The collegiate newsletter of

3

Volume XXVI Number 4 March/April 2010

9

Q11

Leadership Institute 2010: The Next Level

www.sinfonia.org/institute

We hope you’re excited about this summer’sbiggest Sinfonia event—Leadership Institute2010! Brothers from around the country willspend four days and three nights at the state-of-the-art campus at the University of SouthernIndiana and experience the brotherhood, musicand fun that Leadership Institute has to offer.

This issue of The Red & Black focuses onLeadership Institute by giving you a preview ofthree of the great presenters who will be show-cased at the event. In Taming the Monster, T.J.Sullivan talks about successful interpersonal rela-tionships, and how to re-strengthen the bondsbetween brothers who've shared discord. You canalso read Make Excellent Decisions by CoreyCiocchetti. In it, he talks about the importance ofhigh quality decision making, and the impact thatcollege students’ decisions have not only on theirown lives, but also on society.

Also included is a discussion of this summer'supcoming membership education events, includ-ing the Fraternity Education Pre-Conference, inwhich National President John Mongiovi, UpsilonPsi (South Florida) ’94, and National Vice-President Mark Lichtenberg, Delta Nu (Bradley)’93, will provide Pre-Conference attendees withthe best the Fraternity has to offer in membershipeducation.

But excellent presenters aren’t all we have to

offer at Leadership Institute! An exemplificationof the Initiation Ritual, a performance by theMen of Song Chorus, and perhaps most impor-tantly, the chance to interact with brothers fromaround the country!

You’ll get three nights’ accomodations, allmeals and program materials, a LeadershipInstitute T-shirt, and much more—all for only$99! Our two optional Pre-Conference events areonly $40! We hope you’ll join us and help tomake this the biggest and best LeadershipInstitute yet! Get more info and sign up at:

Dear Brothers:I trust this mes-

sage finds you well,and that your dili-gent efforts thissemester come tofruition. As the endof the school yearapproaches, I'm suremost of you arealready planningover-filled summers

complete with work, play, and relaxation.As you do all of your planning, be sure toset aside July 21-25 for this summer’sLeadership Institute. Obviously, there aremany great times to be had at such anevent, but I'd like to point out a few morereasons you should fit this into your calen-dar.

The first reason to attend LeadershipInstitute is the friendships you form withother brothers from around the country.This network can be beneficial in the heatof a school year, when a situation arises andyou’re unsure how to deal with it. Beingable to discuss situations with other broth-ers is like creating a continuing educationalleadership resource to help you throughyour time as a student leader. This in away, prepares you for things that are impos-sible to expect. You might even surpriseyourself and help someone else through acrisis by providing insight from some ofyour own experiences.

This year, there are great opportunitiesthe day before Leadership Institute starts.Brian Stratton, Delta Omega (SoutheasternLouisiana) ’79, will be leading a non-audi-tioning ensemble, the Men of SongChorus. This is a inspiring opportunity tojoin with brothers from around the countryand perform as an ensemble. The otherpre-conference event is concerning all man-ner of fraternity education. This lesson willnot only be concerning our Fraternity’s his-tory and Ritual, but also in the applicationof these concepts into a great probationaryperiod. Any brother would benefit from anexperience like this one.

The most important reason to go toLeadership Institute is because of the les-sons, outlooks, and strategies you can learnthere that will give you a “heads up” onyour time as a leader. A big part of being astudent leader involves trial and error in sit-uations. Ask anyone who has learned thehard way how to get through a tough situa-tion as a leader, and there will be a list ofthings they wish that they had knownbeforehand. I can not promise that youwon’t still learn things the hard way, butthe basic point of this Leadership Instituteis to give you a head start on how to dealwith adversity.

My first national event was theConclave in 2005, and what an experienceit was. I had been a Sinfonian for a total of5 months, and it was my first exposure toour broader brotherhood beyond my homechapter. It sparked an incredible growth inme as a leader, as a brother, and as a humanbeing. I have since attended each subse-quent Leadership Institute, and I can hon-estly say I have walked out of each one witha new revelation concerning some sort ofprocess, action, or attitude that I canimprove on. As with most events, if youengage yourself and look to improve onthings, the sessions will have much to offer.

