

enrich lives and advance music. In 2011, the

programs of the Foundation have truly served its

mission locally, regionally, and nationally. Thanks

to our donors, the SEF has been able to award

many scholarships and travel assistance grants.

We’ve also been able to provide musical and educa-

tional support for both collegiate members and

presenters at our national events. The Foundation,

with the help of Fraternity volunteers, also

developed a way for brothers to support chapter

level giving through the launching of our newest

philanthropy, the Chapter Funds Program. The

SEF is continuing to develop and expand its ability

to impact the lives of Sinfonians, not only through

continually progressive programming, but through

the kindness, sacrifice and generosity of our donors.

The Leadership Institute has benefited signifi-

cantly from the generosity of Foundation donors.

In both 2010 and 2011, a combined total of over

300 brothers gained powerful, life changing and

transformative educational experiences through

fellowship, leadership development and musical

programs and activities. This year, travel grants were

awarded to ALL Sinfonians who applied for

the program, enabling them to take part in this

experience. The SEF was there for these brothers

whose attendance would not have been possible

without that extra support.

“I am grateful to have been selected for a travel

grant to attend this year’s Leadership Institute,”

said Timothy King, Omicron Lambda (Grambling

State) ’11. “This is something that I will never

forget. It was by far one of the most inspirational

experiences that I have ever had, and I want to

thank everyone who took part in making the

Leadership Institute possible. It changes the lives of

many collegiate Sinfonians.”

The SEF was also able to give attendees of this

year’s Leadership Institute a copy of “Lincoln on

Leadership” to help them put into practice the

information they learned during the weekend.

“I learned skills that I can use not only in the

Fraternity but also in everyday life and… I plan to

use and share this information with others so they

can also become great leaders,” said King.

Our scholarship program continues to be the

cornerstone of the SEF’s philanthropy. As the

costs of education continue to increase, students are

finding it more and more difficult to fund their

educations. This is evident in the number of

students who have applied for scholarships – appli-

cations received for this year’s program

increased by nearly 100% from the prior year. There

is an unprecedented demand for this program, and

we are committed to increasing the support of and

number of scholarships available in the coming year.

Although financial need was not the basis of

any of the scholarship awards, some recipients have

gone as far to share their personal stories with

Foundation Trustees. After receiving the awards, we

have learned that these scholarships made a differ-

ence in whether or not some of our recipients stayed

in school this year instead of being forced to take a

leave of absence or drop out.

A growing number of brothers have taken

interest in supporting the SEF. But we must ask

ourselves, has all of this rhetoric actually proven to

be of real and sustaining benefit to the world? Every

time this question was posed to the beneficiaries of

the SEF programs, the answer has been a resound-

ing “Yes!” This is because the sustaining benefit to

the world will be evidenced through the growth

and development of the Sinfonia Fraternity, when

these men of song carry on the refrain, achieving

greatness, while still singing “Hail Sinfonia.” But

don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what some

of them had to say:

“Donate as much as you see financially feasible.

Knowing that the money is being used to further

the education of Sinfonians, both in school and at

events, should help to make any investment very

valuable.” Kevin Donovan, Xi Mu (Delaware) ’09.

“Do what you can because any amount can add

up and go along way and that whatever it is, it will

be greatly appreciated. I would also ask [donors] to

reflect back to when they were in college and their

financial state and let them know that [now] it is

even worse for current students.” Timothy King,

Omicron Lambda (Grambling State) ’11.


2010-2011 Annual ReportWe Make an IMPACT – 2011 Program Update


“I learned skills that I can use not only in theFraternity but also in every-day life and… I plan to useand share this informationwith others so they can also become great leaders.”

Donor RecognitionThe Trustees of the Sinfonia Educational Foundation as well as the collegiate brothers who our workserves would like to thank the following brothers and individuals for their generous support:


SYMPHONYgifts of $5,000 and above

ENCOREgifts of $2,500 and aboveMichael CesarioJeffrey HighlandChristian O’Donnell

CONCERTOgifts of $1,000-$2,499James AlexanderMichael BrazDerek DanilsonJohn DohertyMark EutslerTMEA*

OVERTUREgifts of $500-$999Kevin GirouxKevin GoebbertMatt KokesJoseph PinsonCalvin Van NiewaalJames Winn

PRELUDEgifts of $200-$499Charles BennerMalcolm BensonGeorge BeverleyMichael BoucreeDeron BoylesRussell BrownPatrick ClancyLawrence CoonfareStephen CourtrightRichard CrosbyWilliam FarleeJames HinchliffJustin JacobsDaniel Krueger

Richard LapinskiAndrew LewisDallas LloydStephen LottKarl LugarClifford MadsenStephen Brothers-McGrewAndrew MillerEdwin MinerJohn MongioviAshton MoreauVernon ParkCarl RowlesJohn SchmidtK. Dean Shatley IIRolland ShawMatthew SpencerKenneth TiceT. Jervis UnderwoodAndrew WellsAndrew WestJohn WhitneyClint WilliamsDavid WilliamsCharles WilliamsRoy WylieXi Mu Chapter Barry Zimmerman

SUSTAININGMEMBERgifts of $100-$199William AlexanderCharles AllredKent ArmbrusterDonald ArtimezPhilip AutryRobert BostickGregory BraidAllen BreachRalph BrysonV. Wes BurnsKelly Bussell

Richard CampbellL. Frank CaponitiRyan CaseNorman ChapmanThomas ClarkStephen ClarkeKeith CooperRobert CopeBilly CopleyJames DaughtryCharles DeahlDelta Iota Chapter Bernard DobroskiCarl DoubledayArnold DownsWilliam EdwardsJames FoleyEnoch FrankhouserWilliam GarrettFrederick GeisslerLarry GerberRaymond GilesJefferson GillaneRaymond GniewekBarre GriffithRandall GunterRichard HendersonStephen HenryJohn HernandezHoward HowardSean HoyerHoward HudsonJohn IsraelClyde JamesJohn JenningsAndrew KammerleErik KarreTimothy KepnerMatthew KoperniakJonathan KraussWill LambertRobert LarsenRobert Lichty

George LiglerLoyd LottMitchell MabeeWarren MaddenLeland MarshJames MartinThomas MathiesenThomas MayeJohn MitchellCasey MontheyCharles MooreHenry NelsonRaymond NewhouseJames NiblockPhillip O’JibwayOmicron Pi Chapter Wiley OwenLee ParksWendell ParrAram PiligianNathaniel PittsProvince 21Robert RastWilliam ReinhardtJesse ReyesJoe RitchieChristopher Robinson Marion RobinsonRichard RosaRobin RowandTerrence RuthJohn RyanPaul SalinaMichael SandlerJeff SchaeferGlenn SchmittRichard SchwartzNorman SchweikertRonald Shepard

Timothy SimpsonEdward SkidmoreJoshua SmialekBrian SmithJames SnyderBrendan SparksCharles SpireEdward SymondsTulsa Area Alumni

Association Edward WeaverRobert WebsterBrian WhiteRobert WhitmoyerTodd WilanderCraig WintersRobert WisdomRichard WoodC. Thomas WorkXi Eta Chapter Gordon Zaft

SUPPORTINGMEMBERgifts of $50-$99Samuel AdlerJames AllenHenry AngleJames AnnoClint ArndtJames AutenrithJoshua BarnettThomas BarylJohn BeckJustin BeldenClarence BennettCarl BjerregaardLaurens BlankersMatthew Blasinski

* This gift was made by the brothers gathered at the February 2011 Step Sing at TMEA in San Antonio, TX.

