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NewsAlpha Rho Raises Nearly $5,000 for Chapter FundApril 22, 2013
The brothers of the Alpha Rho Chapter at the University of North Carolina have raised nearly $5,000 for the Alpha Rho Chapter Fund. This achievement was the work of many brothers within the chapter, but was raised at just a single event.
From the Desk of: Mark A. Wilson, Director of Communications Foundation Announces New Chapter Fund ProgramFeb 26, 2010 The Sinfonia Educational Foundation is pleased to unveil a brand new program designed to support collegiate chapters. Alumni can now help chapters commission new works, host music festivals, and travel to educational events through the Chapter Fund program. Contributions to Chapter Funds are treated as restricted gifts, available for designated chapters to use for their charitable and educational programs. Spring Calls a Hit!April 1, 2008
"I just got off the phone with a founding brother from my chapter," said Casey Cowen, Gamma Phi ’05, one evening in March. "That was such a cool experience!" Casey was one of several brothers who sacrificed their spring breaks to make calls to alumni the Fraternity had lost touch with years ago. This was part of the Foundation’s first-ever volunteer driven telefund effort.
From the Desk of: Matthew R. Garber, Director of Development Pulse: The Heartbeat of SinfoniaFebruary 1, 2008
There’s a new an exciting way to support Phi Mu Alpha’s educational and developmental efforts. Pulse is designed to ensure that the SEF can continue to support the activities of future generations of Sinfonians for years to come. At the fall meeting of the Board of Trustees, a new vision was adopted to coincide with the Fraternity's strategic plan.
From the Desk of: Matthew R. Garber, Director of Development Messmer to be Presented National CitationDecember 1, 2007
Wayne Messmer, Alpha Lambda (Illinois Wesleyan) ’72, will be presented the National Citation at The Midwest Clinic in Chicago, Illinois. The Midwest Clinic, the largest band and orchestra convention in the Midwest, is held annually at the Hilton in downtown Chicago. The presentation will take place at a reception in the Willford Room sponsored by the Sinfonia Educational Foundation on Friday, December 21, starting at 7:00 pm.
From the Desk of: Matthew R. Garber, Director of Development Danilson Elected President of Board of TrusteesNovember 7, 2007
From the Desk of: Matthew R. Garber, Director of Development Support Sinfonia by Searching the WebApril 13, 2007
What if the Sinfonia Educational Foundation earned a penny every time you searched the Internet? Well, now we can!
From the Desk of: Matthew R. Garber, Director of Development Travel Grants for 2007 Leadership InstituteMarch 19, 2007
SEF Travel Reimbursement Grant Applications for the 2007 Leadership Institute are now available online. $2,000 is available to any collegiate member in good standing planning to participate in the Leadership Institute July 12-15, 2007 in Evansville, IN.