With that, my brothers, I wish you thebest of luck fraternally and academically asyou bring your semesters to a close. I sin-cerely hope to see as many of you as possi-ble at Leadership Institute this summer,and remember also to consider signing upfor the early events.

Fraternally Yours,In Phi, Mu, and Alpha,

Benjamin “Twitchy” Strack,Delta Iota (Western Michigan) ’05National Collegiate Representative

Page 2

From the NationalCollegiate Representative

Operational UpdatesChapters: 229Colonies: 13

Iota Eta (Central State University)Delta Zeta (Oklahoma City University)Florida Eta (Florida Atlantic University)Eta Iota (University of Louisiana-Monroe)Theta Rho (University of Memphis)Virginia Epsilon (Virginia State University)Iota Beta (North Carolina A&T State University)Nevada Beta (University of Nevada - Las Vegas)Theta Phi (Eastern New Mexico University)Pennsylvania Beta (Kutztown University)District of Columbia Alpha (Univ. of DC)Nu Theta (Kennesaw State University)Alabama Delta (Stillman College)

Alumni Associations: 18Collegiate members in Good Standing 5,037Collegiate members on Suspension 633Collegiate members (total) 5,670Percentage of total collegiate suspensions 11.16%Total amount of outstandingper capita tax owed to Sinfonia $66,680.50

Publication InformationThe Red & Black is published as an informational

newsletter for the Fraternity’s chapters, colonies, facultyadvisors, governors, committeemen, and national officers.

The Red & Black is printed bimonthly, September toApril. Photographs and articles from your chapter arehighly encouraged for upcoming issues of The Red & Black.Please send the articles and photographs to editor@sinfonia.org. The deadline for theAugust/September issue is August 1, 2010.

Editor/Layout: Jeremy M. Evans, Delta Nu

Lyrecrest Staff:Assistant Executive Jeremy M. Evans, Delta Nu ‘98Director evans@sinfonia.org Ext. 102

Director of Daniel E. Krueger, Xi Pi ‘96Alumni Engagement krueger@sinfonia.org Ext. 104

Retreat Coordinator William C. Lambert, Iota Alpha ‘05& Programs Associate lambert@sinfonia.org Ext. 103

Administrative Kimberly J. DailyAssistant daily@sinfonia.org Ext. 100

Controller Tonya R. McGuiremcguire@sinfonia.org Ext. 105

Executive Assistant Debra L. Celuchceluch@sinfonia.org Ext. 107

Shipping Clerk Jon W. Raderrader@sinfonia.org Ext. 106

Did You Know?Want to see the National Archives? Many of the

resources and items available for viewing in the archiveshave been scanned and are available to be viewed at ourwebsite: www.sinfonia.org/history

Like what T.J. has to say? Check out more T.J. at his blog “The Apathy Myth”http://apathymyth.blogspot.com

You can also hear more of what T.J. has to say at Leadership Institute 2010! Register today at www.sinfonia.org/thenextlevel

Page 3

T.J. Sullivan: “Taming the Monster”T.J. will be the highlight of Day

2 of this summer’s LeadershipInstitute event. Read on to learn moreabout T.J. and what his presentationstyle and content have to offer youand your chapter.

Sometimes, there is a personwho drives you crazy in the office orin your organization. You find your-self cringing every time he or sheapproaches you or sends an email.You avoid eye contact.

This person starts taking on therole of the “monster” in your mind.You're just sure that the monster glee-

fully spends hours each day thinking of new and creative ways topiss you off, question your capabilities, undermine your ideas, andotherwise make your life a living nightmare.

That's almost never the case. You are the problem, just asmuch, if not more, than they.

This person is probably just trying to accomplish his or hertasks in a completely different style than yours, and because of com-munication issues, distrust, and that irrational monster living inyour imagination, you’ve allowed a small barrier to become a moun-tain.

You’re both building the mountain. You’re both trying toaccomplish goals, and honestly, you probably both want similarthings. It’s just a style and communication conflict. Because you’veboth engaged in this stupid battle, you’re both contributing to mak-ing the situation worse. As a result, you become enemies, and yournon-productive relationship negatively impacts the organization.

