Әйелдердің халықаралық музыкалық бауырластығы

International music fraternity for women

Sigma Alpha Iota (ΣΑΙ) is an international music fraternity. Formed to "uphold the highest standards of music" and "to further the development of music in America and throughout the world", it continues to provide musical and educational resources to its members and the general public. Sigma Alpha Iota operates its own national philanthropy, Sigma Alpha Iota Philanthropies, Inc. Sigma Alpha Iota is a member of the National Interfraternity Music Council and the Professional Fraternity Association.

Sigma Alpha Iota (Alpha Chapter) was founded on June 12, 1903 at the University School of Music in Ann Arbor, Michigan by seven women: Elizabeth A. Campbell, Frances Caspari, Minnie Davis Sherrill, Leila Farlin Laughlin, Nora Crane Hunt, Georgina Potts, and Mary Storrs Andersen. The next chapter of the fraternity, Beta, was chartered in 1904 at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. Chapters have now been chartered at over 300 universities, conservatories, and colleges.

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, enacted on June 23, 1972, prohibits discrimination based on gender in educational programs receiving federal funding. This prohibition extends to professional societies for students enrolled at universities that receive federal funds for student financial aid or other programs. However, social organizations, such as social fraternities and sororities, are specifically exempted. In order to remain a fraternity of women, Sigma Alpha Iota petitioned for an exemption from Title IX from the U. S. Department of Education as a music fraternity that would initiate only women at the undergraduate level, and men and women at the professional level. In 1981, the fraternity was officially granted exemption from Title IX by the DOE to remain single sex as a social organization. Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity remains a member of the Professional Fraternity Association.

Created in 1974, Sigma Alpha Iota, Inc. is the charitable arm of the fraternity. Its mission is to "promote all aspects of music creation, performance and scholarship; and encourage service for and through music on the campus, in the community, in the nation, and throughout the world." SAI Philanthropies, Inc. funds a wide range of projects. This includes grants to individual SAI collegiate and alumnae chapters; grants for chapter run community outreach programs; and grants, scholarships, loans, and awards to individual members. It also funds the publication of Pan Pipes, the fraternity journal.

SAI Philanthropies also supports Pan's Cottage, a house at MacDowell, a retreat for Creative Artists in Peterborough, New Hampshire. The cottage was donated by SAI in 1918 and houses artists in residence. Pan's Cottage can accommodate up to 12 artists and is the largest residence at MacDowell. SAI also provides continuing financial support to the cottage, including utilities, general repairs, and replacement of furnishings. In 2018, members of SAI supported a $100,000 renovation project for Pan's Cottage. SAI also supports the greater MacDowell mission, including a $75,000 donation in 2007 to restore and preserve Edward MacDowell's music room at Hillcrest Farm.

Sigma Alpha Iota has been honored to welcome a multitude of artists from all walks of life, including musicians, teachers, composers, and conductors. Here are just a few of the many men and women who have been honored with Distinguished Membership by Sigma Alpha Iota: