This year’s Convention will have more music than ever – in fact, triple the opportunities from just three years ago! The 2009 National Convention will feature three Sinfonian ensembles: a wind ensemble, a men’s chorus and a jazz band.

Participation in the ensembles is by application and, in the case of the jazz band, a recorded audition. For all the information on participating in the music ensembles, please click the links for the applicable information packet below. 

Wind Ensemble

Info and Application Packet — Sorry, we are no longer accepting applications for this ensemble.

Those who attended the 2006 National Convention will remember the incredible musical experience provided to both performers and attendees at our Sinfonia Winds performance, under the baton of Col. John R. Bourgeois, USMC (ret.), Zeta Pi (Loyola) ’56. This year’s wind ensemble under the direction of Dr. Bobby Adams, Theta Pi (Morehead State) ‘61, will bring back this amazing musical experience. In addition, we are very pleased to announce that Dr. Frank Ticheli, this Convention’s national honorary membership selection, will guest conduct one of his compositions with the ensemble. Click here for more details.

Men’s Chorus

Info and Application Packet  — Sorry, we are no longer accepting applications for this ensemble.

Brothers now have the opportunity to join their voices in song in a men’s chorus, under the baton of Dr. Dennis Shrock, Zeta Tau (Indiana-Pennsylvania) ’63. This ensemble will perform on a joint concert with the wind ensemble on Saturday afternoon, shortly before the Convention Gala. Among its program will be the second-ever performance of a new, all-male arrangement of Eric Whitacre’s “The Seal Lullaby.”

Jazz Band

Info and Application Packet — Sorry, we are no longer accepting applications for this ensemble.

Under the leadership of Jim Ketch, Alpha Rho (North Carolina) ’78, Sinfonians will form a big band for a public concert for all Convention attendees and the Orlando community. At this concert, Jamey Aebersold, Gamma Tau (Indiana) ‘68, will sit in with the band and receive the Fraternity’s prestigious Man of Music Award.

Sinfonia Educational Foundation Travel Assistance Grants

The Sinfonia Educational Foundation is pleased to announce that it has funding available for travel assistance grants for participants in the music ensembles. Grants are intended to assist collegiate members with travel expenses associated with attendance and participation in the music ensembles held in conjunction with Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia’s 2009 National Convention. Grants will most likely cover only a percentage of eligible travel expenses. The amount and number of grants will be determined by funding available and the number of qualified applicants.

UPDATE: The application deadline for SEF travel assistance grants has passed, and grants have been awarded to eight brothers. Further applications are not being accepted at this time.

Photos by J. Adam Wyatt Photography