From the Desk of: Matthew R. Garber, Director of Development Opportunity to Support Leadership InstituteJanuary 25, 2007 "How can I support collegians at Leadership Institute?" The question that has been asked by many alumni in the past few weeks is finally answered. Alumni now have the exciting opportunity to support important educational efforts simply by investing in Sinfonia's Leadership Institute. From the Desk of: Matthew R. Garber, Director of Development Who will win $5,000?January 11, 2007 The application deadline for over $10,000 worth of scholarships offered by the Sinfonia Educational Foundation is rapidly approaching. February 1, 2007 is the POSTMARK DEADLINE for all scholarship applications. Scholarships range from $500- $5,000 and are available to any collegiate Sinfonian in good standing of at least two semesters. Applications are available online, must be typed and include all items listed on the cover page in order to be accepted. Once received the applications will be reviewed by a committee and approved at the March Board of Trustees meeting. For more information contact Matt Garber, Director of Development at (800) 473-2649 ext 110. From the Desk of: Matthew R. Garber, Director of Development SEF Presents Grant for Anti-Hazing EducationSeptember 27, 2006 
The Sinfonia Educational Foundation (SEF) recently awarded a $2,000 grant to Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia for anti-hazing education efforts. The grant allows for Silver Level sponsorship of the 2007 National Hazing Prevention Week and National Hazing Symposium. This sponsorship will give the Fraternity the tools to empower its collegiate chapters across the country to be leaders on their campus in the eradication of hazing. At the Fraternity’s 2006 National Convention in Cleveland, the assembly unanimously approved a resolution to eradicate hazing from the Fraternity and join in the efforts of other organizations to fight hazing throughout society. "The anti-hazing resolution challenges the Fraternity in a new and different way," stated Jeremy Evans, Director of Collegiate Affairs for Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. "Continued preventative measures and enhanced education have now come to the fore, and our sponsorship of programs like National Hazing Prevention Week is the first of many steps in this new and exciting direction." Evans discussed the National Hazing Symposium with the SEF's Director of Development, Matthew Garber, in August. “When Jeremy showed me the information on sponsorship, we immediately began a discussion on how the SEF could help the Fraternity in this battle,” stated Garber. “I remember the successful efforts of the Prevention Week on my own campus, and am happy to know the Fraternity is being proactive in this fight against hazing, and that the SEF stands to support that effort.” Garber (left) is seen above presenting the grant award to Ryan Ripperton, Executive Director of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. For more information on how the grant will be used, read the Fraternity's press release. From the Desk of: Matthew R. Garber, Director of Development Board of Trustees Triples ProgramsSeptember 5, 2006 
"New programs, better programs, more dollars for Sinfonians," exclaimed Matt Garber, Director of Development, at the 2006 Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia National Convention Awards Gala in Cleveland, Ohio. That night, the Sinfonia Educational Foundation (SEF) announced its new line of programs for the 2007 fiscal year. The Board of Trustees made the pledge in March of 2006 to triple programs that enrich lives and advance music. Previously, the SEF had given out several $500 scholarships and a few thousand dollars in grants. After reviewing the financial assistance formerly given and the growing need for financial assistance at a time when higher education costs have skyrocketed, the Board of Trustees recognized that the SEF had to take a stand to support collegians. The new programs are highlighted by five times the amount of scholarship dollars including the $2,500 and $5,000 SEF scholarships. Also included was the Overseas Travel Grant program. Two $1,000 grants are now available for collegiate Sinfonians to assist in their efforts to study overseas as coursework or even independent study. These dollars are applicable to travel, tuition or other expenses associated with studying abroad. This type of contribution to a comprehensive liberal arts education is essential for the development of world citizens, the type of Sinfonians that will lead Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia as well as the American music movement into the future. The SEF also increased the amount of financial support given for staple programs such as Chapter and Province Matching Grants, Research Grants and Travel Grants. "The mission of the SEF is critical to the advancement of not only the Fraternity but also to the advancement of music," stated Jeff Spoeri, President of the Sinfonia Educational Foundation. "We strive to instill in collegiate Sinfonians leadership and noble ideals. These values allow musicians and supporters of music to leave the walls of their institutions and go into society, acting as citizen leaders for the common good." For more information on the new programs offered by the Sinfonia Educational Foundation visit www.sinfonia.org/SEF From the Desk of: Matthew R. Garber, Director of Development Legacy Society and Other Giving Clubs AnnouncedAugust 3, 2006 The Sinfonia Educational