Edwin BraileyMatthew BraunRex BrownRobert CannonJames CarthelFrank CebuharAndrew CherolisJoseph ChoppPeter CouladisJeffrey CranmoreRichard CrosbyRodney CurrinMichael DankoMatthew DavisO.D. DeitzKent DicusQuincy DobbsJohn DowdaKenneth DrakeMathieu DubeMatthew DugganWarren EdmondsonPeter EkstromDaniel EllerbrookCedric ElmerFloyd FarmerConnie FisherAaron FlattEarl FoxArthur FreelandDavid FridayRoy FulmerCharles GainesJohn GardnerStephen GilmoreJoseph Goble

Walter GreenTim GriffinKeith HansenAnthony HarrisNeil HarrisonTerrill HayesKeith HeckmanRobert HerendeenDouglas HermanJeffrey HoffmanMerle HoggProf. Gary Holt Michael IsraelWilliam IvesonGeorge JamesRichard KeagyRobert KruegerBrian LarsonBruno LinderAlbert LoweKenneth LowenbergBenjamin Luttrull Bruce MackDouglas MacqueenStanley MarlowJack MartensRobert MartinRichard MartinRobert MathewsDarren MauchRonald MayoJohn McFannTerry McRobertsRobert MeyerRobert MitchellLoyal Mould

Richard MunsellJohn NelsonLouis PersicAlexander Peters Edwin PotratzMichael Price Province 3 Province 32 Province 40 Rafael RamirezLawrence ReedRobert RettigJerald ReynoldsWalter RileyRobert RoberdsJames RodePaul RosenbergerJohn SandyEdward SchellLee SchneiderSteven SchoppDavid SelbyAlan SiebertJames SkidmoreDaniel SnyderRichard SovinecMark StamperCarl SteidelJoseph SteinSteven SterbaLawrence StumpfMatthew SuzukiGary TiffanyWilliam TorresRichard TremmelSam TundoRaymond TylerWilliam Van DenburgJames vanWestrienenEldon VaselaarClaude WaltonJames WatkinsRobert WhaleyBrent WheatGeorge WilkinsonBryan WooddellPaul WosMichael YaffeRalph Ziegenfuss

Contributing Membergifts up to $49Gary AhrensRichard AlleshouseKenneth AndersonJohn AndesNicholas AnkenbruckJonathan ArnoldMichael AronsLoren AsmusDaniel AtwoodEdward BahrBarry BarkanMatthew BarnesDaniel BarthelWilliam BatchelorTravis BattiestGrant BeamanRyan BeelerWilliam BenswangerRonald BergerMichael BiasiCharles BillingsleyHubert BirdHenry BirkinbineM.D. BlackwellRobert BlantonMatthew BlueHambarson Bogosian Robert BottgerMichael BoukidisTyler BreslinMelvin BruntzelEric BuffenbargerBartlett ButlerRobert ByrdPhillip CaddyTimothy CahillDonald CarducciHarold CarleDonald CarterRichard CatlettDavid CherryTaylor CohenJay CollierNathan CollierLarry CollinsAndrew ConantScott Concilla

Pablo CoppolaJonathan CraneBenjamin CreechLawrence Crolla Joshua DanilsonGlenn DanksSean DelgrossoJohn DerschPaul DohertyNathaniel DominyTodd DonovanMark DvorakEmerson EbertLeonard EntrabartoloRobert EssexEta-Omicron Chapter Christopher Etheridge Jeremy EvansRichard EwickGarald FarnhamStephen FincherJames FloodDusty ForetAlvin FossnerJefferson FraserCarter FrederickFranklin FriedmanBefael GarciaRandolph GattoniJeffrey GebleinRollin GeddesAshley GlennEdward GoldsteinAlan GonzalezRobert GrantGary GreeneAlfred GwillimJerry HaleBruce HallDonovan HamiltonGene HarbachWilliam HartwellFranklin HaspielJohn HeathMarvin HeimbachMark HelmstetterGabriel HernandezAdriel HiltonRobert Hinkle



Michael HobbsKeith HoffmanDaniel HolderbyWilliam HolmanRemington Holt James HopperJeffrey HowellJohn HuberEdwin HunterLaurence HutzellStanley JacobsDavid JakesNeil JenkinsMichael JenkinsWilliam JochumsenDale JohnsonStephen JohnsonMike JohnsonMichael JohnsonNicholas JonesJohn Paul JonesAmber JonesJohn JonesDonald JordanJay KahnRonald KaplanKappa Gamma Chapter Joel KidwellGerald KinneyMichael KnightKyle KoehsStanley Kreider

Salvatore LagattutaLambda Phi Chapter Donald LambertGeary LarrickKeenan LarsenMark LichtenbergWilliam LomaxTimothy LoydErik MaederBudd MalchusArthur MautnerHoward McAlpinStephen McKeanGary McKnightAlbert McNeilManuel MedeirosHerbert MeiningerGary MerrittsChristopher Migliore Scott MillerMax MogensenDonnell MohrMatthew MothersbaughGregory MurphyJ. Douglas Newlin Robert NicholasDaniel NickelLevon NoelBrian OdomRickey OethNicholas OftJames Oleson

Michael OppelAnthony OrecchioAlan OreskyPaul ParkerJohn ParkynJohn PatzlaffFrank PearsonTravis PerusichJohn PhillipsLawrence PierceAlfred PriceCharles PriceCharles PurnellThomas ReadyoffErick ReidDaniel ReiseDaniel ReynoldsJohn RiceTimothy RiveraRho Theta Chapter Dennis RobertsLavan RobinsonWarren RobsonSamuel RockWayne RockwellR.V. Pierre RodgersDaniel RoseCharles RoseEric RosenbergYoung RyleeEdwin SalterJack Saltzman

Jeremiah SampsonDavid SantiagoDonald SayreRobert SchmidtJohn SchoeningRichard SchultzStanley SchumacherAdam SerpaLee ShortIan ShouldersAndrew SibulskyGene SlaterAndrew SlingerlandAndrew SmileyWilliam SpeightJerome StanleyRobert StevensNorbert StirzakerRobert SymingtonJames TannerJoshua ThaxtonTerry TheisRobert ToddGene TouchetAndrew TremblayRonald TurbyfillHubert TurnerGlen Turner IIBhakti UleryWalter UrbenFrank Van NotePaul Van Sant

Mark VanHookJoseph VernonMichael VicariCasey ViersDonald VolzJames VornbergJulian WagemakerJack WagnerAllan WallaceGabriel WartmanEdward WashingtonTimothy WhaleyJosiah WheelerRobert WhitcombWilliam WhiteSean WhiteRichard WilliamsBradley WilsonIvan WittelXi Gamma Chapter Jerrold ZarJoseph ZawistowskiWilliam Zumbrun


WE’VE GOT A BRIGHT FUTURE!Thank you for the investment you have made in our programs and more importantly in the collegiate brothers who, through your generosity, have been directly impacted by our mission: to enrich lives and advance music in America. This is the beginning of a new chapter for the Sinfonia Educational Foundation and as we continue to grow and add to ourprograms and efforts we hope to have the opportunity to continue this journey with you.

Fraternally yours,The Sinfonia Educational Foundation Board of Trustees

Alumni Accent


BY DANIEL KRUEGERXi Pi (University of Wisconsin-Whitewater) ’96

Director of Alumni Engagement

Dallas/Fort Worth Area Alumni AssociationOur recent meetings have been occupied with our response to the request from Mark Wilson,

Delta Eta (Youngstown State) ’03, for ideas for his Sinfonia Resonance article on alumni associations.In addition to general reinforcement of including in our program activities that are meaningful to the members, the DFWAAA stressed the importance of the strengthened bonds of brotherhood provided by our long association – 16 years – and by the relationships of and between the familiesof our members.

