sinfonian - may 2011

May 2011

memories

from a

WORLD

WAR

The Sinfonian May 2011

On this specialday I’m excited toissue this call to all Sinfoniansto attend the2012 NationalConvention andexperience whatit really means to

be a national Fraternity. When so manybrothers from throughout the nation gathertogether to share their dedication to nobleideals and the best in music, it is truly anincredible experience. And if you attendedthe 2009 Convention or the 2010Leadership Institute, I know you’ll under-stand just what I mean.

You might have heard brothers whoattended these or other gatherings saythere’s something about a national eventthat changes the way you look at Sinfonia –and can even be even life-changing. Youmight ask, “How can a convention havethat effect?” Well, Rollin Pease, Father ofthe Ritual explained it by saying, “You haveunited in a fellowship of exalted experience,not clearly defined in words, but very,very real.”

Who could ever forget the 2009 NationalConvention: the 1898 Jazz Orchestra performing on stage with Man of MusicJamey Aebersold; the Men of Song Chorus;

the world premiere of a composition byNational Honorary initiate Frank Ticheliand the Sinfonia Winds; the power of fraternal spirit felt in a 600-voice Ritual

chorus, or in late-night Sinfonia Songs atthe pool. It all makes for an unforgettableexperience that really does charge brotherswith a new enthusiasm, which carries intotheir lives, their chapters, and their music.

That’s what’s happening today inSinfonia. With record numbers of brothersfrom around the country attending nation-al events, our Fraternity, for the first timein decades, can work the way a nationalFraternity is supposed to work. In 1916,Supreme President Percy Burrell referred tothe powerful experience felt at a nationalconvention as “that indescribable ‘some-thing’ which keeps any fraternity alive.”President Burrell knew, as we see againtoday, that when large numbers of energeticand talented men from throughout the country unite with a shared vision, thepower we generate to do something mean-ingful with music is beyond description,and the experience builds better members,better chapters, and a stronger Fraternity.

Since the 2009 Convention, brothers havewondered what’s in store next, and theNational Executive Committee and nationalstaff have been working to finalize the location, dates and details of the 2012

Convention. Over the last decade, we’vetaken the Convention to some great locations: in 2000, we rode into Dallas; in 2003, Washington D.C. made for a“monumental experience”; in 2006, werocked in Cleveland; and in 2009, Musicmet Magic in Orlando. When selecting thenext Convention location, we consideredseveral candidate cities. In the end, the feedback from the last Convention wasclear. So, in 2012, Sinfonia’s NationalConvention will return to the WyndhamResort in Orlando, Florida. The Resort’sconvention space is beyond compare, andbrothers enjoyed spending time withfriends and family at the area’s theme parks,but what stood out most in the feedback isthat brothers really enjoyed spending timetogether at the resort’s restaurants, 24-hourpools and other common areas. So let mebe the first to invite you to join us for what’ssure to be another inspiring and indescrib-able experience at Sinfonia’s 54th NationalConvention, July 11-15, 2012 in Orlando,Florida. More information, including registration details, will be available in thecoming months.

This opportunity to experience theunique mix of Fraternity and Music that isSinfonia on a grand scale is an historicevent, and sets the tone for the triennium.With this in mind we’ve selected a

The President’s Message

Hello, this is John Mongiovi, National Presidentof Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and I’d like to wish youa happy Founder’s Day as we celebrate 112 yearsof Fraternity in the world of music!

On October 6, 2010, President Mongiovi issued his Call to the 2012 National Convention in conjunction with the Fraternity’s Founder’sDay celebration. The text of that Call to Convention is re-printed here. You can see the original video presentation of the ConventionCall by visiting www.sinfonia.org/convention.

Convention theme that conveys not onlywhat happens at the event, but what weshould take from it, back into our lives and tothe world at large. It’s no surprise that whatstood out as the most inspiring, educational,and memorable moments to those whoattended the 2009 Convention were the per-formance opportunities. So, at the 2012Convention every brother who wants to par-ticipate in musical ensembles will have thatopportunity – including delegates.We want everyone to have that indescribable

experience. So start making your plans today.Let’s get together and feel the power of music.

Thank you, brothers, happy Founder’s Day,and Long Live Sinfonia!

John Alan Mongiovi

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 LIX Issue 2

2 Sinfonia News

16 Alumni Accent

22 Life Loyal

24 Campus Notes

30 Directory

32 Letters To The Editor

Editor in Chief: Jeremy M. Evans

Managing Editor: Daniel Krueger

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.

6 Memories From A World War

14 SEF: Growing OurNew Programs

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

May 2011 The Sinfonian 1

2 The Sinfonian May 2011

Sinfonia News

TWO ORGANIZATIONS RECOGNIZED WITH THE NATIONAL CITATION

NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS IMPROVEMENTS — YOUR HOME, BEAUTIFIED

Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia recognized two music organizations during

fall and winter 2010 by presenting the National Citation. The National

Citation is given to any individual, company, corporation, or other organi-

zation that has significantly and lastingly contributed to the cause of music

in America on a national scale.

On October 23, 2010, the Ohio State School for the Blind Marching

Band was presented the award at The Ohio State University. The marching

band is comprised of 32 students, each paired with a marching assistant and

directed by Dan Kelley, who is blind himself, and co-director Carol Agler.

The marching band regularly performs during halftime of the Ohio

School for the Deaf football team. The Ohio State School for the Blind

Marching Band reached national prominence by marching in the 2010

Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif. On December, 17, 2010, the National Citation was presented to Tuba

Christmas at the Fraternity’s reception at The Midwest Clinic in Chicago,

Ill. In its 37th year, Tuba Christmas has become an international event being

held in over 225 cities around the world.

The event was started by Dr. Harvey G. Phillips, Gamma Alpha (James

Madison) ’80-Hon., as a tribute to William J. Bell, Gamma Tau (Indiana)

’65-Hon., who was born on Christmas Day. Ensembles comprised entirely

of tubas, sousaphones and euphoniums gather annually in public venues to

play Christmas music for all to listen.

Brother Phillips passed away on October 20, 2010. In attendance to

accept the award on Brother Phillips’ behalf were his wife Carol and two of

his three sons, Jesse and Thomas.

Continuing their dedication to strong fraternity education practices For

over 30 years, Lyrecrest has served as the ancestral home of the Fraternity

hosting thousands of visitors, dozens of chapters and several large-scale

training events each year. Over the course of the past year, the national

staff has driven a significant renovation of the headquarters exterior,

updating and renovating several traditional gathering places, and even

creating a new sun garden area to the south of the building.

“It’s a constant goal of ours to have each and every brother feeling proud

this is their national headquarters. We wouldn’t even have this facility if it

weren’t for the hard work and dedication of Sinfonians, past and present,”

explains Will Lambert, (Iota Alpha) Alma ’05, Director of Collegiate

Programs and Education. “It’s only proper that we honor our brothers

and fraternity by keeping our headquarters looking beautiful and

properly maintained.”

Each year, the national headquarters hosts an event for the purpose of

beautifying the national headquarters property. Work Weekend 2011 is

scheduled for the weekend of May 20-22. With the help of our brothers,

we work to accomplish large-scale projects that we can’t complete without

their help. We provide lodging and food for the weekend, and brothers

walk away with a renewed sense of pride in our Fraternal home.

Would you be interested in seeing the headquarters in a brand new

light by making a sacrifice of time and energy for the Fraternity? Visit

www.sinfonia.org/workweekend today to get registered!

Brothers who’ve visited have described these updates as a welcome addition

to the Headquarters property. Have a look!

> Director of Alumni Engagement Daniel Krueger was on hand to present theNational Citation to the Ohio State School For the Blind Marching Band.

> Tuba Christmas received the National Citation at the 2010 Midwest Band & Orchestra Clinic.


LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE 2011: KEY CHANGE

Looking back, what was that “important moment” that shaped you

forever going forward? What “key change” did you make in your life to

overcome that obstacle, take advantage of that opportunity, or shape

your destiny?

These questions and more will be answered for the hundreds of atten-

dees at Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia’s 2011 Leadership Institute!

This year’s Leadership Institute will take place on the campus of the

University of Southern Indiana, located in Evansville, Indiana. Attendees

will enjoy state-of-the-art residence and dining facilities and will be given

the opportunity to get out into Evansville to see the sights, the sounds,

and the Fraternity’s National Headquarters!

Men of Song

The Men of Song Chorus is back! Last year, for the first time at

Leadership Institute, the Men of Song Chorus rehearsed and performed

a concert for Leadership Institute attendees and the Evansville community.

This year the chorus will be led by our own J. Kevin Gray, Nu Kappa

(Winthrop) ’95. Kevin conducted the chorus at Fireside Conference

Northeast, and we’re excited to have him back again this year.

National Honorary

Karl Paulnack will be initiated into the Alpha Alpha National

Honorary chapter of the Fraternity. Paulnack serves as the director of the

music division of the Boston Conservatory. He also serves as music direc-

tor and conductor of the Contemporary Opera Lab of Winnipeg and chef

de chant of the Orchestra de Picardie in

Amiens, France. He is thrilled and

honored to be our national honorary

member, and we know members

who attend Leadership Institute

will enjoy hearing him speak and

witnessing his initiation.

Fraternity Education

Pre-Conference

Last year marked the first

ever Fraternity Education

pre-conference, and it was a huge hit! Because of event feedback in recent

years, we now offer a two day pre-conference to Leadership Institute

attendees on the topic of Fraternity Education. Members will meet to

discuss membership education with the Fraternity’s leading experts on

the topic. This pre-conference is not just for Fraternity Education

Officers, any member with an interest in educating brothers will benefit

from this event.

Get Involved

All Sinfonians are welcome to attend this exciting summer event!

Please visit www.sinfonia.org/institute to get more information and to

register today!

Leadership Institute 2011Key Change

For years, brothers have loudly extolled the

benefits of attendance at a national Fraternity

event. Sinfonians have described these events as

a “life-changing” experience. Now, it’s even eas-

ier to access the excitement, spirit and

education these events have to offer.

