This exists in one carbon copy in the "Chapter Histories" file bearing the title A BRIEF HISTORY: KAPPA SIGMA CHAPTER 1967-68. [--Patrick Feaster]

        A most astounding aspect of music is the fact that a seemingly infinite number of compositions can be created by utilizing various combinations of a few basic notes. Kappa Sigma Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, soon to celebrate its seventh birthday, is much like a composition, for each of its fifty members, combined in a particular way with the others, contributes his unique part in a creation which attempts to sound forth the four aims of Sinfonia.

• To advance the cause of music in America

        Though the members of Kappa Sigma Chapter display talents in diverse areas, a common denominator is their devotion to music. One hour each week brings the mathematicians, sociologists, psychologists, philosophers, and of course the musicians from the four corners of the fraternity house and the surrounding campus together around the living room piano to sing for pleasure and in preparation for future presentations. Recent concerts which have enlisted the talent of skilled instrumentalists in the brotherhood to supplement the chorus have featured the "Carnivals Song" by Walter Piston, "Gerald McBoing Boing" by Gail Kubek and various experimental works of John Cage. The brothers are proud to note that many of their concerts are given within the context of another activity as a result of a special invitation. Performing for a banquet held in recognition of the academic achievements of honors students and as part of a "Week of Challenge" program which brings nationally and internationally prominent speakers to campus are cases in point.

• To foster the mutual welfare and brotherhood of students of music

        Members of Kappa Sigma Chapter are selected for the most part from campus music organizations and from the group of those students who have listed music as their major field of interest. Fostering the welfare of a student of music was illustrated most vividly at a meeting where one brother revealed the fact that if it had not been for the encouragement of his fellow Sinfonians, he would have probably lost interest in college, not to mention his motivation to continue his pursuit of a career in music.

• To develop the truest fraternal spirit among its members

        Such a development is enhanced by virtue of the Chapter's possession of a house. The house increases the number of responsibilities and obligations of each member and in so doing not only knits together the twenty-five members who live there but also the members who live in other campus dwelling units. The Chapter moved to the present location during the past autumn. Before the fall term began members traded their drumsticks and bows for hammers and saws to ready the house for occupancy.

        Throughout the course of the year good order is maintained by the leaders of the fraternity. Nearly every brother has an opportunity to exercise his leadership capacities because of the large number of positions to be manned. Each brother, as for example the meal steward and house manager, has his specific duties to perform to insure that the basic needs of the other brothers are supplied and that a truly "fraternal" spirit reigns among the members.

        Part of the diversity mentioned earlier lies in the Chapter's athletic prowess. In the fall a seven-man team was entered in an all-campus cross-country meet and finished by taking third place in the competition. The Chapter also boasts of a basketball team which is able to hold its own in the campus intra-mural league.

        But hard work in music, sports, and supporting a house is not the only force which fosters a fraternal spirit. Another factor is just plain "goofing off". Whether the pledges literally take an "active" "for a ride" of ten miles with a one-way ticket or fill the house with soap bubbles, these activities all add to developing a spirit of teamwork and cooperation.

        Fun and fellowship is also at the core of Kappa Sigma Chapter's social program. Most of the social events are scheduled as part of a "rush" to entertain prospective members. Events during the past year have included a "Roman Orgy" where members donned their togas and e[n]joyed a meal of roast chicken, Italian wine, and an occasional grape "popped" into one's mouth by a female companion. The Homecoming dinner offered one member his chance to cultivate his culinary abilities by serving treats usually found on a French menu. A Hayride, Vaudville, Halloween, Christmas, Tobbogan, and Valentine parties were also times of gaiety. The climax of social activity, however, was the annual fraternity formal held at a well-known night club in a nearby city.

• To encourage loyalty to the Alma Mater

        The Chapter has contributed a great deal to the campus life of Valparaiso University. Most important of course is the cultural enrichment it provides the campus community by organizing chamber concerts. Members themselves are culturally benefited by displaying paintings and sculptures of art students in the Chapter living room. In another capacity it played its part in the nomination of the Spring Weekend queen candidate and the Homecoming queen candidate.

        Possession of a house enables the Chapter to open its doors for "open house" occasioned by exchanges with sororities or the hosting of receptions after student and faculty music recitals.

        The Chapter is also represented by its members in nearly every campus organization including the student government and various honor societies. It is significant that the fraternity grade point average is nearly as high as the average needed for an individual to be designated an honors student.

        Thus in its attempt to live up to the four aims of Sinfonia, Kappa Sigma Chapter turns its diversity into a combination of young men who can make many types of music together.