Signature Notes

President Appoints Eutsler to Selective Service System District Appeals BoardPresident Barack Obama appointed Mark Eutsler S, Gamma Omega (Indiana

State) ’77, to the three-member United States Selective Service System DistrictAppeals Board on June 10. The announcement was made by Lawrence G. Romo,Director of Selective Service in Arlington, Virginia. Eutsler has served since 1993as a chair of the US Selective Service Local Board serving Benton, Clinton,

Fountain, Montgomery, and Warren counties being appointed to it by President Bill Clinton. Eutsler has received three commendations for service and the Director’s Medallion and has

participated in training events at Fort Knox, Camp Atterbury, Grissom ARB, Naval Station GreatLakes, Grissom ARB as well as the Selective Service System’s National Headquarters in Rosslyn,Virginia, and Data Management Center, in North Chicago, Illinois.

Thomas Received Distinguished Service Award from MuskingumMuskingum University has granted its Distinguished Service Award to Leonard

M. Thomas S, Beta Lambda (Muskingum) ’51, in recognition of his personal andprofessional achievements. The award, the university’s highest alumni honor, was

presented at a June 17 ceremony, held as part of the university’s annual AlumniWeekend festivities.

Hudson Street Press to Release Latest From Don CampbellOn September 29, Hudson Street Press published “Healing at the Speed of Sound” by Don G.

Campbell S, Gamma Theta (North Texas) ’65. Campbell is a noted author and lecturer whose worksinclude the 1997 bestseller “The Mozart Effect.” The book, co-authored with Alex Doman, delvesinto the affect that sound can have on us, as well as how we can use the inspiring power of music toimprove our lives.

Campbell will be at the 2012 National Convention to talk about his research and writing in this field.

Alumni Association ContactsAtlanta – Britton Ozburn

[email protected] – Tarrance Hughes

[email protected] Florida – Thomas Hyder

[email protected] Ohio – Ryan Allen

[email protected] – Thomas Houlihan

[email protected] Georgia – Raymond Patricio

[email protected]/Ft.Worth – Jason Guidry

[email protected] Houston – Kyle Norman

[email protected] Angeles – Christopher Thaxter

[email protected] Milwaukee – Thomas Volbrecht

[email protected] York City – Richard Legon

[email protected] Alabama – Ben Cunningham

[email protected] County (Calif.) – Breysi Garcia

[email protected] – Jonathan Engel

[email protected] Antonio – Isaac Chavez

[email protected]. Louis – Wes Scott

[email protected] Bay – Steven Ulloa

[email protected], D.C. – Nathan St. Pierre

[email protected]

Alumni Association Interest Group ContactsAlabama: Northern – Keynon Jones

[email protected]: Miami – Miguel Savinon

[email protected]: Northern – Kindrell Plains

[email protected]: Central – Scott Pummill

[email protected] Carolina: Fayetteville – David Crow

[email protected] Carolina: Winston-Salem – Kendrick Smith

[email protected]: Clarksville – Christopher Monhollen

[email protected]: Knoxville – Tyler Tallent

[email protected]: Nashville – Victor Clarke

[email protected]: Corpus Christi – Adam Lopez

[email protected]: Central – Eddie Brown

[email protected]

Please contact the national headquarters if you would like information on how to start an alumni association in your area.


Signature Sinfonians

Phi Mu Alpha is proud to unveil its 2011 Signature Sinfonians. The award is given to those who bring honor to Phi Mu Alpha through their professional, musical, orphilanthropic endeavors. Historically, some of the most noted and accomplished Sinfonians in their fields have received the award, including Andy Griffith, MaynardFerguson, and Vic Firth. This year’s Signature Sinfonian class includes seven recipients, each embodying the ideals of the Fraternity.

Carl W. Doubleday S, Delta Iota (Western Michigan) ’65Carl W. Doubleday retired as Associate Director of the School of Music at Western Michigan University in July, 2010. He had been an administrator there since

1968. Early in his career, he served as Acting Chairperson and Visiting Assistant Professor in the music department at Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana,while simultaneously supervising the music concerts office operation at WMU. He was involved with WMU’s celebrated SEMINAR summer music program forhigh school students beginning in 1965 and was director of the program from 1968 through 2009. An active member of Phi Mu Alpha, he served as governor ofPhi Mu Alpha’s Province 2 for 21 years, was the fraternity’s National Vice President from 1991–94, served on its Commission on Standards from 1997–2006, receivedPhi Mu Alpha’s Lifetime Service Award during its 1997 national convention, and continues to serve as treasurer for Province 2.

Thomas R. King S, Xi (Kansas) ’65Dr. Thomas King has been the faculty advisor for the Theta Tau chapter at Austin Peay State University for over 20 years, where he is Professor of Voice.

He has been the Artistic Director of the American Institute of Musical Studies in Graz, Austria (2004-2010) and was on the faculty for 25 years. He alsosang professionally as an opera singer in Germany for five years and performed over 400 times on the stages there. From 1994 to 2003 he was the Governorin Province #15 and is now the Deputy Province Governor. He was also the Chairman of the Sinfonia Foundation Grants committee for some years. Kinghas also been active in colonizing chapters at Vanderbilt University, Tennessee State University and Northwest Mississippi Community College.

Anthony J. Maiello S, Delta (Ithaca College) ’62Anthony J. Maiello has enjoyed an extensive career as a celebrated conductor, educator, and musician. He has conducted, among numerous other

international engagements, the music for the Gold Medal Ceremony at the 1980 Olympics. He is the author of several books on conducting, includingConducting: A Hands-On Approach and 21st Century Band Method. He was also a driving force behind the creation of the Rho Omicron Chapter atGeorge Mason University in 2009, and acts as their faculty advisor.

Karl Paulnack S, Alpha Alpha (National Honorary) ’11Karl Paulnack is the Director of the Music Division at the Boston Conservatory, a position he has served in since 2002. He enjoys a prolific career as both

a concert pianist and educator. Dr. Paulnack has partnered with vocal and instrumental soloists, chamber groups, orchestras, conductors and opera compa-nies in nearly a thousand concerts throughout the world. He co-chaired the highly acclaimed accompanying and coaching department of the University of Minnesota, and has served on the faculties of the Tanglewood Music Center, University of Southern California, Ithaca College and Music Academy ofthe West. He was inducted as a National Honorary at this year’s Leadership Institute.

Herbert Owen Reed S, Zeta (Missouri) ’31Dr. Herbert Owen Reed, a 1976 retiree from Michigan State’s music faculty, has enjoyed an accomplished career as composer and educator.

His published works include a variety of compositions for orchestra, band, voice, chamber, and opera ensembles, in addition to eight published books on music theory and composition. He has served in a number of music and service positions, including Chairman of Theory and Composition for theMusic Teacher’s National Association. He is also the recipient of the National Arts Award from Sigma Alpha Iota and the Orpheus Award (Gamma Epsilon’76) from Phi Mu Alpha.

Charles R. Snyder S, Beta Lambda (Muskingum) ’05Charles R. Snyder has taught vocal and instrumental music in grades 1-12, and has been an adjunct voice instructor at Muskingum University. He is the

conductor of the Coshocton Community Choir which he founded in 1971, and also leads the Coshocton Children’s Choir, a regional ensemble he organized in 1987 for young singers. This summer he will be celebrating his 20th season as director of the 200-voice All-Ohio State Fair Youth Choir. In1995, Mr. Snyder founded the Youth Choir’s traveling ensemble, the Cardinal Chorale, which has sung for professional conferences of the Ohio MusicEducation Association (OMEA) and the Ohio Choral Directors Association. Mr. Snyder has also been a musical theatre director, voice teacher, and he continues to be in demand as a choral clinician and as a festival conductor numerous functions.