Continuing their dedication to strong frater-

nity education practices and resources,

National President John Mongiovi and

National Vice President Mark Lichtenberg,

Delta Nu (Bradley) ’93, are hosting a series of

regional events called Sinfonia Fireside

Conferences. The program is dedicated to

exploring the mission, Ritual and ideals of the

Fraternity, and providing tools for brothers to

teach these concepts and apply them both in

their individual lives and in their chapters.

Attendees may also perform in a regional Men

of Song Chorus. Everyone who wants to sing

is welcome to take part in this musical oppor-

tunity, and rehearsals do not interfere with the

rest of the programming.

Brothers who attend the Fireside Conference

will have the opportunity to explore the

Fraternity’s mission in a totally unique way —

surrounded by brothers from around the

province and region. Brothers will have the

opportunity to learn about the ritual and

Fraternity history, and of course brothers will

have the chance to participate musically.

Our first ever Fireside Conference took place

November 12-14 on the campus of the


FIRESIDE CONFERENCE NORTHEASTLife-Changing Experience, Localized

> The Men of Song Chorus sang together at Sinfonia Fireside Conference Northeast.

University of Delaware in Newark, Delaware.

Over 100 brothers took part, and here’s some

of what they had to say:

“Absolutely one of the most enlightening things

to experience.”

– Ian Shoulders, Kappa Zeta (West Virginia

Wesleyan) ’07

“I feel like we captured a modern sense of what

the founders had at their Fireside conference. It

was quite the exalted experience to share that

with so many brothers.”

– Steven D. McCormack, Sigma Gamma

(Kutztown) ’10

“This session was amazing! No question was too

big or small [and] I felt that I could really open

up and ask for advice.”

– James Swindell, Omicron Nu (Christopher

Newport) ’10

“Another moment of reflection in a weekend of

deep meditation. This allowed for me to remem-

ber how we never stop being Sinfonians, how

every waking moment is one in which we can

apply our ideals.”

– Paul Keene, Omicron Nu (Christopher

Newport) ’10

“This conference left me speechless. I learned so

much about the Fraternity and myself. I reflected

a lot on how I treat other brothers, and it was

good to see other brothers who had the same pas-

sion for Sinfonia.”

– Willie Garner, Nu Psi (Shenandoah) ’09

Sinfonia Fireside Conference Midwest took

place April 8-10, 2011, on the campus of

Butler University. You can read more about the

event and find out about future opportunities

by visiting www.sinfonia.org/fireside.


> Brothers gathered at Fireside Conference Northeast to learn the latest in Fraternity education principles and practices.

> Brothers in attendance at Fireside Northeast had the opportunity to meet and ask questions of National President John Mongiovi and National Vice-President Mark Lichtenberg.

memories from a

Photo courtesy of Eugene Robbins


a WORLD WAR

This year will mark the 70thanniversary of America’s entranceinto World War II, following thebombing of Pearl Harbor onDecember 7, 1941. During theyears that followed, collegeenrollment plummeted as virtuallyall able-bodied young menjoined the military effort. ManySinfonians defended America inWWII, and some returned hometo continue with their collegeeducation and to continue livingtheir lives.


BY MATTHEW R. KOPERNIAK, EPSILON LAMBDA (GEORGIA) ’99

8 The Sinfonian May 2011 Phot

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MEMORIES OF WWII Two veteran Sinfonians,

Dr. Lavan R. Robinson, Beta

Omega (Louisiana State) ’48,

and Dr. Olin G. Parker,

Gamma Mu (Bethany) ’41,

shared their experiences in

World War II. Incidentally,

both men went on to serve

the Fraternity as Province

Governors for many years,

and both men are now the

namesakes of annual chapter-

sponsored music scholarships

given in their honor; Dr.

Robinson — Valdosta State University (Zeta

Gamma Chapter); and Dr. Parker — University

of Georgia (Epsilon Lambda Chapter).

JOINING THE ARMYBefore the attack on Pearl Harbor, the coun-

try was well aware of the war brewing in

Europe and most young men expected to

serve eventually. As a student at Bethany

College, Dr. Parker had not yet completed his

undergraduate degree when he entered the

enlisted reserve and was subsequently called

into service. He reported to Fort Leavenworth,

Kansas, where the men were separated by

last name for basic training: A-D went to

Florida, D-H were sent to Arkansas, and I-Z

went to California.

“After 13 weeks of basic infantry training,”

Parker recalls, “we had a choice as to what we

wanted to apply for. The choices, they were not

good, as far as I was concerned.”

After basic training in California, Parker was

sent to Seattle where he was a “filler.”

He explains, “When units were being

shipped overseas, sometimes guys would go

AWOL and wouldn’t go, and we would fill

their place.”

Dr. Robinson was attending Louisiana Tech

prior to joining the Army and was able to fin-

ish his degree before entering military service.

“When the Germans entered France,”

Robinson says, “I knew my time would be

very soon.”

Robinson recalls being outside on campus

on Sunday, December 7, 1941.

“Everybody started to talk about it, and then

the next morning, that’s when Roosevelt gave

that great speech, ‘The Day that shall live in

Infamy.’” Parker notes, “At that time, everyone

was headed in one direction: ‘Win the war.

Win, win, win.’ The country has become so

divisive now, you can’t imagine how unified

everyone was then.”

Robinson underwent officer training at Fort

Benning and became a First Lieutenant in the

Army Infantry in the Blackhawk Division.

“Everyone wanted to go in the Air Force,

but not me. I wanted to keep my feet solid on

the ground. Infantry suited me fine!” He

recalls, “I was trying to be the best soldier, the

best officer I could be.”

Robinson’s unit spent time training in

Louisiana, Texas, and California before enter-

ing the war overseas.

THE EUROPEAN FRONTRobinson’s unit had been training for

deployment in the Pacific when General

Dwight D. Eisenhower assigned them to go to

Europe due to a need for more troops.

“At that time you had no idea where you

were going,” explains Robinson. “They didn’t

tell us. They thought the enemy would get a

hold of it.”

Robinson’s unit arrived in France, just after

the Battle of the Bulge, and for a week stayed

in a staging camp, commonly known as a

“Cigarette Camp,” approximately 40 miles

from the ship where they disembarked.

“They named them after cigarettes,”

Robinson says. “I think mine was ‘Old Gold.’”

Robinson’s unit progressed from France into

Belgium, and then into Holland via “forty-

Dr. Lavan R. Robinson,Beta Omega (LouisianaState) ’48

Dr. Olin G. Parker,Gamma Mu (Bethany) ’41

and-eights” — trains in which each boxcar

held forty men or eight horses. Upon

being alerted to enemy aircraft, Robinson

recalls jumping from the boxcar, tumbling

and scrambling into ditches to avoid

enemy fire.

When his unit reached Bonn, Germany,

they crossed the Rhine River with orders

to join General George Patton.

“And that was something else,” he

exclaims, “trying to keep up with him!”

After clearing the enemy out of Bonn,

they continued traveling.

“You were being fired at all the time,” he

says. “I didn’t lose any men in my platoon

until we got to the Danube River. One

of my men was hit with a field artillery

piece, it tore him all to pieces. That was

very sad.”

After crossing the Danube and covering

more terrain, Robinson lost his company

commander and had to lead his platoon

through the Bigge River, almost frozen

over and very icy. After crossing through

the river, his troops began to draw fire.

“That was my worst time. The whole

night, freezing cold, with wet clothing on,”

he describes.

He and his troops found some foxholes

in which they quickly hid and spent the

night trading fire. When the sun came out

the next morning, the soldiers discovered

the foxholes were littered with arms and

legs of soldiers from a previous skirmish.

Robinson realized the end of the war in

Europe was approaching as enemy troops

began surrendering.

“They would come in big groups with

their hands up high,” he says.

By the time the war ended in Europe,

Robinson’s platoon had traveled all the way

to Salzburg, Austria. Shortly afterwards,

Robinson was sent to Paris to help with

training for a school that would be

conducted by American troops.

“That was right at the end of war,” he

remembers. “We had a great time. All the

troops went out at night, and we’d stay out

until 3:00 in the morning.”

THE PACIFIC THEATREAfter his basic training was completed

and he arrived in Seattle, Parker was

assigned to the Airborne Anti-aircraft

Artillery unit.

Parker describes, “That unit turned out

to be mostly made up of young men from

the New York and New Jersey areas. You’re

talking about being a frog out of a pond! I

was a naïve, young country boy from

Western Kansas.”

Parker’s unit boarded a cargo ship and

sailed to northern Australia where they

were deployed to New Guinea. At that

point in time, the Japanese had pushed all

the way down through the Philippines and

to the tip of Australia.

“I was commissioned during that time,”

he recalls, “taken from that outfit to anoth-

er unit as a second lieutenant. I spent, as a

total with two different units, twenty

uninterrupted months in the jungles of

New Guinea.”

At the time, fighter planes could not

fly for long periods of time so engineers

established small air fields for the planes

to “do the hop-skipping-and-jumping

from Australia to Japan,” explained

Parker. During those long months in the

jungle, Parker’s unit was responsible for

protecting the airfields being built

throughout New Guinea, both from

enemy infiltration in the jungle and from

enemy planes overhead.

“Remember, the planes then would

probably fly 200-250 miles per hour, not

500, and they were flying low where they

could be reached,” he says.

He and his troops used height finders to

assist in shooting at moving targets.

> USS SHAW exploding during the Japanese raid on Pearl Harbor. December 7, 1941.

Photo Courtesy of U.S. National Archives


He explains, “We were estimating and

firing at planes that were trying to take us

out, and trying to take out the planes on

the ground.”

Parker fondly describes the return of

Allied fighter planes back to the airfields.

“You know what a P38 fighter plane is?”

asks Parker.

“It had two fuselages, so it was intro-

duced, probably, in the middle of the

war, and was really a sight to be seen,” he

describes. “It was a good plane, and we

saw a lot of them come back and do the

victory roll. That was our main enjoy-

ment, I think, in the whole thing.”

News from the European front was

nonexistent in the Pacific.

“We didn’t know what was going on in

Europe,” he says. “Radio transmissions

were not good. We did have some kind

of radio, and you’ve heard maybe of

Tokyo Rose, who was a propagandist, and

tried to convince us we should all pack

up and go home to our loved ones, and

played our kind of music. I don’t know

if she ever convinced anyone they could

go AWOL and try to go home. We just

didn’t have that attitude.”

