“It is part of the pride and tradition of a Fraternity man to be a gentleman, not only to be above anything
dishonorable and mean, but to possess those finer instincts which
are supposed to come from birth and
breeding - kindness and gentleness, and unconscious courtesy.”
-Ossian Everett Mills, founder, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia
The Manly Musician...
Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia is a Brotherhood of men bound together for mutual helpfulness. Its purpose is not only to bring men together as friends, but also to provide a network of brothers with whom men can commune and renew their zeal – a support network that helps the individual to meet the challenges that face him in his daily life. By teaching men who are united as brothers to live their lives according to the noble virtues set forth in the Fraternity’s Initiation Ritual, Sinfonia builds better, stronger, broader individuals who are able to live in sympathy and in harmony with their Fraternity brothers and their fellow men.
"Our business is the making of men; and the all-important question for us 'Are Sinfonians any better for being Sinfonians? Do they leave our portals physically, mentally, morally stronger, cleaner, purer - in fact more worthy men than when they enter?' If not, then the Sinfonia Fraternity has no excuse for existing and for making such large drafts on our time, our energy and our means."
-Ossian Everett Mills
...and the Musicianly Man
Sinfonians share a love of music that unites them as brothers with a common interest. The Fraternity teaches men to develop themselves and their art, not for the sake of the art itself, but as a means of enriching the lives of others. Through a multitude of chapter, provincial and national events, Sinfonia offers unlimited opportunities for performance, community music outreach, and other activities designed to develop a true appreciation for the power of music to uplift the soul.
Membership
Is membership limited to music majors?
No. The spirit of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia dictates the opportunity of becoming a Sinfonian should be offered to as many men as possible who, through a love for music, can assist in the fulfillment of the Fraternity's ideals and Object. However, no man may be considered who is a member of any other secret national fraternal society in music, nor can he join any such organization so long as he remains a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.
What is the process of becoming a member?
Any member in good standing may propose a candidate for probationary membership. The probationary membership period may last from four to twelve weeks, depending on the chapter, and consists of constructive activites, projects, and programs designed to educate the probationary memebr on the virtues, Object, history and structure of the Fraternity.