Information
What is Sigma Alpha Iota?
Sigma Alpha Iota is an international Greek music fraternity for women. Sigma Alpha Iota was founded on June 12, 1903 at the University of Michigan School of Music, in order to foster an interest in music and to promote social contact among persons sharing an interest in music. As of September 2005, Sigma Alpha Iota included 103,441 initiated members worldwide, 205 college chapters, and 118 alumnae chapters.
For additional information, please visit the Sigma Alpha Iota National Web site.
Alpha Lambda's Chapter History
Our fabulous Michigan State University chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota, Alpha Lambda, was chartered on April 3, 1930. Our first members were Janet Balbraith, Jean Converse Olds, Mary Janette Foster Liendberg, Dorothy Green Wonser, Laraine Kenfiend Kowatch, Ruth Chadsley, Dorothy Hotbeck, Mildred James Kenier, Helen Shoesmith Kane, Eileen Patterson Harris, Thera Austin, Ruth Louise Beltnop Ashley, Georgia Brown Baker, Genevieve Sanford, and Eileen Marie Lee Cribs. Unfortunately, Alpha Lambda went inactive from 1942 to 1965 due to a dispute with Delta Omicron, another women's music fraternity then on the MSU campus.
After a twenty year inactive period, our chapter reorganized with the help of Shari Anderson, a graduate advisor, as well as faculty advisors Wanda Cook and Ethel Armeling. November 14, 1965 was a momentous day in Alpha Lambda's history as we returned triumphant with thirteen pledges.
Many of Alpha Lambda's traditions endure in our sisterhood even today. Our semester pledge musicale, in which Members-in-Training are asked to perform a piece of their choosing, began in 1965 and carries on today. Our famous spaghetti dinners, which were started in 1968, are a much looked forward to event every year in our chapter. And, of course, what we are best known for is the Singing Valentine Fundraiser that also began in 1968. As can be expected, songs in 1968 were only 25 cents, today a song is a dollar.
Alpha Lambda is always looking for ways to build sisterhood within its members. We have painted "the Rock," had a mexican dinner, and continue the tradition of our yearly holiday dinner. We see our futures in each other and we see that we must start our future now.
We are also very interested in working with other chapters. If there's anything we can do with your chapter, please email us!
The Sigma Alpha Iota Purposes
- To form chapters of music students and musicians who shall by their influence and their musical interest uphold the highest ideals of a musical education.
- To raise the standards of productive musical work among the women students of colleges, conservatories and universities.
- To further the development of music in America.
- To give inspiration and aid to its members.
- To organize the cultural life of it's members as a contributing factor to their educational program.
- To cooperate wholeheartedly with the ideals and aims of the Alma Mater.
- To adhere to the highest standards of American citizenship and democracy.
The Sigma Alpha Iota Chorale
Daughters of a great and singing nation
Let your voices rise in dedication
Music tells unspoken noble creeds
Music beautifies the simplest deeds
Sing we now to Sigma Alpha Iota
Sing the greatness of the soul and spirit
Sing the joy of peace and friendship's merit
Music is a kind and truthful speech
In a language out of mere words reach
Sing we now to Sigma Alpha Iota