Among his experiences during those

twenty months, Parker proudly remembers

meeting another Sinfonian in the jungles of

New Guinea, although it was only a brief

encounter in which the two men did not

have much time to get to know each other.

Parker’s description of the availability of

drinking water in jungle was not as fond.

“There were a lot of rivers in the jungles,

but you dare not drink it” he recalls. “The

water they fixed for us to fill our canteens

— blister bags — had a rubber lining.

And, rubber linings taste so terrible

(laughs), so terrible. And, of course, if

you’ve never tasted synthetic milk, why,

you’re lucky! It is not good.”

After Parker’s unit cleared New Guinea,

they boarded ships that took them to the

coast of Japan.

Parker explains, “We were poised on

Northern Luzon (in the

Philippines) ready for the inva-

sion of Japan. The ships were

there, and we had

weapons and mobility and trucks, and

jeeps, and the whole bit. And the LSTs …

big long boat, that opens in the front,

drives up on the beach, and people go out

the front.”

When the Japanese surrendered prior to

invasion, Parker and his men were

deployed to Tokyo where they spent six

months as military police.

THE WAR DRAWING TO A CLOSE

Meanwhile, back in Europe, after

spending two weeks in Paris, Robinson

received orders to take his troops to the

concentration camp at Dachau, Germany.

After locating his platoon in Mannheim

they proceeded to the camps.

“It was a terrible place … there were

dead people on the streets,” he describes.

“The first day we went into Dachau … the

stench was so terrible, the dead people

there. The train had brought in a group of

Jewish people from another area, and they

killed them when they found out

Germany had surrendered, right there on

the train.”

For days, Robinson couldn’t eat, due to

the overwhelming odor.

“War is hell,” he says, “and it really

is true.”

One of Robinson’s duties was to provide

sustenance for the American troops at

Dachau, and he would travel to Munich

with trucks to procure the food. Coming

back into the concentration camp at

Dachau, there was a sign on the brick

entrance that could be seen as everyone

entered. Robinson described the deceptive

This is a two page spread from the 1943 issue of The Sinfonian. It shows letters written to the Fraternity from brothers serving in the military during WWII. A larger version of this article can be read online at www.sinfonia.org.


nature of the sign, written in German, translat-

ed to “Work Makes You Free.”

Robinson recalls, “The people in that camp,

their work did not make them free.”

Robinson also describes the tents at Dachau

in which prisoners had been told to remove

their clothes in order to take a bath, but instead

were taken into the gas chambers.

“Even in the crematoria there, they had

burned as many of them as they could,” he says.

After the American troops had liberated the

camp, clean-up came slowly.

“The stench was so bad,” he describes, “you

had to get so inured to that smell. You can’t get

it out, all at once. As much as they tried to

fumigate, and do all the things they did, it’s

just there.”

Robinson spent the remainder of the year

at Dachau.

“We had to keep the people who were

starving away from the waste cans,” he

explains. “They would eat so much they’d kill

themselves and we were trying to heal them.”

German doctors and nurses were set up in

the camp in order to treat the liberated prison-

ers and members of the SS (Nazi paramilitary)

were charged with cleaning up the camp.

“We are all frail,” muses Robinson, “and it

could happen to us.”

While Robinson remained at Dachau, most

of his men were deployed to invade Japan,

just prior to the bombing of Hiroshima

and Nagasaki.

“They would have been sent to Japan,”

said Robinson, “and they would have been

wiped out.”

Both Parker and Robinson acknowledged

the controversy in later years of President

Truman’s decision to use nuclear weapons to

end the war as compared to the likelihood of

vast American casualties by invading Japan.

“My daughter once told me that we should-

n’t have dropped the bomb,” comments Parker.

“I told her plainly, ‘If we hadn’t, there would

be a 50% chance you would not be here

right now.’”

He adds, “I’m so glad we dropped that

bomb. My dear friends, and people we served

with, would all be dead. There are so many

arguments for and against it, but I think you’d

be for it if it would save your life.”

Parker returned to school following his serv-

ice in WWII, but stayed in the active reserves.

Six years after returning from Japan, Parker was

called back into service and was sent to Korea.

“At that time, the country became divided and

probably with good reason,” says Parker, “Most

of the people who went into Korea came

through World War II and heard all the

propaganda that we fought that war to end all

wars. And, here we were, back in Korea, a few

years later. In my mind, that is when people

started having different ideas, instead of

thinking as one.”

REFLECTIONSOf his experience as a First Lieutenant,

Robinson says, “You are a master of your

troops. You’ve got to be in control. You’ve got

to lead them. You’ve got to be a soldier to

do that. You’d do a lot of things you wouldn’t

normally do. You’d command them to do

something, and they didn’t mind doing it for

me, because they knew I had done it before.

“My greatest fear was that I would do some-

thing stupid. And, it’s easy to do something

stupid, it really is. The cold weather, you’re

freezing, you’re mad, and you’re angry, and you

can easily make mistakes and get people killed.

My greatest fear was that I would let them

down in some way. I would have died before I

would have let them down.”

Parker received his commission midway

through his time in New Guinea, becoming a

Second Lieutenant.

May 2011 The Sinfonian 11 Phot

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“As an officer, I had different kinds of

responsibilities. One of the saddest ones, not

talking about casualties, was sending a sergeant

home blind.”

He explains, “Out in the jungles, there was

big bamboo where it was easy for them to

make cups. We had plenty of sugar and synthe-

sized food stuffs. When they had a respite, the

men would steal sugar and heat up food using

little pots of cooking alcohol. Out in the woods

they would make small stills using the alcohol

mixed with sugar. One soldier made his too

strong and it blinded him.”

“Being responsible for men who would do

that kind of thing was not enjoyable.”

Both Parker and Robinson went on to

have long careers as music professors at the uni-

versity level. The lessons they learned in World

War II have stuck with them through this very

day. “World War II was instrumental in my

development as an individual,” reflects Parker,

“I learned how to get along with everybody.

Aside from war, I hope I have never made

any enemies.

“Suddenly having to become a grown-up, I

missed a lot of things that I know today’s

young people do in their early 20s, because I

was in the war. I think that has done me good

for my entire life, and my spirituality, and my

emotional state, as well as always wanting to

have more education.”

“I proved my manhood, and that gave me a

lot of confidence,” adds Robinson. “Thank

God I was successful at doing what I did. I

went to school, I worked very hard, studied

hard, went to all kinds of workshops to make

myself better in my profession, in teaching.”

Both Robinson and his wife taught music

for many years.

He summarizes, “Music has been my life.”

“The hope for America is to still keep our

faith in our abilities to each other, and to speak

and to do this in truth,” says Robinson. “This

is still a great nation, a great country. It is the

greatest I’ve seen.”

Both Robinson and Parker, along with all

veterans of World War II, are true American

heroes. Both men, however, are very humble

when describing their contributions.

“I’ll be the first one to say, I was no hero,”

says Parker, “I got the Bronze Star, which is a

pretty automatic thing if you have honorable

service. No Purple Heart, or anything.”

“A hero is someone who does more

outstanding things than I did. The people who

were killed, they are the heroes,” says Robinson.

“I just thank God that I stayed alive.”

We owe all our Sinfonian veterans, living

and deceased, a debt of gratitude for their

service. Our country and our Fraternity have

benefitted from their immeasurable sacrifices

and leadership.

Do you know a Sinfonian veteran of World

War II? Would he be willing to record his

experiences for the national archives? Contact

[email protected].


“The hope for America,

is to still keep our faith

in our abilities to each

other, and to speak and

to do this in truth. This

is still a great nation, a

great country. It is the

greatest I’ve seen.”

– Dr. Lavan R. RobinsonBeta Omega, ’48

Phot

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Robb

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SINFONIA DURING WORLD WAR IIAlong with the effect felt by the many Sinfonians who fought in World War II, it

had affected the operations of Phi Mu Alpha. Depleted membership rosters, barelyactive collegiate chapters, and a tight national budget threatened the future existenceof the Fraternity. As a result, the national leadership tasked themselves to find means necessary to thrive.

The following excerpts from the Centennial History, written by Dr. T. JervisUnderwood, Gamma Theta (North Texas) ’54, provide insight into the steps theFraternity took during this crisis.

THE SECOND WORLD WARAfter the attack on Pearl Harbor brought the United States

into the war, it quickly became apparent that American society

was in for profound changes, and the same was true for Phi Mu

Alpha. With the organization already feeling the effects of the

wartime mobilization, the National Executive Committee met

on November 15, 1942, to chart the course of the fraternity for

the duration of the war.

The meeting was attended by Supreme President Norval

Church, supreme Secretary-Treasurer Casey Lutton, Executive

Committeemen James T. Quarles, Arthur E. Westbrook, and

Clarence Deakins, and Supreme Historian Alvah A. Beecher.

Supreme Vice President Adolph W. Otterstein was strangely

absent, being “not invited” with explanation refused by

President Church. The exact reason for the vice president’s

absence remains a mystery, but a letter from Otterstein to the

supreme councilmen of the chapters, dated December 5, 1942,

states that he had enlisted in the military.

The Executive Committee took a number of actions to deal

with the emergency facing them. They canceled the national

convention that was scheduled in December and voted to col-

lect the convention tax that was due and invest it in government

bonds, holding it in escrow until it should be needed to fund a

convention. They voted to suspend further assessment of the

convention tax until after the next convention. As an emergency

measure, they amended the Constitution to permit election

of national officers by mail, and mailed out ballots with the

Committee’s nominations and blank lines for write-in votes.

A mail ballot was also necessary in 1944.

Executive Committee minutes preserved from 1942, 1943,

and 1944, and the Sinfonians printed during the war (spring

and fall, 1942; fall, 1944; spring and fall, 1946) reveal that the

Executive Committee struggled to keep as much of the

Sinfonian tradition and program going as possible. Because

membership was severely depleted, with many chapters kept

functioning by alumni faculty members, fraternity income was

only a fraction of normal. The Sinfonians were kept full of news

from Sinfonians in the armed forces, and there was constant

focus on and support of music in the armed forces. A special

division of the composition contest was created for men in

the military.

