"To encourage and actively promote the highest standards of creativity, performance, education, and research in music in America..."
Dear Musician:
By now you have at least been introduced to Phi Mu Alpha, and hopefully you already know something about us. The best way to learn about our fraternity is to interact with the brothers and participate in the rush activities. In the meantime, this letter will explain more about Phi Mu Alpha.
First, Phi Mu Alpha is a fraternity. Our most important aspect is brotherhood; and although the members are diverse, we share a sense of unity from belonging to a fraternity with distinct purposes. Membership allows brothers to establish long-term friendships with a consistent group of people--friendships which might otherwise not have been formed. Members are also given the opportunity to live in our chapter house. There, on the weekends, parties and other social activities provide time for everyone to get away from school and relax with brothers and friends, while during the week the house becomes a home away from home for study, meetings, and breaks.
Second, Phi Mu Alpha is a professional music fraternity. Our chapter is part of a nation-wide organization that includes brothers from 186 different schools, all of whom are interested and active in music. Our chapter sponsors a men's chorus that performs at Chapel services, University songfest, and two fraternity-sponsored Musicales each year. The Musicales allow brothers to perform in both ensembles and solo acts. Members also organize and participate in musical ensembles year-round such as a 50's quartet, brass quintet, and a sax quartet.
Third, Phi Mu Alpha is a fraternity at Valparaiso University. We provide many services to the music department and to other university organizations. Brothers serve as ushers at all concerts, and each year we help organize music department outings and picnics. Fraternity ensembles provide entertainment for many university meetings and conventions. The chapter also works with the Chapel in performing music for worship services.
Membership in Phi Mu Alpha is open to all male students, regardless of major, who share a love for music and have had some ensemble experience and/or private instruction in high school or college. New brothers are admitted into the fraternity after completing a probationary membership period. This probationary period consists of activities designed to prepare the prospective brother for membership. When he first pledges, each probationary member is assigned a "big brother" who helps him with the requirements. By the end of the pledging period, each probationary member is ready to accept the privileges and responsibilities of full active membership.
Please visit our house at 810 Brown Street and talk to the brothers to learn more about Sinfonia. We look forward to seeing you soon.