List of Sinfonians
Encyclopedia
This is a list of distinguished members of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia
Fraternity who have achieved significant recognition in their respective fields, including (but not limited to) education, film, industry, literature, music, philanthropy, public service, radio, science, and television. While many of these names are easily recognizable, other names that have faded from common knowledge are included to reflect the diversity of Sinfonia's membership, the breadth of its history, and the far-reaching influence of its membership on the American musical experience. This list is by no means intended to be a comprehensive listing of the Fraternity's membership, but rather is meant to be representative of those Sinfonians who are or have been prominent in the public eye.
In determining the classification for each Sinfonian listed here, an attempt was made to classify the individual based on what he is most known for. In some cases, a person such as Aaron Copland may be known equally as a conductor and a composer. In other cases, an individual such as Branford Marsalis may be known equally as a jazz musician and a television personality.
If known, the name of the initiating chapter and the year of election and/or initiation is included. Please note that in the case of some early honorary members (particularly the many who were elected to honorary membership by the Alpha Chapter at the New England Conservatory in 1917) were simply elected to honorary membership and may not have participated in the initiation process that has developed in the Fraternity since that time. Since at least the 1970s, Alpha Alpha has been used as the chapter designation for National Honorary members of the Fraternity, some of whom may have had honorary membership in a collegiate chapter, and in a few cases, two collegiate chapters. In the case of former supreme president Peter W. Dykema, he held honorary memberships in both the Alpha Chapter and the Beta Chapter, was a member of the charter class of Phi Chapter at the University of Wisconsin, in addition to holding national honorary membership. Based on all records available, it appears that Dykema holds the record for multiple forms of membership in the Fraternity (four, counting national honorary membership). For the sake of consistency, the term "Alpha Alpha National Honorary" is used throughout as the commencement of the usage of "Alpha Alpha" is not known. While biographical information is drawn from a variety of sources, initiating chapters and election and/or initiation dates are drawn primarily from the Fraternity's membership records, as well as membership development resources, historical documents, and other publications. Of particular value was supreme historian Thomas A. Larremore's (Chi 1924) research on the honorary members that were brought into the Fraternity between 1898 and 1939, the findings of which were published in the Fall 1940 issue of The Sinfonian. The reader is referred to the article "Chapter Honorary Members of Sinfonia" and the accompanying "List of Honorary Members of Sinfonia" that appeared in that issue for additional information.
This list also makes note of Sinfonians who have received special honors at the national and international levels, further demonstrating their contributions to music in America, and to the world. As of 2008, only Bo Diddley also held membership in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Among Sinfonia's notable members are two honorary Knights of the British Empire, Pulitzer Prize winners, and a winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. Information is also included on distinguished members who have received special honors from the Fraternity itself.
Work has begun to properly subdivide the composer and conductor sections. Efforts are being made to catagorize each person listed in these sections based on what he is most widely known for. It is recognized that some listed could easily be listed under any number of catagories.
Finally, information on two honorary Sinfonians who were expelled and historical inaccuracies and "urban legends" surrounding those believed to have been Sinfonians is also included.
Ron Nelson Alpha Nu 1952
Called the "Prince of Pops" by the Chicago Tribune, he performed with a number of leading pops and symphony orchestras, especially the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra (CPO), which he led for over 44 years.)
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Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia
Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia is an American collegiate social fraternity for men with a special interest in music...
Fraternity who have achieved significant recognition in their respective fields, including (but not limited to) education, film, industry, literature, music, philanthropy, public service, radio, science, and television. While many of these names are easily recognizable, other names that have faded from common knowledge are included to reflect the diversity of Sinfonia's membership, the breadth of its history, and the far-reaching influence of its membership on the American musical experience. This list is by no means intended to be a comprehensive listing of the Fraternity's membership, but rather is meant to be representative of those Sinfonians who are or have been prominent in the public eye.
In determining the classification for each Sinfonian listed here, an attempt was made to classify the individual based on what he is most known for. In some cases, a person such as Aaron Copland may be known equally as a conductor and a composer. In other cases, an individual such as Branford Marsalis may be known equally as a jazz musician and a television personality.
If known, the name of the initiating chapter and the year of election and/or initiation is included. Please note that in the case of some early honorary members (particularly the many who were elected to honorary membership by the Alpha Chapter at the New England Conservatory in 1917) were simply elected to honorary membership and may not have participated in the initiation process that has developed in the Fraternity since that time. Since at least the 1970s, Alpha Alpha has been used as the chapter designation for National Honorary members of the Fraternity, some of whom may have had honorary membership in a collegiate chapter, and in a few cases, two collegiate chapters. In the case of former supreme president Peter W. Dykema, he held honorary memberships in both the Alpha Chapter and the Beta Chapter, was a member of the charter class of Phi Chapter at the University of Wisconsin, in addition to holding national honorary membership. Based on all records available, it appears that Dykema holds the record for multiple forms of membership in the Fraternity (four, counting national honorary membership). For the sake of consistency, the term "Alpha Alpha National Honorary" is used throughout as the commencement of the usage of "Alpha Alpha" is not known. While biographical information is drawn from a variety of sources, initiating chapters and election and/or initiation dates are drawn primarily from the Fraternity's membership records, as well as membership development resources, historical documents, and other publications. Of particular value was supreme historian Thomas A. Larremore's (Chi 1924) research on the honorary members that were brought into the Fraternity between 1898 and 1939, the findings of which were published in the Fall 1940 issue of The Sinfonian. The reader is referred to the article "Chapter Honorary Members of Sinfonia" and the accompanying "List of Honorary Members of Sinfonia" that appeared in that issue for additional information.
This list also makes note of Sinfonians who have received special honors at the national and international levels, further demonstrating their contributions to music in America, and to the world. As of 2008, only Bo Diddley also held membership in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Among Sinfonia's notable members are two honorary Knights of the British Empire, Pulitzer Prize winners, and a winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. Information is also included on distinguished members who have received special honors from the Fraternity itself.
Work has begun to properly subdivide the composer and conductor sections. Efforts are being made to catagorize each person listed in these sections based on what he is most widely known for. It is recognized that some listed could easily be listed under any number of catagories.
Finally, information on two honorary Sinfonians who were expelled and historical inaccuracies and "urban legends" surrounding those believed to have been Sinfonians is also included.
Architects
- Turpin Bannister, 1904–1982 (Nu 1923; American architect & architectural historian)
Arts administrators
- Charles EllisCharles EllisCharles Ellis is a deceased U.S. soccer midfielder who is best known for scoring a goal in each of the U.S. national team's first two games.-Professional:Ellis played several seasons for Brooklyn Celtic of the New York State Association Football League...
(Alpha 1917, first full-time manager of an orchestra in the country. He administered the Boston Symphony OrchestraBoston Symphony OrchestraThe Boston Symphony Orchestra is an orchestra based in Boston, Massachusetts. It is one of the five American orchestras commonly referred to as the "Big Five". Founded in 1881, the BSO plays most of its concerts at Boston's Symphony Hall and in the summer performs at the Tanglewood Music Center...
from 1882 to 1918.) - Welz KauffmanRavinia ParkRavinia Festival is the oldest outdoor music festival in the United States, with a series of outdoor concerts and performances held every summer from June to September. It has been the summer home of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra since 1936...
, 1962–present (Eta Kappa 1983; American arts administrator and President & CEO of the Ravinia Festival, summer residence of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.)
"Big Band" leaders
- Percy FaithPercy FaithPercy Faith was a Canadian-born American bandleader, orchestrator, composer and conductor, known for his lush arrangements of pop and Christmas standards. He is often credited with creating the "easy listening" or "mood music" format which became staples of American popular music in the 1950s and...
, 1908–1976 (Gamma Omega Honorary 1963, Band Leader, known for arrangements of "easy listening" music) - Hal KempHal KempJames Harold "Hal" Kemp was a jazz alto saxophonist, clarinetist, bandleader, composer, and arranger. He was born in Marion, Alabama and died in Madera, California following an auto accident...
, 1904-1940 (Charter member of Alpha Rho 1926; jazz alto saxophonist, clarinetist, bandleader, composer, and arranger; Member of the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame; Had four Number One hits in the 1930s). - Buddy MorrowBuddy MorrowBuddy Morrow was an American trombonist and bandleader. He is known for his mastery of the upper range which is evident on records such as "The Golden Trombone," as well as his ballad playing.- His life :Morrow was once a member of The Tonight Show Band...
, 1919–present (Rho Tau Honorary 1968; Conductor of the Tommy DorseyTommy DorseyThomas Francis "Tommy" Dorsey, Jr. was an American jazz trombonist, trumpeter, composer, and bandleader of the Big Band era. He was known as "The Sentimental Gentleman of Swing", due to his smooth-toned trombone playing. He was the younger brother of bandleader Jimmy Dorsey...
Orchestra) - Paul WhitemanPaul WhitemanPaul Samuel Whiteman was an American bandleader and orchestral director.Leader of the most popular dance bands in the United States during the 1920s, Whiteman's recordings were immensely successful, and press notices often referred to him as the "King of Jazz"...
, 1890-1967 (Epsilon Zeta 1956, American bandleader and orchestral director.)
Businessmen & Philanthropists
- George BantaGeorge BantaGeorge Banta was the founder of the George Banta Company and an influential figure in the development of the collegiate Phi Delta Theta fraternity and Delta Gamma women's fraternity.-Biography:...
, 1857-1935 (Alpha Honorary, 1917; Founder of the George Banta Company later known as Banta CorporationBanta CorporationBanta Corporation was a major printing, imaging, and supply chain management company of the United States, based in Menasha, Wisconsin for all of its 105 years. Founded in 1901, it was acquired by Chicago-based RR Donnelley in late 2006.-History:...
. Also, he developed the Phi Delta ThetaPhi Delta ThetaPhi Delta Theta , also known as Phi Delt, is an international fraternity founded at Miami University in 1848 and headquartered in Oxford, Ohio. Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, and Sigma Chi form the Miami Triad. The fraternity has about 169 active chapters and colonies in over 43 U.S...
fraternity (serving as its first president) and Delta GammaDelta GammaDelta Gamma is one of the oldest and largest women's fraternities in the United States and Canada, with its Executive Offices based in Columbus, Ohio.-History:...
women's fraternity. He served as the mayor of Menasha, WisconsinMenasha, WisconsinMenasha is a city in Calumet and Winnebago Counties in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The population was 16,331 at the 2000 census. The city is located mostly in the Town of Menasha in Winnebago County; only a small portion is in the Town of Harrison in Calumet County. Doty Island is located...
in 1892, 1895, and in 1902-1903. The reasons behind his honorary membership in Sinfonia are not clear, but perhaps it was in some way related to his advocacy of collegiate Greek life.) - Andrew CarnegieAndrew CarnegieAndrew Carnegie was a Scottish-American industrialist, businessman, and entrepreneur who led the enormous expansion of the American steel industry in the late 19th century...
, 1835–1919 (Alpha Honorary 1917; founder of Pittsburgh's Carnegie Steel Company which later became United States Steel; Philanthropist; Namesake of Carnegie-Mellon University, Carnegie HallCarnegie HallCarnegie Hall is a concert venue in Midtown Manhattan in New York City, United States, located at 881 Seventh Avenue, occupying the east stretch of Seventh Avenue between West 56th Street and West 57th Street, two blocks south of Central Park....
, and numerous librariesCarnegie LibraryCarnegie Library, Carnegie Public Library, Carnegie Free Library, Carnegie Free Public Library, Andrew Carnegie Library, Andrew Carnegie Free Library or Carnegie Library Building may refer to any of the following Carnegie libraries:- California :*Carnegie Library , listed on the National Register...
; By virtue of his birthdate, most likely to be the "third Sinfonian to be born", behind Theodore Thomas, born earlier in 1835, and Major Henry Lee Higginson, born in 1834) - George EastmanGeorge EastmanGeorge Eastman was an American innovator and entrepreneur who founded the Eastman Kodak Company and invented roll film, helping to bring photography to the mainstream...
, 1854–1932 (Alpha Nu Honorary 1927, Alpha Alpha National Honorary 1941(?); founded Eastman Kodak Company, invented the roll of film, namesake of Eastman School of Music) - Harvey Samuel Firestone III, 1930-1960 (Beta Tau 1954, heir and only son of Firestone Tire and Rubber CompanyFirestone Tire and Rubber CompanyThe Firestone Tire and Rubber Company is an American tire company founded by Harvey Firestone in 1900 to supply pneumatic tires for wagons, buggies, and other forms of wheeled transportation common in the era. Firestone soon saw the huge potential for marketing tires for automobiles. The company...
Board Chairman Harvey S. Firestone, Jr.Harvey S. Firestone, Jr.Harvey Samuel Firestone, Jr. was an American businessman, and chairman of the board of the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company....
, Grandson of company founder Harvey Samuel Firestone) - Harry H. Flagler, 1870-1952 (Beta Gamma Honorary 1936; heir to Flagler dynasty associated with Flagler CollegeFlagler CollegeFlagler College, is a private four-year liberal arts college in St. Augustine, Florida, USA and celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2008.The college has been named in recent years by US News & World Report as one of the southeast region's best comprehensive liberal arts colleges, and is included on...
and the Kenan-Flagler School of Business at the University of North Carolina at Chapel HillUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillThe University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a public research university located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States...
; President of the New York Symphony) - Julius FleischmannJulius FleischmannJulius Fleischmann was a Jewish American politician, former mayor of Cincinnati and son of Charles Louis Fleischmann.-Biography:...
, 1871–1925 (Alpha Alpha National Honorary 1914; heir to Fleischmann Yeast Company; part-owner of Cincinnati Red Sox; patron of the arts; Mayor, Cincinnati, 1900–1905) - Alfred J. Fletcher, 1887–1979 (Zeta Psi Honorary 1961, Alpha Alpha National Honorary 1966; Founder, Capital Broadcasting Company; Founder, National Opera Company; namesake of music building at East Carolina UniversityEast Carolina UniversityEast Carolina University is a public, coeducational, engaged doctoral/research university located in Greenville, North Carolina, United States. Named East Carolina University by statute and commonly known as ECU or East Carolina, the university is the largest institution of higher learning in...
; mentor to U.S. Senator Jesse HelmsJesse HelmsJesse Alexander Helms, Jr. was a five-term Republican United States Senator from North Carolina who served as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee from 1995 to 2001...
; namesake of Fletcher Opera Theater at Progress Energy Performing Arts Center) - Allan Forbes, 1874-19?? (Alpha Honorary 1917; Banker, Member of the Forbes family (a wealthy extended American family originating in Boston), relative of Senator John KerryJohn KerryJohn Forbes Kerry is the senior United States Senator from Massachusetts, the 10th most senior U.S. Senator and chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He was the presidential nominee of the Democratic Party in the 2004 presidential election, but lost to former President George W...
. - Major Henry Lee HigginsonHenry Lee HigginsonHenry Lee Higginson was a noted American businessman and philanthropist. He is best known as the founder of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.-Family and Early Life:...
, 1834–1919 (Alpha Honorary 1915, Alpha Alpha National Honorary 1915?; Survivor of the Battle of AldieBattle of AldieThe Battle of Aldie took place on June 17, 1863, in Loudoun County, Virginia, as part of the Gettysburg Campaign of the American Civil War.Maj. Gen. J.E.B. Stuart's cavalry screened Gen. Robert E. Lee's Confederate infantry as it marched north in the Shenandoah Valley behind the sheltering Blue...
, Extraordinary Philanthropist, served as President of the Boston Music Hall and as trustee of the New England Conservatory of Music; Founder of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, 1881; Founder, Boston's bohemianistic Tavern Club). By virtue of his birthdate, he was the "first Sinfonian to be born". Higginson was elected to membership in 1915, but it was not accepted until early 1916. His life and work are documented in the book The Life and Letters of Henry L. Higginson.) - Eben D. Jordan II (Alpha Alpha National Honorary 1912; Trustee, New England Conservatory, namesake of Jordan HallJordan HallJordan Hall is a 1,019-seat concert hall in Boston, Massachusetts, the principal performance space of the New England Conservatory. It is one block from Boston's Symphony Hall, and together they are considered two of America's most acoustically perfect performance spaces...
at the Conservatory, affiliated with the Boston based Jordan MarshJordan MarshJordan Marsh & Company was a department store in Boston, Massachusetts, which grew to be a major regional chain in the New England area of the United States. In 1996, the last of the Jordan Marsh stores were converted to Macy's. The store was formerly part of Allied Stores and then Federated...
department stores) - Otto H. Kahn, 1867–1934 (Alpha Honorary 1917; Investment Banker, Collector, Philanthropist, and Patron of the Arts). He was the builder of Oheka CastleOheka CastleOheka Castle, also known as the Otto Kahn Estate, is located on the Gold Coast of Long Island, in Huntington, New York. It was the country home of financier and philanthropist Otto Kahn. Built by Kahn between 1914 and 1919, it was and remains the second largest private home in the United States,...
, the second largest private home in the United States. The Friends of Oheka Castle annually present three awards in Kahn's memory to graduating high school seniors planning to major in the performing arts. - Herman D. KeninHerman D. KeninHerman D. Kenin was an American trade unionist.He was head of American Federation of Musicians and later was a leader at American Federation of Labor. His work landed him on the master list of Nixon political opponents....
, 1901–1970, (Tulsa Alumni Chapter, American trade unionist, head of American Federation of MusiciansAmerican Federation of MusiciansThe American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada is a labor union of professional musicians in the United States and Canada...
and later was a leader at American Federation of LaborAmerican Federation of LaborThe American Federation of Labor was one of the first federations of labor unions in the United States. It was founded in 1886 by an alliance of craft unions disaffected from the Knights of Labor, a national labor association. Samuel Gompers was elected president of the Federation at its...
. His work landed him on the master list of Nixon political opponentsMaster list of Nixon political opponentsA master list of Nixon political opponents was compiled to supplement the original Nixon's Enemies List of 20 key people considered opponents of President Richard Nixon. The master list was compiled by Charles Colson's office and sent in memorandum form to John Dean. Dean later provided this...
.) - David A. Klingshirn (Alpha Alpha National Honorary 2003; Founder, American Classical Music Hall of Fame)
- Wallace Kuralt, 19??-2003 (Alpha Rho 1957; Businessman & brother of CBS news personality Charles KuraltCharles KuraltCharles Kuralt was an American journalist. He was most widely known for his long career with CBS, first for his "On the Road" segments on The CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite, and later as the first anchor of CBS News Sunday Morning, a position he held for fifteen years.Kuralt's "On the Road"...
) - Kemp Battle Nye, 1915-1994 (Alpha Rho Honorary 1963; Member of the Battle family associated with the University of North CarolinaUniversity of North CarolinaChartered in 1789, the University of North Carolina was one of the first public universities in the United States and the only one to graduate students in the eighteenth century...
, Dated author Pearl S. BuckPearl S. BuckPearl Sydenstricker Buck also known by her Chinese name Sai Zhenzhu , was an American writer who spent most of her time until 1934 in China. Her novel The Good Earth was the best-selling fiction book in the U.S. in 1931 and 1932, and won the Pulitzer Prize in 1932...
, Chapel Hill businessman and author, Asian adventurer) - Charles M. SchwabCharles M. SchwabCharles Michael Schwab was an American steel magnate. Under his leadership, Bethlehem Steel became the second largest steel maker in the United States, and one of the most important heavy manufacturers in the world....
, 1862–1939 (Alpha Honorary 1917, industrialist, American steel magnate. Under his leadership, Bethlehem Steel became the second largest steel maker in the United States, and one of the most important heavy manufacturers in the world, no relation to Charles R. Schwab)
- Henry Z. SteinwayHenry Z. SteinwayHenry Ziegler Steinway was the last Steinway president of the piano company Steinway & Sons.He was the great-grandson of the company founder Henry E. Steinway and started at the firm in 1937 after graduating from Harvard University. He was president of the company from 1955 to 1977...
, 1915-2008 (Alpha Alpha National Honorary 1962; Philanthropist, heir to Steinway piano manufacturing legacy (served as President of Steinway & Sons, 1955–1977), the great-grandson of Heinrich Engelhard Steinway who was the German immigrant "before the ampersand in Steinway & Sons", http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/19/arts/music/19steinway.html; Honored by President George W. BushGeorge W. BushGeorge Walker Bush is an American politician who served as the 43rd President of the United States, from 2001 to 2009. Before that, he was the 46th Governor of Texas, having served from 1995 to 2000....
in 2007, who presented him with the National Medal of ArtsNational Medal of ArtsThe National Medal of Arts is an award and title created by the United States Congress in 1984, for the purpose of honoring artists and patrons of the arts. It is the highest honor conferred to an individual artist on behalf of the people. Honorees are selected by the National Endowment for the...
, the government’s highest award in the arts. Mr. Steinway was also the founding president of the Museum of Making MusicMuseum of Making MusicThe Museum of Making Music — a division of the NAMM Foundation — is a 501 non-profit organization located in Carlsbad, California. The museum opened to the public on March 5, 2000...
in Carlsbad, Calif.) - Galen L. StoneGalen L. StoneGalen Luther Stone was an American financier and philanthropist.Born in Leominster, Massachusetts, in his teens Galen Stone worked as an office clerk in Boston and went on to become a major figure on Wall Street. Together with Charles Hayden, he founded the stock brokerage firms of Hayden, Stone &...
, 1862–1926 (Alpha Honorary 1917; American financier and philanthropist, colleague of Joseph Kennedy; largest benefactor of Charlotte Hawkins BrownCharlotte Hawkins BrownCharlotte Hawkins Brown was an American educator and academic.Born Lottie Hawkins in Henderson, North Carolina, in the late 1880s her family moved north to settle in Cambridge, Massachusetts...
's Palmer Institute in Sedalia, North Carolina, where Galen Stone Hall stands in his memory; namesake of the Stone Tower at Wellesley College.) - Louis C. Sudler, 1903?-1992 (Iota Honorary 1975; Chicago businessman who helped to bring about the Chicago Symphony OrchestraChicago Symphony OrchestraThe Chicago Symphony Orchestra is an American orchestra based in Chicago, Illinois. It is one of the five American orchestras commonly referred to as the "Big Five". Founded in 1891, the Symphony makes its home at Orchestra Hall in Chicago and plays a summer season at the Ravinia Festival...
's return to international renown, namesake of the numerous Sudler awards presented by the John Philip Sousa FoundationJohn Philip Sousa FoundationThe John Philip Sousa Foundation is a non-profit foundation dedicated to the promotion of band music internationally. The foundation administers a number of projects and awards supporting high quality band performance, conducting, and composition....
).
Cellists
- Pablo CasalsPablo CasalsPau Casals i Defilló , known during his professional career as Pablo Casals, was a Spanish Catalan cellist and conductor. He is generally regarded as the pre-eminent cellist of the first half of the 20th century, and one of the greatest cellists of all time...