The war had a profound effect on Sinfonia, with no conven-

tions between 1940 and 1946, and no new chapters chartered

between May of 1942 and February of 1947. With very few

young men enrolled in college music programs, many active

chapters simply ceased to function. Coming so soon after the

troubles of the depression, the difficulties brought on by World

War II might have provoked even greater uncertainty about the

future of the organization then the problems of the first war.

This time, however, a strong National Executive Committee

(with Casey Lutton) was in place, many chapters had estab-

lished strong traditions, and there existed the general stability

and organization that had been established during and after the

Dykema years. At the end of the war, Sinfonia was poised for

the most dramatic growth in its entire history.

Sinfonia Educational Foundation


National Convention Ensemble FundThe Sinfonia Educational Foundation (SEF)

has created a new fund to directly support themusic ensembles at our National Conventions.The National Convention Ensemble Fund was created to cover the costs associated withsupporting the rehearsals and performances of each ensemble, which include:

• Purchasing of music• Travel Grants for participants, and• Honorariums, lodging and travel for clinicians

The first ensemble, Sinfonia Winds, wasintroduced at the 2006 National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio. In 2009, two additionalensembles, the 1898 Jazz Orchestra and Men of Song, were created to provide additional musical opportunities for the diverse musicalbackground of our members. More than 100Sinfonians participated in the three ensembles at the last convention. The SEF also providedadditional funding for this program throughtravel grants for participants.

In order to fully fund the National Conv-ention Ensembles, the SEF needs to raise a totalof $15,000 by the summer of 2012. As a part ofthis fundraising effort, the Fraternity’s alumniassociations have already begun to collectivelysupport this program. This commitment speaksvolumes to our membership about the impor-tant role that music plays in our Fraternity andthe willingness of our alumni to support it.

Chapter FundsIn 2010, the SEF launched Chapter Funds, a

program allowing members to contribute to theeducational and charitable programs of specificcollegiate chapters. Through this program,donors can designate tax deductible contribu-tions to the chapter of their choosing.

In order to access their funds, chapters submita grant application describing the program needing support. The SEF evaluates each requestto determine the eligibility of the project to besupported and the availability of the funding.Grant applications are accepted throughout theschool year and are evaluated as they are received.

SINFONIA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION:GROWING OUR NEW PROGRAMS

The Sinfonia Educational Foundation has taken great strides in the last year to increaseits ability to support Sinfonia and provide opportunities for collegiate members to havememorable fraternal experiences. With already established scholarships and travel assistance grants, the SEF aims to bring added attention to some of its newer programsto advance the mission of Sinfonia.

> The 1898 Jazz Orchestra worked with Man of Music recipient, Jamey Aebersold, Gamma Tau (Indiana) ’58.

The SEF will create and administer separatefunds which can be created for any chapter ingood standing upon the signing of a ChapterFund Agreement. Contributions made to theFoundation and noting the designated chapterand fund are treated as restricted gifts anddeposited into the designated fund. For moreinformation about this exciting new program, goto www.sinfonia.org/sef/grants/chapterfunds.

Robert L. Hause Memorial ScholarshipTo honor the contributions of Past National

President Robert L. Hause III, Epsilon(Michigan) ’55, the Sinfonia EducationalFoundation has created a memorial scholarshipfund to endow a future scholarship in his name.Hause served the Fraternity in many roles,including Faculty Advisor to the Zeta Psi chapter at East Carolina University from 1972-76; Governor of Province 20 from 1976-94;National Executive Committee as Committee-man at Large and President of the SinfoniaEducational Foundation from 1985-91. Hewas elected National President of Phi Mu AlphaSinfonia at the 1991 National Convention, andserved in that office until 1994.

Brother Hause passed away on February 4,2010. The day following Brother Hause’sdeath, more than 100 Sinfonians from acrossthe state of North Carolina attended the 2010Province 20 Workshop held on the campus ofEast Carolina University. They joined membersof the Hause family in a celebration of BrotherHause’s life and achievements, and to witnessthe posthumous presentation of the OrpheusAward and the Province 20 Leadership Award.

The SEF has kicked off a campaign to raisethe funds needed to establish this scholarship.Once the fund reaches its initial goal of$15,000, the scholarship will be created andadded to the thousands of dollars the SEF distributes annually as a part of its scholarshipprogram.

The SEF continues to see increased demandfor its existing programs. A record number ofbrothers applied for scholarships this spring andthe number of requests for travel assistance has

also grown. The SEF is looking for ways toexpand all of its programs. To help support thefuture of our Fraternity and these collegiatebrothers, please go to http://givetosinfonia.org

>Send us your thoughts!Give us feedback regarding these programs. Send your commentsto [email protected].


> The Kappa Zeta Chapter took time to support a charitable project through Habitat for Humanity.

Alumni Accent


In spring 2009, Province 27 voted to start a

new initiative in its pursuit of excellence in

alumni relations at their province workshop.

Approved by their Province Council, the

Adopt-a-Chapter Initiative was created to solve

the problems of finding alumni of inactive

chapters and to shore up the unmailable statis-

tics of the province as a whole.

Many alumni of formerly active chapters

often feel somewhat disengaged from fraternal

activity simply because they do not have an

active chapter to call home. This initiative is a

potential aid for these disconnected brothers to

once again be invited back into the fold of

active brothers. Each active chapter was given

an inactive chapter to “adopt” so that the

collegiate brothers could search for “missing”

alumni from the adopted inactive chapter.

This could appear to be a daunting

prospect, especially at schools where the

chapter has been inactive for many years,

or, in the specific case of Beta Chapter at

Combs College, the sheltering institution no

longer exists.

At the onset, there were more than 800

alumni unaccounted for in Province 27, and

many of them came from inactive chapters.

Several chapters have located missing alumni

using online resources, networking sites, and

college alumni affairs office resources. Even

public records have helped determine the

whereabouts of missing alumni.

Early results of this initiative have been

extremely promising. The Nu Psi Chapter at

Shenandoah University was the first to

undertake this initiative and was able to locate

42 alumni who were previously disconnected

from Sinfonia.

Combined with the additional premise

that the initiative is a long-term project, the

potential for this initiative’s larger success will

eventually be more defined as time and work

progresses. To only find 100 of those 800 alum-

ni would increase mailability in the province

by approximately 12%. The potential to make

a difference to our alumni here is too great

to ignore!

“I am so impressed with the collegiate body

of Sinfonians in Province 27 for seeing this as

an important issue not only to Sinfonia, but to

their daily lives as Sinfonians and acting on this

by making it a priority for all of us!” reflects Jeff

Hoffman, Lambda Beta (Susquehanna) ’88,

Province Governor, Province 27.

Until a recent realignment of province

boundaries, a number of active and inactive

chapters, including the Beta Chapter were a

part of Province 27. As these chapters have

moved into a new province, we hope the

energy they shared within our province will

continue to drive the initiative and encourage

other chapters they’ve joined to participate,

therefore increasing its scope.

The scope of the initiative becoming a

national objective brings massive promise on

a large-scale, long-range level, and is certainly

an organized way to tackle a complex problem.

Brothers across the nation can certainly agree

that we need to make our alumni relations

a priority — this is one way that it can happen!

Consider that this is not only a game

of numbers and statistics. These are our

brothers, and some of them have lost the sense

of connection that brought us together in the

first place. If we are willing to make the effort as

a fraternity to reach out to them, perhaps we

may just affect more than simple percentages.

We can demonstrate that the power of music,

which has brought us together in brotherly

association, goes well beyond our collegiate

experience. We will let them know the door

of brotherhood is always open to them, and

is much more powerful than an improvement

in percentages.

When we consider what we do as

Sinfonians to instill in each other the best

fraternal spirit and foster loyalty to our alma

maters, the meaningfulness of this initiative

becomes clear. It will always let us proceed

boldly onward and ever upward.

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

Director of Alumni Engagement

PROVINCE 27 BEGINS

“Adopt-A Chapter”

BY CHRISTOPHER E. SEXTONNu Psi (Shenandoah) ’95, Province Alumni Coordinator, Province 27

“I am so impressed with the collegiate body of Sinfonians in Province 27 for seeing this as an important issue not only to Sinfonia, but to their daily lives as Sinfonians and acting on this by making it a priority for all of us!” - Jeff Hoffman, Lambda Beta (Susquehanna) ’88, Province Governor, Province 27


> Central Florida Alumni Association

Central Florida Alumni AssociationThe alumni association participated in several activities, including the

election of new officers, attending Fall Kick-Off for Province 13, and participating in Sinfonian ensembles led by collegiate members, such asSinfonian Jazz and Sinfonian Brass. We assisted the Music Department ofthe University of Central Florida with moving into a new music buildingat the start of the semester. Members also performed as a part of the MuEta Chapter’s American Composers Recital.

Central Ohio Alumni AssociationSince our reactivation in November, we have been busy recruiting new

members and laying the groundwork for the future. We have been hold-ing regular business meetings and monthly social activities. Over the pastfew months we have created a new website, re-established our Facebookpage and established a Twitter account to help with communications.

Chicago Area Alumni AssociationOur alumni association helped in organizing the Sinfonia Reception

at the 2010 Midwest Clinic in December. Brothers from all over joinedtogether as the Fraternity presented the National Citation to Tuba Christmas. In its 37th year, Tuba Christmas is administered by The Harvey Phillips Foundation and is held in over 250 cities around the world. Brothers spent the evening socializing, singing and serenading Harvey Philips’ widow, Carol, who accepted the award onHarvey’s behalf.

Tampa Bay Alumni AssociationCelebrating its one year anniversary, the association has an aggressive

agenda to support the endeavors of the Fraternity and local colle-giate chapters while developing meaningful professional, social, andfriendly relationships amongst alumni brothers. Innovative approaches tothe alumnus experience such as “seminar workshops” instead of more formal business meetings, coupled with social events around the area,ensures members receive a wholesome experience while reminiscing on collegiate memories.

Washington D.C. Area Alumni AssociationOur year started with a Founder’s Day cookout and smoker to install

new officers. November saw the first of what will hopefully be a series ofthemed meetings with prizes awarded to whoever best represented theoverall theme. We attended the chartering of the Sigma Gamma Chapterand the Northeast Sinfonia Fireside Conference. We also celebrated ourAssociation Day Dinner at Gadsby’s Tavern in historic Alexandria, Va.