Neither of you trusts the other, and neither will be the biggerperson who tries to solve the situation. Tension builds. Sides aredrawn. Angry whispers of complaint become full blown emotionaloutbursts.

You think that giving them a forced smile or making oneattempt to work together makes you some sort of wonderful saint.Sorry, not good enough.

It doesn’t need to be this way. Take a deep breath and repeatafter me, “This person is not trying to make me angry.”

Do it again. “This person is not trying to make me angry.”Write it up on a piece of paper above your desk. “This person

is not trying to make me angry.”They aren’t making you crazy. You’re making yourself crazy.

And, you’re putting your team at risk because of it.Here’s what you need to do. Start going to this person on a reg-

ular basis when you don’t need anything. Ask how he’s doing. Ask ifthere’s anything you can do to help. Remember, this person doesn’ttrust you, so they will look at you weirdly when you start beingsocial. He doesn’t want your help, but offer it anyway. Don’t force iton him because he’ll misinterpret it. Bring him a doughnut. Just benice and non-threatening.

Then, find some basic little situation or problem that you’redealing with, and ask for his help or feedback. Give him the oppor-tunity to weigh in, and whatever he says, validate it as a good idea(even if you had already thought of it, tried it, whatever). The keyhere is to validate the other person and make him feel appreciatedand valued.

Third step. At your next meeting, thank the person publicly forhis help. You don’t need to go overboard. Your validation in front ofothers is going to make a big difference. Another thing you can dois to ask for his help in front of others in a friendly, positive way. It’shard to consider someone a monster when they are asking for yourvalued help.

Rinse and repeat. Go be social and friendly. Ask for help andopinions. Praise and thank the other person.

The next time the person seems to do something that makesyou angry, take a deep breath, remember “This person is not tryingto make me angry,” and put a smile on your face. Ask the person tosit with you to discuss the situation. Start off by asking for his per-ception of the problem, and just listen. When you feel the desire tobe defensive or dismissive, stop yourself.

When you start to open up the communication a bit moreproactively, the trust starts to build, and the mountain starts comingdown. One day, you might even start seeing the monster as an allyin helping you achieve your leadership goals.

Page 4

Summer Event Highlight: Ritual Education EventsDear Brother Sinfonians,

Over the past decade our Fraternity hasmade historic strides in membership educa-tion. Greater knowledge of Sinfonia’s ori-gins, Object, and Ritual has resulted in thedevelopment of resources that now assistmembers in learning about the ancient andnoble ideals and mission of Phi Mu AlphaSinfonia, and in passing it on to future gen-erations of musicians. The result has been astronger Fraternity with a greater impact onour fellow-man.

Of course, not everything can be explained in educationalresources, and no printed material can replace the insight – and the fra-ternal bonding – that result from discussing the vitals of our Fraternityin person with brothers from around the nation. Vice PresidentLichtenberg and I are committed to providing our brothers with suchopportunities, and we’re excited to be holding two events this summerfor that purpose: The Ritual Education Workshop and the FraternityEducation Pre-Conference to the Leadership Institute.

The Ritual Education Workshop, held June 10-13 at Lyrecrest, isthe ideal opportunity for brothers to take an in-depth look at the histo-ry, meaning, and practice of our Initiation Ritual. This will be the fifthsuch event, and we’ve been very pleased to see many of the brotherswho have attended in years past taking leading roles in educating theirchapters and provinces. Due to space limitations, attendance is limit-

ed. To apply, visit www.sinfonia.org/ritualed. Applications are dueApril 30.

For the first time, we will also be offering a Fraternity EducationPre-Conference to this summer’s Leadership Institute on July 21-22.Topics will include the Object, ideals and symbols of Sinfonia; and thehistory, meaning and staging of the Ritual. We’ll also have group dis-cussions on how to put this information to use in the education of pro-bationary and collegiate members. This pre-conference is not just forFraternity Education Officers – any interested member will benefitfrom this event. Get registered today at www.sinfonia.org/institute.