Eugene Watts S, Zeta (Missouri) ’54Eugene Watts is the creator and a founding member of the world famous Canadian Brass musical ensemble. Even before the group’s creation, Mr. Watts

enjoyed a performing career with various professional orchestras, including the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Since founding the Canadian Brass, the grouphas come to be known as the gold standard for brass ensembles, and it is the vision and talent of Watts and his fellow musicians in the ensemble that hasfueled their enormous success.

For past recipients and more information on the Signature Sinfonian award, head to www.sinfonia.org/signature

Alumni Accent


Alumni UpdatesDr. Henry “Hank” Alviani, Omicron Pi

(California State-Fullerton) ’76, Associate Professor ofmusic, Director of Choral and Vocal Music Studies,and faculty advisor of the Omicron Mu Chapter atClarion University of Pennsylvania, has been named2011 Outstanding Alumnus for Professional

Achievement at Mount St. Mary’s College in Los Angeles. The award isin recognition of his distinctive accomplishments in the field of music.Alviani will be presented with the award at a banquet Oct. 15. He hasbeen a member of the Clarion University faculty since 2003.

Robert “Bob” Tweel, Zeta Eta (Marshall) ’52, a prominent musiceducator and performer for 40+ years, is being honored by the City ofHuntington, West Virginia as one of their 2011 Wall of Fameinductees. Brother Tweel served as the band director at HuntingtonEast HS from 1962 until the school closed in 1996, and continued tobe the director at the consolidated Huntington High School until1999. He also taught at several elementary schools as well as EnslowJunior High School, and served as All-County Band Director for sever-al years following his teaching career.

Charles “Chuck” Johnson, Epsilon Upsilon (Evansville) ’78, a LosAngeles saxophonist, performed with local Tulsa vocalist Devre Jacksonfor the Third Tuesday Jazz program at the Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa,Oklahoma on July 19, 2011. The performance was recorded andChuck was interviewed for a jazz program airing at a future date.

Glen Newcomb, Sigma (U. of Washington) ’62, has been chosen as a2011 Wall of Fame inductee in Lompoc, Cal. Brother Newcombserved in the Lompoc Unified School District as an elementary, middleand high school music teacher. He was a drum major of the LompocHigh School Band and played in the 1961 Presidential InauguralParade of John F. Kennedy. Newcomb was also Music DepartmentHead at Cabrillo High School from 1968-1989; his band participatedin the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles.

Northwest Mississippi CommunityCollege Band Director, John Ungurait,Lambda Rho (Northwest MississippiCommunity College) ’84, (right), and theLambda Rho Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha

presented former Northwest Band Director, Glenn Triplett ofSenatobia, (left), with the Orpheus Award at a recent concert where heserved as guest conductor. The Orpheus Award is given by chapters forlifetime achievement in music.

Dr. Benjamin D. Caton III, Lambda Sigma (Eastern TennesseeUniversity) ’67, is president of Music Teachers National Association.

Michael Peacy, Xi Pi (Wisconsin-Whitewater) ’94, was a 2011Fellowship Recipient of 2011 Herb Kohl Foundation. Peacy was one of100 teachers across the state of Wisconsin to receive the honor.Fellowship recipients are chosen for their superior ability to inspire alove of learning in their students, their ability to motivate others, andfor their leadership and service within and outside the classroom. EachFellow’s school will receive a $1,000 grant.

The Trumpet Teacher’s Guide – Manduca Music Publications – isnow in its third edition. Gordon Mathie, Gamma Omicron (WayneState) ’50, has produced a problem based bibliography of more than140 method, etude and duet books. In the words of one reviewer:“...this is an indispensable book for all trumpet teachers.”

Members of the Kappa Zeta chapter at West Virginia WesleyanCollege recently presented Dr. Richard Weeks with the Orpheus Award.The Orpheus Award is a lifetime achievement award given at the chap-ter level for significantly impacting the cause of music in America. Dr.Weeks was recently inducted into the Mid-America Music Hall of Fame,along with his 1960’s band mates from “The Deacons.”

Dr. Ephraim P. Engleman, Beta Eta (San Jose State) ’29, is Directorof the Rosalind Russell Medical Research Center for Arthritis at theUniversity of California. Dr. Engleman continues active participationin music, chiefly as a violinist in a string quartet.

Dr. Travis Stimeling, Kappa Zeta (West Virginia Wesleyan) ’98, anAssistant Professor of Music at Millikin University, has written a bookcovering several years of research and interviews, “Cosmic Cowboys andNew Hicks: The Countercultural Sounds of Austin's Progressive CountryMusic Scene.” It was published in May by Oxford University Press.

Daniel Krueger, Xi Pi (Wisconsin-Whitewater) ’96,was hired by the Florida State University Foundationas the Assistant Director of Annual Giving.

Dr. Eric Smedley, Iota Mu (Western Kentucky) ’05-Fac., joined the fac-ulty at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University. Smedley’s dutieswill include directing the Concert Band, assisting with the marching andathletic bands and teaching undergraduate instrumental conducting.

Let us know what you’re up to. Send Alumni Updates to [email protected]


Albion College – Beta Iota

Jesse Lee Walker 2006 – 06/24/11

California State University-Fullerton – Omicron Pi

Jack G. Reidling 2004 – 06/23/11

Delta State Univerity – Theta Upsilon

William J. Ammons, Jr. ’66 – 09/8/94

Kenneth A. Newman ’65 – 10/05/06

Henry G. Martin III ’67 – 05/20/07

Stephen E. Simmons ’69 – 08/06/05

Hartwick College – Epsilon Pi

David H. Skinner ’67 – 12/27/07

San Jose State University – Beta Eta

Edwin F. Taylor ’66 – 07/13/11

Southern Methodist University – Delta Upsilon

Harry Charles ’49 – 07/12/11

Stetson University – Xi Nu

Dean S. Musson ’96 – 09/01/11

Tougaloo College – Rho Iota

Jeremy C. Henderson 2008 – 02/21/11

University of Illinois – Alpha Xi

Norman A. Goldberg ’37 – 3/31/11

University of Kansas – Xi

Frank White ’48 – 07/02/11

University of Louisiana-Lafayette – Delta Epsilon

Dr. Henry L. Cary ’47 – 10/1/2010

University of Minnesota – Alpha Mu

Gerald Feese ’46 – 2/26/11

University of North Carolina-Pembroke – Eta Beta

Stanford A. Burke ’71 – 9/24/2010

University of Southern Mississippi – Eta Phi

Ronald D. McCreery ’82-Hon – 7/26/2010

University of South Florida – Upsilon Psi

Richard B. Crosby ’97 – 9/15/11

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee – Delta Rho

Robert V. Awe ’68 – 03/16/2011

Minot State University – Lambda Chi

John P. Schwarz ’67 – 6/12/2011

Missouri State University – Iota Rho

Dr. Brent E. Detwiler ’96 – 6/8/2011

Murray State University – Gamma Delta

Harold Gilbert ’40 – 6/13/2011

James J. Jarrell ’89 – 5/28/2011

Oklahoma State University – Delta Tau

Joe Carson ’56 – 8/6/2011

University of Kentucky – Alpha Gamma

William E. Ralph ’48 – 6/6/2011

University of Missouri – Zeta

Jeremy M. Porter 2010 – 6/26/2011

Sean E. Radcliff 2010 – 6/26/2011

Western Michigan University – Delta Iota

Joshua J. Kanger 2002 – 4/302011

The Final Chord

Robert V. Awe, Delta Rho (Wisconsin-Milwaukee) ’68. Retired band director, former

director of the Lake Band, and founder and conductor of Milwaukee’s Lake Shore

Wind Symphony.

William James Craig, Epsilon Zeta (Denver) ’53. Retired professor and head of the

music department at Delta State University, as well as a veteran of the United States

Army. Dr. Craig primarily taught clarinet in his tenure at Delta State.