Central Wisconsin Alumni Interest GroupWe have continued to meet regularly as we prepare for our eventual

petition. During our monthly dinner in October, we were joined byMike Mitchell, Xi Omicron (Wisconsin-Stevens Point) ’06, who has been accepted into basic training with the U.S. Air Force. Thanks to thebrothers from the Gamma Beta Chapter and Delta Nu Chapter whoattended the Ritual for the Xi Omicron Chapter.

Pittsburgh Area Alumni Interest GroupGreetings from Steel City! Our group has been meeting since July

2010 and is continuing to grow every month. Last fall our group went Bowling at Arsenal Lanes and we had a blast. We are currentlyworking toward our chartering as an alumni association and we encour-age brothers in the Pittsburgh area to join us. As we move forward and plan our future events and building a presence of Sinfonia in our city.

> Central Ohio Alumni Association

Alumni Accent


Alumni UpdatesDevin Burgess, Omicron Iota (Wisconsin-Platteville) ’04, and Eric de

los Santos, Nu Eta (Texas-San Antonio) ’98, played in the Tundra Line,a drum line used by the Green Bay Packers during home games.

Alan L. Gordon, Xi Omega (Frostburg State) ’75, was namedPotentate of the Almas Shrine in Washington, DC. The AlmasShrine is the local chapter of Shriners International, which was char-tered in 1886. The title of Potentate is the equivalent of a President.

Christopher Monhollen, Theta Tau (Austin Peay State) ’06, wasthe winner of the Lucky Break Country Music singing competitionin June 2010. The competition, held at the Lone Butte Casino inPhoenix, Ariz., is a 22-week elimination contest. Monhollen won acash prize and an audition with a major record label executive.

Matthew Oltman, Pi(Simpson) ’95, is the MusicDirector for Chanticleer. Hejoined the group in 1999 andwas appointed AssistantMusic Director in 2004under Joseph Jennings, PiUpsilon (Colorado State) ’79.He took over artistic leader-ship of the company follow-ing Mr. Jennings’s retirementin 2009. Oltman joins fellowSinfonians Eric Altorre,Omicron Pi (Cal State-Fullerton) ’84, and CortezMitchell, Pi Eta (MorganState) ’01, in the worldrenowned vocal ensemble.

Besides being grandfather, father, and son, Val, Greg, and EricRose are all brothers in Sinfonia. Valerye Rose, Eta Mu (Lamar) ’97-Fac., retired from his very successful career as band director atNederland High School. Val’s son, Gregory Rose, Mu Xi (Stephen F. Austin State) ’81, is currently the band director at the same school. His grandson, Eric Rose, Mu Xi ’10, is a sophomore atLamar University, majoring in music education, playing piano and trombone.

J. Kevin Powell, Zeta Iota (Howard) ’98, is the creator and pub-lisher of Sophisticated Groom, a quarterly publication specifically tailored toward potential and newlywed grooms. Kyle C. Coleman,Zeta Iota ’98, is a graphic designer for the magazine.


Alumni Association ContactsAtlanta – Jason Locker

[email protected] – Tarrance Hughes

[email protected] Florida – Thomas Hyder

[email protected] Ohio – Sam Selvage

[email protected] – T.J. Houlihan

[email protected] Georgia – Raymond Patricio

[email protected]/Ft.Worth – Chad Strother

[email protected] Houston – Kyle Norman

[email protected] Angeles – Christopher Thaxter

[email protected] Milwaukee – Thomas Volbrecht

[email protected] York City – Dave Roush

[email protected] Alabama – Ben Cunningham

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

[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] Jersey: Northern – John Alston

[email protected] Carolina: Fayetteville – David Crow

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

[email protected]: Pittsburgh – Jon Engel

[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 Notes

Dr. Michael Braz S, Beta Tau (Miami) ’67, accepted an assignment with the United States Peace Corps working in Armenia as a Secondary Education EnglishTeacher Trainer. He will depart for training and service in May 2011. Coinciding with his Peace Corps assignment, Braz is retiring as a professor at GeorgiaSouthern University after 24 years.

Lt. Governor Becky Skillman of Indiana recently presented the Partner in Progress Award to Mark Eutsler S,Gamma Omega (Indiana State) ’77. The award recog-nizes those who serve with vision and integrity, work for others, stand with friends and neighbors to accom-plish something great, and have lasting impact on theState of Indiana. It is the highest award presented by theLt. Governor. Eutsler was recognized for his work with Ivy Tech Community College, Mid-Land Meals,Inc., and the Indiana Occupational Safety StandardsCommission.

Alumni Accent


Sinfonians in CirculationLove in a New Key by Michael Braz (audio CD)

Michael Braz S, Beta Tau (University ofMiami) ’67, has released his third keyboardalbum, Love in a New Key. Produced insupport of the Averitt Center for the Arts

(Statesboro, GA), the album’s 13 varied selections include filmthemes, folk and classical adaptations and original material fromfriends and students.

Selected tracks can be purchased through iTunes and the complete album is available at www.averittcenterforthearts.orgor by calling (912) 212-ARTS.

Long Time Comin’ by Vi Wickam (audio CD)

Long Time Comin’ is the debut album byVi Wickam, Epsilon Upsilon (Evansville) ’95.The album presents a new spin on traditionaltunes with fresh takes on modern favorites,

and features nationally recognized jazz vocalist Mandy Harvey.Long Time Comin’ is available on iTunes. You can get more

information at www.vithefiddler.com.

Between the Sun and Moonby Tim Korry (audio CD)

Tim Korry, Alpha Tau (Wittenburg) ’91, has released his second album, Between the Sun and Moon. The 6-track EP is a culminationof alternative pop and rock with hints of retro

and a splash of World Music. No two songs are alike, and the album will leave you waiting to hear more from this artist.

Between the Sun and Moon is currently available digitally on iTunesand Amazon. More information can be found at www.TimKorry.com.

My Own Sweet Time by Dr. Christopher White (audio CD)

Dr. Christopher White, Xi Theta(Radford) ’09-Fac., has released an album of all original compositions for 9-piece jazzensemble on the ARC Label. The album is

performed entirely by Sinfonians, including members from the XiTheta Chapter, Gamma Alpha Chapter, Alpha Rho Chapter, PiMu Chapter, and Iota Delta Chapter. Visit www.pandemusicum.comfor more information.

My Own Sweet Time can be purchased through CDBabyand iTunes.

DO YOU LISTEN TO ANY MUSIC

ON VINYL RECORDS?

WHAT IS YOURFAVORITE THING FOR BREAKFAST?

HAVE YOU SEEN AMUSICAL ONBROADWAY?WHICH ONE?

HAVE YOU EVERWORN ANYTHING

THAT WAS TIE-DYED?

DO YOU HAVEANY SUMMER

TRAVEL PLANS?IS SO, WHERE?

SugaryCereals

A ChorusLine and

Mamma Mia

No

Rent

The Soundof Music

Yes

Yes

Yes

Not sure…maybe

Evansville

None yet!

Poland andItaly

Sausage gravy and biscuits

Dr. John Brian Heath,Zeta Psi (East Carolina) ’89

Andrew Owen,Theta Upsilon (Delta State) ’06

Chris Walters,Pi Delta (Vanderbilt) ’00

John Beck,Alpha Nu (Eastman) ’52

What are those again?

No

Yes

Turkey bacon with grits and

chocolate milk

Off the Charts: A Sinfonian View of Pop Culture

Yes Cereal and banana

Staying in theBoston area

Yes

Phillip H, Albright, Alpha Nu (Eastman) ’47.Performed with the National Symphony inWashington, D.C. and the St. Louis Symphony.Taught for 34 years at Ball State University as professor of double bass.

Calvin J. Anderson, Delta Phi (Lewis & Clark) ’52.Active singer and pianist in the northwest who performed in ensembles and as a soloist. Wrote jingles for area businesses.

Dr. Horace C. Boyer, Sigma Phi (Brevard) ’68.Accomplished scholar in African-American gospelmusic with over 40 articles published on the topic.Performed as a singer with his brother under thename “The Famous Boyer Brothers.”

Elliott A. Charnow, Beta Eta (San Jose State) ’61.Spent nearly 30 years teaching music at ChabotCollege in Hayward, Calif. Retired in 2000, endedhis career at the college as Dean of Humanities.

Dr. Henry L. Clay, Delta Epsilon (Louisiana-Lafayette) ’47. Began career as a music teacher andlater became a high school counselor. Served asDirector of Federal Programs and Director ofCurriculum and Instruction for 20 years for theAcadia Parish School Board. Received the “Educatorof the Year Award” from the Louisiana Association of School Executives.

Dr. Charles Crupi, Beta Iota (Albion) ’03-Fac.Emeritus professor of English at Albion College.Author, playwright and theater director.

Dr. Richard S. Halsey, Alpha (New EnglandConservatory) ’53. Established author and advocateof citizen action. Professor at SUNY Albany anddean of School of Information and Policy.

Eugene G. Kuyper, Upsilon (Nebraska) ’51. Servedas the first faculty advisor for the Sigma Chi Chapterat Henderson State University.

Melvin E. Mackey, Epsilon Pi (Hartwick) ’52.Taught music for 33 years in the Tioga CentralSchools in Upstate New York. Served in the U.S. Army.

Donald H. Miller, Gamma Mu (Bethany) ’40. Spent over 30 years as a music teacher and adminis-trator in the Chapman School District. Served in the U.S. Armed Forces during WWII.

Dr. Harvey G. Phillips, Gamma Alpha (JamesMadison) ’80-Hon. Highly regarded tuba soloist.Distinguished professor emeritus of the Departmentof Music at Indiana University. Only wind instru-ment player to be inducted into the Classical MusicHall of Fame.

Dr. Rawn W. Spearman, Sr., Beta Gamma(Columbia) ’62. Distinguished baritone whose reper-toire includes classical music and performances onBroadway. Recognized for his lifetime achievementsin music by numerous groups, including theNational Opera Association.

