About our
Sisterhood
Sigma Alpha Iota is an International Music fraternity for women, founded on June 12, 1903 at the University School of Music, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
The organization of Sigma Alpha Iota strives to foster interests in music and to promote social contact among persons sharing an interest in music. SAI is a specialized Fraternity which confines its membership to persons interested in the single academic disciple of music, and organizes in social life specifically to promote competance and achievement within its field.
The founding of Sigma Alpha Iota is described in a brief "History of Sigma Alpha Iota" by Elizabeth Campbell, one of the founders, in the Pan Pipes of April, 1910 "...when seven gifted young musicians solemly pledged themselves to help each other with sisterly affection, stand for the highest possible musical scholarship, for nobility and uprightness of character, and for the maintenance of friendly and unselfish relations among women in the musical profession."
Fraternity NOT Sorority
In the beginning Sigma Alpha Iota was termed a sorority. In 1926 the word "fraternity" replaced "sorority." "Fraternity," which comes from the abstract feminine Latin noun fraternitas, refers to both men and women. It has been used by all the music fraternities for many years. As a fraternity based upon a single academic discipline, Sigma Alpha Iota differs from the:
General Fraternity- a mutually- exclusive self-perpetuating group which organizes the social life of its members in accredited colleges and universities as a contribution factor to their educational program; draws its membership primarily from the undergraduate body of the institution; and is committed to cooperation with college authorities to maintain high social and scholastic standards.
Honor Society- an association of primarily collegiate members and chapters who purposes are to encourage and recognize superior scholarship and/or leadership achievement, either in broad fields of education or in departmental fields at either undergraduate or graduate levels; which elects to membership irrespective of membership in or affiliation with other organizations; which covers membership solely on the basis of character and specific eligibility.
SAI Purpose
To form chapters of women college students and alumnae who have a sincere interest in music.
To uphold the highest standards of music.
To further the development of music in America and throughout the world.
To give inspiration and encouragement to members.
To organize the cultural life of Sigma Alpha Iota members as a contributing factor to their education growth.
To support the ideals and goals of the member's Alma Mater.
To adhere to the highest standards of citizenship in school, community, and fraternity life.
Mission Statement
The Vision of Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity is to be recognized throughout the world as the foremost fraternity that:
Supports and encourages women musicians of all ages, races, and nationalities
Supports and promotes successful and innovative educational programs in music for all stages of life
Cultivates excellence in musical performance
Promotes programs and activities that stress the love and importance of music in our lives
Recognizes technological advances in the field of music
Dedicates financial resources that ensure the continuation of programs necessary to support the objectives of the fraternity in perpetuity
Has as its members people who exemplify professional and ethical behavior in the spirit of the Sigma Alpha Iota founders
SAI Colors
The SAI colors are white and red
SAI Flower
The SAI flower is the Red Rose
SAI Crest