As brothers have gained in knowledge, there has been a resultingincrease in members’ sense of legacy and responsibility to our missionof uplifting mankind with the beauty and power of music. This is anexciting age for our Order, and we believe these events will help takefraternity education to “the next level.” I hope you’ll come be a part ofthe movement and look forward to our gatherings.

Fraternally,Yours in Phi Mu Alpha,

John Alan MongioviNational President

Corey Ciochetti: “Make Excellent Decisions”Corey will present on Day 3 of this summer’s Leadership

Institute. Read on to learn more about Corey.Bad decisions affect each of our lives regardless of age.

Problematically, when a decision backfires, we pout about making amistake and doubt our future abilities; we take two steps back for everystep we move forward. Even worse, the bad decisions we all makewreak havoc in our lives and create stress that damages our bodies andminds. One way to counteract habitual bad decision-making is tomake excellent decisions as often as possible.

Young adults, in particular, need to make better decisions andmake them more consistently. This is especially true when it comes tothis issues that young people struggle with most often – time manage-ment, priorities and perspective. Bad decisions in these areas do nothappen in isolation. There are actually many causes lurking in thebackground such as: lack of forethought, inability to analyze conse-quences, fleeting time, fear of failure and peer pressure. Each of theserepresents a hurdle standing guard in front of the primary goal – anexcellent decision.

At the college level, individual students can advance far ahead ofthe pack by consistently making excellent decisions in both the aca-demic and social spheres. Excellent decisions in the academic arenainclude going to class – every class, every quarter – and avoiding sched-

ules filled with “easy” courses. This process gets a bit tougher whenstudents decide how to prepare for each class. The secret here is tostudy to retain information over the long haul and walk away fromeach course with toolbox accessible later in life. To make this happen,students should actually think about the concepts involved in each sub-ject and read assigned materials carefully instead of skimming chaptersand memorizing facts for a test. Although these types of decisions mayseem like no-brainers from afar, seemingly innocuous pressures such asfriends heading to the mountains on a Thursday night or the avoidanceof a studious image, hover like a dark cloud above undergraduates. Inthe end, however, students who consistently make excellent academicdecisions find themselves mentally prepared to contribute to a societythat desperately needs their talents.

Read more of this article at Corey’s website,www.coreyspeaks.com, and be sure to check

Corey out at Leadership Institute! Register todayat www.sinfonia.org/institute.

Leadership Institute: By The Numbers

Represent Yourself!

72Total number of chapters represented

at the last Leadership Institute. Was your chapter in?

In Good CompanySince 2005, almost

500brothers have had an awesome

experience at Leadership Institute!

Best Deal In Town

$99The total registration fee for three nights

accomodations, all meals, all program materials, all speakers, and much more!

Most Excellent!

94Percentage of Leadership Institute 2008 Attendees who rated their overall

experience as Excellent, the highest available rating.

5Page

Beta Pi Chapter University of the Pacific • Stockton, California

CNewsewsNews ampusFrom

On February 12, 2010, members of the Beta Pichapter at University of the Pacific in Stockton,California put on their annual Music in the SchoolsBenefit Concert.

In charge of planning the event, the philanthropycommittee did everything from booking the groups toperform, securing a date and venue, and advertising to thecommunity.

As for choosing performers, the committee wanted toget away from what had been done in the past. In previousyears, faculty of the Conservatory of Music performed inthe benefit concert. In an attempt to reach a greater andmuch different audience, the committee did not have facul-ty perform.

The concert consisted of three groups. First was the PhiMu Alpha Big Band, followed by the Cesar Chavez HighSchool Mariachi, then selections from an opera composed byProfessor Dr. Eric Wood, ’06. All the performers were students,either in high school or at the Conservatory. Getting the mari-achi band to play was a way to incorporate the community inthe performance itself. The concert was a hit, and all the excel-lent groups were enjoyed by the audience.

There was something for everyone to enjoy at this year’sconcert. With ticket sales and program advertisements, over$1000 was raised to donate to the Stockton Unified SchoolDistrict music program.