Rexford P. Thuston, Gamma Omicron (Wayne State)’42. Established musician and longtime educator inthe Detroit, Mich. area. Served in the U.S. Armyduring WWII.

Wesley T. Westrum, Epsilon Tau (EasternWashington) ’62. Taught elementary music methodsand guitar classes at Eastern Washington University.Held position of Associate Director of the Divisionof Creative Arts at the Robert Reid LaboratorySchool. Served in the U.S. Navy during WWII.

Kenneth J. Wing, Lambda Phi (Mississippi State)’70. Employed as Sales Vice President for HighlandCapital Brokerage. Served as first collegiate represen-tative on the NEC from 1974-76.

Marvin C. Zoschke, Xi (Kansas) ’43. Active musi-cian, educator and businessman. Started career as aviolinist and was concertmaster of the Beaumont(Tex.) Symphony Orchestra. Opened the BaldwinPiano Center in 1955 in Beaumont. Served in theArmy Air Corps during WWII.

The Final Chord


Albion College – Beta IotaDr. Charles Crupi ’03-Fac. – 6/3/2010Baylor University – Gamma IotaJohn G. Peck, Jr. ’55 – 1/27/2011Bethany College – Gamma MuDonald H. Miller ’40 – 10/14/2010Brevard Community College – Sigma PhiDr. Horace C. Boyer ’68 – 7/21/2009Columbia University – Beta GammaEdward F. Jackson ’54 – 9/21/2010Dr. Rawn W. Spearman, Sr. ’62 – 9/17/2009Drake University – Alpha BetaWilliam R. Van Zet ’01 – 1/24/2011Eastern Illinois University – Xi UpsilonBarry L. Jannenga ’66 – 2/13/2010Robert L. Smith ’67 – 11/1/2010Eastern Washington University – Epsilon TauWesley T. Westrum ’62 – 10/8/2010Eastman College of Music – Alpha NuPhillip H. Albright ’47 – 11/30/2010Fisk University – Zeta RhoRobert K. Mauch ’73 – 12/17/2009Hartwick College – Epsilon PiMelvin E. Mackey ’52 – 1/20/2010Ithaca College – Delta

Ralph H. Ringstad, Jr. ’80 – 12/24/2010

James Madison University – Gamma AlphaDr. Harvey G. Phillips ’80-Hon – 10/20/2010Lewis & Clark College – Delta PhiCalvin J. Anderson ’52 – 8/13/2010Miami University – Alpha ThetaFrederick R. Walker ’36 – 2/28/2010Mississippi State University – Lambda PhiKenneth J. Wing ’70 – 9/12/2010Muskingum College – Beta LambdaWilbur R. Schnitker ’43 – 11/1/2010Murray State University – Gamma DeltaRichard S. Johnston ’47 – 9/7/2010George W. Tucker ’42 – 12/7/2009New England Conservatory – AlphaDr. Richard S. Halsey ’53 – 3/28/2010Pittsburg State University – Beta DeltaMerlin B. Zollers, Jr. ’48 – 9/21/2010San Jose State University – Beta EtaElliott A. Charnow ’61 – 11/27/2010Southern Methodist University – Delta UpsilonGene E. Fields ’49 – 9/3/2010Syracuse University – ThetaDino Spagnelli ’53 – 12/13/2010Texas Weslayan University – Gamma ChiStanley H. Crow ’60 – 11/15/2009

University of Florida – Eta OmegaJames G. Hayhurst ’59 – 4/4/2010University of Kansas – XiMarvin C. Zoschke ’43 – 1/20/2011University of Louisiana-Lafayette – Delta EpsilonDr. Henry L. Cary ’47 – 10/1/2010University of Nebraska – UpsilonEugene G. Kuyper ’51 – 11/23/2010University of North Carolina-Pembroke – Eta BetaStanford A. Burke ’71 – 9/24/2010University of Southern Mississippi – Eta PhiRonald D. McCreery ’82-Hon – 7/26/2010University of Wisconsin – PhiTheron R. McClure ’31 – 11/5/2010University of Wyoming – Epsilon PsiJames E. Williamson ’67 – 10/2/2010Wayne State University – Gamma OmicronRexford P. Thuston ’42 – 9/21/2010West Chester University – Rho SigmaGeorge N. Parks ’74 – 9/16/2010Western Kentucky University – Iota MuMSgt. Roy C. Griffin III ’61 – 8/19/2010Western Michigan University – Delta IotaCharles H. Clark ’55 – 6/28/2010Youngstown State University – Delta EtaDr. Robert H. Lurtz ’54 – 9/30/2010

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

#609


THANK YOU TO LIFE LOYAL SINFONIANS #718-752.

Albion College – Beta Iota Garrett A. Lefkowitz ’08 (744) Austin Peay State University – Theta TauAndrew B. Lewis ’08 (727) Ball State University – Delta Lambda David E. Fidler II ’95 (726) Bethune-Cookman College – Pi GammaJacques Durand ’09 (724)California State University-Long Beach – Kappa OmicronJohn-David R. Minjares ’06 (729) Coe College – Beta KappaZachary J. Valentine ’04 (751)Eastern Michigan University – Delta XiLawrence M. Halman ’65 (723) Morehouse College – Xi EtaNathan J. Mayes ’04 (742) Muskingum University – Beta LambdaRussell V. Brown ’00 (737)North Carolina Central University – Rho BetaLeon L. Randle ’06 (725) Northern Illinois University – Epsilon RhoRyan M. Damhoff ’04 (741) Northwest Missouri State University – Upsilon Chi Brian W. Tenclinger ’90 (746) Ouachita Baptist University – Mu Omicron William R. Rudder, Jr. ’64 (738)Pennsylvania State University – Alpha ZetaLuciano A. Cuadra, Jr. ’04 (732) Sam Houston State University – Zeta MuJoshua E. Powell ’00 (735) Shenandoah University – Nu PsiGeorge R. Ingram, III ’87 (718) Samuel S. Rock ’03 (745) Shepherd University – Xi EpsilonJonas D. Dawson ’08 (730) Brian D. Cambrel ’05 (731)

Southwestern Oklahoma State University – Tau PhiNolan A. Lawless ’01 (750)Tennessee State Universit – Eta XiLafayette Price ’69 (722) Truman State University – Upsilon Phi Paul W. Hermanson ’07 (743) University of Central Florida – Mu EtaJames A. Rode ’01 (719) University of Central Missouri – Epsilon GammaSteven L. Fines ’95 (739) University of North Alabama – Pi OmicronLuis D. Fisher ’05 (721) University of Oklahoma – Mu Andrew S. Brown ’06 (720)University of Redlands – Delta PiCurtis R. Zimmerman ’61 (748)University of Southern Mississippi – Eta PhiMaurice T. Grant II ’80 (749)University of Tampa – Pi MuMichael G. Latimer ’06 (734) University of Wisconsin-Platteville – Omicron IotaAaron P. Athas ’04 (736) University of Wisconsin-Whitewater – Xi PiJames D. Snyder ’68 (733)Valdosta State University – Zeta GammaWando M. Holt ’05 (728) Western Illinois University – Kappa PsiZachary J. Friant ’10 (752)Western Kentucky University – Iota Mu Daniel C. Hall ’06 (740) Youngstown State University – Delta EtaDavid W. Kaminsky ’66 (747)

Any names listed in italics are Lifetime or SustainingMembers who upgraded as Life Loyal Sinfonians.

Matthew Allen Treviño is a saxophonist from Corpus Christi,

Tex. where he earned his degree in Music Education at Texas

A&M University-Corpus Christi. He is currently the music

teacher at Franklin Elementary for the San Antonio ISD where

he is active with the San Antonio Alumni Association. Matthew

has served as the CPR, and PAC for Province 9. Brother Trevino

currently serves as the Deputy Province Governor.

Reason #609 Matthew A. Treviño, Kappa Chi (Del Mar College) ’03

Life Loyal Sinfonian

STATISTICSOverall, Life Loyal Sinfonians represent

249 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

• Delta – Ithaca College: 9

• Epsilon Lambda –

University of Georgia: 9

• Xi Pi – University of Wisconsin-

Whitewater: 9

9


Alma College – Iota AlphaIn October, our chapter hosted our second annual Halloween

Concert. This free concert attracted students from all over campus. Theenthusiastic crowd enjoyed performances by Sinfonians and other musicians on campus. Candy and iTunes gift cards were awarded to a raffle-chosen crowd member, the best musical act, and the best costumeof the night. Our chapter assumed responsibility for the concert from thecollege choirs when they could no longer sustain the concert.

Ball State University – Delta LambdaOur chapter has been busy at work, providing service to the commu-

nity while continuing traditions. The first big event was our annual chilicook off. We have been doing this since the 1990s and this year we hada great turnout. The money we raised provided local elementary schoolswith music supplies and piano tuning services. Other events includedsinging for traveling trophies, attending our province workshop, and anoutstanding Mills Music Mission performance.

Butler University – Alpha SigmaOur chapter stressed provincial and national interaction by taking a

road trip to Elmhurst, Ill., to acquire The Percy, visiting Muncie, Ind., toacquire the Province 28 trophy and Valparaiso, Ind., for our ProvinceWorkshop. On campus, we continued our Grilled Cheese Wednesdayfundraiser and put on a Sinfonia Skit Night for the school of music.Most of our energy was spent in preparation as the host chapter for theMidwest Fireside Conference.

Clark Atlantic University – Omicron KappaWe kicked off the semester by formally introducing ourselves to the

campus at the Organization Fair and the Pre-Drill Band Orientation.Other activities included singing at a memorial service, Music on theGreen with Omega Psi Phi, winning the non-Panhellenic Greek Stroll-off, and a joint gospel concert with the Xi Eta Chapter. We ended thesemester with our Annual Christmas Neo-soul Concert in which we col-lected canned goods for the Atlanta Food Bank.

Edinboro University of Pennsylvania – Lambda GammaOur chapter focused on growing socially by participating in home-

coming, as well as helping Alpha Sigma Tau put on a “Singing Bee.” Wewent on a brotherhood cabin retreat for a weekend during which we visited the Flight 93 national memorial. Keeping up with communityservice, we continued our Route 99 clean up. Finally, we welcomed threenew brothers to our chapter.