, 1876–1973‡ f l(Epsilon Iota Honorary 1963; cellist, conductor) - Leonard RoseLeonard RoseLeonard Rose was an American cellist and pedagogue.Rose was born in Washington, D.C., his parents were immigrants from Kiev, Ukraine...
, 1918–1964 (Gamma Omega 1951, Principal cellist of the Cleveland OrchestraCleveland OrchestraThe Cleveland Orchestra is an American orchestra based in Cleveland, Ohio. It is one of the five American orchestras informally referred to as the "Big Five". Founded in 1918, the orchestra plays most of its concerts at Severance Hall...
and New York PhilharmonicNew York PhilharmonicThe New York Philharmonic is a symphony orchestra based in New York City in the United States. It is one of the American orchestras commonly referred to as the "Big Five"...
)
Composers (Band/Winds)
- Richard Franko GoldmanRichard Franko GoldmanRichard Franko Goldman was a conductor, educator, author, music critic, and composer.After graduating from Townsend Harris High School in Queens, New York he attended Columbia University, graduating in 1930 with an A.B. . He then went to Paris to study composition with Nadia Boulanger...
, 1910-1980 (Beta Omicron 1940; Alpha Alpha National Honorary 1969) Band Director; son of Edwin Franko Goldman, founder of the American Bandmasters Association) - Percy A. GraingerPercy GraingerGeorge Percy Aldridge Grainger , known as Percy Grainger, was an Australian-born composer, arranger and pianist. In the course of a long and innovative career he played a prominent role in the revival of interest in British folk music in the early years of the 20th century. He also made many...
, 1882–1961 (Alpha Honorary 1917, Beta Omicron Honorary 1939; Australian-born pianist, champion of the saxophone & concert band) - David HolsingerDavid HolsingerDavid R. Holsinger is an American composer and conductor writing primarily for concert band. Holsinger is a graduate of Hardin-Central High School in Hardin, Missouri, Central Methodist University, the University of Central Missouri, and the University of Kansas...
, 1945–present (Beta Mu 1964) - Martin MailmanMartin MailmanMartin Mailman was an American composer noted for his music for orchestra, chorus, multimedia, and winds.-Biography:Dr. Martin Mailman was born in New York City on June 30, 1932...
(Zeta Psi 1961; Composer) - David MaslankaDavid MaslankaDavid Maslanka is a U.S. composer who writes for a variety of genres, including works for choir, wind ensemble, chamber music and symphony orchestra....
, 1943–present (Rho Tau Honorary 2008; Best known for his wind band works including A Child's Garden of Dreams) - W. Francis McBethW. Francis McBethWilliam Francis McBeth was born March 9, 1933, in Ropesville, Texas .McBeth is a prolific composer, whose wind band works are highly respected. His primary musical influences include Clifton Williams, Bernard Rogers, and Howard Hanson...
, 1933–present l (Composer Laureate of Arkansas, 1975-????)
- John Philip SousaJohn Philip SousaJohn Philip Sousa was an American composer and conductor of the late Romantic era, known particularly for American military and patriotic marches. Because of his mastery of march composition, he is known as "The March King" or the "American March King" due to his British counterpart Kenneth J....
, 1854–1932 (Alpha Honorary 1917?, Alpha Xi Honorary 1925; known as the "March King"; Composer of over 100 marches, including the national march "The Stars and Stripes Forever") - Jack StampJack StampJack Stamp is a highly regarded North American Wind Ensemble conductor and composer.He has nearly sixty compositions available from Neil A Kjos Music Company, including the extremely popular Gavorkna Fanfare, which was dedicated to Eugene Corporon...
, 1954–present (Zeta Tau 1973) - James SwearingenJames SwearingenJames Swearingen is an American composer and arranger. He holds a Masters Degree from Ohio State University and a Bachelors Degree from Bowling Green State University and is currently Professor of Music, Department Chair of Music Education at Capital University, Columbus, Ohio.The music he writes...
(Iota Omicron 1968; Composer) - Frank Ticheli, 1958–present (Alpha Alpha National Honorary 2009; Composer; Initiated at 2009 national convention in Orlando, Florida)
- J. Clifton WilliamsClifton Williams (composer)James Clifton Williams Jr. was born in Traskwood, Arkansas, United States. He began playing French horn, piano, and mellophone early on and played in the band at Little Rock High School...
, 1923–1976 (Beta Omega 1946; Known for concert march The Sinfonians which incorporates the fraternity song Hail Sinfonia)
Composers (Choral/Vocal)
- Jean BergerJean BergerJean Berger was a German-born pianist, composer, and music educator.-Early years:...
, 1909–2002 (Theta Kappa Honorary 1970) - Roland Carter (Beta Epsilon 1965/Alpha Alpha National Honorary 2006; composer, conductor, and pianist)
- Ernest CharlesErnest CharlesErnest Charles was an American composer of art songs.-Life and musical career:...
, 1895–1984 (Upsilon Honorary 1941) Composer of art songs - David N Childs (Pi Delta Honorary, Choral Conductor and composer in Residence, Vanderbilt University)
- Joseph W. ClokeyJoseph W. ClokeyJoseph Waddell Clokey was an educator, organist and composer of sacred and secular music in the first half of the 20th Century....
, 1890–1960 (Alpha Theta 1923; educator, organist and composer of sacred and secular music in the first half of the 20th Century, Stepfather of Art ClokeyArt ClokeyArthur "Art" Clokey was a pioneer in the popularization of stop motion clay animation, beginning in 1955 with a film experiment called Gumbasia, influenced by his professor, Slavko Vorkapich, at the University of Southern California.After the Gumbasia project, Art Clokey and his wife Ruth came up...
(1921–2010?), the creator of the character GumbyGumbyGumby is a green clay humanoid character created and modeled by Art Clokey, who also created Davey and Goliath. Gumby has been the subject of a 233-episode series of American television as well as a feature-length film and other media...
and of his horse Pokey, which, along with the popular "pokey sticks" breadsticks of Gumby's Pizza fame, represents a play on words on the name "Clokey." - William Levi Dawson, 1899–1990 (Alpha Alpha National Honorary 1977; Arranger of African-American Spirituals)
- Frank FerkoFrank FerkoFrank Ferko is an American composer.Ferko played piano from childhood, and worked as an organist and conductor in his teens. His first compositions were primarily liturgical in nature, with Lutheran composer Richard Wienhorst being an early influence...
, 1950–present ("Kappa Sigma 1969") - Moses HoganMoses HoganMoses George Hogan was an African-American composer and arranger of choral music. He was best known for his very popular and accessible settings of spirituals. Hogan was a pianist, conductor and arranger of international renown...
, 1957–2003 (Honorary 1999?, Arranger of African-American spirituals; Founder of Moses Hogan Chorale and Moses Hogan Singers) - Austin C. Lovelace, 1919–present (Epsilon Upsilon Honorary 1981; Prolific composer of sacred music)
- Lloyd Pfautch (Director, Dallas Civic Chorale)
- Daniel PinkhamDaniel PinkhamDaniel Rogers Pinkham, Jr. was an American composer, organist, and harpsichordist. Pinkham was one of America's most active composers during his lifetime...
, 1923–2006 (Alpha Honorary 1959; Composer) - Leo SowerbyLeo SowerbyLeo Sowerby , American composer and church musician, was the winner of the Pulitzer Prize for music in 1946, and was often called the “Dean of American church music” in the early to mid 20th century.-Biography:...
, 1895–1968 p (Rho 1933; Composer, Informally known as "Dean of American church music", Winner of the 1946 Pulitzer PrizePulitzer PrizeThe Pulitzer Prize is a U.S. award for achievements in newspaper and online journalism, literature and musical composition. It was established by American publisher Joseph Pulitzer and is administered by Columbia University in New York City...
for music) - Randall ThompsonRandall ThompsonRandall Thompson was an American composer, particularly noted for his choral works.-Career:He attended Harvard University, became assistant professor of music and choir director at Wellesley College, and received a doctorate in music from the University of Rochester's Eastman School of Music...
, 1899–1984 (Rho Tau Honorary 1972, Noted for choral compositions Alleluia and Testament of Freedom) - Peter J. Wilhousky, 1902–1978 (Beta Gamma 1949, Carpatho-Rusyn-American composer; Conductor; Noted for arrangement of Battle Hymn of the Republic and English lyrics of Carol of the BellsCarol of the Bells"Carol of the Bells" is the common English language title of a Christmas carol of Ukrainian origin, which has in recent years grown in popularity, particularly in English-speaking countries. The work was originally a choral miniature composition by the Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovych based on...
) - Harry R. Wilson, 1901-1968 (Tau Honorary 1924, Alpha Alpha National Honorary 1956; Charter member of the American Choral Directors AssociationAmerican Choral Directors AssociationThe American Choral Directors Association , headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, is a non-profit organization with the stated purpose of promoting excellence in the field of choral music...
, President of Phi Mu Alpha, 1964–1967; Composer of "Happy Is The Man", commissioned by the Fraternity; MENC Music Educator Hall of Fame inductee, 1996)
Composers (Film and TV scores)
- Warren BarkerWarren BarkerWarren Barker was an American composer known for work in film, radio, and television. He also worked in Las Vegas, Nevada clubs...
, 1923–2006 (Beta Psi 1942; Wrote theme songs for Bewitched, 77 Sunset Strip, That Girl, and the Donny and Marie Osmond Show) - Elmer BernsteinElmer BernsteinElmer Bernstein was an American composer and conductor best known for his many film scores. In a career which spanned fifty years, he composed music for hundreds of film and television productions...
, 1922-2004 (Gamma Omega 1964; American film score composer known for The Ten Commandments, The Man with the Golden ArmThe Man with the Golden ArmThe Man with the Golden Arm is a 1955 American drama film, based on the novel of the same name by Nelson Algren, which tells the story of a heroin addict who gets clean while in prison, but struggles to stay that way in the outside world. It stars Frank Sinatra, Eleanor Parker, Kim Novak, Arnold...
, The Great EscapeThe Great Escape (film)The Great Escape is a 1963 American film about an escape by Allied prisoners of war from a German POW camp during World War II, starring Steve McQueen, James Garner, and Richard Attenborough...
, The Magnificent SevenThe Magnificent SevenThe Magnificent Seven is an American Western film directed by John Sturges, and released in 1960. It is a fictional tale of a group of seven American gunmen who are hired to protect a small agricultural village in Mexico from a group of marauding Mexican bandits...
, Meatballs, To Kill a MockingbirdTo Kill a MockingbirdTo Kill a Mockingbird is a novel by Harper Lee published in 1960. It was instantly successful, winning the Pulitzer Prize, and has become a classic of modern American literature...
, GhostbustersGhostbustersGhostbusters is a 1984 American science fiction comedy film directed by Ivan Reitman and written by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis. The film stars Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver, Harold Ramis, and Rick Moranis and follows three eccentric parapsychologists in New York City, who start a...
, and Airplane!Airplane!Airplane! is a 1980 American satirical comedy film directed and written by David Zucker, Jim Abrahams, and Jerry Zucker and released by Paramount Pictures...
). - John CacavasJohn CacavasJohn Cacavas is a composer and conductor probably best known for his television scores, notably Kojak, for which he was the chief composer, and for which he composed the second main title theme, used throughout the show's 5th and final season...
, 1930–present (Iota 1951; Composer of music from television shows including Hawaii Five-OHawaii Five-OHawaii Five-O is an American police procedural drama series produced by CBS Productions and Leonard Freeman. Set in Hawaii, the show originally aired for twelve seasons from 1968 to 1980, and continues in reruns. The show featured a fictional state police unit run by Detective Steve McGarrett,...
, KojakKojakKojak is an American television series starring Telly Savalas as the title character, bald New York City Police Department Detective Lieutenant Theo Kojak. It aired from October 24, 1973, to March 18, 1978, on CBS. It took the time slot of the popular Cannon series, which was moved one hour earlier...
, The Bionic WomanThe Bionic WomanThe Bionic Woman is an American television series starring Lindsay Wagner that aired for three seasons between 1976 and 1978 as a spin off from The Six Million Dollar Man. Wagner stars as tennis pro Jaime Sommers who is nearly killed in a skydiving accident. Sommers' life is saved by Oscar Goldman ...
, and Buck Rogers in the 25th CenturyBuck Rogers in the 25th Century (TV series)Buck Rogers in the 25th Century is an American science fiction adventure television series produced by Universal Studios. The series ran for two seasons between 1979–1981, and the feature-length pilot episode for the series was released as a theatrical film several months before the series aired....
, the films Airport 1975Airport 1975Airport 1975 is a 1974 disaster film and the first sequel to the successful 1970 film Airport. It stars Charlton Heston and Karen Black and is directed by Jack Smight....
and Airport '77Airport '77Airport '77 is a 1977 disaster film and second sequel in the Airport franchise.The film stars a number of veteran actors, including Jack Lemmon, James Stewart, Joseph Cotten, Christopher Lee and Olivia de Havilland. Like its predecessors, Airport '77 was a box office hit earning US$30 million and...
; wrote the theme song for the 2005 video game Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City StoriesGrand Theft Auto: Liberty City StoriesGrand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories is a 2005 sandbox-style action video game developed by Rockstar North and Rockstar Leeds. It is the ninth game in the Grand Theft Auto series...
. The song, "March Popakov Remix", was sampled by DJ Danger Mouse and is used frequently in the game). - Bill ContiBill ContiWilliam "Bill" Conti is an American film music composer who is frequently the conductor at the Academy Awards ceremony.-Early life and career:...
, 1942–present* (Beta Omega 1960; Film and television composer, including Rocky, the James Bond film For Your Eyes OnlyFor Your Eyes Only (film)For Your Eyes Only is the twelfth spy film in the James Bond series and the fifth to star Roger Moore as the fictional MI6 agent James Bond. It marked the directorial debut of John Glen, who had worked as editor and second unit director in three other Bond films. The screenplay by Richard Maibaum...
, Dynasty, Falcon Crest, Cagney & Lacey, and the ABC Evening News) - Dave GrusinDave GrusinDavid Grusin is an American composer, arranger and pianist. Grusin has composed many scores for feature films and television, and has won numerous awards for his soundtrack and record work, including an Academy award and 12 Grammys...
, 1934–present l (Beta Chi 1956; composer and producer; known for composing theme songs of MaudeMaude (TV series)Maude was an American television sitcom that was originally broadcast on the CBS network from September 12, 1972 until April 22, 1978.Maude starred Beatrice Arthur as Maude Findlay, an outspoken, middle-aged, politically liberal woman living in suburban Tuckahoe, Westchester County, New York with...
, Good TimesGood TimesGood Times is an American sitcom that originally aired from February 8, 1974, until August 1, 1979, on the CBS television network. It was created by Eric Monte and Michael Evans, and developed by Norman Lear, the series' primary executive producer...
, BarettaBarettaBaretta is an American detective television series which ran on ABC from 1975 to 1978. The show was a milder version of a successful 1973–74 ABC series, Toma, starring Tony Musante as chameleon-like, real-life New Jersey police officer David Toma...
, and St. ElsewhereSt. ElsewhereSt. Elsewhere is an American medical drama television series that originally ran on NBC from October 26, 1982 to May 25, 1988. The series is set at fictional St. Eligius, a decaying urban teaching hospital in Boston's South End neighborhood...
) - Nelson S. Riddle, Jr.Nelson RiddleNelson Smock Riddle, Jr. was an American arranger, composer, bandleader and orchestrator whose career stretched from the late 1940s to the mid 1980s...
, 1921–1985 (Gamma Omega Honorary 1967; Bandleader, Arranger, Orchestrator; Noted for the soundtrack of the 1960s BatmanBatmanBatman is a fictional character created by the artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger. A comic book superhero, Batman first appeared in Detective Comics #27 , and since then has appeared primarily in publications by DC Comics...
television series and movie) - David RoseDavid RoseDavid Rose was a British-born American songwriter, composer, arranger, pianist, and orchestra leader. His most famous compositions were "The Stripper", "Holiday for Strings", and "Calypso Melody"...
* (Gamma Omega Honorary 1968; Wrote music for The Red Skelton ShowThe Red Skelton ShowThe Red Skelton Show is an American variety show that was a television staple for two decades, from 1951 to 1971. It was second to Gunsmoke and third to The Ed Sullivan Show in the ratings during that time. Skelton, who had previously been a radio star, had appeared in several motion pictures as...
and BonanzaBonanzaBonanza is an American western television series that both ran on and was a production of NBC from September 12, 1959 to January 16, 1973. Lasting 14 seasons and 430 episodes, it ranks as the second longest running western series and still continues to air in syndication. It centers on the...
; Known for 1962 Billboard #1 hit The StripperThe Stripper"The Stripper" is an instrumental composed by David Rose and recorded in 1962. It evinces a jazz influence with especially prominent trombone lines, and evokes the feel of music used to accompany striptease artists....
; Married to actress Judy GarlandJudy GarlandJudy Garland was an American actress and singer. Through a career that spanned 45 of her 47 years and for her renowned contralto voice, she attained international stardom as an actress in musical and dramatic roles, as a recording artist and on the concert stage...
)
Composers (Post-Romantic)
- George W. Chadwick, 1854–1931 (Alpha Honorary 1898?, Alpha Alpha National Honorary 1909; Director of the New England Conservatory of Music, 1897–1930, member of "Boston Six". "Sinfonia" in the fraternity's name is attributed to Chadwick, based on the name of a student organization he was a member of at the Leipzig Conservatory)
Composers (Post-World War II)
- Eric EwazenEric EwazenEric Ewazen is an American composer and teacher. Ewazen studied composition under Samuel Adler, Milton Babbitt, Gunther Schuller, Joseph Schwantner, Warren Benson, and Eugene Kurtz at the Eastman School of Music and The Juilliard School...
, 1954–present (composer) - David R. Holsinger, 1945-present
Composers (Other)
- Samuel AdlerSamuel Adler (composer)Samuel Hans Adler is an American composer and conductor.-Biography:Adler was born to a Jewish family in Mannheim, Germany, the son of Hugo Chaim Adler, a cantor and composer, and Selma Adler. The family fled to the United States in 1939, where Hugo became the cantor of Temple Emanuel in...
, 1928–present (Gamma Theta Honorary 1960; Alpha Alpha National Honorary 1966; German-born composer) - Leroy AndersonLeroy AndersonLeroy Anderson was an American composer of short, light concert pieces, many of which were introduced by the Boston Pops Orchestra under the direction of Arthur Fiedler...
, 1908–1975* (Gamma Omega Honorary 1969; Composer, noted for "Bugler's Holiday", "Syncopated Clock", and the holiday classic "Sleigh Ride") - Percy Lee Atherton, 1871–1944 (Alpha Honorary 1916)
- Robert Russell BennettRobert Russell BennettRobert Russell Bennett was an American composer and arranger, best known for his orchestration of many well-known Broadway and Hollywood musicals by other composers such as Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, Jerome Kern, Cole Porter, and Richard Rodgers. In 1957 and 2008, Bennett received Tony Awards...
, 1894–1981 (Gamma Omega Honorary 1966; composer, arranger, orchestrator) - Warren F. Benson, 1924–2005 (Epsilon Honorary 1946, Alpha Alpha National Honorary 1969; Composer)
- Felix BorowskiFelix BorowskiFelix Borowski was a British/American composer and teacher.Felix Borowski was of Polish descent but was born in the English village of Burton-in-Kendal, Westmorland. His father, who was quite a musician, was of distinguished Polish stock. His mother was English and very accomplished in music...
, 1872–1956 (Alpha Honorary 1917, Alpha Alpha 1920; British/American composer and teacher) - Carl BuschCarl BuschCarl Busch was a Danish-born American composer and music teacher sometimes associated with the Indianist movement. He was an important figure in the musical life of Kansas City, Missouri for many years.-Background:Busch was born in Bjerre, on Jutland, to a lawyer and his wife, and was the...
, 1862-1943 (Chi Honorary 1913; Danish-born American composer and music teacher sometimes associated with the Indianist movement. He was an important figure in the musical life of Kansas City, Missouri for many years) - Charles Wakefield CadmanCharles Wakefield CadmanCharles Wakefield Cadman was an American composer.Cadman’s musical education, unlike that of most of his American contemporaries, was completely American. Born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, he began piano lessons at 13...
, 1881–1946 (Alpha Alpha National Honorary 1915; Well known for his many famous songs adapted from American Indian melodies. His most important opera Shanewis, was first produced at the Metropolitan Opera House in 1918.) - John Alden CarpenterJohn Alden CarpenterJohn Alden Carpenter was an American composer.-Biography:Born in Park Ridge, Illinois, Carpenter was raised in a musical household. He was educated at Harvard University, where he studied under John Knowles Paine, and was president of the Glee Club and wrote music for the Hasty-Pudding Club...
, 1876–1951 (Alpha Honorary 1917; noted for 1914 work Adventures in a Perambulator)
- Frederick S. ConverseFrederick ConverseFrederick Shepherd Converse , was an American composer of classical music.-Life and career:Converse was born in Newton, Massachusetts, the son of Edmund Winchester and Charlotte Augusta Converse. His father was a successful merchant, and president of the National Tube Works and the Conanicut Mills...
, 1871–1940 (Lambda Honorary 1911; Alpha Alpha National Honorary 1913, Composer) - Aaron CoplandAaron CoplandAaron Copland was an American composer, composition teacher, writer, and later in his career a conductor of his own and other American music. He was instrumental in forging a distinctly American style of composition, and is often referred to as "the Dean of American Composers"...
, 1900–1990 f p k l (Alpha Upsilon Honorary 1961; Known for the compositions Appalachian Spring, Fanfare for the Common Man, and choral works Stomp Your Foot and The Promise of Living from The Tender Land opera) - Paul CrestonPaul CrestonPaul Creston was an Italian American composer of classical music.Born in New York City to Sicilian immigrants, Creston was self‐taught as a composer. He was an honorary member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia music fraternity, initiated into the national honorary Alpha Alpha chapter...
, 1906–1985 (Alpha Alpha National Honorary 1972) - George CrumbGeorge CrumbGeorge Crumb is an American composer of contemporary classical music. He is noted as an explorer of unusual timbres, alternative forms of notation, and extended instrumental and vocal techniques. Examples include seagull effect for the cello , metallic vibrato for the piano George Crumb (born...
, 1929–present p (Beta Chi Honorary, 1961; Known for composition Ancient Voices of Children) - Reginald de KovenReginald de KovenHenry Louis Reginald De Koven was an American music critic and prolific composer, particularly of comic operas.-Biography:...
, 1859–1920 (Alpha Honorary 1917; Music Critic and Composer) - Norman Dello JoioNorman Dello Joio- Life :He was born Nicodemo DeGioio in New York City to Italian immigrants. He began his musical career as organist and choir director at the Star of the Sea Church on City Island in New York at age 14. His father was an organist, pianist, and vocal coach and coached many opera stars from the...
, 1913-2008 p (Epsilon Nu 1971) - Henry FillmoreHenry FillmoreHenry Fillmore was an American musician, composer, publisher, and bandleader, best-known for his many marches and screamers.-Biography:James Henry Fillmore Jr. was born in Cincinnati, Ohio as the eldest of five children...