~Miguel Ascensio ’09

Iota Alpha Chapter Alma College • Alma, MichiganOur chapter hosted our first Halloween concert this year

with an attendance of approximately one hundred people.February proved to be an eventful month for our chapterwhen the Central State University Choir performed in Almaon February 6th. Many members of the choir stayed in ournew house and some of our brothers’ dorms.

In addition, we had our annual singing valentinefundraiser. The valentines were a success and a big hit oncampus. More recent events include initiating eleven wonder-ful brothers and winning first and second place in the GreekGod competition for vocal and percussion performances.

Later this year, we will be hosting our annual Jazzfest inwhich twenty local high school bands will be competing. Thebrothers were also granted the honor of singing the nationalanthem at Alma College’s Relay for Life this year. We will alsobe hosting an American Music Concert in which students areencouraged to attend and perform American pieces or pieces oftheir own creation.

~Joseph Caporale, ’09

Zeta Eta Chapter Marshall University • Huntington, West VirginiaIn the fall semester we inducted one new brother into

our Zeta class, and we currently have four probationarymembers in our Eta class. The chapter pulled off a success-ful Mills Music Mission on February 12 at the WoodlandsRetirement Community in Huntington. In addition toselling concessions at the Marshall University Jazz Festival,our big fundraiser for the year was selling homemadeapple butter made with brotherly love.

Several brothers helped usher the Moscow State RadioSymphony Orchestra concert at the Paramount Theater inAshland, KY on February 23. In the next few weeks the broth-ers will be making trips to local middle schools to perform andspread the word about music. We are also working on a dinnerfor all the alumni brothers of Zeta Eta.

~Peter Gallus ’08, Historian

Iota Omicron Chapter Bowling Green State University • Bowling Green, OhioWe feel that supporting music in America should

include all music in America, and truly American music atthat. I know that when Sinfonians think of an Americanmusic program we all think immediately to the “classical”style of music. Why not look for a style closer to our gen-eration? Isn’t jazz American music? Or what about rockand roll? Both are great, but how well can we connectwith our audience with those? The answer we foundwas funk music: jazz and rock and roll combined,something fun that everyone enjoys, and a style ofclothing that is goofy, but so much fun to emulate.

With this thought process, Funk-A-Thon was born.People really enjoyed this “recital.” It’s a style of music thatmakes the average person bob their head, tap their toe, andreally connect with music. It is something that they under-stand. It is fun for the audience, as well as the performersto perk up within the first five notes and recognize thesong. We like to open up the show with the nationalanthem, and then sprinkle the brotherhood songs inbetween the funk, thusly bringing together both the mod-ern and classical world to the masses.

~Jeremy England ’07, President

Page 6

At the end of every February, the University of Mississippihosts the Mid-South Honor Band Clinic, a three day clinicthat gathers high school students from Alabama, Arkansas,Mississippi, and Tennessee. As part of Sinfonia’s mission of theadvancement of music in America, the brothers of the ourchapter stepped in and volunteered to assist the facilitators ofthis highly regarded program.

This event was a positive experience for the brothers. Wewere able to see what the future of music has in store and itbrought us together to serve that one common purpose thatbenefits the University, the city of Oxford, Mississippi and thehigh school students that were given the opportunity to be a

part of this clinic. After the first day of the clinic, the stu-dents were treated a concert by the University ofMississippi Wind Ensemble. The Wind Ensemble featuresmany brothers from the Lambda Xi chapter.

The future of music at the collegiate level is promis-ing, and the brothers of the Lambda Xi Chapter were for-tunate enough to be a part of this experience. It wasrewarding to meet these eager high school students whoparticipated in this program and to witness their dedi-cation to music.

~Liam Clements ’09, Fraternity Education Officer

CNewsewsNews ampusFrom

Theta Sigma Colony Florida Southern College • Lakeland, Florida

Greetings brothers of Sinfonia from the Theta Sigma chap-ter of our great Fraternity. Many great things has been happen-ing within the chapter in the past year. There is one event inparticular that has been taking place. Early in the spring semes-ter one of our newly initiated brothers had an idea that hasgrown into an activity to improve the overall image of theFraternity on campus. In such a weight conscious world manypeople end up resorting to unhealthy dieting to slim down.

