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Sigma Alpha Iota is an international Greek music fraternity whose members strive to foster interest in music and promote social contact among persons sharing an interest in music. Founded on June 12, 1903, at the University School of Music in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Sigma Alpha Iota's membership is organized into 212 college chapters, 121 alumnae chapters, and 1 international chapter, totaling 105,376 members. While women are initiated into Sigma Alpha Iota at the collegiate level, the total membership includes both men and women who are teachers, performers and composers of high merit in the field of music. Alumnae members are former collegiate members. Women may also become members of SAI as Patronesses. Men and women can be initiated into one of the classes of Distinguished Members: National Honorary Member, National Arts Associate, Friend of the Arts or Member Laureate.
The national philanthropic efforts of Sigma Alpha Iota are coordinated by Sgma Alpha Iota Philanthropies, Inc., established in 1974. Its various activities include awarding Impact Grants to college or university music departments; awarding Seed Money Grants for philanthropic efforts by either a college or alumnae chapter; financially assisting various music schools and festivals across the United States; financially supporting Pan's Cottage (built by SAI in 1918) at the MacDowell Colony for Creative Artists in Peterborough, NH. The People-to-People Project assists in the development of music education in other countries by contributing muysic, book, and instruments. In addition, Sigma Alpha Iota Philanthropies, Inc,. awards grants and scholarships to members of Sigma Alpha Iota |
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