Richard B. Crosby, Upsilon Psi (South Florida) ’97. Father of Past National

President Richard A. Crosby. A lover of music, especially classical, jazz and big

band, Richard was an Army Veteran who served during the Korean War. Successful

salesman for JC Penney and a loyal Ohio State Buckeye fan. He attended the ’97,

’00, ’06 and ’09 National Conventions.

Dr. Gerald Feese, Alpha Mu (Minnesota) ’46. Served in the U.S. Army during World

War II. Dr. Feese directed the orchestra at the University of Nebraska at Kearney for

24 years, and was named Outstanding Private teacher of the Nebraska chapter of the

American String Teachers Association in 1999.

Norman Goldberg, Alpha Xi (Illinois) ’37. Musician, music advocate and entrepre-

neur. Goldberg owned and operated two music businesses, Baton Music Co. and

MMB Music. Among other professional endeavors, he was a clarinetist with the St. Louis

Symphony in the 1960’s, founded the University City Symphony Orchestra, and played

a leading role in advancing music therapy in the country.

Edwin F. Taylor, Beta Eta (San Jose University) ’66. Taylor lived in Santa Cruz, Cal.

for 65 years and was an instrumental music teacher in the Santa Cruz City Schools for

32 years. He also gave private flute lessons. Taylor was a founding member of Santa

Cruz Civic Music Association and the Santa Cruz Symphony, and played in the

Symphony for many years.

Jesse Lee Walker, Rho Delta (Albany State University) ’06. Band director, elected to

the Georgia Bandmaster’s Hall of Fame in 2006. He was a prominent figure in the

integration of Southwest Georgia Schools.

Frank White, Xi (Kansas) ’48. Retired pianist and conductor. Frank served as

an educator at Southern University for over 35 years, where he remained active in

Phi Mu Alpha even after retirement, and enjoyed directing and performance stints

across the country.

Life Loyal Sinfonian


Since its inception, every member who becomes a Life Loyal Sinfonian

has done so for his own reason. Some enjoy the lifetime subscription to The Sinfonian.

For others, there is a sense of pride in displaying the lapel pin, while others are just proud

to support our Fraternity.

Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia no longer has just a few reasons to be a Life Loyal Sinfonian,

but over 700 reasons. Each Sinfonian who enrolls becomes a new reason. Your support

goes right back into programming for alumni Sinfonians, benefitting not just you, but the

Fraternity as a whole.

WE WANT YOU. WE NEED YOU. Become a Life Loyal Sinfonian to support your

Fraternity, and guarantee your lifetime subscription to The Sinfonian. www.sinfonia.org/lifeloyal

Reasons to be LIFE LOYAL

#726


THANK YOU TO LIFE LOYAL SINFONIANS #753-784.

Alabama A&M University - Omicron DeltaMarlon D. McMillian ’96 (781)Albany State University - Rho DeltaThomas S. Lamb ’08 (766)Augusta State University - Nu AlphaMark S. Prichard ’80 (763)Cumberland College - Delta AlphaAllan K. Wallace ’75 (758)East Carolina University - Zeta PsiJohn Brian Heath ’89 (754)Eastman School of Music - Alpha NuKevin C. Purrone ’76 (778)Florida State University - Epsilon IotaTimothy M. Ballard ’96 (771)Illinois Wesleyan University - Alpha LambdaJoseph J. Phipps ’10 (755)Lamar University - Eta MuRoss A. Boothman ’81 (760)Lee University - Pi XiGabriel A. Lajas ’07 (777)Mansfield University - Beta OmicronBrandon W. Bitner ’03 (775)Morehouse College - Xi EtaHarold M. Henry Jr. ’08 (768)Morris Brown College - Kappa BetaRonald D. Wright ’98 (779)Northwestern State University - Gamma RhoAbraham B. Anthony III ’97 (757)Northwestern University - IotaMichael J. DiMaso ’08 (759)Edward C. Senechal ’80 (784)Sam Houston State University - Zeta MuKevin J. Brewer ’08 (773)

Shepherd University - Xi EpsilonJohn D. Karos ’04 (765)Susquehanna University - Lambda BetaRichard B. Bosnic ’11 (769)University of Louisville - Zeta KappaAlex J. Gustafson ’07 (774)University of North Alabama - Pi OmicronTheron W. Brown ’09 (782)University of Oklahoma - MuNicholas W. Nicholson ’90 (767)University of Redlands - Delta PiV. Wes Burns ’89 (756)University of South Florida - Upsilon PsiRobert J. Lyvers ’79 (780)University of Wisconsin-Platteville -Omicron IotaMatthew R. Galusha ’07 (764)Brian E. Mason ’93 (776)University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point - Xi OmicronRichard L. Fellenz ’65 (761)University of Wisconsin-Whitewater - Xi PiDale A. Johnson ’67 (762)Valdosta State University - Zeta GammaJoseph M. Searcy ’03 (772)VanderCook College of Music - Xi KappaChristopher M. Yung ’06 (770)Western Michigan University - Delta IotaPaul M. Whitaker ’97 (753)Youngstown State University - Delta EtaMark A. Wilson ’03 (783)

Life Loyal Sinfonian

STATISTICSOverall, Life Loyal Sinfonians represent

254 different chapters. The chapters with

the highest enrollment are:

• Gamma Theta –

University of North Texas: 21

• Nu Psi – Shenandoah University: 15

• Alpha Zeta – Penn State University: 10

Of the 438 chapters chartered by the

Fraternity, 58% of them (254 chapters)

have at least one member enrolled as a

Life Loyal Sinfonian.

Brother Fidler is Province Governor for Province 28. As a collegiate

member, he served two terms as his chapter’s President, one as Fraternal

Education Officer, and has also served as Province Expansion Officer

for Province 28. He lives in Indiana with his wife and two children.

Reason #726 David E. Fidler II, Delta Lambda (Ball State University) ’95

Arkansas Tech University – Kappa EtaOur chapter decided to reconnect with several of our alumni brothers

over the summer. The brothers we were able to connect with had a greatexperience meeting the younger members of our chapter. We hope tomake this reconnection of the old and new an annual event in the hopesof keeping our alumni involved in Sinfonian affairs and encouraging ourcollegiate members to stay active after graduating.

Central Methodist University – Beta MuIn the spring of 2011 our chapter held its annual American Music

Recital where we had multiple small ensembles and we joined withSigma Alpha Iota to sing “The Awakening” by Joseph Martin and“When You Believe” from The Prince of Egypt. We also participated in aservice day to help out in our community. This summer during theweekend of our school’s Alumni Band concert we hosted a get-togetherfor the alumni of the chapter.

Edinboro University – Lambda GammaThis past semester we hit the ground running as we kicked off the semes-

ter with rushes and singing valentines. We raised over $100 in valentines.On April 9 we performed an American Music Recital, where we heard thetalents of many local musicians as well as many of our brothers. We cele-brated the recitals of two seniors, David Bagley, ’09 and Nathan Trimpey,’08, and welcomed two new brothers. Finally, we graduated 7 brothers.

Hastings College – Xi AlphaAlongside our yearly recital, we performed for the elderly at the

College View Nursing Home for our Mills Music Mission. We also host-ed our yearly “Sinformal” formal dinner and dance, performed variousserenades across campus to heighten spirits, and served as the hosts forthe Province Workshop.

Illinois Wesleyan University – Alpha LambdaDuring the spring semester of 2011 our chapter participated in a vari-

ety of charitable and musical activities. The chapter visited a nursinghome in Normal, Illinois to conduct a Mills Music Mission.Additionally, the chapter held a piano smash and a very successful dateauction where we raised nearly $1,000 for the relief effort in Japan afterthe earthquake. Most recently we held a work day to clean up our chap-ter house.

