Sigma Alpha Iota
   Delta Chi Chapter, University of South Florida

Welcome to Sigma Alpha Iota Delta Chi Chapter's Website!

Sigma Alpha Iota is an International Music Fraternity, founded in 1903 at the University School of Music in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Formed to "uphold the highest ideals of music education" and "to further the development of music in America," it continues to provide musical and educational resources to its members and the general public through its 208 college chapters and 119 alumnae chapters.

In the beginning, Sigma Alpha Iota was called a sorority. The word sorority was adopted from the Latin word soror in 1882 and was not included in the dictionary until 1911. However, as other Greek letter groups for women organized, they adopted the word fraternity, from the abstract feminine Latin noun fraternities, meaning brotherhood, applying to both men and women. "Fraternity" is service. Membership in fraternity, the privilege to serve. In 1926, the Sigma Alpha Iota voted to accept the recommendation of many of the other women's fraternities and to follow the popular custom and avoid the use of the word "sorority." Thus today, Sigma Alpha Iota is known as a International Music Fraternity.

On November 3rd, 1964, "Syrinx," a women's music organization, (which was to eventually to become the USF chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota), had its first meeting. There were nine members present. The temporary chair person, Robin Horer, introduced Mrs. Ruth Gould, National Vice President of SAI, who encourgaged them to form the new chapter. Officers were elected and a constitution and by-laws were adopted in accordance with those of the national music fraternity, Sigma Alpha Iota.

News

The Pearl website featured our TRAP workshop! To see the article please see our Philanthropy Page!








Webmaster: Kathleen Hilliard