There are four active professional music fraternities with chapters at Ithaca College, as well as various professional organizations. Mu Phi Epsilon, Phi Mu Alpha, Sigma Alpha Iota, and Kappa Gamma Psi all do much to enrich the music, professional and social lives of their members, and provide service to the school and community. They are all members of the Inter-fraternity Council and do not haze their pledges/members, nor do they endorse hazing of any kind. Freshman must wait one semester before joining one of the fraternities, in order to establish a G.P.A. (grade point average). The best way to express your interest in a music fraternity is to contact/talk to a member and to attend open fraternity functions. Descriptions of each individual fraternity are found below. In addition, each fraternity displays information in the third floor lobby showcase.
Mu Phi Epsilon is a professional, international, coeducational, service-oriented music fraternity that has been active at IC for more than 90 years. Lamba Chapter of Mu Phi Epsilon is housed in Terrace 4 on the Ithaca College campus. Members benefit musically through various performance opportunities both on-campus and off, which include recitals in the Whalen Center. Members are challenged to seek other ways of bringing their gift of music to the general public. Music service projects include visits to local nursing homes and retirement communities in Ithaca, as well as hospitals and childcare centers. The group offers many scholarship opportunities, fosters an inter-fraternal spirit, and promotes music through education, service and therapy.
Phi Mu Alpha is a professional fraternity for men in music, founded in 1898. Delta Chapter at IC, founded in 1901, is the oldest continuous chapter nationwide. Their goals include supporting outstanding composition, performance, teaching, and providing musical services to the community. Terrace 12 is home for most of the brothers. A lounge, stereo, music library, and grand piano are available for the brothers’ use. Two formal recitals and two informal recitals are presented each year. Brotherhood, friendship and fun are what Phi Mu Alpha is all about.
Sigma Alpha Iota is an international music fraternity for women. It was founded at the University of Michigan School of Music in Ann Arbor, Michigan in 1903. Epsilon Chapter at IC is located in Terrace 9. The fraternity functions on both an international and local level with the primary goal being the advancement of American music and musicians. Some of their national projects include: Bold Notes, Music Therapy, Community Action Music, the maintenance of a cottage at the McDowell Colony for Creative Artists, and the sponsorship of a music competition for young American composers.
Kappa Gamma Psi is a coed professional arts fraternity residing in Terrace 8. The organization has commissioned works which have been performed on their fall and spring recitals, and they host composition contests for young composers. Semester Kappa events help to keep the members in touch with the community in a very light atmosphere. Work and play go hand in hand with Kappa.
Collegiate National Association for Music Education (CMENC ) The mission of the MENC is the advancement of music education. MENC serves as a leader for music educators in the United States. Members can develop as professional music educators through monthly meetings with speakers, clinicians, panels, workshops, and field trips. Information concerning registration and meetings can be found on the CMENC bulletin board located next to the undergraduate mailboxes.
American String Teachers Association (ASTA) The American String Teachers Association is a student organization that holds meetings, sponsors visiting artists, attends conferences, workshops, and participates in various social and fundraising activities. The Ithaca College ASTA chapter is part of a nation-wide organization of over 7,000 members. Membership is open to all string players (including guitarists) and members receive the journal, “American String Teacher.”
American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) The American Choral Directors Association was founded in 1959 as a nonprofit music education organization. It is committed to promoting excellence in performance, composition, research and the teaching of choral music.
Performing Organizations Amani Singers, Ithacappella, Premium Blend, the Trombone Troupe, Triple Threat Theatre, Klezmer Ensemble, Cello Choir, and other similar groups function as official student organizations of the College. Their activities are overseen by the Office of Campus Center and Activities.