Middle Tennessee State University – Omicron TauMTSU’s Omicron Tau chapter had a successful spring semester. We

started with Boropalooza, a benefit concert held alongside ΑΞ⏐ ofMTSU. This concert rose over $1800 for the local Antioch HS band.Mid-semester, we partnered with ΔΟ and ∆ΑΙ for March of Dimes. Wethen wrapped up the semester by performing the National Anthem forminor league baseball’s Nashville Sounds. ΟΤ continued to grow, intro-ducing two new brothers to the chapter.

Missouri State University – Iota RhoIn the spring of 2011 our chapter participated in Relay for Life. To

raise money our team hosted root beer pong; this was made possible dueto a donation from a brother at Springfield Brew Co. Our team also sup-ported three brothers as they participated together in a Lady Gaga lookalike and dance competition which raised over $150 in five minutes.Together the whole event raised $75,000 to support The AmericanCancer Society.

Campus Notes

> Kappa Eta alumni gathering with collegians

> Lambda Gamma welcoming its two newest brothers


Stetson University – Nu XiWe celebrated the early semester with successful valentine serenades,

making $515 from sales. Our chapter initiated 5 new brothers – we werefortunate enough to have the Percy for our initiation. This summer, ourchapter sent 8 people to Leadership Institute, with our President, ShaneThomas, ’08, acting as one of three Key Players. Finally, we were award-ed the Percy at Leadership Institute for having the highest percentageattend from our chapter. We’re ready for a great year!

Texas State University-San Marcos – Gamma PhiFor the 2011 spring semester, we participated in two major events.

The first was the 3rd annual Mystic Music Fest, a free public music festival designed to support local artists and businesses from the surrounding area. We also took part in a performance of Carl Orff ’sCarmina Burana, organized by Dr. Jonathan Babcock, Gamma Phi ’09,which included eight university and community choirs, a local dancetroupe and full orchestra.

> Gamma Phi brothers in a production of Orff’s Carmina Burana.

University of Cincinnati – Eta-OmicronOur chapter helped commission a piece for our retiring Wind Studies

Director, Rodney Winther. The composition “Afterglow” by Dana Wilson,a close friend of Rodney Winther, made its world premiere on June 4 atRodney Winther’s final concert. The chapter also held a Mills MusicMission on May 1 at the Marjorie P. Lee Retirement Home and had a greattime performing and singing favorites such as “Serenade to a Girl.”

North Carolina Central University – Rho BetaThis summer Rho Beta went to Leadership Institute 2011. Being

around the brotherhood, getting to know each other, networking and meeting the NEC was a great experience. We put on a lot of programs this past semester including forums, individual performances,an American Music Recital, and gig band performances. The most successful program was our first annual gospel concert. There were sixperforming choirs from various areas of the North Carolina triangleincluding local churches and a local high school group.

> Rho Beta brothers at Lyrecrest.

Northwest Missouri State University – Upsilon ChiOur chapter has been busy with not only our own chapter but going

out to other chapters in our Province. We attended our ProvinceWorkshop with guest speaker Mark Lichtenberg, Delta Nu (Bradley)’93, had a group of brothers visit Lyrecrest over the summer for a ChapterRetreat, and some brothers made it to Leadership Institute. We have alsocontinued our reign of Homecoming Skit Champions and are attempt-ing to make it a straight decade of victories this October.

Ouachita Baptist University – Mu OmicronEvents in our chapter have been exciting the past two semesters. Last

fall we welcomed two new members into our brotherhood. In the springwe organized a campus serenade in which we gave the gift of song to thevarious dormitories of our campus. We also enjoyed some fellowshiptime together during a chapter bonfire and wished our graduating“brother, Steven Miller, ’07, a fond farewell as he moves on in life.

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale – Epsilon KappaIn spring 2011, we participated in our local Relay For Life. As a chap-

ter, we won the Most Involved Group award for our help with set up,tear down, and doing anything asked of us. The way that we raised themost money at the event was by doing serenades. By the end of the eventwe raised over $3500 and were awarded the Silver Level.


University of Georgia – Epsilon LambdaWe’ve strengthened the bonds of mutual welfare by co-hosting a tri-

fraternal mixer with the Kappa Kappa Psi and Sigma Alpha Iota chapterson campus. Our Mills Music Mission for the Bentley Assisted LivingCommunity and one of the Redcoat Band’s own, Ms. Ruth Kiney, wasa success. Finally, we were given the honor of presenting a SignatureSinfonian award to Dr. H. Owen Reed S, Zeta (Missouri) ’31, in a won-derful ceremony that will not be forgotten!

University of Iowa – Iota Gamma About two weeks before the start of classes, four brothers in the chap-

ter assisted some local farmers with pulling an old erosion system out ofthe ground on a farm near campus. The work was grueling and the both-ers went home that night covered in dirt and carrying handfuls of sweetcorn. Though the brothers were compensated monetarily for theirefforts, the farmers were tremendously grateful for the help since theywere behind schedule.

University of Massachusetts-Amherst – Sigma AlphaOur young chapter initiated our Beta class and celebrated our Chapter

Day on March 7th. A new Executive Committee has been chosenthrough elections and our yearly brotherhood retreat took place in NewJersey. The retreat was a success and the brothers that participated thor-oughly enjoyed the experience. We are looking forward to the fall semes-ter and continuing to grow as a chapter and as individuals.

University of Nebraska – UpsilonSpring 2011 was a busy time for us. Packing in a Mills Music Mission

and an American Music Recital was tough considering we also had aprobationary class of nine joining our midst. This is a positive sign forour young chapter, especially because these new brothers have alreadyproved themselves worthy of the name Sinfonians; they put together arecorder ensemble and refused to tell us until they took stage at theAmerican Music Recital!

Campus Notes


> Epsilon Lambda brothers with Signature Sinfonian recipient H. Owen Reed.

> Members of the Upsilon chapter after a performance.


University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point – Xi OmicronIn February we helped sponsor the Music Department Formal, and it

had a very good turnout. Five brothers went down to Lyrecrest andhelped welcome a few men into the brotherhood at the University ofEvansville in March. After that we welcomed four new brothers into ourchapter. To close out the year we had our annual cookout for the StateSolo and Ensemble Festival.

Winthrop University – Nu KappaIn response to the radical political climate threatening to cripple the

arts programs in South Carolina schools, on Friday, May 13th, a groupof brothers, along with other collegiate musicians, met on the front stepsof the South Carolina State House and held a music awareness rally toinspire and remind the politicians and passers-by of the importance ofmusic in South Carolina’s educational institutions. The event includedjazz combos, solo instrumentalists, singers, and choirs.

Chapters Installed/Reactivated in Spring 2011> Eastern New Mexico University – Theta Phi (Installed: 1/30/2011)

Send letter of congratulations to:Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Theta Phi1500 S. Ave. KStation 16Portales, MN 88130

> North Carolina A&T State University– Iota Beta (Reactivated: 3/13/2011)Send letters of congratulations to:Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Iota Beta1601 East Market Street,Frazier Hall Rm 112Greensboro, NC 27411

> Kennesaw State University – Nu Theta (Installed: 4/16/2011)Send letters of congratulations to:Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Nu ThetaDepartment of Music ATTN: John Culvahouse1000 Chastain Rd. NWKennesaw, GA 30144-5588

Current Colony ActivityPhase 11> Alabama A&M University – Omicron Delta

E-mail: [email protected]

> Benedict College – Xi Beta E-mail: [email protected]

> Florida Atlantic University – Florida EtaE-mail: [email protected]

> New Jersey City University – Omicron ThetaE-mail: [email protected]

Phase 1> Delaware State University – Delaware Beta

E-mail: [email protected]

> Hartwick College – Epsilon PiE-mail: [email protected]

> Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne – Indiana GammaE-mail: [email protected]

> Jackson State University – Pi NuE-mail: [email protected]

> Langston University – Pi KappaE-mail: [email protected]

> Loyola University – Zeta PiE-mail: [email protected]

> Old Dominion University – Iota TauE-mail: [email protected]

> University of California-Los Angeles – Beta PsiE-mail: [email protected]

> University of Louisiana-Monroe – Eta IotaE-mail: [email protected]

> University of New Mexico – Iota PhiE-mail: [email protected]

> University of Southern Mississippi – Eta PhiE-mail: [email protected]

> Virginia Commonwealth University – Rho OmegaE-mail: [email protected]

> Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University – Mu AlphaE-mail: [email protected]

> Virginia State University – Virginia EpsilonE-mail: [email protected]

> Voorhees College – South Carolina GammaE-mail: [email protected]

Space is limited—preference is given to submis-

sions about creative, unique or interesting chapter

and colony events. To read submissions from other

chapters, visit www.sinfonia.org/campusnotes.