, 1881-1956 (Beta Tau Honorary 1952; American musician, composer, and publisher) - Ross Lee FinneyRoss Lee FinneyRoss Lee Finney Junior was an American composer born in Wells, Minnesota who taught for many years at the University of Michigan. He studied with Nadia Boulanger, Edward Burlingame Hill, Alban Berg and Roger Sessions...
, 1906-1997 (Alpha Mu 1925; American composer, teacher of Leslie Bassett, George Crumb, Burton Beerman, Roger Reynolds) - Carlisle FloydCarlisle FloydCarlisle Floyd is an American opera composer. The son of a Methodist minister, he based many of his works on themes from the South...
, 1926–present (Theta, Epsilon Iota Honorary 1957; composer) - Arthur FooteArthur FooteArthur William Foote was an American classical composer, and a member of the "Boston Six." The other five were George Whitefield Chadwick, Amy Beach, Edward MacDowell, John Knowles Paine, and Horatio Parker.The modern tendency is to view Foote’s music as “Romantic” and “European” in light of the...
, 1853–1937 (Alpha Alpha National Honorary ; member of "Boston Six") - Lukas FossLukas FossLukas Foss was a German-born American composer, conductor, and pianist.-Music career:He was born Lukas Fuchs in Berlin, Germany in 1922. His father was the philosopher and scholar Martin Fuchs...
, 1922–2009 (Alpha Alpha National Honorary, Rho Chi 1970) - Oscar J. Fox, 1879-1961 (Alpha Iota 1926, composer of western songs such as "The Hills of Home" (1925), "Old Paint" (1927), "The Old Chisholm Trail" (1924), "Whoopee Ti Yi Yo, Git Along, Little Dogies" (1927), "Will You Come to the Bower?" (1936), and "The Cowboy's Lament" (1923).
- Arthur R. Frackenpohl, 1924–present (Theta Iota Honorary 1968; Composer)
- Henry F. GilbertHenry F. GilbertHenry Franklin Belknap Gilbert was an American composer and collector of folk songs. He is best remembered today for his interest in the music of African-Americans around the turn of the 20th century....
, 1868–1928 (Alpha 1916) - Hallate Gilberte, 1872-???? (Alpha 1917)
- David GillinghamDavid GillinghamDavid R. Gillingham is a contemporary composer. He attended the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh for his undergraduate degree in Music Education and Michigan State University for his PhD in Music Composition/Theory. He currently serves as professor of music theory and composition at Central...
, 1947–present (Nu Pi Honorary 1985) - Don Gillis, 1912-1978 (Gamma Theta Honorary 1941, Alpha Alpha National Honorary 1958)
- Morton GouldMorton GouldMorton Gould was an American composer, conductor, arranger, and pianist.Born in Richmond Hill, New York, Gould was recognized early as a child prodigy with abilities in improvisation and composition. His first composition was published at age six...
, 1913–1996 (Alpha Delta Honorary 1947)
- Donald GranthamDonald GranthamDonald Grantham is an American composer and music educator.Grantham was born in Duncan, Oklahoma. After receiving a Bachelor of Music from the University of Oklahoma, he went on to receive his MM and DMA from the University of Southern California. For two summers he studied under famed French...
, 1947–present (Rho Tau Honorary 1995; ) - Ferde GrofeFerde GroféFerde Grofé was a prominent American composer, arranger and pianist. During the 1920s and 1930s, he went by the name Ferdie Grofé.-Early life:...
, 1892–1972 (Beta Epsilon Honorary 1939, Alpha Alpha National Honorary 1958, noted for "Grand Canyon Suite") - Howard HansonHoward HansonHoward Harold Hanson was an American composer, conductor, educator, music theorist, and champion of American classical music. As director for 40 years of the Eastman School of Music, he built a high-quality school and provided opportunities for commissioning and performing American music...
, 1896–1981 p l (Iota 1916, Alpha Nu Honorary 1928, Alpha Alpha National Honorary 1930; Director of the Eastman School of MusicEastman School of MusicThe Eastman School of Music is a music conservatory located in Rochester, New York. The Eastman School is a professional school within the University of Rochester...
, 1924–1964; Recipient of the 1944 Pulitzer Prize for his Symphony No. 2; Known for the choral work Song of Democracy, based on Walt Whitman poem of the same name) - Roy HarrisRoy HarrisRoy Ellsworth Harris , was an American composer. He wrote much music on American subjects, becoming best known for his Symphony No...
, 1898–1979 (Alpha Chi, Alpha Alpha National Honorary 1956; Composer) - Ross Hastings, 1915–1991 (Alpha Alpha National Honorary 1977; Known for setting of "Sinfonian Prayer" that first appeared in the 1972 edition of "Sinfonia Songs")
- Victor HerbertVictor HerbertVictor August Herbert was an Irish-born, German-raised American composer, cellist and conductor. Although Herbert enjoyed important careers as a cello soloist and conductor, he is best known for composing many successful operettas that premiered on Broadway from the 1890s to World War I...
, 1859–1924 (Alpha Alpha National Honorary 1913, Tin Pan AlleyTin Pan AlleyTin Pan Alley is the name given to the collection of New York City music publishers and songwriters who dominated the popular music of the United States in the late 19th century and early 20th century...
composer; Co-founder & vice-president of ASCAP) - Edward Burlingame HillEdward Burlingame HillEdward Burlingame Hill was an American composer.After graduating from Harvard University in 1894, Hill studied music in Boston with John Knowles Paine, Frederick Field Bullard, Margaret Ruthven Lang, and George Elbridge Whiting, and in Paris with Charles Marie Widor...
, 1872–1960 (Alpha Honorary 1917(?), Composer; teacher of Leonard Bernstein and Walter Piston; Harvard music faculty, 1908–1940) - Alan HovhanessAlan HovhanessAlan Hovhaness was an Armenian-American composer.His music is accessible to the lay listener and often evokes a mood of mystery or contemplation...
, 1911–2000 (Delta Omicron Honorary 1949; composer)
- Rupert HughesRupert HughesRupert Hughes was an American historian, novelist, film director and composer based in Hollywood. Hughes was born in Lancaster, Missouri. His parents were Felix Turner Hughes and Jean Amelia Summerlin, who were married in 1865. His brother Howard R. Hughes, Sr., co-founded the Hughes Tool Company....
, 1872–1956 (Alpha Honorary 1917; historian, novelist, film director, composer, uncle of Howard HughesHoward HughesHoward Robard Hughes, Jr. was an American business magnate, investor, aviator, engineer, film producer, director, and philanthropist. He was one of the wealthiest people in the world...
) - Bruno Huhn (Alpha Honorary 1917; Sacred music composer)
- Karel HusaKarel HusaKarel Husa is a Czech-born classical composer and conductor, winner of the 1969 Pulitzer Prize and 1993 University of Louisville Grawemeyer Award in Music Composition...
, 1921–present (Alpha Alpha National Honorary 1977; composer) - Ulysses KayUlysses KayUlysses Simpson Kay was an African American composer. His music is mostly neoclassical in style....
, 1917–1995 (Alpha Upsilon 1937). Earliest known African-American Sinfonian. - Theron Kirk, 1919-1999 (Gamma Iota 1940, composer of more than 1,000 published works for chorus, chamber groups, symphony orchestra, vocal solo, organ, carillon, and a one-act opera; National President, American Choral Directors Association, 1968–1970) The University of Texas at San Antonio houses a collection of Kirk's papers, including music composed by him.
- Gail T. Kubik, 1914–1984 p (Alpha Nu 1934, Alpha Alpha National Honorary 1958, Composer)
- Lee JacksonLee Jackson (composer)Lee Jackson was the Music and Sound Director for the video game developer 3D Realms from 1996 through 2002. He is most well known for his work on Duke Nukem 3D, specifically for creating the game's main theme titled "Grabbag". He, along with Robert Prince, created the game's instrumental background...
, 1963–present (Alpha Iota 1982, Composer, best known for video game music including Grabbag, the Duke Nukem 3DDuke Nukem 3DDuke Nukem 3D is a first-person shooter computer game developed by 3D Realms and published by GT Interactive Software. The full version was released for the PC . It is a sequel to the platform games Duke Nukem and Duke Nukem II published by Apogee...
theme) - Robert Jager, 1939–present (Composer)
- Edgar Stillman KelleyEdgar Stillman KelleyEdgar Stillman Kelley was an American composer, conductor, teacher, and writer on music. He is sometimes associated with the Indianist movement in American music.-Life:...
, 1857-1944 (Omicron 1916) - Normand LockwoodNormand LockwoodNormand Lockwood was an American composer born in New York, New York. He studied composition at the University of Michigan from 1921–1924, and then traveled to Rome and studied composition under Ottorino Respighi from 1925 to 1926, and during this time he also had composition lessons with Nadia...
, 1906–2002 (Nu Rho Honorary 1967, Alpha Alpha National Honorary; Composer) - Felix Labunski (Eta)
- Otto C. LueningOtto LueningOtto Clarence Luening was a German-American composer and conductor, and an early pioneer of tape music and electronic music....
, 1900–1996 (German-American composer, early pioneer of electronic music) - Daniel Gregory MasonDaniel Gregory MasonDaniel Gregory Mason was an American composer and music critic.-Biography:...
, 1873–1953 (Alpha 1914; Columbia University music faculty, 1905–1942; Grandson of pioneer American music educator Lowell MasonLowell MasonLowell Mason was a leading figure in American church music, the composer of over 1600 hymn tunes, many of which are often sung today. His most well-known tunes include Mary Had A Little Lamb and the arrangement of Joy to the World...
) - Henry L. Mason (Alpha Honorary 1916; associated with Mason & Hamlin piano manufacturing company; Grandson of pioneer American music educator Lowell MasonLowell MasonLowell Mason was a leading figure in American church music, the composer of over 1600 hymn tunes, many of which are often sung today. His most well-known tunes include Mary Had A Little Lamb and the arrangement of Joy to the World...
) - Daniel W. McCarthy (Gamma Omega Honorary 1993; Pulitzer-Pride nominated American composer)
- Dimitri Mitropoulos,1896-1960 (Alpha Nu 1946)
- Daniel T. Moe, 1926–present (Epsilon Zeta Honorary 1957)
- Václav NelhýbelVáclav NelhýbelVáclav Nelhýbel was a Czech-American composer, mainly of works for student performers. He is considered one of the most prolific composers of the 20th century....
, 1919–1996 (Iota Kappa Honorary 1966; Czech-American composer)
Ron Nelson Alpha Nu 1952
- Roger A. Nixon (Composer)
- Vincent J. Oppido (Rho Omicron 2009, Charter Member); (Composer, TRN Music, Kjos Music Publishers)
- Robert Moffat PalmerRobert Moffat PalmerRobert Moffat ' Palmer was an American composer, pianist and educator...
, 1915-2010 (Delta Honorary 1954, American composer, pianist and educator.) - Horatio ParkerHoratio ParkerHoratio William Parker was an American composer, organist and teacher. He was a central figure in musical life in New Haven, Connecticut in the late 19th century, and is best remembered as the teacher of Charles Ives....
(Alpha Alpha National Honorary 1915; Teacher, Member of "Boston Six") - Krzysztof PendereckiKrzysztof PendereckiKrzysztof Penderecki , born November 23, 1933 in Dębica) is a Polish composer and conductor. His 1960 avant-garde Threnody to the Victims of Hiroshima for string orchestra brought him to international attention, and this success was followed by acclaim for his choral St. Luke Passion. Both these...
(Epsilon Iota Honorary 1975; Composer) - Vincent PersichettiVincent PersichettiVincent Ludwig Persichetti was an American composer, teacher, and pianist. An important musical educator and writer, Persichetti was a native of Philadelphia...
, 1915–1987 (Delta Eta Honorary 1961; Composer) - William Presser, 1916–2004 (Rho Tau Honorary 1971)
- Arthur PryorArthur PryorArthur Willard Pryor was a trombone virtuoso, bandleader, and soloist with the Sousa Band. In later life, he was an American Democratic Party politician from New Jersey, who served on the Monmouth County, New Jersey Board of Chosen Freeholders during the 1930s.Pryor was born on the second floor of...
(Composer, Band Director, Soloist with the Sousa Band) - Buryl Red (Gamma Iota 1954; Executive Producer of Silver Burdett's educational music programs)
- Alfred ReedAlfred ReedAlfred Reed was one of North America's most prolific and frequently performed composers, with more than two hundred published works for concert band, wind ensemble, orchestra, chorus, and chamber ensemble to his name...
, 1921–2005 (Gamma Iota 1954; Conductor, Baylor Symphony Orchestra; Developed repertoire material for schools; Director of the Music Industry Program at the University of Miami) - George RochbergGeorge RochbergGeorge Rochberg was an American composer of contemporary classical music.-Life:Rochberg was born in Paterson, New Jersey. He attended the Mannes College of Music, where his teachers included George Szell and Hans Weisse, and the Curtis Institute of Music, where he studied with Rosario Scalero and...
, 1918–2005 (Alpha Alpha National Honorary 1977)
- Louis Victor Saar, 1868–1937 (Eta Honorary, Omicron Honorary, Alpha Alpha National Honorary 1917; Dutch composer, graduated from the Royal Academy of Music, Munich in 1889 where he studied with Rheinberger and Bussmeyer. He then continued his studies in Vienna, Leipzig, and Berlin, including one winter with Brahms. From 1893-96, he was the accompanist for the Metropolitan Opera Company. Antonín Dvořák hired Saar to teach harmony and counterpoint at the National Conservatory from 1896-98. Saar also taught at the N.Y. College of Music, Institute of Musical Art of N.Y. from 1898–1906; Cincinnati College of Music from 1906-17 (during which time he became affiliated with the Fraternity; and at the Chicago Musical College from 1917-34. In 1934 he moved to St. Louis to join the faculty of the St. Louis Institute of Music where he remained until his death on November 23, 1937. Best known within the Fraternity for his arrangement of Hail Sinfonia (c. 1923), which was based on Hail Poetry from the Pirates of Penzance.)
- P. Peter Sacco (Composer)
- R. Murray SchaferR. Murray SchaferRaymond Murray Schafer is a Canadian composer, writer, music educator and environmentalist perhaps best known for his World Soundscape Project, concern for acoustic ecology, and his book The Tuning of the World...
, 1933–present (Delta Iota 1972; Composer and Music Educator) - Peter SchickelePeter SchickeleJohann Peter Schickele is an American composer, musical educator, and parodist. He is best known for his comedy music albums featuring his music that he presents as music written by the fictional composer P. D. Q...
, 1935–present (Gamma Epsilon Honorary 1974; Composer and creator of P.D.Q. Bach)
- Arnold SchoenbergArnold SchoenbergArnold Schoenberg was an Austrian composer, associated with the expressionist movement in German poetry and art, and leader of the Second Viennese School...
, 1874–1951 (Alpha Epsilon Honorary 1935, developed the twelve-tone technique of composition. According to a regional Fraternity leader in California, Schoenberg was a regular attendee at Fraternity events, and also served as a judge for the Fraternity's annual composition contest.) - Gunther SchullerGunther SchullerGunther Schuller is an American composer, conductor, horn player, author, historian, and jazz musician.- Biography and works :...
, 1925–present p (Horn Player; President, New England Conservatory of Music, 1967–1977) - David Stanley SmithDavid Stanley SmithDavid Stanley Smith was an American composer.Smith started his studies with Horatio Parker in 1895 at Yale University, where his friends included Charles Ives, and was appointed organist at the Center Church in New Haven...
, 1877–1949 (Alpha Honorary 1917?; Conductor, New Haven Symphony Orchestra; Dean, Yale School of Music, 1920–1940) - Robert StarerRobert StarerRobert Starer was an Austrian-born American composer and pianist.Robert Starer began studying the piano at age 4 and continued his studies at the Vienna State Academy...
, 1924–2001 (Alpha Alpha National Honorary 1982; Initiated at 1982 national convention at the University of Illinois in Champaign, where his works "In Praise of Music", "The Mystic Trumpeter", and "Music Is", commissioned by the Sinfonia Foundation, were premiered) - Halsey StevensHalsey Stevens-Life:Halsey Stevens was born in Scott, New York and educated at Syracuse University and the University of California, Berkeley. He studied with William Berwald at Syracuse and with the composer Ernest Bloch at Berkeley....
, 1908–1989 (Theta 1931; Composer) - Edgar Stillman KelleyEdgar Stillman KelleyEdgar Stillman Kelley was an American composer, conductor, teacher, and writer on music. He is sometimes associated with the Indianist movement in American music.-Life:...
, 1857–1944 (Alpha Alpha National Honorary 1917; known for two symphonies, Gulliver (1913–37) and New England (1913), and oratorio, The Pilgrim's Progress (1918).) - Frederick StockFrederick StockFrederick Stock was a German conductor and composer.-Biography:...
, 1872–1942 (Alpha Alpha National Honorary 1908; Composer; Director, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, 1905–1942) - Morton SubotnickMorton SubotnickMorton Subotnick is an American composer of electronic music, best known for his Silver Apples of the Moon, the first electronic work commissioned by a record company, Nonesuch...
, 1933–present (Alpha Epsilon 1951, American composer of electronic music, best known for Silver Apples of the Moon, composed in 1967) - Fisher TullFisher TullFisher Aubrey Tull, Jr. , known professionally as Fisher A. Tull, aka Mickey Tull, was an American composer, arranger, educator, administrator, and trumpeter.-Life and career:...
, 1934–1994 (Gamma Theta 1955; composer) - David VanVactor, (Iota Honorary 1939)
- Ernö von Dohnányi, 1877-1960 (Epsilon Iota 1946; Hungarian conductor, composer, and pianist)
- Robert Washburn, 1928–present (Theta Iota 1967; Composer)
- William H. Zinn (Alpha Alpha National Honorary 1926)
Conductors (Band/Winds)
- Col. John R. Bourgeois, USMC (Ret.) al (Zeta Pi Honorary 1956, Alpha Alpha National Honorary 1997, conductor, "The President's Own" Marine BandUnited States Marine BandThe United States Marine Band is the premier band of the United States Marine Corps. Established by act of Congress on July 11, 1798, it is the oldest of the United States military bands and the oldest professional musical organization in the United States...
& composer/arranger) - Harry BegianHarry BegianDr. Harry Begian was an American Band Director. Dr. Begian taught at both the secondary and collegiate level during his career.At the secondary level, Dr. Begian served as band director at Detroit's Cass Technical High School from 1947 through 1964. During Dr. Begian’s tenure at Cass Tech, the band...
, 19??-2010 (Gamma Omicron 1941; Conductor & Composer) - Lt. Col. John C. Clanton (Gamma Eta 1979; Dep. Com. of U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own"; Dir. of U.S. Army Chorus; Conductor, Armed Forces Chorus which performed at the funerals of Presidents Ronald ReaganRonald ReaganRonald Wilson Reagan was the 40th President of the United States , the 33rd Governor of California and, prior to that, a radio, film and television actor....
and Gerald FordGerald FordGerald Rudolph "Jerry" Ford, Jr. was the 38th President of the United States, serving from 1974 to 1977, and the 40th Vice President of the United States serving from 1973 to 1974...
) - Raymond F. Dvorak, 1900-1982 (Alpha Xi 1925, Alpha Alpha National Honorary 1966; Composer and Band Director)
- Leonard FalconeLeonard FalconeLeonard Falcone was best known as Professor of Baritone and Euphonium at Michigan State University where he also served from 1927 to 1967 as Director of Bands. The school's Spartan Marching Band transitioned from an ROTC auxiliary to a nationally known Big-10 conference marching band during his...
(Conductor), (Gamma Epsilon Honorary 1940, Long-time Director of Bands at Michigan State University. - Frederick FennellFrederick FennellFrederick Fennell was an internationally recognized conductor, and one of the primary figures in promoting the wind ensemble as a performing group. He was also influential as a band pedagogue, and greatly affected the field of music education in the USA and abroad...
, 1914–2004 l (Alpha Nu 1934; Widely regarded as the leader of the wind ensemble movement in the United States; Recipient of the Fraternity's Man of Music Award in 2003) - Joseph HermannJoseph HermannJoseph W. Hermann is a leading American wind band conductor and educator and is currently Director of Bands and Professor of Music at Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville, Tennessee...
(Conductor/Educator, ABA President) - George N. ParksGeorge N. ParksGeorge N. Parks was the director of the University of Massachusetts Minuteman Marching Band the University of Massachusetts Amherst from 1977 until his sudden death in 2010. Considered a national authority on drum majoring, he led the George N...
(Rho Sigma, Director: UMassUniversity of MassachusettsThis article relates to the statewide university system. For the flagship campus often referred to as "UMass", see University of Massachusetts Amherst...
Minuteman Marching Band. founder of GNP Drum Major Academy) - William RevelliWilliam RevelliWilliam D. Revelli was the director of bands, including the Michigan Marching Band, at the University of Michigan for 36 years from 1935-1971. During his 36 years as director, the Michigan Marching Band won international acclaim for its musical precision...
l (Conductor) - William F. Santelmann, 1902-1984 (Eta Psi Honorary 1960; Alpha Alpha National Honorary 1962, 21st Leader/Director of the United States Marine Band, serving from 1940-1955.)
Conductors (Choral)
- John Alexander (Omicron Pi Honorary; Pacific Chorale Artistic Director)
- George BraggGeorge BraggGeorge Washington Bragg was an American conductor and founder of the Texas Boys Choir. He was born on January 24, 1926 in Meridian, Mississippi to George W. Bragg, Sr. and Elizabeth Hairston Bragg. In 1934 he moved to Birmingham, Alabama where he joined the famous Apollo Boys' Choir. On February...
, 1926-2007 (Gamma Theta Honorary 1946, Alpha Alpha National Honorary ; Founder of the Grammy AwardGrammy AwardA Grammy Award — or Grammy — is an accolade by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States to recognize outstanding achievement in the music industry...
winning Texas Boys Choir) - Robert De CormierRobert De CormierRobert DeCormier is an American musical conductor, arranger, and director, and a graduate of the Juilliard School. He has arranged music for many singers and groups, including Harry Belafonte and Peter, Paul, and Mary, and has worked with Milt Okun. DeCormier is perhaps most famous for his...
(Alpha Nu Honorary 1977) - Lara G. Hoggard, 1915–2007 (Beta Gamma Honorary 1939, Alpha Alpha National Honorary 1966; Conductor and choral arranger; Founder of the Carolina Choir at the University of North Carolina at Chapel HillUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillThe University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a public research university located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States...
; served 31 years as the director of the North Carolina Summer Institute of Choral Art) - Warner Imig, (Lambda 1936, Co-Founder and National President, American Choral Directors Association, 1962–1964).