Foundation has announced the release of giving clubs to begin immediately in the current appeal year. The giving clubs, based on the different musical dynamic markings, from pianissimo to fortissimo, will have memberships based on yearly contributions. Each appeal year, donors will be noted in the annual report under the segmented giving clubs listed. “It was important for us as a foundation to show our supporters that gifts of any size are important,” stated Matt Garber, Director of Development. “That’s why we went with dynamics. In a musical work, forte is no more important than piano. All dynamics play a part in the making of music.” Supporters of the SEF will continue to have the ability to give anonymously at their discretion. The Legacy Society marks the beginning of an effort to find the silent supporters of the SEF. The society is for any individual who has made arrangements for the SEF as a planned gift. Bequests, trusts and life insurance policies are some of the ways planned gifts can be incorporated into any estate planning. “We know there are many individuals who have made provisions to include the SEF as their favorite charity in personal estate plans,” said Garber. “We thank those individuals just as much as any other donor.” Individuals who have made such provisions are invited to contact the office to sign up for the Legacy Society. Members will receive updates on the activities of the SEF as well as a copy of the annual report each year. For more information on the giving clubs and societies, click here... From the Desk of: Matthew R. Garber, Director of Development Over $7,000 raised at National ConventionJuly 29, 2006 
The Sinfonia Educational Foundation showed an amazing presence at the 2006 National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio July 19-23. Revealing a new visual identity along with publications, an information booth and major involvement from the board of trustees, it was a positive step for the SEF. At the Convention the SEF raised $7,315 in gifts and pledges with the support of over 450 registrants. The participants were asked by President Jeff Spoeri to help “send a message to Sinfonia that the SEF is the future of the Fraternity” at the Awards Gala on Thursday night. The combination of a silent auction and an envelope campaign was the source of gifts and pledges over the course of three days. “The SEF presence at the Convention was more than a refreshing change - it was a start towards bigger and better things for the Foundation,” said Jeremy Evans, Director of Collegiate Affairs for Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. “As a supporter of the Foundation, it's truly exciting to see the amazing things that lie ahead.” Also during the Convention was Sinfonia Winds, the brainchild of Vice President Col. John Bourgeois. This event allowed for nearly 70 Sinfonians to rehearse and perform under the baton of legendary conductor Col. Bourgeois at no additional cost to the participants. During the concert over $2,000 was given to five collegians to reimburse their travel expenses. The highlight of the concert was the performance of J. Clifton Williams’ The Sinfonians with a choir of 450 brothers sounding throughout the sixth floor of the Crowne Plaza. Special thanks were given to Col. John Bourgeois and Brother Chris Donze who ensured the success of the Winds program. Many supporters reflected throughout the weekend calling on friends and family to support the important mission of the SEF to enrich lives and advance music. “I was excited by how well the SEF was received at the National Convention. As a board member and current donor, I can say now, more than ever that I am proud to be a supporter of the Sinfonia Educational Foundation,” stated Micah White, board member and newly elected National Collegiate Representative. From the Desk of: Matthew R. Garber, Director of Development 2006 National Convention Silent Auction Listing Available!June 23, 2006 The Sinfonia Educational Foundation has now posted the preliminary listing of items that will be available for auction at the 2006 Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia National Convention in Cleveland, OH. The proceeds from the auction will benefit the SEF Annual Fund going towards continued efforts to Enrich Lives and Advance Music. Those inviduals attending convention will be able to bid on these items during the 2006 Awards Gala on Thursday, July 27, at the Crowne Plaza in dowtown Cleveland. **UPDATE** The 2006 Silent Auction was a huge success! Thank you for your help!
From the Desk of: Matthew R. Garber, Director of Development $2,000 for Travel Grants to 2006 Sinfonia WindsApril 27, 2006 The Sinfonia Educational Foundation Board of Trustees has allocated $2,000 for Travel Reimbursement Grants to the 2006 Sinfonia Winds July 19-22, 2006 Information for these grants is now available online at the Sinfonia Educational Foundation website www.sinfonia.org/sef. Applications are open to any collegiate member in good standing participating or planning to participate in the 2006 Sinfonia Winds. Applications are due to be received by 5:00pm CDT on Monday, May 15, 2006 and late applications will not be considered for grant approval. A limited amount of time is available for application for the 2006 Sinfonia Winds Travel Reimbursement Grants. It is recommended that applications are completed thoroughly and in a timely manner. Any questions should be directed to Matt Garber, Director of Development at (800) 473-2649 ext 110 or by email at garber@sinfonia.org.