Our new program has been dubbed the Phi Mu AlphaBiggest Loser. A group of brothers who volunteered to workout with our current Warden. The goal is to lose as muchweight possible in the healthiest way possible. Not only does it

make the lives of these brothers healthier but it alsoshows that Phi Mu Alpha promotes a healthy body, spir-it, and mind. We also used this program to raise moneyto purchase things for our schools music department.Staff and faculty are allowed to pledge money towardsone or more of the brothers in the program by the poundlost. The more weight the brother loses the more moneywe receive to do great things. This is great motivation andthis idea is a great way to push our chapter and Fraternityinto directions it has never been.

~Bradford McDowell ’09, Secretary

Omicron Tau Chapter Middle Tennessee State Univ. • Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Page 7

Our semester started off with brothers hosting a freecookout for our university’s marching band. Later, brothersparticipated in the annual homecoming chili cook off. Alongwith campus fun, the chapter also raised over $450 for St.Jude Children’s Hospital. Brothers also taught kids to playpercussion and talked about native African dances.

Our chapter was also asked to sing the national anthem attwo major university sporting events. One was for our BlueRaiders Football Homecoming, and the other was before ourmen’s basketball game against UT Knoxville. Each time wasvery exciting and we represented Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia verywell! We ended our fall semester by singing Christmas carolsfor our university President. All this was done while adding 10great brothers in our Beta Eta Class! This spring we have alsobeen very busy. The chapter has helped our school of musicwith numerous audition day activities. Socially, the chapter is

planning a semi-formal with the ladies of Sigma Alpha Iota inApril. Along with semi-formals, we are planning to participatein our campuses’ annual chicken wing cooking contest, WingFling. Another major social event we are planning is a benefitconcert to raise money for a local high school band program.The brothers will also enjoy competing in intramural softballthis April. From social to fraternal, our chapter is also veryfocused on brotherhood.

This spring we are focusing on our active brotherhoodcamaraderie. Without a probationary membership class, weare using this time to reconnect with Sinfonia’s core valuesand remind ourselves what it truly means to Hail Sinfonia!The chapter is alive and well with loyal brothers who areadvancing our object everyday.

~Christopher Salt ’05, Historian

Lambda Xi Chapter University of Mississippi • Oxford, Mississippi

Help us make chapter news great in every issue! Submit an article about your chapter’s activities to editor@sinfonia.org. We love publishing great pictures too–check out page 25 of the May 2010 issue of The Sinfonian and see what we mean!

Graduating Brothers: Be Life LoyalLife Loyal Sinfonian was created to recognize the brothers of Phi Mu

Alpha Sinfonia who have lived our ideals and want to strengthen their connec-tion with the Fraternity. Almost 700 Sinfonians have become Life Loyal andyou are invited to do so as well.

Life Loyal Sinfonians receive:• A bold lapel pin to display your membership at any Fraternity function.• A customized wallet card and membership certificate.• A lifetime subscription to The Sinfonian. • A reusable 15% discount coupon to the Sinfonia Store.• Discounts to nationally recognized businesses, such as Hertz and

Downbeat Magazine.• Membership recognition in The Sinfonian and the Life Loyal

Sinfonian website, as well as national Fraternity events.

We know the importance of having Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia in our lives.There’s no better way to reaffirm your commitment than through becoming aLife Loyal Sinfonian and preserving the legacy of our Fraternity.

Visit www.sinfonia.org/lifeloyal and signup today!

Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia has launched a new resource for chaptersto use to communicate with their alumni. Because of the rising costs ofprinting and postage, this new e-newsletter function will give chaptersthe opportunity to communicate on a regular basis and do so in a cost-effective manner.

The Fraternity has been working to develop this resource for over ayear. We are happy that it has finally become available for your use.

The e-newsletter has the following features:• Three interchangeable templates from which you can choose• Over 15 themed content boxes that can be moved and resized• The ability to upload pictures• A calendar of upcoming events• An archive listing of past issues• HTML content editorWhere a printed newsletter might cost a chapter hundreds of dol-

lars, the cost of sending an e-newsletter to your alumni will be only$20 per issue, regardless of the amount of alumni e-mail addresses youinclude. Upon submission and approval, every alumnus from your

chapter with an e-mail address in the Fraternity’s database will receivenotification of the issue being available.