- Lee Kjelson (Upsilon 1944)
- Norman LuboffNorman LuboffNorman Luboff was an American music arranger, music publisher, and choir director.-Early years:Norman Luboff was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1917. He studied piano as a child and participated in his high school chorus. Luboff studied at the University of Chicago and Central College in Chicago...
, 1917–1987* (Founder and Director of the Norman Luboff Choir) - Weston NobleWeston NobleWeston Noble is a highly accomplished and honored American music educator and conductor.Currently guest conductor of the Augustana Choir at Augustana College in...
, 1922–present (Alpha Alpha National Honorary 1975; Conductor of Luther College Nordic Choir, 1948–2005) - Robert ShawRobert Shaw (conductor)Robert Shaw was an American conductor most famous for his work with his namesake Chorale, with the Cleveland Orchestra and Chorus, and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus. Shaw received 14 Grammy awards, four ASCAP awards for service to contemporary music, the first Guggenheim Fellowship...
, 1916–1999 k (Alpha Chi 1945; conductor) - Gregg Smith (Founder of the Gregg Smith SingersGregg Smith SingersThe Gregg Smith Singers is a mixed chorus from the United States, directed by Gregg Smith . The group, which comprises 16 singers, was founded at an all-Japanese Methodist church in West Los Angeles, California in 1955, while Smith was studying for his master's degree in music at the University of...
) - Howard S. Swan, 1906–1995 (Alpha Alpha National Honorary 1959, considered the "Dean of American Choral Directors)
- Roger WagnerRoger WagnerRoger Wagner, KCSG was an American choral musician, administrator and educator.-Early life:Wagner was born in Le Puy, France. His younger brother was actor and voiceover artist Jack Wagner. Roger Wagner was immersed in music from his youngest years...
, 1914-1992 (Alpha Epsilon 1946; Director of Roger Wagner Chorale and Los Angeles Master ChoraleLos Angeles Master ChoraleThe Los Angeles Master Chorale is a professional chorus in Los Angeles, California. It was founded in 1964 by Roger Wagner to be one of the three original resident companies of the Music Center of Los Angeles County...
) - John Finley WilliamsonJohn Finley WilliamsonJohn Finley Williamson was the founder of Westminster Choir and co-founder of Westminster Choir College. He is considered to be one of the most influential choral conductors of the twentieth century...
, 1887-1964 (Alpha Theta 1925, was the founder of Westminster Choir and co-founder of Westminster Choir College. He is considered to be one of the most influential choral conductors of the twentieth century. He was described by The New York Times as the "dean of American choral directors.")
Conductors (Opera)
- Cleofonte CampaniniCleofonte CampaniniCleofonte Campanini was an Italian conductor. His brother was the tenor Italo Campanini.Born in Parma, Campanini studied music at that city's conservatory, making his debut with a performance of Carmen, also in Parma, in 1883...
, 1860–1919 (Alpha Honorary 1917; Italian-born conductor, Conductor of the Chicago Opera, 1910–1919) - Henry RussellHenry Russell (impresario)Henry Russell was an English impresario, conductor, opera director, and singing teacher.-Biography:Henry Ronald Russell was born in London. He was the son of Henry Russell, a composer, pianist, and baritone, and his wife Hannah...
, 1871-1937 (Alpha Honorary 1907; Alpha Alpha National Honorary 1910; English impresario, conductor, opera director, and singing teacher; came to Boston, Massachusetts with the San Carlo Opera CompanySan Carlo Opera CompanyThe San Carlo Opera Company was the name of two different opera companies active in the United States during the first half of the twentieth century.-History:...
in 1906. The group remained based in Boston and gave tours annually of mostly Italian operas throughout the United States from 1906-1909 in addition to giving performances in Boston. With the opening of the Boston Opera House in 1909, the company essentially became the seed for the newly formed Boston Opera Company (BOC), which Russell co-founded with Bostonian millionaire Eben Jordan, Jr.. He continued to direct the BOC until it went bankrupt in 1915. - Kurt SchindlerKurt SchindlerKurt Schindler was a German-born American composer and conductor. He came to the United States in 1905 to serve as an assistant conductor at the Metropolitan Opera, and founded the MacDowell Chorus. Much of his choral output consisted of folksong arrangements, though he composed original pieces...
, 1882–1935 (Alpha Honorary 1917; German-born conductor and composer.)
Conductors (Symphonic)
- Sir Karl Bush, 1862-?, (Alpha Alpha National Honorary c. 1916), Danish born conductor, Knighted by King Christian X, Conductor of Kansas City Symphony Orchestra.
- Walter Damrosch, 1862–1950 (Alpha Honorary 1917; American Symphony Conductor)
- Allan DennisAllan DennisAllan Dennis is the founder and director of the Midwest Young Artists youth orchestra program based in Highwood, Illinois. He received his doctorate from Indiana University, his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the State University of New York at Fredonia and has also studied at the Eastman...
(educator & conductor) - Antal DorátiAntal DorátiAntal Doráti, KBE was a Hungarian-born conductor and composer who became a naturalized American citizen in 1947.-Biography:...
|, KBE (Music Director, Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra, 1949–1960; Principal Conductor, Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, 1966–1974) - Arthur FiedlerArthur FiedlerArthur Fiedler was a long-time conductor of the Boston Pops Orchestra, a symphony orchestra that specializes in popular and light classical music. With a combination of musicianship and showmanship, he made the Boston Pops one of the best-known orchestras in the country...
(Delta Omicron 1950. Conductor, Boston Pops Orchestra, 1930–1979) - Galen S. Karriker (Beta Omega 1988; clinician, conductor of The University of Akron Marching Band)
- Vladimir GolschmannVladimir GolschmannVladimir Golschmann was a French conductor.-Biography:Vladimir Golschmann was born in Paris. He studied violin at the Schola Cantorum in Paris. He was a notable advocate of the music of the composers known as Les six. In Paris, he had his own concert series, the Concerts Golschmann, which began...
, 1893-1972 (New Zeta Honorary 1949; French conductor, Conductor of St. Louis Symphony.) - Sir Eugène Aynsley Goossens, 1893–1962 (Alpha Nu Honorary 1927; British Conductor & Composer; Director, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, 1931–1947))
- Henry Hadley, 1871-1937 (Alpha Alpha National Honorary 1913, Conductor of the Seattle Symphony Orchestra, 1909–1911; Founder, San Francisco SymphonySan Francisco SymphonyThe San Francisco Symphony is an orchestra based in San Francisco, California. Since 1980, the orchestra has performed at the Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall. The San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra and the San Francisco Symphony Chorus are part of the organization...
, 1911; guiding spirit of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and particularly in establishing the Berkshire Music Festival at Tanglewood, Massachusetts in 1934) -
- Claire Fox Hillard (Rho Delta 2008)(Served 20 years as the conductor/music director of the Albany Symphony Orchestra in Albany, Georgia)
- Thor JohnsonThor JohnsonThor Martin Johnson was an American conductor. He was born in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. He studied at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was president of the Alpha Rho chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity. He was the first recipient of the fraternity's national...
, 1913–1975 l (Alpha Rho 1932, Alpha Alpha National Honorary 1948; Director, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, 1947–1958, respected Moravian musician. Johnson served as the president of the Alpha Rho chapter at the University of North Carolina at Chapel HillUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillThe University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a public research university located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States...
in 1933, and was the first recipient in 1952 of the Fraternity's Charles E. Lutton Man of Music Award. One of the first American conductors to direct an American orchestra, he did much to develop and popularize orchestral music in the United States.) - Erich KunzelErich KunzelErich Kunzel, Jr. was an American orchestra conductor. Called the "Prince of Pops" by the Chicago Tribune, he performed with a number of leading pops and symphony orchestras, especially the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra , which he led for over 44 years.-Early life and career:Kunzel was born to...
, 1935-2009 (Eta-Omicron Honorary 1969; American orchestra conductor.
Called the "Prince of Pops" by the Chicago Tribune, he performed with a number of leading pops and symphony orchestras, especially the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra (CPO), which he led for over 44 years.)
- Clement Lenom, (Alpha Honorary 1914; Director, Boston Pops Orchestra, 1913–1916)
- James LevineJames LevineJames Lawrence Levine is an American conductor and pianist. He is currently the music director of the Metropolitan Opera and former music director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Levine's first performance conducting the Metropolitan Opera was on June 5, 1971, and as of May 2011 he has...
, 1943–present k l (Alpha Omega 1949, Alpha Alpha National Honorary 1979; Music Director of the Metropolitan Opera, 1976–present; Director, Boston Symphony Orchestra, 2004–present) - Keith LockhartKeith LockhartFor the baseball player, see Keith Lockhart Keith Lockhart , to Newton Frederick and Marilyn Jean Woodyard Lockhart, is an American orchestral conductor....
(Gamma Eta 1978; Music Director of the Boston Pops OrchestraBoston Pops OrchestraThe Boston Pops Orchestra is an American orchestra based in Boston, Massachusetts, that specializes in playing light classical and popular music....
, 1995–present; Artistic Director, Brevard Music CenterBrevard Music CenterThe Brevard Music Center is a summer institute and festival located in Brevard, North Carolina. It enrolls about four hundred students, age fourteen and older, who participate in orchestra and other large ensembles, an opera program, play chamber music, study composition, and take private lessons....
, 2008–present) - Jesús López-CobosJesús López-CobosJesús López-Cobos is a Spanish conductor.López-Cobos was born in Toro, Zamora, Castile-León, Spain. He studied at Complutense University of Madrid and graduated with a degree in philosophy...
(Alpha Alpha National Honorary 1997?; Director, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, 1986–2001) - Emil OberhofferEmil OberhofferEmil Oberhoffer was a German-born American conductor and minor composer. He founded the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra , and was its conductor for the first 19 years of its existence....
(Alpha Alpha National Honorary 1916; Conductor, Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra, 1903–1922) - Henri RabaudHenri RabaudHenri Rabaud was a French conductor and composer, who held important posts in the French musical establishment and upheld mainly conservative trends in French music in the first half of the twentieth century....
, 1873-1949 (Alpha Honorary, 1919; French conductor and composer, who held important posts in the French musical establishment and upheld mainly conservative trends in French music in the first half of the twentieth century; Conductor, Boston Symphony OrchestraBoston Symphony OrchestraThe Boston Symphony Orchestra is an orchestra based in Boston, Massachusetts. It is one of the five American orchestras commonly referred to as the "Big Five". Founded in 1881, the BSO plays most of its concerts at Boston's Symphony Hall and in the summer performs at the Tanglewood Music Center...
, 1918–1919) - Max Rudolf (Conductor) (Eta-Omicron 1961)
- Ernest SchellingErnest SchellingErnest Henry Schelling was an American pianist, composer, and conductor.Born in Belvidere, New Jersey, Schelling was a child prodigy. His first teacher was his father. He entered the Academy of Music in Philadelphia at age 4. At age 7, Schelling traveled to Europe to study. He was admitted to the...
, 1876–1939 (Alpha Honorary 1917; Schelling was the first conductor of the Young People's Concerts of the New York Philharmonic, later conducted by Leonard BernsteinLeonard BernsteinLeonard Bernstein August 25, 1918 – October 14, 1990) was an American conductor, composer, author, music lecturer and pianist. He was among the first conductors born and educated in the United States of America to receive worldwide acclaim...
. The first concert was held March 27, 1924. The concerts were designed to encourage the love of music in children. They combined the orchestra's performance with a lecture about one aspect or another of the orchestra or the music itself with a picture or demonstration, so that children were exposed to a variety of stimuli. The concerts were highly appreciated by children, as well as their parents. Schelling held these concerts in New York, and also took them on the road.) - Leonard SlatkinLeonard SlatkinLeonard Edward Slatkin is an American conductor and composer.-Early life and education:Slatkin was born in Los Angeles to a musical family that came from areas of the Russian Empire now in Ukraine. His father Felix Slatkin was the violinist, conductor and founder of the Hollywood String Quartet,...
, 1944–presental (Alpha Alpha National Honorary 1997; Music Director of National Symphony Orchestra, 1996–2008; Recipient of the Fraternity's Man of Music Award in 1997)) - Henry Sopkin (Rho 1922 Founder of Atlanta Symphony)
- William SteinbergWilliam SteinbergWilliam Steinberg was a German-American conductor.- Biography :Steinberg was born Hans Wilhelm Steinberg in Cologne, Germany. He displayed early talent as a violinist, pianist, and composer, conducting his own choral/ orchestral composition at age 13...
, 1899–1978* (Conductor, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, 1952–1976; Conductor, London Philharmonic, 1958–1960) - Leopold StokowskiLeopold StokowskiLeopold Anthony Stokowski was a British-born, naturalised American orchestral conductor, well known for his free-hand performing style that spurned the traditional baton and for obtaining a characteristically sumptuous sound from many of the great orchestras he conducted.In America, Stokowski...
, 1882–1977* (Alpha Alpha National Honorary 1917, Conductor of Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, & NBC Symphony Orchestra; Featured in the 1940 Disney film Fantasia) - Josef StranskyJosef StránskýJosef Stransky was a Czech conductor, composer, and art collector/dealer who moved to the United States and conducted the New York Philharmonic from 1911 to 1923.-Biography:...
, 1872–1936 (Alpha Honorary 1917; Czech conductor)
- Gustav StrubeGustav StrubeGustav Strube was a German-born conductor and composer. He was the founding conductor of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra in 1916, and taught at the Peabody Conservatory. He wrote two operas, Ramona, which premiered in 1916, and The Captive, which premiered at the Lyric Theatre in Baltimore in...
, 1867-1953 (Alpha Honorary 1917, German-born conductor and composer. He was the founding conductor of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra in 1916, and taught at the Peabody Conservatory. He wrote one opera, Ramona, which premiered in 1916). - Benjamin F. Swalin, 1901-1989 (Beta Gamma 1928; Conductor of the North Carolina Symphony, 1939–1972; Swalin served as chapter president of the Beta Gamma chapter at Columbia UniversityColumbia UniversityColumbia University in the City of New York is a private, Ivy League university in Manhattan, New York City. Columbia is the oldest institution of higher learning in the state of New York, the fifth oldest in the United States, and one of the country's nine Colonial Colleges founded before the...
at some point between 1928 and 1931.) - Theodore Thomas (conductor), 1835–1905 (Eta Honorary, 1906; American violinist and conductor). By virtue of his birthdate, the "second Sinfonian to be born" after Major Henry Lee Higginson in 1834.
- Michael Tilson ThomasMichael Tilson ThomasMichael Tilson Thomas is an American conductor, pianist and composer. He is currently music director of the San Francisco Symphony, and artistic director of the New World Symphony Orchestra.-Early years:...
, 1944–present (Alpha Epsilon 1963; Conductor) - Frank Van der StuckenFrank Van der StuckenFrank Valentine Van der Stucken was an American composer and conductor, and founder of the Cincinnati Symphony in 1895.-Biography:...
, 1858–1929 (Eta Honorary, 1906; was an American composer and conductor, and founder of the Cincinnati Symphony in 1895). - Henri VerbrugghenHenri VerbrugghenHenri Verbrugghen was a Belgian musician, who directed orchestras in England, Scotland, Australia and the United States....
,1873-1934 (Alpha Alpha National Honorary 1928, Belgian born conductor of the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra, 1922-1931?)
Conductors (Television)
- Harry John Brown (Rho Chi Honorary 1968; He conducted orchestras and bands on many television shows, including The Voice of FirestoneThe Voice of FirestoneThe Voice of Firestone, is a long-running radio and television program of classical music. The show featured leading singers in selections from opera and operetta. Originally titled The Firestone Hour, it was first broadcast on the NBC Radio network December 3, 1928 and was later also shown on...
, The Steve Allen ShowThe Steve Allen ShowThe Steve Allen Show is an American variety show hosted by Steve Allen from June 1956 to June 1960 on NBC, from September 1961 to December 1961 on ABC, and in first-run syndication from 1962 to 1964....
, The Arthur Godfrey Show and many ABC Christmas specials) - Mort LindseyMort LindseyMort Lindsey, is an orchestrator, composer, pianist, conductor and musical director for Judy Garland, Barbra Streisand and Merv Griffin.Lindsey attended Newark Arts High School....
, 1923–present (Beta Gamma 1948, orchestrator, composer, pianist, conductor and musical director for Judy GarlandJudy GarlandJudy Garland was an American actress and singer. Through a career that spanned 45 of her 47 years and for her renowned contralto voice, she attained international stardom as an actress in musical and dramatic roles, as a recording artist and on the concert stage...
, Barbra StreisandBarbra StreisandBarbra Joan Streisand is an American singer, actress, film producer and director. She has won two Academy Awards, eight Grammy Awards, four Emmy Awards, a Special Tony Award, an American Film Institute award, a Peabody Award, and is one of the few entertainers who have won an Oscar, Emmy, Grammy,...
and Merv GriffinMerv GriffinMervyn Edward "Merv" Griffin, Jr. was an American television host, musician, actor, and media mogul. He began his career as a radio and big band singer who went on to appear in movies and on Broadway. From 1965 to 1986 Griffin hosted his own talk show, The Merv Griffin Show on Group W Broadcasting...
, won a Grammy award for Judy Garland at Carnegie Hall and an Emmy AwardEmmy AwardAn Emmy Award, often referred to simply as the Emmy, is a television production award, similar in nature to the Peabody Awards but more focused on entertainment, and is considered the television equivalent to the Academy Awards and the Grammy Awards .A majority of Emmys are presented in various...
for Barbra Streisand in Central Park.)
Dramatists and playwrights
- Percy Jewett BurrellPercy Jewett BurrellPercy Jewett Burrell was an author and director of historical and civic pageants, or dramas, and was known for his skills in oratory and elocution, . He also taught public speaking and drama, and was known as a "public reciter"...
, 1877–1964 (Alpha 1899; Dramatist and Playwright; Sixth supreme president of the Fraternity, 1907–1914)
Educational administrators
- William A. Brandenburg (Beta Delta Honorary 1928; president of Pittsburg State UniversityPittsburg State UniversityPittsburg State University, also called Pitt State or PSU, is a public university with approximately 7,100 students located in Pittsburg, Kansas, United States. A large percentage of the student population consists of residents within the Pittsburg region; the gender proportion is relatively equal...
, 1913–1940). - Dr. William A. Meehan (Epsilon Nu Honorary 2001; President, Jacksonville State University, 1999–present)
- John W. Bardo (Omicron Epsilon Honorary 1996; Chancellor, Western Carolina University, 1995–present)
- Francis T. Borkowski (Epsilon Sigma 1963; President, University of South Florida, 1988–1993; Chancellor, Appalachian State University, 1993–2003)
- Gilbert Raynolds CombsGilbert Raynolds CombsGilbert Raynolds Combs was an American pianist, organist, and player of stringed instruments; a composer of music for orchestra, piano, voice, and violin; a teacher; and an orchestral and chorus conductor...
, 1873-1934 (Beta 1900, Alpha Alpha National Honorary 1941, Organist, Second Supreme President of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, 1902–1903) - John R. Cunningham, 1891–1980 (Gamma Kappa Honorary 1941; President, Davidson College, 1941–1957; Exec. Dir., Southern Presbyterian Foundation, 1957–1964)
- Richard H. Dana III, 1851–1931 (Alpha Honorary 1917; President of Board of Trustees, New England Conservatory of Music, 1891–1899; Civil service reformer; son-in-law of Henry Wadsworth LongfellowHenry Wadsworth LongfellowHenry Wadsworth Longfellow was an American poet and educator whose works include "Paul Revere's Ride", The Song of Hiawatha, and Evangeline...
) - John Dunn (university president)John Dunn (university president)John M. Dunn is the eighth president of Western Michigan University. Dunn earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from Northern Illinois University, and he earned an Ed.D. in physical education from Brigham Young University....
, (Delta Iota Honorary 2010; President, Western Michigan University, 2007–present) - Harvey R. Durham (Rho Tau Honorary 1985; Interim Chancellor, Appalachian State University, 2003–2004)
- W. Grant Egbert, 1867–1928 (Delta 1903; President of Ithaca College, 1892–1924)
- Charles E. Friley, 1887-1958 (Alpha Delta 1934; President, Iowa State UniversityIowa State UniversityIowa State University of Science and Technology, more commonly known as Iowa State University , is a public land-grant and space-grant research university located in Ames, Iowa, United States. Iowa State has produced astronauts, scientists, and Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winners, along with a host of...
, 1936–1953) - Robert Glidden (Alpha Alpha National Honorary 1975; President, Ohio UniversityOhio UniversityOhio University is a public university located in the Midwestern United States in Athens, Ohio, situated on an campus...
, 1994–2004; National President, Pi Kappa LambdaPi Kappa LambdaPi Kappa Lambda is an American honor society for undergraduate students, graduate students, and professors of music. There are currently 205 active chapters and approximately 64,500 individual members....
, 1982–1985; National Executive Director, National Association of Schools of MusicNational Association of Schools of MusicThe National Association of Schools of Music is an association of post-secondary music schools in the United States and the principal U.S. accreditor for higher education in music...
, 1972–1975) - Diether HaenickeDiether HaenickeDr. Diether H. Haenicke was a president of Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Haenicke had previously served as president from 1985–1998 and as an interim president from 2006–2007....
, (Delta Iota Honorary 1993; President, Western Michigan University, 1985–1998) - Donald R. Haragan (Zeta Sigma Honorary 1999, President, 1996–2000, Interim President, 2003, Interim Chancellor, 2006, Texas Tech UniversityTexas Tech UniversityTexas Tech University, often referred to as Texas Tech or TTU, is a public research university in Lubbock, Texas, United States. Established on February 10, 1923, and originally known as Texas Technological College, it is the leading institution of the Texas Tech University System and has the...
) - Alan F. Harre (Kappa Sigma Honorary 2007; President, Valparaiso UniversityValparaiso UniversityValparaiso University, known colloquially as Valpo, is a regionally accredited private university located in the city of Valparaiso in the U.S. state of Indiana. Founded in 1859, it consists of five undergraduate colleges, a graduate school, a nursing school and a law school...
, 1988–Present)
- Albert Ross HillAlbert Ross HillAlbert Ross Hill was a Canadian-born American educator and ninth president of the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri. He was also Commissioner of the European Division of the American Red Cross...
(Zeta; President of the University of MissouriUniversity of MissouriThe University of Missouri System is a state university system providing centralized administration for four universities, a health care system, an extension program, five research and technology parks, and a publishing press. More than 64,000 students are currently enrolled at its four campuses...
, 1908–1921) - Leo W. Jenkins (Zeta Psi Honorary 1960; President/Chancellor, East Carolina UniversityEast Carolina UniversityEast Carolina University is a public, coeducational, engaged doctoral/research university located in Greenville, North Carolina, United States. Named East Carolina University by statute and commonly known as ECU or East Carolina, the university is the largest institution of higher learning in...
, 1960–1972) - Charles S. JohnsonCharles S. JohnsonCharles Spurgeon Johnson was an American sociologist, first black president of historically black Fisk University, and a lifelong advocate for racial equality and the advancement of civil rights for African Americans and all other ethnic minorities...
