(sometimes referred to as "Sinfonia" rather than "ΦΜΑ") is a collegiate social fraternity for men of musicianly character. Today, its many chapters serve to "advance the cause of music in America" on college campuses nationwide.
{Link without Title}
Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia was founded in
1898 by
Ossian Everett Mills and thirteen students at the
New England Conservatory Of Music in
Boston ,
Massachusetts (The name "Sinfonia" comes from the name of a similar organization in
Leipzig ,
Germany ). Sinfonia became a national fraternity on
October 6 ,
1900 with the admission of a group of men at the
Broad Street Conservatory Of Music in
Philadelphia . Under the guidance of
Percy Jewett Burrell (sixth Supreme President, 1907–1914), whose writings and speeches continue to be influential in the teaching of Sinfonian ideals to this day, the fraternity grew and "truly became a force in American music."
"The Object of this Fraternity shall be for the development of the best and truest fraternal spirit; the mutual welfare and brotherhood of musical students; the advancement of music in America and a loyalty to the
Alma Mater."
{Link without Title}
Over a century old, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia has admitted men from all walks of life, some of whom have become famous in such fields as music, television, film, science, and literature.
The National Philanthropy of Phi Mu Alpha is the Mills Music Mission. It was inspired by a practice originated by Sinfonia founder Ossian Everett Mills in
1886 . He would take a group of New England Conservatory students to perform for patients in Boston hospitals on
Christmas and
Easter . The students would sing, play music and give recitations. The "flower missions," as they came to be known, brought joy to the lonely and hope to the destitute. At the Fraternity's 1994 National Convention, the Mills Music Mission was accepted as its National Philanthropy. It is unique among fraternity philanthropies in that Sinfonians make a personal sacrifice to help individuals and lift spirits through music. During the week of
February 11 -
18 ,
2006 , almost 200 chapters and alumni associations are participating in Missions in observance of Ossian Everett Mills' 150th birthday.