Submission by chapters of news and photos for

Campus Notes are due by the deadlines listed on

page 32. The next deadline is February 15, 2012.

Articles are limited to 75 words.

Where is my chapter?

This directory information is provided for the convenience ofSinfonians so that they may establish contact with the Fraternity’svolunteers for the sole purpose of conducting Fraternity business;it may not be used for commercial or other non-Fraternity related purposes.

For complete contact information for all province officers, pleasevisit www.sinfonia.org/directory.

All information current as of September 8, 2011

National Executive [email protected] ALAN MONGIOVI, National President, 132 Buena Vista Rd., Evansville,IN 47710. (812) 760-7011. [email protected] R. LICHTENBERG, National Vice President, 4730 Boardwalk Drive,Evansville, IN 47725. (812) 626-0725. [email protected] C. RILEY, Committeeman-At-Large, 3330 Curtis Dr., Apt. 1, Suitland,MD 20746. (301) 840-3984. [email protected]. DEAN SHATLEY II, Committeeman-At-Large, Campbell ShatleyPLLC, 674 Merrimon Place, Suite 210, Asheville, NC 28804. (828)378-0062. [email protected] A. STRACK, National Collegiate Representative, 1340Franklin St, Marne, MI 49435. (616) 443-4193. [email protected] M. ISRAEL, Chair, PGs’ Council, 631 Oregon Trail Ct., St.Charles, MO 63304. (636) 244-1586. [email protected] A. REYES, Chair, CPRs’ Council, 120 Cristianitos Rd #12209,San Clemente, CA 92673. (951) 796-9057. [email protected]

Other OfficersDR. BRUCE E. GBUR, National Historian, 514 N Juliette Ave.,Manhattan, KS 66502. (785) 776-9424. [email protected]

Past National PresidentsDR. RICHARD A. CROSBY (1994-97; 2003-09), 212 Delmar Dr.,Richmond, KY 40475. (859) 624-9946. [email protected]. DARHYL S. RAMSEY (2000-03), 2500 Potomac Pkwy.,Denton, TX 76210. (940) 566-3170. [email protected] L. BLAIR (1997-2000), 902 East Gaslight Dr., Springfield,MO 65810. (417) 887-1207. [email protected]. T. JERVIS UNDERWOOD (1988-91), 930 Crystal Cove, OakPoint, TX 75068. (972) 292-2393. [email protected]. WILLIAM B. DEDERER (1985-88), 55 Cathedral Rock Dr., Unit38, Sedona, AZ 86351-8625. (614) 864-4654.EMILE H. SERPOSS (1979-82), 26 Oliver St., Apt. 4D, Brooklyn,NY 11209. (718) 238-8456. DR. LUCIEN P. STARK (1976-79), 425 Greenbriar Rd., Lexington,KY 40503. (859) 276-4681. J. EUGENE DUNCAN (1973-76), 727 N. Wilson Ave., Morehead,KY 40351. (606) 784-5711. [email protected]

National Staff10600 Old State Rd., Evansville, IN 47711-1399Toll-Free: (800) 473-2649 Local: (812) 867-2433Fax: (812) 867-0633 [email protected] M. EVANS, Chief Operating Officer, [email protected] C. LAMBERT, Director of Programs, ext.102. [email protected] A. WILSON, Director of Communications, ext.104. [email protected] S. SCHULTE, Retreat Coordinator and Programs Associate,ext. 103, [email protected] R. MCGUIRE, Controller, ext.105. [email protected] J. DAILY, Administrative Coordinator, [email protected] A. RADER, Administrative Assistant, ext. 107. [email protected] W. RADER, Shipping Clerk, ext.106. [email protected]

Sinfonia Educational FoundationBoard of [email protected] J. DANILSON, President, 80 Lancaster Ave., Devon, PA19333. (610) 964-4097. [email protected] F. WEST, Vice-PresidentCLINT W. WILLIAMS, SecretaryJOHN E. CERESO, TreasurerSTEPHEN BROTHERS-MCGREWDR. RICHARD A. CROSBYJOHN M. DOHERTYMARK L. EUTSLERDR. KEVIN H. GOEBBERTDR. JEFFREY R. HIGHLANDMATT J. KOKESDR. A.G. MCGRANNAHAN IIIJOHN ALAN MONGIOVICHRISTIAN O’DONNELLWALTER C. RILEYK. DEAN SHATLEY IICALVIN R. VAN NIEWAALCHRISTOPHER A. YANCEY

Province OfficersIn the directory of province officers, the following abbreviationsare used throughout: “PG” for Province Governor, and “CPR”for Collegiate Province Representative.

PROVINCE 1: New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, ConnecticutPG: ERIC T. ENGLEHARDT, [email protected]: JOHN I. MANGE, [email protected]

PROVINCE 2: Michigan, Northern OhioPG: JAMAL D. DUNCAN, [email protected]: BRADLEY A. WILSON, [email protected]

PROVINCE 3:Central and Southern OhioPG: MATTHEW BURGIO, [email protected]: ANDREW M. SLINGERLAND, [email protected]

PROVINCE 4:ArkansasPG: DR. LOUIS G. YOUNG, [email protected]: JEFFREY T. BAILEY, [email protected]

PROVINCE 5:Southern Illinois, Southeastern Missouri,Southwestern IndianaPG: ANDREW A. YORK, [email protected]: MARK A. WEGENER, [email protected]

PROVINCE 6: Nebraska, Western IowaPG: BRETT A. LYON, [email protected]: BENJAMIN J. KOCH, [email protected]

PROVINCE 7: Kansas, ColoradoPG: DR. BRUCE E. GBUR, [email protected]: BRIAN S. DUERKSEN, [email protected]

PROVINCE 8: OklahomaPG: COLBY E. DICK, [email protected]: MARK W. BILLY, [email protected]

PROVINCE 9: Southern TexasPG: DR. J. ROBERT WHALIN, [email protected]: CLINT R. ARNDT, [email protected]

PROVINCE 11: Northern California, Northern NevadaPG: DR. A. G. MCGRANNAHAN III, [email protected]: ADAM M. SERPA, [email protected]

PROVINCE 12: Eastern TennesseePG: ASHLEY E. GLENN, [email protected]: JAMES M. WOODRUM, [email protected]

PROVINCE 13: Southern and Central FloridaPG: JOE RITCHIE, [email protected]: JONATHON W. NORATO, [email protected]

PROVINCE 14:LouisianaPG: BRIAN M. STRATTON, [email protected]: DUSTY P. FORET, [email protected]

PROVINCE 15: Middle, West Tennessee and Western KentuckyPG: JEREMY D. QUAVE, [email protected]: REMINGTON W. HOLT, [email protected]

PROVINCE 16: Northern Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota,Northern South DakotaPG: DR. ALAN D. LAFAVE, [email protected]: JOHN T. PATZLAFF, [email protected]