, 1893-1956 (Zeta Rho charter member, 1953, distinguished American sociologist, first African-American president of historically black Fisk UniversityFisk UniversityFisk University is an historically black university founded in 1866 in Nashville, Tennessee, U.S. The world-famous Fisk Jubilee Singers started as a group of students who performed to earn enough money to save the school at a critical time of financial shortages. They toured to raise funds to...
, and a lifelong advocate for equality and the advancement of civil rights.) - Leonard B. Job, 1891–1981 (Delta 1935; President, Ithaca College, 1932–1957)
- English E. Jones (Eta Beta Honorary 1972; University of North Carolina at PembrokeUniversity of North Carolina at PembrokeThe University of North Carolina at Pembroke , also known as UNC Pembroke, is a public, co-educational, historically American Indian liberal arts university in the town of Pembroke in Robeson County, North Carolina....
, President 1962-1972; Chancellor 1972-1979; Chancellor Emeritus 1979–1981) - Bryce JordanBryce JordanBryce Jordan was the fourteenth president of the Pennsylvania State University, serving from 1983 until 1990. Prior to that he served as interim president of the University of Texas at Austin from 1970 to 1971 and as first president of The University of Texas at Dallas from 1971 to 1981.During...
, 1924–present (Alpha Iota 1946; Musicologist; President, Penn State University, 1983–1990) - Harrison KellerHarrison KellerHarrison Keller was an American violinist and music educator. Keller began his violin studies at Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas, graduating in 1907. From 1907 to 1911, he continued his studies at the Stern Conservatory in Berlin, Germany...
(Alpha 1922; Director, New England Conservatory, 1946–1958) - Otto Paul Kretzmann (Kappa Sigma Honorary 1963; President, Valparaiso University 1940–1968)
- John M. LilleyJohn M. LilleyJohn Mark Lilley served as the President of the University of Nevada, Reno from 2001 to 2005 and Baylor University from 2006 to 2008.-Biography:...
(Gamma Iota 1958; President, Baylor University 2006–Present; President, University of Nevada; President, Penn State - Erie) - Aubrey K. LucasAubrey K. LucasDr. Aubrey K. Lucas is an American academic, and the former President and current President Emeritus of the University of Southern Mississippi. Lucas received his Bachelors of Science and Master of Arts degree from the University of Southern Mississippiwhile attaining his Ph.D from Florida State...
(Eta Phi Honorary 1977; President, University of Southern Mississippi, 1975–1997). - Dr. Stephen C. MacDonald (Iota Kappa honorary; President, Lebanon Valley CollegeLebanon Valley CollegeLebanon Valley College is a small, liberal arts higher education institution situated in the heart of Annville in Lebanon County, east of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.-History:...
2004–present) - Peter MenninPeter MenninPeter Mennin was an American composer and teacher. He directed the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, then for many years ran the Juilliard School, succeeding William Schuman in this role...
, 1923-1983 (Alpha Nu 1944; Director of the Peabody Conservatory and the Juilliard SchoolJuilliard SchoolThe Juilliard School, located at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York City, United States, is a performing arts conservatory which was established in 1905...
) - John Decatur MessickJohn Decatur MessickJohn Decatur Messick was the fifth president of what is now East Carolina University. He was born on November 9, 1897, near Aurora, North Carolina. He graduated from Elon College in 1922. He then went to summer school to complete graduate work at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill....
(Zeta Psi Honorary 1957; President of East Carolina University, 1947–1959) - James MoeserJames MoeserJames Charles Moeser was the ninth chancellor of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is also a trained concert organist...
(Alpha Iota 1958; Chancellor, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2000–2008; Organist) - Kenneth E. Peacock (Rho Tau Honorary 2008; Chancellor, Appalachian State University, 2004–present)
- Jay F. W. PearsonJay F. W. PearsonJay F. W. Pearson was a marine biologist and university administrator.A charter faculty member of the University of Miami as a marine biologist. President Ashe recruited Pearson from the University of Pittsburgh. As one of Ashe's longtime assistants, Pearson was positioned to succeed Ashe as...
,1901-1965 (Beta Tau Honorary 1953; Marine biologist and second president of the University of MiamiUniversity of MiamiThe University of Miami is a private, non-sectarian university founded in 1925 with its main campus in Coral Gables, Florida, a medical campus in Miami city proper at Civic Center, and an oceanographic research facility on Virginia Key., the university currently enrolls 15,629 students in 12...
, 1952-1962.) - William SchumanWilliam SchumanWilliam Howard Schuman was an American composer and music administrator.-Life:Born in Manhattan in New York City to Samuel and Rachel Schuman, Schuman was named after the twenty-seventh U.S. president, William Howard Taft, although his family preferred to call him Bill...
, 1910–1992 p k (Beta Gamma 1930; President, The Juilliard SchoolJuilliard SchoolThe Juilliard School, located at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York City, United States, is a performing arts conservatory which was established in 1905...
, 1945–1962) - John Lawrence Seaton (Beta Iota Honorary 1931, President of Albion CollegeAlbion CollegeAlbion College is a private liberal arts college located in Albion, Michigan. Related to the United Methodist Church, it was founded in 1835 and was the first private college in Michigan to have a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa. It has a student population of about 1500.The school's sports teams are...
, 1924–1945) - James M. SimmonsJames M. SimmonsJames M. Simmons is an educational administrator, musician and university president at Lamar University. James Simmons is the 10th president of Lamar serving the 11th term in that office....
, (Theta Rho 1970), President of Lamar UniversityLamar UniversityLamar University, often referred to as Lamar or LU, is a comprehensive coeducational public research university located in Beaumont, Texas, United States. Lamar confers bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees and is classified as a Doctoral Research University by the Carnegie Commission on Higher... - Graham SpanierGraham SpanierGraham B. Spanier is an American academic, who served as the 16th president of the Pennsylvania State University from September 1, 1995, until he was forced to resign on November 9, 2011, in the aftermath of the Penn State child sex abuse scandal...
(Alpha Zeta Honorary 1998; President, Penn State University, 1995–2011) - Timothy Jackson Sullivan, 1944–present (Nu Sigma Honorary 2005; President of The College of William and MaryCollege of William and MaryThe College of William & Mary in Virginia is a public research university located in Williamsburg, Virginia, United States...
, 1992–2005) - John E. ThomasJohn E. ThomasJohn E. Thomas was a Canadian philosopher and pioneer of medical ethics in Canada....
(Rho Tau Honorary 1981; Chancellor, Appalachian State UniversityAppalachian State UniversityAppalachian State University is a comprehensive , public, coeducational university located in Boone, North Carolina, United States. Appalachian State, also referred to as Appalachian, App State, or simply App, is the sixth largest institution in the University of North Carolina system...
, 1979–1993) - Herbert W. Wey (Rho Tau Honorary 1971; President–Chancellor, Appalachian State University, 1969–1979)
- James J. WhalenJames J. WhalenJames J. Whalen was an American psychologist and educational administrator who served as president of Ithaca College from 1975 to 1997.-Biography:As Ithaca's sixth president, James J...
, 1927-2001 (Delta Honorary 1986, President, Ithaca College, 1975–1997) - George C. Williams, 1874–1971 (Delta 1903, President, Ithaca College, 1924–1932; Supreme President of Sinfonia, 1903–1904
- Herbert WitherspoonHerbert WitherspoonHerbert Witherspoon was an American bass singer and opera manager.-Biography:A native of Buffalo, New York, Herbert Witherspoon graduated from Yale University in 1895 where he had performed as a member of the Glee Club. After leaving school he studied music with Horatio Parker, Edward MacDowell,...
, 1873–1935 (Alpha Alpha National Honorary 1932; President, Chicago Musical College, 1925-19??; President, Cincinnati Conservatory; General Manager, Metropolitan Opera, 1935) - Florenz Ziegfeld, Sr. (Alpha Honorary 1917, Director, Chicago Musical College; father of Florenz Ziegfeld, Jr.Florenz ZiegfeldFlorenz Ziegfeld, Jr. , , was an American Broadway impresario, notable for his series of theatrical revues, the Ziegfeld Follies , inspired by the Folies Bergère of Paris. He also produced the musical Show Boat...
of Broadway Ziegfeld Follies fame)
Folk singers
- Burl IvesBurl IvesBurl Icle Ivanhoe Ives was an American actor, writer and folk music singer. As an actor, Ives's work included comedies, dramas, and voice work in theater, television, and motion pictures. Music critic John Rockwell said, "Ives's voice .....
, 1909–1995 (Alpha Chi 1953), Portrayed Sam the Snowman in the Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer TV special and the narrator in the Star Wars film Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure
Government leaders
Two Sinfonians have served as United States Senator, both of whom were initiated at the Mu Chapter at the University of Oklahoma. Sinfonians have served as governor in three states - New York, North Carolina, and Oklahoma. Sinfonians have served in the House of Representatives representing New York, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania. Two Sinfonians have served in the executive branch of the United States - one as a cabinent member, and the other as vice-president. One Sinfonian has been a major party nominee for the Presidency of the United States.- Jim BennettJames R. BennettJames R. "Jim" Bennett is a Republican politician from Alabama.He served as secretary of state of Alabama, having been appointed to fill a vacancy in 1993 and subsequently elected to two terms in his own right in 1994, as a Democrat, and 1998, as a Republican...
, 1940–present (Epsilon Nu 1961 Jacksonville State University, Jacksonville, Al; Alabama House of Representatives, Alabama Senate, Alabama Secretary of State, and Board of Trustees Jacksonville State University) - David L. BorenDavid L. BorenDavid Lyle Boren is an academic leader and American politician from the state of Oklahoma. A Democrat, he served as the 21st Governor of Oklahoma from 1975 to 1979 and in the United States Senate from 1979 to 1994. He is currently president of the University of Oklahoma. He was the longest serving...
, 1941–present (Mu Honorary 2003; Governor of Oklahoma, 1975–1979; United States Senator, 1979–1994; Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, 1987–1995 President of the University of OklahomaUniversity of OklahomaThe University of Oklahoma is a coeducational public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma. Founded in 1890, it existed in Oklahoma Territory near Indian Territory for 17 years before the two became the state of Oklahoma. the university had 29,931 students enrolled, most located at its...
, 1994–present) - George B. CortelyouGeorge B. CortelyouGeorge Bruce Cortelyou was an American Presidential Cabinet secretary of the early 20th century.-Early life:...
, 1862–1940 (Alpha Alpha National Honorary 1903; First United States Secretary of Commerce and Labor, 1903–1904; United States Postmaster General, 1905–1907; United States Secretary of the Treasury, 1907–1909) - Charles Gates Dawes, 1865–1951) (Alpha Honorary 1925; American banker, 30th Vice President of the United States under Calvin Coolidge. For his work on the Dawes Plan for World War I reparations he was a co-recipient of the Nobel Peace PrizeNobel Peace PrizeThe Nobel Peace Prize is one of the five Nobel Prizes bequeathed by the Swedish industrialist and inventor Alfred Nobel.-Background:According to Nobel's will, the Peace Prize shall be awarded to the person who...
. He served in the First World War, was U.S. Comptroller of the Currency, the first director of the Bureau of the Budget, and, in later life, the U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom.) - Thomas DeweyThomas DeweyThomas Edmund Dewey was the 47th Governor of New York . In 1944 and 1948, he was the Republican candidate for President, but lost both times. He led the liberal faction of the Republican Party, in which he fought conservative Ohio Senator Robert A. Taft...
, 1902–1971 (Epsilon 1920, Alpha Alpha National Honorary 1946; Governor of New York, 1943–1955; Republican nominee for President of the United States, 1944 and 1948; Author of Journey to the Far Pacific (1952) and Thomas E. Dewey on the Two Party System (1966). In addition, Dewey served as president of the Epsilon Chapter at the University of MichiganUniversity of MichiganThe University of Michigan is a public research university located in Ann Arbor, Michigan in the United States. It is the state's oldest university and the flagship campus of the University of Michigan...
and as the Fraternity's supreme historian from 1922 to 1924.) - Carroll D. KearnsCarroll D. KearnsCarroll Dudley Kearns was a Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania.Carroll D. Kearns was born in Youngstown, PA, and moved with his parents to New Castle, PA, in 1901. He was a student in the Army Training Corps at the University of Pittsburgh in 1918, at the...
, 1900-1976 (Rho 1921, Alpha Alpha National Honorary 1958, Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania, 1947–1963; He served as the ranking minority member on the United States House Committee on Education and Labor during the 86th and 87th Congresses.) - Fiorello La Guardia, 1882–1947 (Beta Gamma Honorary 1941; Congressman from New York, 1917–1919, 1923–1933; New York City Councilman, 1920–1921; Mayor of New York City, 1934–1945; Inspired the Broadway musical Fiorello!. Namesake of the Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing ArtsFiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing ArtsFiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts is a high school specializing in teaching visual arts and performing arts, located near Lincoln Center and the Juilliard School in the Lincoln Center district of Manhattan, on Amsterdam Avenue...
, a high school specializing in teaching visual arts and performing arts, located near Lincoln Center and the Juilliard School in the Lincoln Center district of Manhattan, on Amsterdam Avenue.) - Joshua B. LeeJoshua B. LeeJoshua Bryan Lee was a United States Representative and Senator from Oklahoma.-Early life:Born in Childersburg, Alabama, he moved with his parents to Pauls Valley, Oklahoma , and then to Kiowa County, near Hobart, in 1901...
, 1892-1967 (Mu 1917; United States Senator from Oklahoma, 1937–1943)
- James G. MartinJames G. MartinJames Grubbs "Jim" Martin is the 70th Governor of the state of North Carolina. He served from 1985 to 1993. He was the second Republican elected to the office after Reconstruction, and the fifth overall. He is also the only Republican to serve two full terms as governor.-Early Life &...
, 1935–present (Gamma Kappa 1955; United States Congressman from North Carolina, 1973–1985; Governor of North Carolina, 1985–1993)
Instrumentalists
- Maurice AndreMaurice AndréMaurice André is a French trumpeter, active in the classical music field.-Biography:He is a classical virtuoso trumpeter, born in Alès, France in the Cévennes into a mining family. His father was an amateur musician....
, 1933–present (Delta Honorary 1970; French-born trumpeter) - Georges BarrèreGeorges BarrèreGeorges Barrère was a French flautist.-Early life:Georges Barrère was the son of a cabinetmaker, Gabriel Barrère, and Marie Périne Courtet, an illiterate farmer's daughter from Guilligomarc'h. They married in 1874. They had previously had a son Étienne, out of wedlock, in 1872...
, 1876–1944 (Alpha Honorary 1917; French born flutist; Solo flutist, Paris Opera, 1897–1905; First flutist, New York Symphony, 1905-19??; Institute of Musical Art/Juilliard faculty, 1905–1944?; Teacher of Meredith WillsonMeredith WillsonRobert Meredith Willson was an American composer, songwriter, conductor and playwright, best known for writing the book, music and lyrics for the hit Broadway musical The Music Man...
) - Philip FarkasPhilip FarkasPhilip Farkas was principal hornist in the Chicago Symphony Orchestra for many years; he left in 1960 to join the music faculty at Indiana University Bloomington. He wrote The Art of French Horn Playing which is considered by many to be the seminal work for horn players...
(honorary), former principal hornHorn (instrument)The horn is a brass instrument consisting of about of tubing wrapped into a coil with a flared bell. A musician who plays the horn is called a horn player ....
, Chicago Symphony, Boston Symphony, Cleveland OrchestraCleveland OrchestraThe Cleveland Orchestra is an American orchestra based in Cleveland, Ohio. It is one of the five American orchestras informally referred to as the "Big Five". Founded in 1918, the orchestra plays most of its concerts at Severance Hall...
, Kansas City Philharmonic. Professor EmeritusEmeritusEmeritus is a post-positive adjective that is used to designate a retired professor, bishop, or other professional or as a title. The female equivalent emerita is also sometimes used.-History:...
, Indiana UniversityIndiana UniversityIndiana University is a multi-campus public university system in the state of Indiana, United States. Indiana University has a combined student body of more than 100,000 students, including approximately 42,000 students enrolled at the Indiana University Bloomington campus and approximately 37,000...
. - Sigurd RascherSigurd RaschèrSigurd Manfred Raschèr was an American saxophonist of German birth. He became one of the most important figures in the development of the 20th century repertoire for the classical saxophone.-Career in Europe:...
, 1907–2001 (Delta Honorary 1951, German-born pioneer of saxophone literature and voicing on the saxophone.) - Carlos MontoyaCarlos MontoyaCarlos Montoya was a prominent Flamenco guitarist and a founder of the modern-day popular Flamenco style of music.His unique style and successful career, despite all odds, have left a great legacy for modern day Flamenco...
, 1903–1993 (Alpha Alpha National Honorary 1975; Spanish-born flamenco guitarist) - Eugene RousseauEugene Rousseau (saxophonist)Eugene Rousseau is an American classical saxophonist. He plays mainly the alto and soprano saxophones....
, 1932–present (Iota Gamma Honorary, 2006, Saxophonist) - Albert TiptonAlbert TiptonAlbert Tipton was an American flutist, pianist and conductor. In 1966, Time placed Albert Tipton amongst the "30 first-rate flutists" in the United States and Europe. He studied with William Kincaid at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia...
, 1917–1997 (Alpha Chi 1934, was an American flutist, pianist and conductor. In 1966, TimeTime (magazine)Time is an American news magazine. A European edition is published from London. Time Europe covers the Middle East, Africa and, since 2003, Latin America. An Asian edition is based in Hong Kong...
magazine placed Albert Tipton amongst the "30 first-rate flutists" in the United States and Europe.) - Roger VoisinRoger VoisinRoger Louis Voisin was a French-born American classical trumpeter. In 1959, The New York Times called him "one of the best-known trumpeters in this country."-Performing career:...
, 1918-2008 (Alpha Honorary 1951, was a French-born American classical trumpeter. In 1959, The New York Times called him "one of the best-known trumpeters in this country."[1])
Jazz artists
- Julian "Cannonball" Adderley, 1928–1975 (Gamma Theta Honorary 1960; Xi Omega 1970; saxophonist & band leader)
- Jamey AebersoldJamey AebersoldJamey Aebersold is an American jazz saxophonist and music educator. His "Play-A-Long" series of instructional book and CD collections, using the chord-scale system, the first of which was released in 1967, are an internationally renowned resource for jazz education...
, 1939–present (Gamma Omega Honorary 1976, Alpha Alpha National Honorary 2009; Jazz saxophonist & music educator)
- Count BasieCount BasieWilliam "Count" Basie was an American jazz pianist, organist, bandleader, and composer. Basie led his jazz orchestra almost continuously for nearly 50 years...
, 1904–1984 *‡ k (Mu Nu Honorary 1970; jazz musician & band leader) - Alvin BatisteAlvin BatisteAlvin Batiste was an avant garde jazz clarinetist born in New Orleans, Louisiana. He taught at his own jazz institute at Southern University in Baton Rouge...
, 1932–2007 (Mu Psi Honorary 1973 Jazz clarinetist) - Louie BellsonLouie BellsonLuigi Paulino Alfredo Francesco Antonio Balassoni , better known by the stage name Louie Bellson , was an Italian-American jazz drummer...
, 1924–2009 (American jazz drummer, Once married to American singer & actress Pearl BaileyPearl BaileyPearl Mae Bailey was an American actress and singer. After appearing in vaudeville, she made her Broadway debut in St. Louis Woman in 1946. She won a Tony Award for the title role in the all-black production of Hello, Dolly! in 1968...
, inventor of the double bass drum at 15) - Howard Brubeck, 1916-1993 (Epsilon Omicron 1952; Brother of jazz artist Dave BrubeckDave BrubeckDavid Warren "Dave" Brubeck is an American jazz pianist. He has written a number of jazz standards, including "In Your Own Sweet Way" and "The Duke". Brubeck's style ranges from refined to bombastic, reflecting his mother's attempts at classical training and his improvisational skills...
). - Henry ButlerHenry ButlerHenry Butler is an American jazz pianist.He is known for his technique and his ability to play in many styles of music. Referred to by Dr...
, 1949–present (Mu Psi 1969; Jazz pianist) - Wilbur Campbell, 1926–1999 (Alpha Zeta Honorary 1957; Chicago area jazz drummer)
- Bill CunliffeBill CunliffeBill Cunliffe is an American jazz pianist and composer based in Los Angeles He has been described by The New York Times as being in the "modern jazz mainstream" and as an "accomplished pianist and composer." Ernie Rideout of Keyboard Magazine described Cunliffe's playing as "inventive, melodic,...
, 1956–present (Omicron Pi Honorary 2010; Grammy winning American jazz pianist and composer) - Duke EllingtonDuke EllingtonEdward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington was an American composer, pianist, and big band leader. Ellington wrote over 1,000 compositions...
, 1899–1974 *‡ f (Gamma Delta 1969; Rho Upsilon 1969, Alpha Alpha; jazz musician & band leader) - Bill EvansBill EvansWilliam John Evans, known as Bill Evans was an American jazz pianist. His use of impressionist harmony, inventive interpretation of traditional jazz repertoire, and trademark rhythmically independent, "singing" melodic lines influenced a generation of pianists including: Chick Corea, Herbie...
, 1929-1980 ‡ (Delta Omega Southeastern Louisiana University 1949; Jazz Pianist) - Maynard FergusonMaynard FergusonMaynard Ferguson was a Canadian jazz musician and bandleader. He came to prominence playing in Stan Kenton's orchestra, before forming his own band in 1957...
, 1928–2006 l (Xi Chi 1976; jazz trumpeter & band leader) - Donald Harrison Jr., (b. June 23, 1960, New Orleans, Louisiana) ("Mu Psi") is an American jazz saxophonist.
- Stan KentonStan KentonStanley Newcomb "Stan" Kenton was a pianist, composer, and arranger who led a highly innovative, influential, and often controversial American jazz orchestra. In later years he was widely active as an educator....
, 1911–1979 (Gamma Epsilon 1961, Jazz Pianist and Band Leader) - Chuck MangioneChuck MangioneCharles Frank "Chuck" Mangione is an American flugelhorn player and composer who achieved international success in 1977 with his jazz-pop single, "Feels So Good." Mangione has released more than thirty albums since 1960.-Early life and career:...
(Alpha Nu Honorary 1971; jazz musician & band leader) - Tom MaloneTom Malone (musician)Tom "Bones" Malone is an American jazz musician. As his nickname implies, he specializes on the trombone, but also plays trumpet, tuba, tenor sax, baritone sax, flutes, piccolo, and other instruments....
, 1947–present (Gamma Theta 2001; American jazz musician, known for being a member of The Blues BrothersThe Blues BrothersThe Blues Brothers are an American blues and soul revivalist band founded in 1978 by comedy actors Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi as part of a musical sketch on Saturday Night Live...
band (appeared in the film of the same name), a member of the CBS OrchestraCBS OrchestraThe CBS Orchestra is the house band, led by Paul Shaffer, that plays for David Letterman's CBS late-night talk show, Late Show with David Letterman...