Elmhurst College – Pi IotaThe chapter focused heavily this semester working on philanthropic

projects. We held our annual Queen of Diamonds Pageant with thesororities on campus, as well as our “Beats N’ Eats” concert series, heldat Potbelly Sandwich Works in Bloomingdale, Ill. Altogether, our effortsraised more than $500 for VH1’s Save the Music Foundation.Additionally, we welcomed four new brothers into our chapter as ourRho probationary member class in December.

Campus Notes

> Collegiate members of the Delta Lambda Chapter performed at their fall recital.

> Members of the Alpha Sigma Chapter took a road trip to Elmhurst College to retrieve The Percy from the Pi Iota Chapter.


Ithaca College – DeltaThe beginning of this school year marked our 110th year as an active

collegiate chapter! Although we were officially chartered on January 28,1901, this didn’t stop us from celebrating early. We performed a concertat a local assisted living community, bringing music and nostalgia to theaging. In addition, we continued our participation in the IthacaIntergenerational Choir, a group we founded with the goal of makingmusic with people of all ages.

Kansas State University – Tau ChapterOur chapter held a composition contest to promote undergraduate stu-

dent composition. The top prize was $100, publishing through PrairieDawg Press, which is owned by Province 7 Governor Bruce Gbur, BetaPhi (Baldwin-Wallace) ’74, and a premiere at our American Music Recital.We had a good turn out and received several high-quality submissions andlook forward to continuing to hold the contest. We also had the privilegeof initiating one honorary member from our music faculty.

Missouri State University – Iota RhoOur peers voted us 2nd best fraternity for 2010 in our campus news-

paper due to increased campus interaction by serenading sororities andhaving our musicale. We were the proud host of our Province Workshop,where we were visited by our National President John Mongiovi. Wehave had multiple fundraisers supporting local music programs plus fourMills Music Missions. We also initiated sixteen new members and areexcited to see what they will do for Sinfonia.

Frostburg State University – Xi OmegaThe chapter had many successful events on campus such as singing to

families and guests after recitals. We had a successful Christmas MillsMusic Mission and recital. The chapter also sang the national anthem atthe Almas Shrine Temple in Washington, D.C. for Alan Gordon, XiOmega ’75, who was named president of Almas Shriners. All of theevents were very successful and were enjoyed by everyone.

Hampton University – Pi BetaWe hosted and participated in several different events. We started off

with a gospel concert, which we performed along with brothers fromNorfolk State University at a local church in Norfolk, Va. Later in thesemester, the chapter performed a Mills Music Mission for special needsand problem children at an area correctional facility. We closed oursemester by caroling at all of the residence halls for the holiday season.

Hardin-Simmons University – Theta LambdaAs we close out our 51st year, the chapter participated in various activ-

ities, such as hosting Province 23 Workshop in January, performing anAmerican Musicale, and beginning a new fundraiser, “Best of theWorst.” We successfully finished a Mills Music Mission at AbileneRegional Medical Center. The brothers supported the 10th AnnualAbilene Summer Music Festival, furnishing scholarships and performingas counselors for the camp. Five new brothers were initiated as theGamma Epsilon class.

Hillsdale College – Nu UpsilonOur chapter’s Battle of the Bands, which we co-host with a campus

sorority, was a big success. Our Electric Serenade, during which we drive around in trucks singing for the ladies, was equally successful.Thanks to a small miracle, we fit seven people, drums, instruments, andelectrical equipment in only two pickups. Finally, we picked up sixenthusiastic members eager to carry Sinfonia’s mission and song boldlyinto the future.

Howard University – Zeta IotaThe chapter had a productive semester with the initiation of three

men, attendance at all province and regional events, and an increasedpresence around campus. Some events that were held include an OpenMic Night, a Music Department Town Hall Meeting, and joint recitalswith the sisters of Sigma Alpha Iota. We also launched Project Sinfonia,a tutoring program for high school and college musical students.

Indiana University of Pennsylvania – Zeta TauOur chapter had some great experiences and some really great times.

Our chapter held a swing dance, which benefitted the VH1’s Save theMusic Foundation. Attendance was high and everyone had a great time.We also switched provinces, which should prove to be a very exciting andintriguing new experience for everyone involved. The university hostedcomposer Frank Ticheli, Alpha Alpha (National Honorary) ’09, for aweekend of his music, which we all enjoyed.

> The Pi Beta Chapter performed a gospel concert with members of the Rho Mu Chapter.

> The Nu Upsilon Chapter used power ballads to serenade women around campus.

Norfolk State University – Rho MuThe gift of music was a special present for over 200 visually impaired

residents of the Hampton Roads community and their families. Ourchapter provided music for the Norfolk’s Lions Club annual HolidayMeal. This was a very special Mills Music Mission and opportunity touplift through music. This experience will allow us to make an impact inthe community for years to come and provide a special service for thosewho are visually impaired.

Rider University – Rho KappaOur chapter initiated seven new Brothers. We performed a recital that

consisted of all American music. The recital included the four-movementwork Testament of Freedom by Randall Thompson, Eta Psi (Maryland)’64. At the culmination of the semester the chapter held its annual winterformal. The “Yule Ball” was a great success and served as a wonderful clos-ing and celebration of all the hard work of the members of the chapter.

Shepherd University – Xi EpsilonIn November, we celebrated our 20th anniversary with a successful

alumni banquet and the initiation of eight new brothers. The event drewalumni throughout our chapter’s history, including a member of thefounding probationary class, Chad McGarrah, Xi Epsilon ’90. OnChristmas Day, a group of brothers organized and performed a MillsMusic Mission at a local nursing home.

South Carolina State University – Nu IotaWe welcomed ten new brothers into our beloved Order. Through a lot

hard work and diligence, our chapter raised over $2,500 through a num-ber of fundraisers. These funds were used to make generous donations tothe National Endowment for the Arts and the newly establishedSinfonian League, a high school program promoting high ideals andexcellence in today's young musicians.

St. Mary’s University of Minnesota – Eta NuOur school recently celebrated the 40th anniversary of the first

women on campus. In addition to guest speakers and dinner, the eventincluded a musical variety show featuring several alumni vocalists. Weprovided equipment, musical accompaniment for the singers, and enter-tainment with our chapter’s band, the Oldie Moldie All-Stars. It was anexcellent way to show loyalty to our alma mater, and the celebration wasenjoyed by the 200 in attendance.

Tennessee State University – Eta XiThrough our main goal of advancing music, our chapter held per-

formances at three different churches, performed three Mills MusicMission (two at a nursing home and one at Le Bonheur Children’sHospital in Memphis, Tenn.), sang the National Anthem at the Biker’sClassic football game and a school basketball game, sang at our school’shomecoming coronation and SGA inauguration of officers, andadvanced school unity with a concert including other Greek letteredorganizations.

Truman State University – Upsilon PhiLast summer, our chapter’s Dance Band performed live for hundreds

of spectators at the annual Kirksville Air Show. In October as part of ourschool’s annual New Music Festival, we helped commission a new choralwork by contemporary composer Cary Boyce. Alongside Sigma AlphaIota, we sang Holiday carols for several area retirement and nursinghomes in our area. In December, we welcomed our newest initiatedbrothers, the “Ossian’s 11” Probationary Member Class.

University of Central Missouri – Epsilon GammaOur chapter focused on reaching out to surrounding area high

schools to help boost their music programs. We gave master classes at Crestridge High School band students and choir members. To main-tain this support, we have made plans to participate in pep band gigs atsurrounding high school basketball games and continue providing moremaster classes.

University of Georgia – Epsilon LambdaIn an effort to reach out to our fellow musical students, we sponsored

the Redcoat Marching Band Ultimate Frisbee Tournament. Eight teamscompeted, and, though the Phi Mu Alpha and Kappa Kappa Psi teamswere both eliminated early, everyone had fun. The top three teams eachreceived trophy frisbees and everyone got free pizza and lemonade forparticipating. We hope to increase participation and continue this eventin the future.

University of Massachusetts-Amherst – Sigma AlphaThe chapter successfully initiated six brothers as our Alpha Class.

With them, we held a successful Mills Music Mission at The ArborsAssisted Living Community. We also volunteered to do some fall yardwork, such as planting and removing shrubs and plants for a loyal alum-nus and music supporter of the university. Lastly, we held an AmericanMusic Recital featuring Sigma Alpha Iota, Kappa Kappa Psi, and TauBeta Sigma.

Campus Notes

> The Nu Iota Chapter performed a Mills Music Mission at a local retirement home.


> Brothers and probationary members of Rho Kappa Chapter participated in aMills Music Mission.


> The Upsilon Chapter brought holiday music to an after school program at anelementary school.

> The Rho Gamma Chapter provided lunch to music students duringmid-terms.

University of Texas at San Antonio – Nu EtaOur chapter organized an alumni BBQ hosted by our faculty advisor

that promoted interaction of past, present, and future Sinfonians thatwas extremely successful. We also assisted the music department in hon-oring local and all veterans by singing for a Veterans Day event held oncampus. In building a stronger chapter and fraternity, we initiated nineprobationary members who will make great Sinfonians.

University of Toledo – Epsilon AlphaThe chapter has been hard at work, spreading music through local

ensembles and choirs, as well as partaking in more social endeavors.“Sinfonian Sausages” has proven to be an effective fundraiser throughoutthe semester as more local students and faculty enjoy a ballpark frankevery Thursday. Sinfonia is becoming a well-known organization fromour participation in campus caroling resulting in organizations recogniz-ing Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia as a group of young and talented individuals.

University of Wisconsin-Platteville – Omicron IotaThe chapter visited Lyrecrest for a retreat in November to help cele-

brate 15 years as a chapter. While there, we participated in a Mills MusicMission at a local nursing home. We raised money by working securityfor the Wisconsin Badger football team and also helped run the Phi MuAlpha Sinfonia booth at the Wisconsin Music Educators Associationconference. We initiated 11 new Sinfonians and held an American MusicRecital in December.

University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point – Xi OmicronThe semester offered many opportunities for our chapter to get out

into the community and share our music and our helping hands. We hadtwo successful Mills Music Missions, including one particularly movingone at St. Michael’s Hospital. We organized a booth at the WMEA conference, which allowed our province to work together to spread ourmission to educators. We also celebrated the 45th anniversary of ourchapter with an American Music Recital.

