On this day in 1898, the “Old Boys” of the New England Conservatory of Music, under the guidance of Conservatory Bursar Ossian E. Mills, had a meeting with the “New Boys.” Their goal – create a group that would help the men adjust to Conservatory life. (At that point at NEC, men were outnumbered by women 16-to-1.) From that meeting sprang the Sinfonia Club, which developed into the Sinfonia Fraternity of America and eventually Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America, Inc.

For 113 years now, the fraternal clasp has inspired manly musicians and musicianly men to hold to the ideals of sacrifice, secret zeal, and truth. I was initiated into the Theta Pi chapter (Morehead State University) of Phi Mu Alpha on April 20, 1991. I have made many stupid decisions in my life, but two that were incredibly smart and right: I asked my beloved Jawa Girl to marry me, and I pledged Phi Mu Alpha. The friendships and bonds that have been forged in Sinfonia are the strongest in my life.

Come brothers, hail!

WF