, house band for the Late Show With David LettermanLate Show with David LettermanLate Show with David Letterman is a U.S. late-night talk show hosted by David Letterman on CBS. The show debuted on August 30, 1993, and is produced by Letterman's production company, Worldwide Pants Incorporated. The show's music director and band-leader of the house band, the CBS Orchestra, is...
, former arranger for Saturday Night LiveSaturday Night LiveSaturday Night Live is a live American late-night television sketch comedy and variety show developed by Lorne Michaels and Dick Ebersol. The show premiered on NBC on October 11, 1975, under the original title of NBC's Saturday Night.The show's sketches often parody contemporary American culture...
) - Shelly ManneShelly ManneShelly Manne , born Sheldon Manne in New York City, was an American jazz drummer. Most frequently associated with West Coast jazz, he was known for his versatility and also played in a number of other styles, including Dixieland, swing, bebop, avant-garde jazz and fusion, as well as contributing...
, 1920-1984 (Omicron Pi Honorary 1969, American jazz drummer. Most frequently associated with West coast jazz, he was known for his versatility and also played in a number of other styles, including Dixieland, swing, bebop, avant-garde jazz and fusion, as well as contributing to the musical background of hundreds of Hollywood films and television programs.) - Ellis Marsalis, Jr.Ellis Marsalis, Jr.Ellis Marsalis is an American musician. He can usually be seen performing on Fridays at Snug Harbor jazz bistro in New Orleans.- Life and career :...
, 1934–present (jazz musician) - Branford MarsalisBranford MarsalisBranford Marsalis is an American saxophonist, composer and bandleader. While primarily known for his work in jazz as the leader of the Branford Marsalis Quartet, he also performs frequently as a soloist with classical ensembles and has led the group Buckshot LeFonque.-Biography:Marsalis was born...
, 1960–present (Mu Psi 1979; jazz musician; Music Director of The Tonight ShowThe Tonight ShowThe Tonight Show is an American late-night talk show that has aired on NBC since 1954. It is the longest currently running regularly scheduled entertainment program in the United States, and the third longest-running show on NBC, after Meet the Press and Today.The Tonight Show has been hosted by...
band, 1992–1995; only Sinfonian known to perform at 1985 Live AidLive AidLive Aid was a dual-venue concert that was held on 13 July 1985. The event was organized by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure to raise funds for relief of the ongoing Ethiopian famine. Billed as the "global jukebox", the event was held simultaneously in Wembley Stadium in London, England, United Kingdom ...
concert) - Mike MethenyMike MethenyMike Metheny is an American jazz flugelhornist and music journalist. He is perhaps best known as the brother of jazz guitarist and composer Pat Metheny. Metheny studied music education at the University of Missouri and Northeast Missouri State University, then played trumpet in the Army Field Band...
, 1949–present (Upsilon Phi 1974 Jazz trumpeter, best known for playing with the Pat Metheny Trio) - Father Norman James O'Connor, 1921-2003 (Delta Omicron Honorary 1950, "The Jazz Priest", Associated with the Newport Jazz FestivalNewport Jazz FestivalThe Newport Jazz Festival is a music festival held every summer in Newport, Rhode Island, USA. It was established in 1954 by socialite Elaine Lorillard, who, together with husband Louis Lorillard, financed the festival for many years. The couple hired jazz impresario George Wein to organize the...
, columnist for the Boston Globe, WGHB-TV personality, advocated the use of jazz in the Roman Catholic mass, host of Dial M For Music - Buddy RichBuddy RichBernard "Buddy" Rich was an American jazz drummer and bandleader. Rich was billed as "the world's greatest drummer" and was known for his virtuosic technique, power, groove, and speed.-Early life:...
, 1917-1987 (Jazz drummer, known as "The world's greatest drummer") - Carl "Doc" Severinsen, 1927–present (Eta Lambda 1965, American pop and jazz trumpeter, best known for leading the NBC Orchestra in the Johnny Carson era)
- Clark TerryClark TerryClark Terry is an American swing and bop trumpeter, a pioneer of the fluegelhorn in jazz, educator, NEA Jazz Masters inductee, and recipient of the 2010 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award...
, 1920–present l (Beta Zeta 1968; jazz trumpeter, Recipient of the Fraternity's Man of Music Award in 1985)) - Mike Tomaro, 1958–present (Iota Lambda 1979; Jazz musician; composer; arranger; recording artist; Director of Jazz Studies at Duquesne UniversityDuquesne UniversityDuquesne University of the Holy Spirit is a private Catholic university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. Founded by members of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit, Duquesne first opened its doors as the Pittsburgh Catholic College of the Holy Ghost in October 1878 with an enrollment of...
; former member of Army Blues Jazz Ensemble) - George WeinGeorge WeinGeorge Wein is an American jazz promoter and producer who has been called "the most famous jazz impresario" and "the most important non-player... in jazz history"...
, 1925–present (Delta Omicron 1954, American jazz promoter and producer, Founder of the Newport Jazz FestivalNewport Jazz FestivalThe Newport Jazz Festival is a music festival held every summer in Newport, Rhode Island, USA. It was established in 1954 by socialite Elaine Lorillard, who, together with husband Louis Lorillard, financed the festival for many years. The couple hired jazz impresario George Wein to organize the...
, which is held every summer in Newport, Rhode Island) - Vaughn WiesterVaughn WiesterVaughn Wiester is an American jazz musician and educator.Born in Abilene, Texas and raised in Mount Vernon, Ohio, Wiester began playing with local jazz bands in his teens...
(Epsilon Phi Honorary 1992) - Kirk WhalumKirk WhalumKirk Whalum is an American smooth jazz saxophonist and songwriter. He toured as Whitney Houston's opening act for several years. Whalum has also recorded a series of well received solo albums and film soundtracks, with music ranging from pop to R&B to smooth jazz...
(Jazz saxophonist & Song-writer)
Music critics and editors
- Richard AldrichRichard AldrichRichard Aldrich was an American music critic. From 1902–23, he was music critic for The New York Times.Aldrich was born in Providence, Rhode Island and graduated A.B. in 1885 from Harvard College, where he had studied music. He began his journalistic career on the Providence Journal...
, 1863–1937 (Alpha Honorary 1917; Music critic for The New York Times, 1902–1923) - Olin DownesOlin DownesOlin Downes was an American music critic.He studied piano, music theory, and music criticism in New York and Boston, and it was in those two cities that he made his career as a music critic—first with the Boston Post and then with the New York Times...
, 1886–1955 (Alpha Honorary 1917; Music Critic, Boston Post, 1906–1924, New York Times, 1924–1955; Host, Metropolitan Opera Quiz) - Louis Charles Elson, 1848-1920 (Alpha Honorary 1900, Alpha Alpha National Honorary 1912) Music critic; Studied music theory with Carl Gloggner at the Leipzig Conservatory. In 1876 he became a contributor to the Musician and Artist, and in 1877 began contributing to the Vox HumanaVox humanaThe Vox Humana is a short-resonator reed stop on the pipe organ, so named because of its supposed resemblance to the human voice. As a rule, the stop is used with a tremulant, which undulates the wind supply, causing a vibrato effect...
of which he became editor in 1879. He was chiefly known as one of the editors of the Boston Musical Herald and music critic for the Boston Courier. He contributed articles to the Boston Transcript and New York TribuneNew York TribuneThe New York Tribune was an American newspaper, first established by Horace Greeley in 1841, which was long considered one of the leading newspapers in the United States...
. Translated and arranged over two thousand German, French, and Italian songs. He composed songs in the style of the German Lied, and was the composer of the Fraternity's song Student Life, first published in 1908. He joined the faculty of the New England Conservatory in 1881. - Henry Finck, 1854–1926 (Alpha Honorary 1917; Music Editor for New York Evening Post, 1881–1910)
- Daniel E. GawthropDaniel E. GawthropDaniel E. Gawthrop is an American composer, primarily of choral music. His output also includes a substantial body of works for the organ as well as orchestral and instrumental works. He has been the recipient of over one hundred commissions to write original music...
, 1949–present (Composer, Music Critic for The Washington Post; Composer of No Child Shall Be Left Fearful, men's choral work commissioned by the Fraternity's Province 20 in memory of the victims of September 11) - Scott Heisel, 1982–present (Zeta Beta 2000; music editor, Alternative PressAlternative Press (music magazine)Alternative Press is an American music magazine based in Cleveland, Ohio. It generally provides readers with band interviews, photos, information on upcoming releases, and music charts. It was founded in 1985 by Mike Shea, who is the current president....
) - James Gibbons Huneker, 1860–1921 (Alpha Honorary 1917; Music Writer, Music Critic for the New York Sun)
- Paul HumePaul HumePaul Chandler Hume was the music editor for the Washington Post from 1946 to 1982.-Career:...
, 1915–2001 (Alpha Alpha National Honorary 1971; Musicologist; Music Editor, The Washington Post, 1946–1982) - Henry Edward KrehbielHenry Edward KrehbielHenry Edward Krehbiel was an American music critic and musicologist.-Biography:Krehbiel was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He received a general education from his father, a German clergyman of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and began in 1872 the study of law in Cincinnati, Ohio...
, 1854–1923 (Alpha Honorary 1917; Music Editor, New York Tribune; Musicologist) - Herman Thuman, 1880-19?? (Alpha Honorary 1917, Omicron Honorary 1916, Eta Honorary 1921), Music critic for the Cincinnati Enquirer. Only known Sinfonian to hold honorary memberships in three collegiate chapters.
Music educators
- Harold W. "Bud" Arberg Sr., 1918-2009 (Beta Gamma 1946; adapted the "Caisson" into the official song of the Army and who later became director of the arts and humanities division of the Department of EducationUnited States Department of EducationThe United States Department of Education, also referred to as ED or the ED for Education Department, is a Cabinet-level department of the United States government...
). - Edward Bailey BirgeEdward Bailey BirgeEdward Bailey Birge was a founding member of the Music Supervisors National Conference, which later became the Music Educators National Conference . Birge served as president of the organization from 1910–1911, and also as chairmen of the editorial board for the Music Educators Journal for many...
, 1868–1952 (Lambda Honorary 1924/Alpha Sigma Honorary 1930, Pioneer Music Educator; Founding member, 1907, and president of Music Supervisors National Conference (later known as MENC), 1910–1911; Author of the classic The History of Public School Music in the United States, the first history of American music education. Birge was one of four prominent music educators (along with Paul J. Weaver and Clarence C. Birchard) initiated during the 1924 national convention of what is now known as the Music Educators National ConferenceMENC: The National Association for Music EducationMENC: The National Association for Music Education is an organization of American music educators dedicated to advancing and preserving music education and as part of the core curriculum of schools in the United States...
. Although the initiation took place in Cincinnati, his membership was assigned to a chapter in his locale, the Lambda chapter at DePauw UniversityDePauw UniversityDePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana, USA, is a private, national liberal arts college with an enrollment of approximately 2,400 students. The school has a Methodist heritage and was originally known as Indiana Asbury University. DePauw is a member of both the Great Lakes Colleges Association...
. Served as chairmen of the editorial board for the Music Educators Journal for many years. He originated the "MEJ Clubs" on college campuses that made possible student memberships. Though the clubs, the Journal was used in classes with prospective teachers. This greatly increased the circulation of the magazine.) - O. Richard BundyO. Richard BundyOrrin Richard Bundy is an American music academic.Dr. Bundy is the Director of Penn State Athletic Bands, most notably the Penn State Blue Band. He originally joined the University Park faculty of The Pennsylvania State University in 1982 as a graduate assistant, then became Assistant Director of...
(Alpha Zeta 1968; Director of the Penn State Blue Band) - Clifford Buttelman (Iota Honorary 1932; MENC Executive Secretary, 1930–1955)
- Don Campbell (Gamma Theta 1965; Author of The Mozart Effect)
- Frank DamroschFrank DamroschFrank Heino Damrosch was a German-born American music conductor and educator.-Biography:He was born on June 22, 1859 in Breslau, and came to the United States with his father, Leopold Damrosch, and brother, Walter Damrosch in 1871. He had studied music in Germany under Dionys Pruckner. He studied...
, 1859–1937 (Alpha Honorary 1917; founded Juilliardin 1905 as the Institute of Musical Art, godson of Franz LisztFranz LisztFranz Liszt ; ), was a 19th-century Hungarian composer, pianist, conductor, and teacher.Liszt became renowned in Europe during the nineteenth century for his virtuosic skill as a pianist. He was said by his contemporaries to have been the most technically advanced pianist of his age...
, head of music education for New York City’s public schools, Chorusmaster at Metropolitan Opera, namesake of Damrosch Park at the Met) - Hollis Ellsworth Dann, 1861/3–1939 (Delta Honorary 1905, Beta Epsilon 1934, Alpha Alpha National Honorary 1941; Supervisor of Music in Ithaca Public Schools, 1887–1905; Director Cornell University Glee ClubCornell University Glee ClubThe Cornell University Glee Club is the oldest student organization at Cornell University, having been organized shortly after the first students arrived on campus in 1868. The CUGC is a sixty-member chorus for male voices, with repertoire including classical, folk, 20th century music, and...
, 1889–1921; President of MENC, 1919–1920; State Director of Music of Pennsylvania, 1921–1925; Professor and Head of Department of Music Education, New York UniversityNew York UniversityNew York University is a private, nonsectarian research university based in New York City. NYU's main campus is situated in the Greenwich Village section of Manhattan...
, 1925–1936; Author of Hollis Dann Music Course) - Harold Decker, (Gamma Sigma 1947, Pioneer in choral education)
- Peter W. DykemaPeter W. DykemaPeter W. Dykema was an important force in the growth of the Music Supervisors National Conference and the music education profession. Although he was not one of the founding members of the organization, he attended his first meeting in 1908 and was listed as a new member in 1913...
, 1873–1951 (Alpha Honorary 1917, Beta Honorary 1919/1920, Phi 1921, Alpha Alpha National Honorary 1932; President of MENC, 1916–1917; Supreme President of Phi Mu Alpha, 1922–1928, under who's leadership the Fraternity doubled its number of active chapters in six years. Also served as the national music committee chair in 1925 for Kiwanis International. Dykema is recognized as having saved the Fraternity from near extinction following the organizational difficulty that it experienced c. 1917-1920. Dykema is the only Sinfonian known to be have been a member of three chapters, in addition to holding national honorary membership. As a member of the 1931 songbook committee, he is responsible for numerous "general songs" coming into the Fraternity's repertoire. Of the dozens of honorary Sinfonians elected by the Alpha Chapter in 1917, he is perhaps the only one to have gone on to have significant direct involvement with the Fraternity. He was the first of over thirty national presidents of MENC to be Sinfonians.) - Will EarhartWill Earhart-Overview:Born in Franklin, Ohio, Earhart studied violin, piano, counterpoint and harmony. He began teaching in Miamisburg, Ohio and later became music supervisor in the public schools of Greenville, Ohio....
, 1871–1960 (Iota Honorary 1923; Pioneer American music educator; President of MENC, 1915–1916) - Lawrence P. Fogelberg (Delta Nu 1951, father of singer Dan FogelbergDan FogelbergDaniel Grayling "Dan" Fogelberg was an American singer-songwriter, composer, and multi-instrumentalist, whose music was inspired by sources as diverse as folk, pop, rock, classical, jazz, and bluegrass music...
, inspiration for the song Leader of the Band) - William Patrick Foster, 1919-2010 (Beta Gamma 1953; known as The Law and The Maestro, was the creator of the noted Florida A&M University Marching "100". He served as the band's director, 1946-1998. His innovations revolutionized college marching band technique and the perceptions of the collegiate band. He also served as the president of the American Bandmasters Association and was appointed to the National Council on the Arts by President Bill Clinton. Foster wrote the book titled The Man Behind the Baton.
- Charles A. Fullerton, 1861–1945 (President of MENC, 1911–1912)
- Russell P. Getz, 1925–1986 (Iota Kappa Honorary 1971; President of MENC, 1982–1984)
- Thaddeus P. Giddings, 1868–1954 (Alpha Mu 1930; Music Educator; Co-founder of Interlochen Arts Camp)
- Edwin E. Gordon (Alpha Kappa 1955; Music Educator and Developer of "Gordon Music Learning Theory")
- Alexander M. Harley, 1895-1989 (Iota 1921, co-founded in 1936, with his wife, Frances, of the Modern Music Masters, or Tri-M Music Honor Society)
- Roger E. Jacobi (Alpha Alpha National Honorary 1972; President Emeritus of Interlochen).
- Will JamesWill James (disambiguation)Will James is the name of:* Will James , Welsh rugby union player* Will James , artist and author* Will James, bassist for Papa Roach-See also:* Willy F. James, Jr. , Medal of Honor recipient...
(Music Educator) - Tim Lautzenheiser s (Delta Lambda 1966 Author, Music Educator, Motivational Speaker; Inaugural recipient of the Mr. Holland's Opus Award)
- Charles H. Leonard (Beta Gamma 1941; Music Educator, delivered the keynote address at the 1994 national convention in St. Louis, during the Fraternity's intense focus on music advocacy)
- Peter Christian Lutkin, 1858–1931 (Alpha Alpha 1912/Iota 1913; Founder and namesake of Pi Kappa LambdaPi Kappa LambdaPi Kappa Lambda is an American honor society for undergraduate students, graduate students, and professors of music. There are currently 205 active chapters and approximately 64,500 individual members....
music honorary society) - Joseph E. MaddyJoseph E. MaddyJoseph Edgar Maddy was a pioneering American music educator.He was born in Wellington, Kansas where both of his parents were teachers. He attended Wichita College of Music in Wichita, Kansas...
, 1891–1966 l (Epsilon 1927; Founder of Interlochen Arts Camp; President of MENC, 1936–1938) - Anthony J. Maiello, (Delta 1962, Conductor, Educator, and Author of "Conducting: A Hands-On Approach")
- James K. McCully s (Mu Omicron 1979) National Endowment for the Arts, Opera Music Theater Fellow with OPERA News editor Patrick Smith & On-Site Evaluator of professional Opera & Music Theater Companies & Emerging Artists Programs nationally; National Opera Association Convention, Chairman & Vocal Competition Adjudicator with Metropolitan Opera tenor George ShirleyGeorge ShirleyGeorge Irving Shirley is a renowned tenor opera singer.He is a National Patron of Delta Omicron, an international professional music fraternity.-External links:*** by Bruce Duffie...
; Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, Adjudicator with Paris Opera director Bernard LeFort, winner now Metropolitan Opera soprano Jan Grissom; Marjorie Lawrence International Vocal Competition, General Director; Opera Music Theater International, President; Catholic University of America, Lecturer & Voice Instructor; & Washington DC Area Alumni Association, President & Conductor/Composer of AN AMERICAN PRESIDENT performed at The White House for President Bill ClintonBill ClintonWilliam Jefferson "Bill" Clinton is an American politician who served as the 42nd President of the United States from 1993 to 2001. Inaugurated at age 46, he was the third-youngest president. He took office at the end of the Cold War, and was the first president of the baby boomer generation...
. Arts & Humanities Award Grant In Music Criticism, Recipient & worked with Washington Post Music Critic Emeritus Dr. Paul Hume. - W. Otto MiessnerW. Otto MiessnerWilliam Otto Miessner was an American composer and music educator.-Life and career:Born in Huntingburg, Indiana, Miessner was the son of Charles Miessner and Mary Miessner . He graduated from Huntingburg High School in 1898. He earned a diploma from the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, where he...
, 1880-1967 (Pioneer Music Educator; President of MENC, 1923–1924) - Earl V. Moore (Alpha Alpha National Honorary 1912)
- Karl Paulnack, (Alpha Alpha National Honorary 2011; Director, Music Division, Boston ConservatoryBoston ConservatoryThe Boston Conservatory is a performing arts conservatory located in the Fenway-Kenmore region of Boston, Massachusetts, United States. It grants undergraduate and graduate degrees in music, dance and musical theater...
) - James Christian Pfohl, 1913?-199?) (Alpha Rho 1931; Professor of music at Davidson CollegeDavidson CollegeDavidson College is a private liberal arts college in Davidson, North Carolina. The college has graduated 23 Rhodes Scholars and is consistently ranked in the top ten liberal arts colleges in the country by U.S. News and World Report magazine, although it has recently dropped to 11th in U.S. News...
and founder of Brevard Music CenterBrevard Music CenterThe Brevard Music Center is a summer institute and festival located in Brevard, North Carolina. It enrolls about four hundred students, age fourteen and older, who participate in orchestra and other large ensembles, an opera program, play chamber music, study composition, and take private lessons....
) - James PloyharJames PloyharJames D. Ployhar was an American composer, music educator, and film producer. James D. Ployhar was responsible for many great American songs, including the instrumental piece, "Cool Blues for Trumpets", "March of the Irish Guard", "Crazy Clock" and "Korean Folk Song Medley"Ployhar attended Valley...
, 1926-2007 (Beta Rho 1952, Author of Contemporary Band Course) - Willis M. Rapp (Rho Sigma 1971, music education clinician, marching percussion composer, Department Chair of the Kutztown University Department of Music)
- Winthrop S. Sterling (Founder of Mu Phi EpsilonMu Phi EpsilonMu Phi Epsilon is a co-ed international professional music fraternity and honor society. It boasts over 75,000 members in 128 collegiate chapters and 74 alumni chapters in the US and abroad.-History:...
Music Fraternity; Supreme President of Phi Mu Alpha) - Burnet C. Tuthill (Eta or Omicron 1923, Founder of the National Association of Schools of MusicNational Association of Schools of MusicThe National Association of Schools of Music is an association of post-secondary music schools in the United States and the principal U.S. accreditor for higher education in music...
) - Paul J. Weaver, 1889-1946 (Alpha Gamma Honorary 1923; One of four prominent music educators/advocates to be initiated at the 1924 national convention of MENC in Cincinnati under the supervision of Supreme President Peter W. Dykema; as one of the co-founders of the Alpha Rho chapter at the University of North Carolina at Chapel HillUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillThe University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a public research university located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States...
, was responsible for the advancement of the Fraternity into the Southeastern United States in 1926. Early editor of the Music Educators Journal.) - George C. Wilson (Alpha Xi 1928, President of the American Bandmaster Association, 1965; Longtime faculty member at the Interlochen Arts Camp, serving as a faculty member, vice-president, and interim president in 1970-1971.)
- John Wesley Work IIIJohn Wesley Work IIIJohn Wesley Work III was a composer, educator, choral director, musicologist and scholar of African American folklore and music.-Biography:...
, 1901-1967 (Zeta Rho 1953, Composer, educator, choral director, and ethnomusicologist associated with Fisk UniversityFisk UniversityFisk University is an historically black university founded in 1866 in Nashville, Tennessee, U.S. The world-famous Fisk Jubilee Singers started as a group of students who performed to earn enough money to save the school at a critical time of financial shortages. They toured to raise funds to...