University of Missouri – Zeta We began the year volunteering at the “Roots n’ Blues n’ BBQ

Festival” and organized a service project to repaint the music depart-ment’s practice rooms. Later in the semester, we volunteered at ourHomecoming parade and staffed the Champion of ChampionsMarching Festival. Musically, we presented an American Music Recitaland caroled at nursing homes with the local SAI chapter. Fraternally, weinitiated 12 new brothers.

University of Nebraska – UpsilonOur chapter did many noteworthy deeds, but none greater than a

number of brothers performing Christmas carols for the childreninvolved in the “YMCA After School Adventure Club” at a local elemen-tary school. The event was a great success and the chapter received manywarm handmade thank you cards from the students.

University of Oklahoma – MuWe started off with an excellent Mills Music Mission at an assisted liv-

ing center and from there campus recognition began to spread. We sangholiday chorals for the university president, sorority row and students inour student union. We also hosted a student/faculty luncheon for ourfaculty Sinfonians. The experience got us closer as collegiate and alumnibrothers of various chapters.

University of South Florida – Upsilon PsiThe chapter focused on a number of things such as singing to sorori-

ties on campus, participating in school events, and even starting our ownintramural sports team. We were able to successfully complete a MillsMusic Mission this semester at a nursing home closer to the holidays, inwhich we were thanked and appreciated by the residents. We were alsoable to welcome five new members this semester.

Campus Notes

West Chester University – Rho SigmaOur chapter has gone through many positive changes with the quali-

fied young men who have led the chapter. In November, our chapter ini-tiated three new brothers. The chapter held a Mills Music Mission atBarclay Friends Nursing Home and performed an American Musicale,complete with many pieces that paid homage to West Chester native andfellow Sinfonian, Samuel Barber, Zeta Iota (Howard) ’52, in celebrationof his 100th birthday.

West Virginia Wesleyan University – Kappa ZetaOur chapter completed a successful Mills Music Mission and bright-

ened the lives of the men and women of the Buckhannon Manor.Brothers also performed a variety of music at our recital, participated ina Habitat for Humanity project for a family in need, and attendedSinfonia Fireside Conference Northeast where we met with new broth-ers within our restructured province. We also welcomed five new meninto the Fraternity with the addition of the Omega Class.

Western Carolina University – Omicron EpsilonOur chapter committed to helping better our community. We spon-

sored a performance by the Mirari Brass Quintet, and brothers complet-ed a bake sale to raise the required funds. We also helped the communi-ty by donating four hundred dollars to the Mountain Projects Center,which helps provide the poor with heat during winter. We completedmultiple fundraisers to raise this money, including performing a recitalwhere donations were taken.

Western Michigan University – Delta Iota The chapter has been active in performance, serenading sororities on

campus, and performing the National Anthem and Alma Mater forWMU graduates at fall commencement ceremonies. The chapter hostedthe Province 2 Mills Music Mission in October, lifting the spirits of theresidents of Borgess Gardens in Kalamazoo, Mich. We collaborated withSigma Alpha Iota and Kappa Kappa Psi to create an inaugural Tri-GreekHoliday Concert.


> The Delta Iota Chapter hosted a Mills Music Mission in Province 2.

> The Rho Sigma chapter performed a Mills Music Mission at BarclayFriends Nursing Home.


Chapters Installed/Reactivated in Fall 2010/Winter 2011> Eastern New Mexico University – Theta Phi (Reactivated: 1/30/2011)

Send letter of congratulations to:Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Theta Phi Chapter1500 S. Ave KStation 16Portales, NM 88130

> Kutztown University – Sigma Gamma (Chartered: 11/7/2010)Send letter of congratulations to:Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Sigma Gamma ChapterMusic Dept., Dr. RoberPO Box 730Kutztown, PA 19530

> Oklahoma City University – Delta Zeta (Reactivated: 12/4/2010)Send letter of congratulations to:Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Delta Zeta ChapterSchool of Music2501 N. Blackwelder Ave.Oklahoma City OK 73106

Current Colony ActivityPhase 11> Kennesaw State University – Nu Theta

E-mail: [email protected]

> North Carolina A&T State University – Iota BetaE-mail: [email protected]

Phase 1> Alabama A&M University – Omicron Delta

E-mail: [email protected]

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

> Central State University – Iota EtaE-mail: [email protected]

> Delaware State University – Delaware BetaE-mail: [email protected]

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

> Hartwick College – Epsilon PiE-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]

> New Jersey City University – Omicron ThetaE-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 Southern Mississippi – Eta PhiE-mail: [email protected]

COLONIESThe following groups are in the process of establishing a new chapter, or

reactivating a previously inactive one, through the Fraternity's ColonyProgram, an 18- to 30-month program designed to create the organiza-tional structure and build the experience necessary for effective chapteroperation. Contacts for these and all other colonies are listed on this page.

Benedict College – Xi Beta Since notification of colony status in October, we have been working

diligently to accomplish the goal of being reactivated. The colony hasorganized a number of events, such as study sessions for our school, a Mills Music Mission at the Oak Street Elderly Home in Columbia, SC, and events for our music department. The colony is growing in numbers and is quickly gaining interest and recognition in our depart-ment and on campus.

University of California-Los Angeles – Beta PsiOur members have been working hard during the chapter reactivation

process. We cleaned out and organized a storage room in the music

building and held recruitment meetings and interviews to bring newmembers into our colony. The colony attended our province workshop,where we participated in a MMM at St. Elizabeth Healthcare Center. Tocelebrate our recognition as a colony, we hosted a dinner for the chaptersin our province.

Space is limited—preference is given to submissions 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

September 15, 2011. 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 February 15, 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 Collegiate Programs andEducation, ext.102. [email protected] B. LEWIS, Retreat Coordinator and Program Associate, ext.103, [email protected] R. MCGUIRE, Controller, ext.105. [email protected] J. DAILY, Administrative Coordinator, [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, TreasurerDR. RICHARD A. CROSBYJOHN M. DOHERTYMARK L. EUTSLERDR. KEVIN H. GOEBBERTDR. JEFFREY R. HIGHLANDMATT J. KOKESJOHN ALAN MONGIOVICHRISTIAN O’DONNELLWALTER C. RILEYK. DEAN SHATLEY IICHRISTOPHER 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 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]: CHRISTOPHER L. ETHERIDGE, [email protected]

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

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

PROVINCE 7: Kansas, ColoradoPG: DR. BRUCE E. GBUR, [email protected]: NATHAN C. HALEY, [email protected]

PROVINCE 8: OklahomaPG: COLBY E. DICK, [email protected]: JACOB D. HECK, [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]: ELLIOT N. DEVORE, [email protected]

PROVINCE 13: Southern and Central FloridaPG: JOE RITCHIE, [email protected]: GREGORY L. MURPHY, [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]: MICHAEL E. ARMSTRONG, [email protected]

PROVINCE 22: Southern California and Southern NevadaPG: BINCINS C. GARCIA, [email protected]: JESSE MINOR, [email protected]

PROVINCE 23: Northwestern Texas, Eastern New MexicoPG: CHRISTOPHER A. YANCEY, [email protected]: BRIAN C. ODOM, [email protected]

PROVINCE 24: MississippiPG: DAVID W. GARRAWAY, [email protected]: RYAN CASE, [email protected]

PROVINCE 25: Central and Eastern Kentucky, and Western West VirginiaPG: DR. RICHARD A. CROSBY, [email protected]: GABRIEL S. WARTMAN [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]: ANDREW D. TREMBLAY, [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]: JOSEPH D. STEIN, [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]: BRETT BATCHELOR, [email protected]

PROVINCE 33: Northern and Central GeorgiaPG: MATTHEW R. KOPERNIAK, [email protected]: DANIEL E. MACNAMARA, [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]: ALAN GONZALEZ, [email protected]

PROVINCE 36: Northern Florida, Southern GeorgiaPG: TORRÉ C. GOODSON, [email protected]: ROBERT S. VAIL, [email protected]

PROVINCE 37: Northern and Central IllinoisPG: TIMOTHY “T.J.” P. COX, JR, [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]: CARTER R. FREDERICK, [email protected]

Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Directory

Directory


www.sinfoniastore.org

To the Editor You missed the most impor-

tant malady among musicians:

hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing

in the ears). Almost half of

school music teachers are

affected. More than 50% of

working musicians are affected.

This is not only about the guys

standing in front of column

speakers night after night. It is

about the college students

playing in pep band for athletic

teams. It is about professionals

sitting in front of the percussion

section. It is about the amateurs who are sitting in front of the trumpets and

T-bones during rehearsals.

We all know guys who speak very loudly when there is no need to do so; guys

who mumble when they talk because they cannot hear what they are saying; guys

who drop out of conversations when there is too much background noise and they

cannot zero in on the speaker.

— DR. MURRAY K. FISHER,

CHI OMEGA (NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS) ’69

Editor: Thank you for your feedback. Hearing loss is a serious issue facing musicians.We didn’t want it to be lost among the other stories and possibly lessen its impact.We feel the long-term effects of hearing loss are a story by itself and could be lookedat for a future issue of The Sinfonian.

Thank you for a fantastic edition of The Sinfonian for this December. I especial-ly enjoyed the notes on Leadership Institute which I attended. Great job!

— MATTHEW BRAUN,

OMICRON PI (CAL STATE-FULLERTON) ’07

I read this issue from cover to cover. I found the article on musical maladiesmost interesting, also "Best Practices in Music". An alternative title for "FindingHarmony in Disorders" could have been "Finding Harmony in Malady".

— JEFF SLOTTOW,

ETA PI (WILLAMETTE) ’65

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 initiated130,000 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.”

An Important Malady

MY REASON TO BE

Reason #609Matthew A. Treviño, Kappa Chi (Del Mar College) ’03

“Becoming a Life Loyal Sinfonianwas a simple decision for me. Not only am I aiding to augment programs and events for my brothers to experience, but I amalso contributing to the future of our beloved fraternity … and itfeels good!”

www.sinfonian.org/lifeloyal

play your part!LIFE LOYAL

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sinfonian - may 2011

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