Purpose of Sigma Alpha Iota

• TO FORM chapters of women college students and alumnae who have a sincere interest in music.
• TO UPHOLD the highest standards of music.
• TO FURTHER the development of music in America and throughout the world.
• TO GIVE inspiration and encouragement to members.
• TO ORGANIZE the cultural life of Sigma Alpha Iota members as a contributing factor to their educational growth.
• TO SUPPORT the ideals and goals of the member's Alma Mater;
• TO ADHERE to the highest standards of citizenship in school, community and fraternity life.

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.

The first meeting of the Sigma Alpha Iota petitioning group at the University of Tennessee at Martin was held on February 13, 1968. Those members present were Pat Harrison, Glenda Rock, Dola Nowell, Donna Ellis, Peggy Eskew, Mary Rained, Barbra Baumgardner, Rita Winter, Mary Layman, Page Tomlinson, Elaine Turnipseed, Kinda Walker, Alice Thompson, Anita White, Kay Fields, Jean Lamer, Sue Goss, Joan Dobson, Carol Eck, and Harriet Fulton. These members worked hard at the first meeting and at many others that followed during the next year. Not only did they work, but they also dreamed of a day when they would be able to say that they were members of a newly installed chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota.

                On March 1, 1969 their dream finally became a reality; Epsilon Iota was installed as the 153^rd college chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota by Lillian Wilder, the National Vice President for Counselors and Directors, at a special service held in Nashville, TN. This day marked the end of a year’s hard work and the beginning of an era in fraternity service and community projects.

                The first full year of Epsilon Iota’s life, the year of 1969-70, was a successful one, and its 13 chapter members laid the foundation for the chapter we now know. These young ladies became very busy with their first project to round up “helpers.” On November 4, 1969 Mrs. Tanner, Mrs. Carpenter, Mrs. Dykes, Mrs. Vaughn, Mrs. Sublette, Mrs. Moore and Mrs. Counce were initiated as the first seven Patroness Members of Epsilon Iota.

                They old saying for SAI was “Find and concert, and you’ll find SAI!” This proved true from the very beginning; Epsilon Iota members were active performers. February 2, 1970 was the date of the first Annual American Music Concert present by Sigma Alpha Iota and Phi Mu Alpha. One could almost always find names of SAI members on programs of other departmentally sponsored concerts and recitals.

                Winter quarter of 1970 found Epsilon Iota experiencing its first pledge class, which consisted of 10 girls. On February 27, 1971 Epsilon Iota hosted its first Province Day. The Province included Nashville, Clarksville and Knoxville chapters, as well as most of Mississippi.

                Epsilon Iota has always been fortunate in having much support from our faculty advisors. They have included, Elaine Harriss, Bonnie Hernon, Marilyn Jewett and Barbara Jones.

                The climax of ten busy years in the Epsilon Iota chapter came in August of 1978 with the winning of the National College Chapter Achievement Award, the greatest honor a chapter can receive. Winning this award has given the chapter a new name to live up to: “The Best.”