Your chapter’s Alumni Relations Officer has an important role inthis process.

1. He will be able to access the layout wizard by logging intoMyDesktop at www.sinfonia.org.

2. He will be responsible for creating content for the newsletterand laying it out appropriately.

3. He will be responsible for adding and updating e-mailaddresses to ensure delivery of the e-newsletter to alumni.

The national staff will be adding online tutorials to help youthrough some of the basic functions of the e-newsletter. If you haveany questions about how the resource works, please contact DanKrueger at krueger@sinfonia.org or (800) 473-2649 ext. 104.

Fraternity Launches e-Newsletter Tool for Chapters

Page 8

9Page

Have you heard about the American Music Challenge? Thefour chapters that perform the most American music in the2009–2010 school year will receive cash awards. Award moneyhas been donated by two anonymous members, in support of theadvancement of music in America and the Fraternity’s strategicgoal of heightened musical focus. It is our hope that Sinfonia’sstrongest chapters in music will use these funds to build upontheir successes and become centers for the promotion of the bestin American music on their campuses, in their communities, andin the nation. Winning chapters will receive prizes in theamount of $800, $600, $400 and $200!

To take the challenge, simply save documentation of allAmerican music performed by your chapter or collegiate mem-bers during the 2009 – 2010 school year, and submit it with thesigned Application Form no later than May 31, 2010. You candownload a copy of the application form and learn more aboutthis opportunity at www.sinfonia.org/amc.

American Music Challenge—Last Update! Don’t Miss Your Chance!

Summer Events - Get Excited!This summer’s calendar of events is bursting at the seams with

opportunities for participation for all brothers. Take a look at asummary of the great events we have coming up this summer!

Work WeekendMay 5-7, 2010

This unique national event gives brothers an opportunity togive back to the Fraternity in a very special way: by helping to beau-tify the Lyrecrest campus. Lyrecrest often lacks the time andresources to properly beautify the headquarters property–that’swhere you come in! Brothers from around the country are invitedto come to the headquarters and spend a weekend giving of theirtime and talent to help make the national headquarters a beautifulhome for Sinfonia. This event is free to attend, and we providemeals and a place to stay for all brothers in attendance. Join us andhelp make Lyrecrest beautiful by visiting www.sinfonia.org/facebookww.

Ritual Education WorkshopJune 10-13, 2010

Ritual Education Workshop will be held at Lyrecrest June 10-13, 2010. At this event, attendees will cover in detail vari-ous topics related to Sinfonia’s Initiation Ritual. This workshop isan intensive look at Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia's Ritual. RitualEducation Workshop presents an ideal opportunity for memberswho are interested in understanding and teaching the deeper signifi-cance of Sinfonia's Ritual, and for those who want to help theirchapters conduct high-quality Ritual presentations. More informa-tion on Ritual Education Workshop can be found at: www.sinfonia.org/ritualed.pdf.

Leadership InstituteJuly 12-15, 2007

Leadership Institute provides collegiate members theopportunity to come together and enjoy an intensive learningexperience. Leadership Institute attendees will receive the best inleadership skills training. You can find more information atwww.sinfonia.org/institute.

$2,000 in award money is available! Don’t miss out on this great opportunity!

Sinfonia Educational Foundation Presents:Chapter Funds: A New Way To Contribute Directly To Your Chapter

Has membership in the chapter enriched yourlife? Has your chapter worked to advance music in

America? The Sinfonia Educational Foundation isintroducing a new way to support your chapter’s

efforts toward these two goals which are central tothe mission of the Sinfonia Educational Foundation.

Each year, chapters all over the country host com-position contests, commission pieces, and travel toeducational musical events. Now you can play animportant role in helping your chapter accomplishthese goals, thanks to the addition of a brand new ini-tiative from the Sinfonia Educational Foundation – theChapter Fund Program. At the 2009 NationalConvention, the SEF announced the launch of a muchanticipated program that will allow alumni and otherdonors to contribute to the educational and charitableprograms of specific collegiate chapters.