PROVINCE 17: Upstate New YorkPG: SAMUEL P. JIVIDEN, [email protected]: ALEX J. MOWREY, [email protected]

PROVINCE 18: VirginiaPG: DAVID L. DAVIS, [email protected]: ERICK J. REID, [email protected]

PROVINCE 19: MissouriPG: JOHN M. ISRAEL, [email protected]: MATTHEW P. FETTERLY, [email protected]

PROVINCE 20: North CarolinaPG: PATRICK S. CLANCY, [email protected]: MICHAEL E. JENKINS, [email protected]

PROVINCE 21: Central and Eastern PennsylvaniaPG: ROBERT N. WHITMOYER, [email protected]: MATTHEW E. SOUTH, [email protected]

PROVINCE 22: Southern California and Southern NevadaPG: BINCINS C. GARCIA, [email protected]: PABLO F. COPPOLA, [email protected]

PROVINCE 23: Northwestern Texas, Eastern New MexicoPG: CHRISTOPHER A. YANCEY, [email protected]: TIMOTHY F. RIVERA, [email protected]

PROVINCE 24: MississippiPG: DAVID W. GARRAWAY, [email protected]: ANDREW M. SMILEY, [email protected]

PROVINCE 25: Central and Eastern Kentucky, and Western West VirginiaPG: DR. RICHARD A. CROSBY, [email protected]: DANIEL R. HOLDERBY, [email protected]

PROVINCE 26: Iowa, Northwestern Illinois, Southern MinnesotaPG: CALVIN R. VAN NIEWAAL, [email protected]: NATHAN R. STARK, [email protected]

PROVINCE 27: Northern Virginia, Eastern West Virginia, EasternMaryland, Delaware, District of ColumbiaPG: JEFFREY D. HOFFMAN, [email protected]: FRANCIS J. MANGANELLO, [email protected]

PROVINCE 28: Northern and Central IndianaPG: DAVID E. FIDLER II, [email protected]: NICHOLAS M. ANKENBRUCK, [email protected]

PROVINCE 29: Southeastern Minnesota, Wisconsin, Northern MichiganPG: MATTHEW A. BLASINSKI, [email protected]: JACOB W. INEICHEN, [email protected]

PROVINCE 30: South Carolina, Eastern GeorgiaPG: ROBERT W. PETTIS, [email protected]: RASHAD ANDERSON, [email protected]

PROVINCE 32: North Central, Northeast TexasPG: KEVIN L. MCNERNEY, [email protected]: JOSHUA D. STOVER, [email protected]

PROVINCE 33: Northern and Central GeorgiaPG: MATTHEW R. KOPERNIAK, [email protected]: IAN B. LEONARD, [email protected]

PROVINCE 34: AlabamaPG: TONY COWAN, [email protected]: WILLIAM A. WHITE, [email protected]

PROVINCE 35: Arizona, New Mexico, Extreme West TexasPG: KARL SCHOSSER, [email protected]: NICHOLAS A. PHILLIPS, [email protected]

PROVINCE 36: Northern Florida, Southern GeorgiaPG: T. C. GOODSON, [email protected]: AARON JAMES YOUNG, [email protected]

PROVINCE 37: Northern and Central IllinoisPG: PAUL E. LATTAN, [email protected]: SEAN A. DELGROSSO, [email protected]

PROVINCE 38: Idaho, Oregon, WashingtonPG: DOUGLAS A. EVANS, [email protected]: YOUNG J. RYLEE, [email protected]

PROVINCE 39: Central West Virginia, Western Pennsylvania,Western MarylandPG: STEPHEN BROTHERS-MCGREW, [email protected]: IAN M. SHOULDERS, [email protected]

PROVINCE 40: Southeastern TexasPG: GEORGE T. BEVERLEY, [email protected]: CASEY S. SALINAS, [email protected]

Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Directory

Directory


Calling ALL DESIGNERSThe Sinfonia Store is looking to expand, and we need your help! Next summer at our 2012 National Convention in Orlando, Florida, the Sinfonia Store will unveil four new probationary member t-shirts andone Fraternity t-shirt. We’re asking you to submit your designs for theset-shirts, for the chance to win recognition and prizes. The designers ofthe four probationary member t-shirts will each receive a $50 gift cardto the Sinfonia Store, and the winning designer for the Fraternity t-shirtwill be going to the 2012 National Convention with no registration cost!

Designs can be serious, funny, artistic, minimalistic, or anything inbetween. They can focus on the individual or the organization, theentirety of Sinfonia or one small aspect of it. The sky is the limit, and we want to see what creative designs Sinfonians can imagine!

We ask that you limit design submissions to three per person. Send all submissions to [email protected]. Deadline for submissions is February 28, 2012.


To the Editor I was completely enthralled by "Memories From a World War" by Brother Matthew

Koperniak in The Sinfonian May 2011 issue. The article was interesting, engaging, and

inspiring. The story of Brothers Robinson and Parker and their experiences in World

War II seem to those of us in later generations to be almost unbelievable. This is why

it is so important to document these experiences while the story tellers are still with us.

"The Greatest Generation" is a description that holds true even today. I am eternally

grateful for the service of these brothers and all the other veterans of World War II.

Thanks for a fantastic article!

— CHARLES P. (CHUCK) ADAMS,

TAU PHI (SOUTHWESTERN OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY) '77

Revered FounderOssian Everett Mills (1856-1920)

Charter MembersRobert T. Bayley

Frederick W. Briggs George A. Burdich

Henry P. Dreyer George S. Dunham Archie M. Gardner

John F. Hartwell

William C. Holcomb Albert J. Stephens Frank Leslie Stone

Shirley F. Stupp William E. Tanner

Delbert L. Webster

The Sinfonian Submission Guidelines:Who may submit:Alumni and chapters are strongly urged to send articles and pictures.

What to submit:Original, clear photographs—either black and white or color—and articles that are typed clearly.

When to submit:May Issue—February 15 annually; December Issue—September 15 annually

Where and how to submit:Written material: via USPS to the National Headquarters, Attn: Managing Editor, OR via e-mail in Word format to: [email protected].

Photos and Graphics: via e-mail to [email protected] as a .tif file or a high-resolution .jpg file.

The Sinfonian reserves the right to edit all submissions for length and content.

Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia was founded October 6, 1898, at the New EnglandConservatory in Boston, Massachusetts. Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia has initiated140,000 members since 1898.

The Object of this Fraternity shall be for the development of the best and truestfraternal spirit; the mutual welfare and brotherhood of musical students; theadvancement of music in America and a loyalty to the Alma Mater.

>Tell Us What You ThinkWe want to know what you think of this issue. Send us your thoughtsand comments by mail or to [email protected].

One lucky respondent will win a $50 gift card to the Sinfonia storeif your comments are published in the “Letters to the Editor.”

Memories From a World War


MY REASON TO BE

Reason #726David E. Fidler II, Delta Lambda (Ball State University) ’95

“I had been a Sinfonian for over 15 years when I decided to becomeLife Loyal. Our Fraternity cannotflourish on the financial backing of our collegiate members alone.We as alumni must support not onlyour local chapters, but the NationalFraternity if we want to see the fullcapacity of what Sinfonia can be.We must lead from the front andjoin the cause.”

www.sinfonian.org/lifeloyal

play your part!LIFE LOYAL

PHI MU ALPHA SINFONIA2012 NATIONAL CONVENTION

JULY 11-15, 2012WWW.SINFONIA.ORG/CONVENTION

10600 Old State RoadEvansville, IN 47711-1399

Return Service Requested

NOT FOR PROFITPRESORT STND POSTAGE

PAIDPHI MU ALPHA SINFONIAFRATERNITY OF AMERICA

sinfonian - dec. 2011

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