) - Al G. WrightAl G. WrightDr. Al G. Wright is the Director of Bands Emeritus at Purdue University and Chairman of the Board of the John Philip Sousa Foundation....
, 1916– (Director of Bands Emeritus at Purdue UniversityPurdue UniversityPurdue University, located in West Lafayette, Indiana, U.S., is the flagship university of the six-campus Purdue University system. Purdue was founded on May 6, 1869, as a land-grant university when the Indiana General Assembly, taking advantage of the Morrill Act, accepted a donation of land and...
; board chairman of the John Philip Sousa FoundationJohn Philip Sousa FoundationThe John Philip Sousa Foundation is a non-profit foundation dedicated to the promotion of band music internationally. The foundation administers a number of projects and awards supporting high quality band performance, conducting, and composition....
) - Alex H. Zimmerman (Alpha Alpha National Honorary 19??; President of MENC, 1962–1964)
- John Mikulski, 1957–2008 (Music Educator)
Musicologists
- Archibald T. Davison (Alpha 1916; musicologist, conductor, and music educator)
- Percy GoetschiusPercy GoetschiusPercy Goetschius won international fame in the teaching of the theory of composition.-Life:Born in Paterson, New Jersey, Goetschius was the piano pupil of Robert E. H. Gehring, a prominent teacher of that era. Goetschius was the organist of the Second Presbyterian Church from 1868–1870 and of the...
, 1853-1943 (Alpha Honorary 1917, won international fame in the teaching of the theory of composition, taught at the Juilliard SchoolJuilliard SchoolThe Juilliard School, located at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York City, United States, is a performing arts conservatory which was established in 1905...
, developed the theory of harmonic progressionChord progressionA chord progression is a series of musical chords, or chord changes that "aims for a definite goal" of establishing a tonality founded on a key, root or tonic chord. In other words, the succession of root relationships...
) - Glen HaydonGlen HaydonGlen Haydon was an American musicologist instrumental in the founding of the Department of Music at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill...
, d. 1965 (Alpha Rho 1934) - Jan Herlinger (Zeta Nu 1959, authority on Marchetto da Padova and Prosdocimus de Beldimandis; medievalist).
- William S. NewmanWilliam S. NewmanWilliam Stein Newman was an American musicologist.He was born in Cleveland, Ohio. From 1945 he taught at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill...
, 1912-2000 (Alpha Rho Honorary 1963; First cousin to actor Paul NewmanPaul NewmanPaul Leonard Newman was an American actor, film director, entrepreneur, humanitarian, professional racing driver and auto racing enthusiast...
) - William K. Guegold (Epsilon Phi 1972; musicologist, music educator, Director of the University of Akron Music Department, author of "100 Years of Olympic Music: Music and Musicians of the Modern Olympic Games 1896-1996")
- Sigmund SpaethSigmund SpaethSigmund Gottfried Spaeth was a musicologist who traced the sources and origins of popular songs to their folk and classical roots...
, 1885–1965 l (Alpha Honorary, Iota Honorary 1910; Musicologist. Served for two years on the staff of the New York Times; first music critic to write for Life magazine)
Organists
- E. Power BiggsE. Power BiggsEdward George Power Biggs , more familiarly known as E. Power Biggs, was a British-born American concert organist and recording artist.-Biography:...
, 1906–1977* (British-born concert organist) - Joseph BonnetJoseph BonnetJoseph Bonnet was a French composer and organist.One of the major French pipe organ players, Joseph Bonnet was born in Bordeaux. He first studied with his father, an organist at St. Eulalie. At the age of 14, he became official organist, first at St. Nicholas and almost immediately at St. Michael...
, 1884–1944 (Alpha Alpha Honorary 1917; French-born composer, Founded organ dept at Eastman Sch of Music, 1921) - Marcel DupreMarcel DupréMarcel Dupré , was a French organist, pianist, composer, and pedagogue.-Biography:Marcel Dupré was born in Rouen . Born into a musical family, he was a child prodigy. His father Albert Dupré was organist in Rouen and a friend of Aristide Cavaillé-Coll, who built an organ in the family house when...
, 1886-1971 (Alpha Honorary 1924; He entered the Paris Conservatoire in 1904, and in 1914, won the Grand Prix de Rome for his cantata Psyché. In 1926, he was appointed professor of organ performance and improvisation at the Paris Conservatoire, a position he held until 1954. Dupré became famous for performing more than 2000 organ recitals throughout Australia, the United States, Canada and Europe. Titular organist at St. Sulpice in Paris, 1934-1971. From 1947 to 1954, he was director of the American Conservatory, which occupies the Louis XV wing of the Château de Fontainebleau near Paris. Director of the Paris Conservatoire, 1954–1956) - Virgil Keel Fox, 1912–1980 (Concert Organist known for concerts with light shows)
- John Wallace Goodrich, 1871-1952 (Alpha Alpha National Honorary 1912; American organist, conductor, and writer on music; Studied composition with George W. Chadwick; Joined the New England Conservatory faculty as organ instructor in 1897, appointed dean in 1907. Successor to Chadwick as director of the New England Conservatory, 1931-1942. Goodrich was organist at Church of the MessiahChurch of the MessiahChurch of the Messiah, or variants thereof, may refer to:* Church of the Messiah , a demolished Unitarian church* Church of the Messiah * Church of the Messiah...
and later Trinity ChurchTrinity Church, BostonTrinity Church in the City of Boston, located in the Back Bay of Boston, Massachusetts, is a parish of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts. The congregation, currently standing at approximately 3,000 households, was founded in 1733. The current rector is The Reverend Anne Bonnyman...
in Boston from 1902-1907. He was the official organist for the Boston Symphony, 1897–1900, performing Handel’s Concerto in D minor in the first pair of concerts ever held at Symphony HallSymphony Hall, BostonSymphony Hall is a concert hall located at 301 Massachusetts Avenue in Boston, Massachusetts. Designed by McKim, Mead and White, it was built in 1900 for the Boston Symphony Orchestra, which continues to make the hall its home. The hall was designated a U.S. National Historic Landmark in 1999...
, in October 1900. Founded Boston’s Choral Art Society in 1901 and served as its conductor until 1907.
Peace activists
- Thomas W. Fox, 1951–2006 (kidnapped in November 2005 in Baghdad, leading to a widely publicized hostage crisis. His body was found in March 2006)
Percussionists
- Everett Firth, 1930–present (Alpha 1950; Founder of Vic Firth drum stick company; Timpanist, Boston Symphony Orchestra, 1951–2001)
- Ed Shaughnessy, 1929–present (Gamma Omicron 1953; swing music and bebop drummer best known for his long association with Doc SeverinsenDoc SeverinsenCarl Hilding "Doc" Severinsen is an American pop and jazz trumpeter. He is best known for leading the NBC Orchestra on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.-Early life:...
and the Tonight Show Band on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.)
Pianists
- Harold E. BauerHarold BauerHarold Bauer was a noted pianist who began his musical career as a violinist.Harold Bauer was born in London; his father was a German violinist and his mother was English. He took up the study of the violin under the direction of his father and Adolf Pollitzer. He made his debut as a violinist in...
, 1873-1951 (Alpha Honorary 1917(?), Pianist who on 18 December 1908, he gave the world premiere performance of Claude DebussyClaude DebussyClaude-Achille Debussy was a French composer. Along with Maurice Ravel, he was one of the most prominent figures working within the field of impressionist music, though he himself intensely disliked the term when applied to his compositions...
's piano suite Children's CornerChildren's CornerChildren's Corner is a six-movement suite for solo piano by Claude Debussy. It was published by Durand in 1908, and was given its world première in Paris by Harold Bauer on December 18 of that year...
in Paris.) - Coenraad van Bos, 1875–1955 (Alpha Honorary 1917)
- Van CliburnVan CliburnHarvey Lavan "Van" Cliburn Jr. is an American pianist who achieved worldwide recognition in 1958 at age 23, when he won the first quadrennial International Tchaikovsky Piano Competition in Moscow, at the height of the Cold War....
, b. 1934‡ f k l (Alpha Chi 1958, Alpha Alpha National Honorary 1962; American pianist who achieved worldwide recognition in 1958, when at age 23, he won the first quadrennial International Tchaikovsky Piano Competition in Moscow, at the height of the Cold War.) - Carl FriedbergCarl FriedbergCarl Rudolf Hermann Friedberg was a German pianist and teacher.Friedberg studied piano with James Kwast and with Clara Schumann at the Hoch Conservatory, Frankfurt. He later became a teacher there and later at the Cologne Conservatory...
, 1872–1955 (Alpha Honorary 1917; German pianist and teacher; Student of Clara SchumannClara SchumannClara Schumann was a German musician and composer, considered one of the most distinguished pianists of the Romantic era...
; Debuted on December 2, 1900 with the Vienna Philharmonic OrchestraVienna Philharmonic OrchestraThe Vienna Philharmonic is an orchestra in Austria, regularly considered one of the finest in the world....
under Gustav MahlerGustav MahlerGustav Mahler was a late-Romantic Austrian composer and one of the leading conductors of his generation. He was born in the village of Kalischt, Bohemia, in what was then Austria-Hungary, now Kaliště in the Czech Republic...
. In 1893, gave a recital in the presence of Johannes BrahmsJohannes BrahmsJohannes Brahms was a German composer and pianist, and one of the leading musicians of the Romantic period. Born in Hamburg, Brahms spent much of his professional life in Vienna, Austria, where he was a leader of the musical scene...
who highly admired his playing). - Rudolph GanzRudolph GanzRudolph Ganz was a Swiss pianist, conductor and composer. He claimed direct descent from Charlemagne.-Biography:...
, 1877–1972 (New Zeta 1924, Alpha Alpha National Honorary 1936; Swiss-born, President, Chicago Musical College, 1934–1958, Conductor, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, 1921–1927)) - Leopold GodowskyLeopold GodowskyLeopold Godowsky was a famed Polish American pianist, composer, and teacher. One of the most highly regarded performers of his time, he became known for his theories concerning the application of relaxed weight and economy of motion in piano playing, principles later propagated by Godowsky's...
, 1870–1938 (Beta Honorary c. 1902; Alpha Alpha National Honorary, Famed Polish-American pianist, composer, and teacher.) - Morton GouldMorton GouldMorton Gould was an American composer, conductor, arranger, and pianist.Born in Richmond Hill, New York, Gould was recognized early as a child prodigy with abilities in improvisation and composition. His first composition was published at age six...
, 1913–1996* p k (Alpha Delta Honorary 1947, pianist) - Ernest HutchesonErnest HutchesonErnest Hutcheson was an Australian pianist, composer and teacher.Hutcheson was born in Melbourne, and toured there as a child prodigy. He later travelled to Leipzig and entered the Leipzig Conservatorium at the age of fourteen to study with Carl Reinecke and Bernhard Stavenhagen, a pupil of Franz...
, 1871–1951 (Alpha Honorary 1917(?); Australian pianist, President, Juilliard School of Music, 1937-1945) - Józef Kazimierz Hofmann, 1876–1957 (Alpha Honorary 1917; Child prodigy, Polish-American virtuoso pianist and composer, Director of Curtis Institute of Music, 1926–1938)
- Mischa LevitzkiMischa LevitzkiMischa Levitzki was a Russian-born American concert pianist.Levitzki was born in Kremenchuk, Ukraine , to Jewish parents who were naturalised American citizens on a return trip to Ukraine...
, 1898-1941 (Alpha Honorary 1917; Russian born concert pianist, known for recordings of piano rolls. Elected to honorary membership at the age of nineteen, a rarity in the Fraternity) - Peter NeroPeter NeroPeter Nero is an American pianist and pops conductor.-Early life:Born in Brooklyn, New York, As Bernard Nierow, Nero started his formal music training at the age of seven. He studied piano under Frederick Bried...
, b. 1934 (Gamma Omega Honorary 1962; artistic director and conductor of Peter Nero and the Philly PopsPhilly PopsThe Philly Pops is an orchestra based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Led by two time GRAMMY Award-winningpianist Peter Nero, Peter Nero and the Philly Pops is an entity that consistently brings an enthusiastic response from its audience...
) - Karl Paulnack, (Alpha Alpha National Honorary 2011)
- André PrevinAndré PrevinAndré George Previn, KBE is an American pianist, conductor, and composer. He is considered one of the most versatile musicians in the world, and is the winner of four Academy Awards for his film work and ten Grammy Awards for his recordings. -Early Life:Previn was born in...
, KBE, b. 1930 k (Zeta Mu Honorary 1967; pianist & conductor; appointed an honorary Knight of the Order of British Empire in 1996) - Roger WilliamsRoger Williams (pianist)Roger Williams was an American popular music pianist. As of 2004, he had released 116 albums.-Biography:...
, 1924–2011 (Alpha Beta 1943; Concert Pianist)
Publishers
- Clarence C. Birchard, 1866–1946 (Alpha Honorary 1924 (?); Known for quote "We are teaching music not to make musicians but to make Americans". Birchard was one of four nationally recognized music advocates to be initiated into the Fraternity during the 1924 national convention of what is now the Music Educators National ConferenceMENC: The National Association for Music EducationMENC: The National Association for Music Education is an organization of American music educators dedicated to advancing and preserving music education and as part of the core curriculum of schools in the United States...
) - Hal G. Davis (Publisher)
- Leonard Feist (Beta Gamma Honorary 1958; Music publisher, copyright expert, & advocate for the music publishing industry)
- Donald G. Hinshaw, 1934–1996 (Gamma Kappa 1953; Founded Hinshaw Music in 1975, one of nation's largest religious music publishers)
- Neil Kjos, Jr. (Beta Gamma 1958)
- Neil Kjos, Sr. (Alpha Xi 1930, Co-founder MidWest Band & Orchestra Clinic)
- Theodore Presser, 1848–1945 (Alpha Honorary 1917; founded Music Teachers National AssociationMusic Teachers National Association-Membership:Its membership consists of approximately 22,000 independent and collegiate music teachers. MTNA headquarters are in downtown Cincinnati on the 31st floor of the Carew Tower.- MTNA structure :...
in 1876 with sixty-two colleagues in Delaware, Ohio; Founder of The Etude magazine in 1883, philanthropist who focused on music education, constructed the Home for Retired Musicians in Philadelphia, estate founded the Presser Foundation, namesake of the Presser Scholarships. "Fifth Sinfonian to be born" behind Henry Schradieck. The Theodore Presser CompanyTheodore Presser CompanyThe Theodore Presser Company is an American music publishing and distribution company located in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania and formerly based in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. It is the oldest continuing music publisher in the United States.-Theodore Presser:...
is the oldest continuing music publisher in the United States. Each year the Presser Foundation awards scholarships, grants and funds specifically to further the cause of music education and music in America.) - Traugott Rohner, (Iota 1934; founder of The Instrumentalist magazine)
- Arthur Paul Schmidt (Alpha Alpha National Honorary 1919)
- Rudolph E. Schirmer (Alpha Honorary 1917; Poet; Son of Gustav Schirmer; President of G. SchirmerG. SchirmerG. Schirmer Inc. is an American classical music publishing company based in New York City, founded in 1861. It publishes sheet music for sale and rental, and represents some well-known European music publishers in North America, such as the Italian Ricordi, Music Sales Affiliates ChesterNovello,...
Publishers, 1893-?)
Radio, film, & television personalities
- Pat Cronin, ?-present (Lambda Sigma Honorary 2006, Drama professor at East Tennessee State UniversityEast Tennessee State UniversityEast Tennessee State University is an accredited American university located in Johnson City, Tennessee. It is part of the Tennessee Board of Regents system of colleges and universities, the nation's sixth largest system of public education, and is the fourth largest university in the state...
, known from small roles in TV shows such as SeinfeldSeinfeldSeinfeld is an American television sitcom that originally aired on NBC from July 5, 1989, to May 14, 1998, lasting nine seasons, and is now in syndication. It was created by Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld, the latter starring as a fictionalized version of himself...
, Home Improvement, Star Trek: The Next GenerationStar Trek: The Next GenerationStar Trek: The Next Generation is an American science fiction television series created by Gene Roddenberry as part of the Star Trek franchise. Roddenberry, Rick Berman, and Michael Piller served as executive producers at different times throughout the production...
and Just Shoot Me!Just Shoot Me!Just Shoot Me! is an American television sitcom that aired for seven seasons on NBC from March 4, 1997 to August 16, 2003, with 148 episodes produced. The show was created by Steven Levitan, the show's executive producer.-Description:...
) - Frank De VolFrank De VolFrank Denny De Vol, also known simply as De Vol was an American arranger, composer and actor.-Early life and career:...
, 1911-1999 (Gamma Omega Honorary 1962, Sometimes simply known as "De Vol", American arranger, composer and actor; Recognized for his television theme tunes for Family AffairFamily AffairFamily Affair is an American sitcom that aired on CBS from September 12, 1966 to September 9, 1971. The series explored the trials of well-to-do civil engineer and bachelor Bill Davis as he attempted to raise his brother's orphaned children in his luxury New York City apartment. Davis' traditional...
, The Brady BunchThe Brady BunchThe Brady Bunch is an American sitcom created by Sherwood Schwartz and starring Robert Reed, Florence Henderson, and Ann B. Davis. The series revolved around a large blended family...
, and My Three SonsMy Three SonsMy Three Sons is an American situation comedy. The series ran from 1960 to 1965 on ABC, and moved to CBS until its end on August 24, 1972. My Three Sons chronicles the life of a widower and aeronautical engineer named Steven Douglas , raising his three sons.The series was a cornerstone of the CBS...
, the latter of which was a hit single in 1961. As an actor, appeared in several TV series, such as I Dream of JeannieI Dream of JeannieI Dream of Jeannie is a 1960s American sitcom with a fantasy premise. The show starred Barbara Eden as a 2,000-year-old genie, and Larry Hagman as an astronaut who becomes her master, with whom she falls in love and eventually marries...
, BonanzaBonanzaBonanza is an American western television series that both ran on and was a production of NBC from September 12, 1959 to January 16, 1973. Lasting 14 seasons and 430 episodes, it ranks as the second longest running western series and still continues to air in syndication. It centers on the...
, Petticoat JunctionPetticoat JunctionPetticoat Junction is an American situation comedy produced by Filmways which originally aired on CBS from 1963 to 1970. The series is one of three interrelated shows about rural characters created by Paul Henning; the others are The Beverly Hillbillies and Green Acres.The setting for the series...
, The Brady BunchThe Brady BunchThe Brady Bunch is an American sitcom created by Sherwood Schwartz and starring Robert Reed, Florence Henderson, and Ann B. Davis. The series revolved around a large blended family...
, Get SmartGet SmartGet Smart is an American comedy television series that satirizes the secret agent genre. Created by Mel Brooks with Buck Henry, the show starred Don Adams , Barbara Feldon , and Edward Platt...
(at least 2 appearances as Prof. Carleton), and The JeffersonsThe JeffersonsThe Jeffersons is an American sitcom that was broadcast on CBS from January 18, 1975, through June 25, 1985, lasting 11 seasons and a total of 253 episodes. The show was produced by the T.A.T. Communications Company from 1975–1982 and by Embassy Television from 1982-1985...
(where he portrayed a sad jingle-writer who moved into Mr. Bentley's vacant apartment), as well as the movie The Parent Trap) - Nelson EddyNelson EddyNelson Ackerman Eddy was an American singer and actor who appeared in 19 musical films during the 1930s and 1940s, as well as in opera and on the concert stage, radio, television, and in nightclubs. A classically trained baritone, he is best remembered for the eight films in which he costarred...
, 1901–1967* (New Zeta Honorary 1936; Baritone & Actor, performed at 1941 inauguration of Franklin Delano Roosevelt) - Art GilmoreArt GilmoreArthur Wells "Art" Gilmore was an American voice actor and announcer whose voice has been heard in radio and television programs, movies, trailers, advertising promotions and documentary films.-Biography:...
, 1912–2010 (Chi 1934; Radio Personality; T.V. Announcer for The WaltonsThe WaltonsThe Waltons is an American television series created by Earl Hamner, Jr., based on his book Spencer's Mountain, and a 1963 film of the same name. The show centered on a family growing up in a rural Virginia community during the Great Depression and World War II. The series pilot was a television...
, The Amazing Howard HughesThe Amazing Howard HughesThe Amazing Howard Hughes is a 1977 television movie about American aviation pioneer and filmmaker Howard Hughes, based on the book by Hughes' business partner Noah Dietrich. The film starred Tommy Lee Jones, Ed Flanders, and Tovah Feldshuh....
, The Red Skelton ShowThe Red Skelton ShowThe Red Skelton Show is an American variety show that was a television staple for two decades, from 1951 to 1971. It was second to Gunsmoke and third to The Ed Sullivan Show in the ratings during that time. Skelton, who had previously been a radio star, had appeared in several motion pictures as...
, Garner Ted ArmstrongGarner Ted ArmstrongGarner Ted Armstrong was an American evangelist and the son of Herbert W. Armstrong, founder of the Worldwide Church of God, at the time a Sabbatarian organization that taught strict observance of seventh-day Sabbath, holy days typically associated with the Jewish faith, and other observances...
& The World TomorrowThe World TomorrowThe World Tomorrow is a now-defunct radio and television half-hour program which had been sponsored by the Radio Church of God which ran from 1934 to 1994...
; Actor, Moonbeams, The Mary Tyler Moore ShowThe Mary Tyler Moore ShowThe Mary Tyler Moore Show is an American television sitcom created by James L. Brooks and Allan Burns that aired on CBS from 1970 to 1977...
, Adam-12Adam-12Adam-12 was a television police drama which followed two police officers of the Los Angeles Police Department, Pete Malloy and Jim Reed, as they patrolled the streets of Los Angeles in their patrol unit, 1-Adam-12. Created by Jack Webb who is known for creating Dragnet, the series captured a...
, DragnetDragnet (series)Dragnet is a radio and television crime drama about the cases of a dedicated Los Angeles police detective, Sergeant Joe Friday, and his partners...
) - Andy GriffithAndy GriffithAndy Samuel Griffith is an American actor, director, producer, Grammy Award-winning Southern-gospel singer, and writer. He gained prominence in the starring role in director Elia Kazan's epic film A Face in the Crowd before he became better known for his television roles, playing the lead...
, 1926–present* f (Alpha Rho 1946; Starred in title roles in The Andy Griffith ShowThe Andy Griffith ShowThe Andy Griffith Show is an American sitcom first televised by CBS between October 3, 1960, and April 1, 1968. Andy Griffith portrays a widowed sheriff in the fictional small community of Mayberry, North Carolina...
, 1960–1968, and MatlockMatlock (TV series)Matlock is an American television legal drama, starring Andy Griffith in the title role of attorney Ben Matlock. The show originally aired from September 23, 1986 to May 8, 1992 on NBC, where it replaced The A-Team, then from November 5, 1992 until May 7, 1995 on ABC.The show's format was similar...