The Foundation will now create and administer sep-arate Chapter Funds upon the execution of a ChapterFund Agreement between the chapter and theFoundation. A Chapter Fund can be created for any

chapter in good standing. Once a Chapter Fund is estab-lished, donors can designate tax deductible contributionstoward a specific Chapter Fund. Contributions madedirectly to the Foundation noting the designated chapterand fund are treated as restricted gifts and deposited intothe designated fund. As long as the program is charitableor educational, it is likely eligible for funding (more onpage 11).

Once the chapter sends in its signed agreementestablishing the fund, it should begin making a list ofthe programs it would seek funding for through thisprogram. Alumni will be more likely to support chaptersthat have a clear idea on what they want to accomplishwith this program. Then, through the chapter’s estab-lished alumni program, chapters can begin to have con-versations with their alumni about this program andhow their support could significantly increase the chap-ter’s ability to enrich lives and advance music in theircommunities. Chapters will be able to apply for grantsfrom their funds beginning this fall.

What kind of programs can your chapter fund support?

• Chapter scholarship funds• Commissioning of new works• Donating of instruments to schools• Sending music students to camps• Master classes, guest artist workshops, & clinics• Chapter sponsored band, orchestra, & choral festivals• Sending a brother to Leadership Institute• The sky is the limit…

Page 10

Page 11

CHAPTER FUNDS: QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

To learn more about chapter funds, check out www.sinfonia.org/sef or emailchapterfunds@sinfonia.org.

A.Q.Q: Why should my chapter start a Chapter Fund?

A: Chapters have the opportunity to receive additional financial support for their programs by taking advantage of this program fromthe SEF. Some alumni will be more apt to give to a chapter if theyknow that their gift is tax deductible and that the gift will be stew-arded and used for a specific purpose. The SEF provides that stew-ardship through its grant request process.

Q: How does my chapter go about raising money for ourChapter Fund?

A: The key to raising funds is to develop relationships with youralumni. People tend to give to people that they know. If your chap-ter is already communicating with its alumni and inviting them tochapter events, your fundraising efforts will likely be more success-ful. Alumni also like to know what they are supporting. Before ask-ing for financial support, chapters should determine the projects thatneed funding.

Q: Why can't my chapter access all of the funds in theiraccount?

A: To promote responsible stewardship of the gifts received for chap-ter programs, the SEF has limited the percentage of the ChapterFund balance that can be used in one academic year. By placing lim-its on the amounts that can be used by a chapter, these funds cancontinue to grow and be used to fund strong chapter programs inperpetuity. The Chapter Fund Program aims to help alumni impacttheir chapter for years to come.

Q: How much is available for my chapter’s programs?

A: That all depends on you and your efforts to develop a case of sup-port from your alumni. The more support you get from your alum-ni, the more funds that will be available for grant requests. There arelimits on how much of a Chapter Fund can be used in an academicyear. Chapters are allowed to use a maximum of 50% of the fund’sbalance as indicated on their annual statement. Chapters can alsoaccess a portion of the funds raised during the current academic year.These limitations will ensure that the Chapter Fund continues to beavailable in the future.

Sinfonia Store Graduation Sale

Show Off Sinfonia Spirit In Style at Graduation!Regular Price Sale Price

Stainless Steel Watch $49.99 $39.99Cufflinks $13.00 $10.00Lapel Pins $6.00 $4.50Tie Bars $10.00 $8.00Neckties $44.00 $37.50

Sinfonia Casual Gear Makes A Great Graduation Gift!Regular Price Sale Price

White Fitted Hat $14.00 $11.00Dress Shirt $32.00 $26.00Camp Shirt $41.99 $28.00

Don’t Forget About Thank You Notes!Regular Price Sale Price

Black Ballpoint Pen $13.99 $10.00Chrome Rollerball Pen $13.99 $10.00Notecards $5.50 $3.50

Be sure to visit www.sinfoniastore.org

for more great graduation sale offers!

Hurry! Sale ends May 31!