From the Desk of: Matthew R. Garber, Director of Development New Website LaunchedMarch 27, 2006 A new website has been launched to better serve Sinfonians in all walks of life. This new website has increased content dramatically to give collegiates better access to the programs offered to them as well as donors an easier way to support the Foundation. It also gives a glimpse into the lives of Sinfonians receiving support from the SEF, as well as biographical information on the members of the board who represent the donors. We invite you to look around the site and find our more about all the many ways the Sinfonia Educational Foundation enriches the lives of collegiate Sinfonians and advances music in America. For more information on how you can help enrich lives, please contact Matthew Garber, Director of Development at (800) 473-2649, ext. 110 From the Desk of: Matthew R. Garber, Director of Development Easy to Donate OnlineMarch 10, 2006 It is now easy to donate online through an external secure venue linked directly to the SEF website. Ticket Master/IATS handles all of your needs quickly and easily through the online registration process making it easier for brothers to give back to the collegiate members through tangible gifts. This new system allows for pledges, credit card payments, debit transactions through a bank account, and a recurring gift option. It’s a part of Ticket Master, so you can be sure that your transaction will be safe and secure. From the Desk of: Matthew R. Garber, Director of Development 2005 Annual Report OnlineFebruary 20, 2006 
The 2005 Annual Report for the Sinfonia Educational Foundation (SEF) is now available for viewing online. The annual report, originally released in the December 2005 issue of The Sinfonian, highlights the activities and donors of the SEF. Access the 2005 Annual Report online From the Desk of: Matthew R. Garber, Director of Development Director of Development HiredNovember 23, 2005 SINFONIA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION HIRES FIRST STAFF MEMBER
This historic move by the Sinfonia Educational Foundation marks the first time in the SEF’s 51-year history that it has employed its own full-time staff member. For many years, the Fraternity’s staff has been stretched to also include SEF operations, taking valuable time away from the very organization the SEF is intended to support. The Board of Trustees felt that the SEF would never fulfill its potential as long as it did not have a dedicated staff member responsible for its own fundraising programs. Garber, originally from Winchester, Virginia, was initiated into the Mu Delta Chapter at Longwood University in 1999. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Music from Longwood University. Since his initiation he served his chapter in several officer positions including President, Treasurer, Secretary and Music Director. He has also served three terms as the Collegiate Province Representative for Province 18 (Virginia). For the past three years Matt has worked for Longwood University as the Conference Administrator for the Office of Conferences, Scheduling and Special Events. During his tenure in that position, he designed a master reorganization plan, which included a business plan for the opening of a Conference Center, a marketing program, and a fiscally responsible department resulting in a $150,000 turnaround and huge savings for the University. Selected from among many qualified candidates, Garber received the unanimous endorsement of the search committee headed by SEF Trustee Derek J. Danilson. Danilson explained, “Matt's skills and experience helped him stand out from some truly exceptional candidates as being the one we felt could be successful and open a new page in the SEF's history.” Once he begins his duties for the SEF, Garber will work from an office in the Fraternity’s National Headquarters in Evansville, Indiana. On the selection of Garber for this important position, Executive Director (and SEF Chief Operating Officer) Ryan T. Ripperton stated, “I have every faith in Matt to fulfill the many challenges of this trailblazing position. We needed an extremely organized, outgoing personality that truly understands the organization’s important mission and is able to articulate it in an inspiring way, and we found exactly that in Matt.” Garber commented, “It has always been a dream of mine to work for Sinfonia and I am extremely excited about this new path in my lifelong journey.” Matt Garber can be reached at garber@sinfonia.org. From the Desk of:Ryan T. Ripperton, Executive Director, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia(800) 473-2649, ext. 107 ripperton@sinfonia.org |
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Derek Danilson, Beta Nu (Northern Iowa) ’91, has been elected President of the Sinfonia Educational Foundation (SEF) by the SEF's Board of Trustees. He will serve in this position through May 31, 2008, at which time new elections will be conducted for a two-year term.