Seven women musicians with a vision founded Sigma Alpha Iota on June 12, 1903 at the University School of Music in Ann Arbor, Michigan. They pledged solemnly "to help each other with sisterly affection, to stand for the highest musical scholarship, for nobility and uprightness of character and for the maintenance of friendly and unselfish relations among women in the musical profession."

Since then, SAI has grown to include 100,000 members, over 200 student chapters, and over 100 alumnae chapters. SAI continues to uphold the ideals of the original seven, bringing together women who share a love of music and who strive to nurture each other's musical goals in addition to supporting musical outreach projects to enrich the community.

The Mission of Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity is to encourage, nurture and support the art of music.

The Vision of Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity is to be recognized throughout the world as the foremost fraternity that:

• Supports and encourages women musicians of all ages, races, and nationalities,
• Supports and promotes successful and innovative educational programs in music for all stages of life,
• Cultivates excellence in musical performance,
• Promotes programs and activities that stress the love and importance of music in our lives,
• Recognizes technological advances in the field of music,
• Dedicates financial resources that ensure the continuation of programs necessary to support the objectives of the fraternity in perpetuity,
• Has as its members people who exemplify professional and ethical behavior in the spirit of the Sigma Alpha Iota founders.

Mission Statement and Vision

Daughters of a great and singing nation,
Let your voices rise in dedication,
Music tells unspoken noble creeds;
Music beautifies the simplest deeds;
Sing we now to Sigma Alpha Iota.

Sing the greatness of the soul and spirit,
Sing the joy of peace and friendship's merit,
Music is a kind and truthful speech;
In a language out of mere word's reach,
Sing we now to Sigma Alpha Iota.

-- Margaret Blackburn, Alpha Mu

Sigma Alpha Iota Chorale

SAI Founding Members

• Mary Storrs Andersen
• Elizabeth A. Campbell
• Frances Caspari
• Nora Crane Hunt
• Leila Farlin Laughlin
• Georgina Potts
• Minnie Davis Sherrill