, 1986–1995) - Lyle Russell Cedric "Skitch" HendersonSkitch HendersonLyle Russell Cedric “Skitch” Henderson was a pianist, conductor, and composer. His nickname reportedly derived from his ability to quickly "re-sketch" a song in a different key.- Biography :...
, 1918–2005 (Original conductor for The Tonight ShowThe Tonight ShowThe Tonight Show is an American late-night talk show that has aired on NBC since 1954. It is the longest currently running regularly scheduled entertainment program in the United States, and the third longest-running show on NBC, after Meet the Press and Today.The Tonight Show has been hosted by...
and The Today Show) - Sy Mann (Pianist & Arranger for The Arthur Godfrey ShowArthur Godfrey and His FriendsArthur Godfrey and His Friends is an American television variety show hosted by Arthur Godfrey. The hour-long series aired on CBS from January 1949, to June 1957 , then again as a half-hour show from September 1958, to April 1959.Many of Godfrey's musical acts were culled from Arthur Godfrey's...
) - Mitch MillerMitch MillerMitchell William "Mitch" Miller was an American musician, singer, conductor, record producer, A&R man and record company executive...
, 1911–present ‡ (Record producer, host of 1960s show Sing Along With Mitch of "follow the bouncing ballBouncing ballThe bouncing ball is a device used in video recordings to visually indicate the rhythm of a song, helping audiences to sing along with live or prerecorded music...
" fame) - Fred Rogers, 1928–2003* f (Xi Psi Honorary 1987; Creator and host of Mister Rogers' NeighborhoodMister Rogers' NeighborhoodMister Rogers' Neighborhood, also known as Mister Rogers, is an American children's television series that was created and hosted by Fred Rogers. The series is aimed primarily at preschool ages, 2-5, but has been stated by Public Broadcasting Service as "appropriate for all ages"...
, 1968–2001) - Fred WaringFred WaringFredrick Malcolm Waring was a popular musician, bandleader and radio-television personality, sometimes referred to as "America's Singing Master" and "The Man Who Taught America How to Sing." He was also a promoter, financial backer and namesake of the Waring Blendor, the first modern electric...
, 1900–1984* (Alpha Zeta Honorary 1956, band leader, host of The Fred Waring ShowThe Fred Waring ShowThe Fred Waring Show is an American television musical variety show that ran from June 20, 1948 to May 30, 1954 on CBS. The show was hosted Fred Waring and featured his choral group "Fred Waring and his Pennsylvanians".-Synopsis:...
, 1949–1955)
Rock and/or pop musicians
- Joe BouchardJoe BouchardJoe Bouchard was the original bassist for Blue Öyster Cult. He grew up in Clayton, New York...
, 1948–present (Delta 1967; bassist, former member of Blue Öyster CultBlue Öyster CultBlue Öyster Cult, often abbreviated BÖC, is an American rock band, most of whose members first came together in Long Island, NY in 1967 as the band Soft White Underbelly...
) - Bo DiddleyBo DiddleyEllas Otha Bates , known by his stage name Bo Diddley, was an American rhythm and blues vocalist, guitarist, songwriter , and inventor...
, 1928-2008 ‡ (Eta Omega Honorary 1999; Rock & Roll pioneer, Member Rock and Roll Hall of FameRock and Roll Hall of FameThe Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum is a museum located on the shore of Lake Erie in downtown Cleveland, Ohio, United States. It is dedicated to archiving the history of some of the best-known and most influential artists, producers, engineers and others who have, in some major way,...
) - Lee LoughnaneLee LoughnaneLee Loughnane , born 21 October 1946 in Elmwood Park, Illinois to Juanita Wall and Philip Louis Loughnane, is an American trumpeter, flugelhorn player, vocalist, and songwriter, best known for being a founding member of the rock band Chicago.- Biography :...
, 1946–present (Kappa Phi 1965; founding member of ChicagoChicago (band)Chicago is an American rock band formed in 1967 in Chicago, Illinois. The self-described "rock and roll band with horns" began as a politically charged, sometimes experimental, rock band and later moved to a predominantly softer sound, becoming famous for producing a number of hit ballads. They had...
rock band) - James PankowJames PankowJames Carter "Jimmy" Pankow is an American trombone player, songwriter and brass instrument arranger best known as a founding member of the rock band Chicago.-Early life:...
, 1947–present (Kappa Phi 1966; founding member of ChicagoChicago (band)Chicago is an American rock band formed in 1967 in Chicago, Illinois. The self-described "rock and roll band with horns" began as a politically charged, sometimes experimental, rock band and later moved to a predominantly softer sound, becoming famous for producing a number of hit ballads. They had...
rock band) - Walter ParazaiderWalter ParazaiderWalter Parazaider is best known for being a founding member and saxophone player for the rock band Chicago. He also plays the flute and other woodwind instruments in the band, including clarinet. On the hit "You're Not Alone," he played backing rhythm guitar.Parazaider began playing the clarinet...
, 1945–present (Kappa Phi 1964; founding member of ChicagoChicago (band)Chicago is an American rock band formed in 1967 in Chicago, Illinois. The self-described "rock and roll band with horns" began as a politically charged, sometimes experimental, rock band and later moved to a predominantly softer sound, becoming famous for producing a number of hit ballads. They had...
rock band) - Glenn Hughes (singer)Glenn Hughes (singer)Glenn M. Hughes was the original "Biker" character in the disco group Village People from 1977 to 1996. He graduated Class of 1968 from Chaminade High School, then attending Manhattan College, where he was initiated as a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia music fraternity in 1969...
, 1950–2001 (Kappa Pi 1970; founding member of The Village People, 1970s gay iconic pop band) - Ruben StuddardRuben StuddardChristopher Theodore Ruben Studdard , best known as Ruben Studdard, is an American R&B, pop, and gospel singer. He rose to fame as winner of the second season of American Idol...
, 1978–present (Omicron Delta 1997; pop singer, [2003 American Idol winner]) - Danny J. Phillips, DJ P, 1973–Present ( Iota Rho Honorary 2004 ; DJ and Hip Hop Artist)
- Shay Watson (Iota Nu 1994, founding member of Watson and Nash)
- Bobby H. Black (Iota Nu 1993, founding member of The Las Vegas Tenors)
- Jimmy WebbJimmy WebbJimmy Webb is an American songwriter, composer, and singer. He wrote numerous platinum selling classics, including "Up, Up and Away", "By the Time I Get to Phoenix", "Wichita Lineman", "Galveston", "The Worst That Could Happen", "All I Know", and "MacArthur Park"...
, 1946–present (Pi Tau Honorary 1969, American songwriter, known for "Up, Up and AwayUp, Up and Away (song)"Up, Up and Away" is a 1967 song written by Jimmy Webb and recorded by The 5th Dimension, that became a major pop hit, reaching #7 on the U.S. Pop Singles chart and #18 in Canada...
" and "By the Time I Get to PhoenixBy the Time I Get to Phoenix"By the Time I Get to Phoenix" is the title of a song written by Jimmy Webb. Originally recorded by Johnny Rivers in 1965, it was made famous by American country music singer Glen Campbell, appearing as the opening track on the latter's 1967 album of the same name. Campbell's version reached #2 on...
". His songs have been recorded or performed by Glen Campbell, The 5th Dimension, The Supremes, Richard Harris, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Isaac Hayes, R.E.M., and Chet Atkins, among others.)
Scientists
- Capt. Winston Scott, 1950–present (Epsilon Iota 1970; Member of Space Shuttle Endeavor crew; VP of Student Affairs, Florida State UniversityFlorida State UniversityThe Florida State University is a space-grant and sea-grant public university located in Tallahassee, Florida, United States. It is a comprehensive doctoral research university with medical programs and significant research activity as determined by the Carnegie Foundation...
)
Sports personalities
- Woody DurhamWoody DurhamWoody Lombardi Durham , known as "The Voice of the Tar Heels", was the longtime play-by-play radio announcer for University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill football and basketball teams from 1971 to 2011. Durham grew up in Albemarle, North Carolina alongside Bob Harris, longtime accouncer for UNC...
, 1941–present (Alpha Rho 1961; the "Voice of the Tar Heels", Radio announcer for UNC-Chapel Hill sports, 1971–2011 (retirement announcement Wednesday, April 20, 2011); 12 time honoree, North Carolina Sportscaster of the Year; Durham was behind the microphone for 13 of the Tar Heels' 18 Final Fours, as well as four of the team's six national championships (1982, 1993, 2005 and 2009). - Wayne MessmerWayne MessmerWayne K. Messmer is one of three public address announcers for the Chicago Cubs. He sings "The Star-Spangled Banner" before many Cubs games, as well as prior to many Chicago Wolves American Hockey League games. Messmer is part owner of the Chicago Wolves...
, 1950–present (Alpha Lambda 1970, The "Voice of Wrigley FieldWrigley FieldWrigley Field is a baseball stadium in Chicago, Illinois, United States that has served as the home ballpark of the Chicago Cubs since 1916. It was built in 1914 as Weeghman Park for the Chicago Federal League baseball team, the Chicago Whales...
", public address announcer for the Chicago Cubs. He sings The Star-Spangled Banner before Cubs games. Messmer also sings prior to many Chicago Wolves American Hockey League games and is part owner of the Chicago Wolves. And, for many years, he sang for the Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago White Sox and Chicago Sting. Recgonized as a Signature Sinfonian in 2010.)
Violinists
- Mischa Elman, 1891–1967 (Alpha Honorary 1917; Ukrainian born violinist)
- Sidney HarthSidney HarthSidney Harth was an American violinist and conductor.In 1957 Harth became the first American to receive the Laureate Prize in the Wieniawski Violin Competition held in Poland...
, 1925–present (Zeta Kappa 1958, Alpha Alpha National Honorary 1966) - Jascha HeifetzJascha HeifetzJascha Heifetz was a violinist, born in Vilnius, then Russian Empire, now Lithuania. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest violinists of all time.- Early life :...
, 1901–1987*‡ (Alpha Honorary 1917; Lithuanian-born Violinist, elected to honorary membership at age 16, thus being the youngest known honorary member; Appeared in the 1939 film, They Shall Have Music, which showed the influence of music in a child's life) - Franz KneiselFranz KneiselFranz Kneisel was an American violinist and teacher of Romanian birth.Born in Bucharest, the son of a German bandmaster, he learned to play the flute, clarinet and trumpet, as well as the violin...
, 1865-1926 (Alpha Honorary 1917, American violinist and teacher of Romanian birth, concertmaster of Boston Symphony Orchestra and leader of Franz Kneisel Quartet, both of which financially supported by Alpha Honorary member Henry Lee Higginson). - Jan KubelikJan KubelíkJan Kubelík was a Czech violinist and composer.-Biography:He was born in Michle . His father, a gardener by occupation, was an amateur violinist. He taught his two sons the violin and after discovering the talent of Jan, who was aged five at the time, arranged for him to study with Karel Weber and...
, 1880–1940 (Alpha Honorary 1917; Czech-born Violinist) - Henry SchradieckHenry SchradieckHenry Schradieck was one of the foremost violin teachers of his day. He wrote a series of etude books for the violin which are still in common use today....
, 1846-1918 (Beta Honorary, c. 1900-1910; one of the foremost violin teachers of his day. He wrote a series of etude books for the violin which are still in common use today. Teacher of Karl MuckKarl MuckKarl Muck was a German-born conductor of classical music. He based his activities principally in Europe and mostly in opera. His American career comprised two stints at the Boston Symphony Orchestra. He endured a public outcry in 1917 that questioned whether his loyalties lay with Germany or the...
.) - Albert SpaldingAlbert SpaldingAlbert Goodwill Spalding was a professional baseball player, manager and co-founder of A.G. Spalding sporting goods company.-Biography:...
, 1888–1953 (Alpha Alpha National Honorary 1916/19?; Violinist) - Eugène YsaÿeEugène YsaÿeEugène Ysaÿe was a Belgian violinist, composer and conductor born in Liège. He was regarded as "The King of the Violin", or, as Nathan Milstein put it, the "tzar"...
, 1858–1931 (Alpha Honorary 1917; Belgian violinist; Composer; Director, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, 1918–1922; Known as "King of the Violin") - Efrem ZimbalistEfrem ZimbalistEfrem Zimbalist, Sr. was one of the world's most prominent concert violinists, as well as a composer, teacher, conductor and a long-time director of the Curtis Institute of Music.-Early life:...
, 1889–1985 (Alpha Honorary 1917; Russian-born violinist; Director of Curtis Institute of Music, 1941–1968; Father of actor Efrem Zimbalist, Jr; Grandfather of actress Stephanie ZimbalistStephanie ZimbalistStephanie Zimbalist is an American actress best known for her role as Laura Holt on the NBC detective series Remington Steele.-Background:...
)
Vocalists
- Pasquale AmatoPasquale AmatoPasquale Amato was an outstanding Italian operatic baritone. Amato enjoyed an international reputation but attained the peak of his fame in New York City, where he sang with the Metropolitan Opera from 1908 until 1921....
, 1878–1942 (Beta Omega Honorary 1939; Italian-born baritone) - David BisphamDavid BisphamDavid Scull Bispham was the first American–born operatic baritone to win an international reputation.- Early life and family:...
, 1857–1921 (Epsilon Honorary 1905, Alpha Alpha Honorary 1908, first American–born operatic baritone to win an international reputation) - Enrico Caruso, 1873–1921 ‡ (Alpha Honorary 1917; Italian-born tenor; important pioneer of recorded music)
- Francois ClemmonsFrançois Clemmons"Dr." François Scarborough Clemmons is an American singer, performer, playwright and university lecturer. He is perhaps best known for his appearances on the PBS television series Mister Rogers' Neighborhood throughout the 1970s.-History:Clemmons was born in Alabama, but his family moved to...
, 1945–present (Alpha Omega 1968; Tenor; Founder, Harlem Spiritual Ensemble; Portrayed Officer Clemmons on Mister Rogers' NeighborhoodMister Rogers' NeighborhoodMister Rogers' Neighborhood, also known as Mister Rogers, is an American children's television series that was created and hosted by Fred Rogers. The series is aimed primarily at preschool ages, 2-5, but has been stated by Public Broadcasting Service as "appropriate for all ages"...
) - Eugene T. ConleyEugene ConleyEugene Conley was a celebrated American operatic tenor.Born in Lynn, Massachusetts, Conley studied under Ettore Verna, and made his official debut as the Duke of Mantua in Rigoletto, at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in 1940...
(Alpha Upsilon 1953, Gamma Theta Honorary 1961; Tenor) - Florencio ConstantinoFlorencio ConstantinoFlorencio Constantino was a Spanish operatic tenor.-Biography:He was born as Florencio Constantineau on April 9, 1869 in Bilbao, Spain. He moved to Argentina in 1889. He had a nervous breakdown and died on November 19, 1919 in Mexico City.-External links:...
, 1869–1919 (Alpha Honorary 1917, Spanish-born tenor) - Richard A. Crooks (Tenor)
- Emilio de GogorzaEmilio de GogorzaEmilio Eduardo de Gogorza was an American baritone of Spanish parentage.He was born in Brooklyn, New York, but brought up and trained musically in Spain. He returned to the USA in his early 20s. He sang in many languages, including French, Italian and English, as well as Spanish...
, 1872–1949 (Epsilon Honorary 1905, Alpha Alpha 1908; Baritone, Early recording artist for the Victor Company; had several Billboard top singles between 1901 and 1919) - Jerry HadleyJerry HadleyJerry Hadley was an American operatic tenor. He received three Grammy awards for his vocal performances in the recordings of Jenůfa , Susannah , and Candide...
, 1952–2007 (Delta Nu 1971, Operatic Tenor) - Jerome HinesJerome HinesThe American Jerome A. Hines was a basso opera singer who performed at the Metropolitan Opera from 1946 to 1987...
, 1921–2003 (Bass) beta gamma march 1949 - Frederick W. Jagel (Tenor)
- Edward JohnsonEdward Johnson (tenor)Edward Patrick Johnson CBE was a Canadian operatic tenor who was billed outside North America as Edoardo Di Giovanni, and became director of the Metropolitan Opera in New York City.- Early life :...
, 1878–1959 (Canadian born opera singer; General Manager of Metropolitan Opera, 1935–1950) - Robert MerrillRobert MerrillRobert Merrill was an American operatic baritone.-Early life:Merrill was born Moishe Miller, later known as Morris Miller, in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, New York, to tailor Abraham Miller, originally Milstein, and his wife Lillian, née Balaban, immigrants from Warsaw, Poland.His mother...
, 1917–2004 (Baritone) - Sherill Milnes, 1935–present l (Alpha Beta 1954; Baritone, Recipient of the Fraternity's Man of Music Award in 1982))
- Luciano PavarottiLuciano Pavarottiright|thumb|Luciano Pavarotti performing at the opening of the Constantine Palace in [[Strelna]], 31 May 2003. The concert was part of the celebrations for the 300th anniversary of [[St...
, 1935–2007 k (Beta Tau Honorary 1978; Italian-born tenor, Humanitarian, known for bridging gap between popular and classical music, most notably through his collaboration with BonoBonoPaul David Hewson , most commonly known by his stage name Bono , is an Irish singer, musician, and humanitarian best known for being the main vocalist of the Dublin-based rock band U2. Bono was born and raised in Dublin, Ireland, and attended Mount Temple Comprehensive School where he met his...
and U2U2U2 are an Irish rock band from Dublin. Formed in 1976, the group consists of Bono , The Edge , Adam Clayton , and Larry Mullen, Jr. . U2's early sound was rooted in post-punk but eventually grew to incorporate influences from many genres of popular music...
; First opera singer to appear on Saturday Night LiveSaturday Night LiveSaturday Night Live is a live American late-night television sketch comedy and variety show developed by Lorne Michaels and Dick Ebersol. The show premiered on NBC on October 11, 1975, under the original title of NBC's Saturday Night.The show's sketches often parody contemporary American culture...
) - Titta RuffoTitta RuffoTitta Ruffo , born as Ruffo Titta Cafiero, was an Italian opera star who had a major international singing career. Known as the "Voce del leone" , he was greatly admired, even by rival baritones, such as Giuseppe De Luca, who said of Ruffo: "His was not a voice, it was a miracle" Titta Ruffo (9...
, 1877-1953 (Alpha Honorary 1917; Baritone)
- Antonio ScottiAntonio ScottiAntonio Scotti was an Italian baritone. He was a principal artist of the New York Metropolitan Opera for more than 33 seasons, but also sang with great success at London's Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, and Milan's La Scala.-Life:Antonio Scotti was born in Naples, Italy...
, 1866–1936 (Alpha Honorary 1917; Principal baritone at the Metropolitan OperaMetropolitan OperaThe Metropolitan Opera is an opera company, located in New York City. Originally founded in 1880, the company gave its first performance on October 22, 1883. The company is operated by the non-profit Metropolitan Opera Association, with Peter Gelb as general manager...
) - George ShirleyGeorge ShirleyGeorge Irving Shirley is a renowned tenor opera singer.He is a National Patron of Delta Omicron, an international professional music fraternity.-External links:*** by Bruce Duffie...
, 1934–present (Gamma Omicron 1953; Tenor) - Jacques UrlusJacques UrlusJacques Urlus , was a Dutch dramatic tenor. He sang to great critical acclaim at major opera houses on both sides of the Atlantic, and his recordings of the music of Richard Wagner are considered to be among the finest ever made.-Biography:Jacques Urlus was born to music-loving Dutch parents in the...
, 1867–1935 (Alpha Honorary 1917; Dutch-born dramatic tenor) - William WarfieldWilliam WarfieldWilliam Caesar Warfield , was an American concert bass-baritone singer and actor.-Early life and career:Warfield was born in West Helena, Arkansas and grew up in Rochester, New York, where his father was called to serve as pastor of Mt. Vernon Church. He gave his recital debut in New York's Town...
, 1920–2002 l (Delta Lambda Honorary 1961; Baritone) - Clarence WhitehillClarence WhitehillClarence Whitehill was a leading American bass-baritone. He sang on both sides of the Atlantic and is best remembered for his association with the music dramas of Richard Wagner....
, 1871–1932(Alpha Honorary 1917; Baritone)
Urban legends regarding persons believed to be Sinfonians
There are several people who have been believed to be members of the Fraternity, but for whom there is no evidence of their membership:- Leonard BernsteinLeonard BernsteinLeonard Bernstein August 25, 1918 – October 14, 1990) was an American conductor, composer, author, music lecturer and pianist. He was among the first conductors born and educated in the United States of America to receive worldwide acclaim...
(the legend was that Bernstein was initiated, but the paperwork was never sent in to the national headquarters) - John CageJohn CageJohn Milton Cage Jr. was an American composer, music theorist, writer, philosopher and artist. A pioneer of indeterminacy in music, electroacoustic music, and non-standard use of musical instruments, Cage was one of the leading figures of the post-war avant-garde...
the avant-garde composer attended Pomona College in California, which has never hosted a chapter of the Fraternity. Ironically, a John M. Cage was initiated at Iowa State University in 1930, the same year John Cage the composer enrolled in school at Pomona (before dropping out). While a Samuel Barber was initiated at Howard University in 1952, it does not appear that this is the same Samuel Barber commonly assumed to be a Sinfonian. - SchroederSchroeder (Peanuts)Schroeder is a fictional character in the long-running comic strip Peanuts, created by Charles M. Schulz. He is distinguished by his precocious skill at playing the toy piano, as well as by his love of classical music and the composer Ludwig van Beethoven in particular...
the beloved pianist from the comic strip PeanutsPeanutsPeanuts is a syndicated daily and Sunday American comic strip written and illustrated by Charles M. Schulz, which ran from October 2, 1950, to February 13, 2000, continuing in reruns afterward...
. It was reported that the Epsilon Iota Chapter of Florida State UniversityFlorida State UniversityThe Florida State University is a space-grant and sea-grant public university located in Tallahassee, Florida, United States. It is a comprehensive doctoral research university with medical programs and significant research activity as determined by the Carnegie Foundation...
voted him an honorary member and wrote to Charles Schulz, to invite him to be initiated. The story goes that Mr. Schulz graciously wrote the chapter a note stating that Schroeder was honored to have been chosen for the distinction and gratefully accepted the membership on his behalf. - PrincePrince (musician)Prince Rogers Nelson , often known simply as Prince, is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and actor. Prince has produced ten platinum albums and thirty Top 40 singles during his career. Prince founded his own recording studio and label; writing, self-producing and playing most, or all, of...
(was listed on a chapter website list of famous Sinfonians). He does not, however, appear in the national member database at Lyrecrest, as searched (both as Prince Nelson and Rodgers Nelson) on March 24, 2011. - Gene SimmonsGene SimmonsGene Simmons is an Israeli-American entrepreneur, singer-songwriter, actor, and rock bassist. Known as "The Demon", he is the bassist/vocalist of Kiss, a hard rock band he co-founded in the early 1970s.-Early life:...
(was listed on a chapter website list of famous Sinfonians)