2007 Signature Sinfonian Inductees

Alvin Batiste, Mu Psi (Southern) '73
Alvin Batiste was a widely respected jazz clarinetist, composer and educator who played across the musical spectrum, from traditional to avant-garde styles. As an educator, he influenced several generations of performers, including Branford Marsalis, Mu Psi (Southern) '79 and pianist Henry Butler. After his retirement, he continued to teach at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, a conservatory for young adults.

Just days after his nomination, Brother Batiste passed away on May 6, 2007 at the age of 74.

Michael J. Cesario, Xi Pi (Wisconsin-Whitewater) '67
With Broadway, TV, and Las Vegas among his credits, Michael Cesario was honored as Professor Emeritus by New York’s Purchase College, where he was the Director of Design/Technology and Graduate Studies for Theatre and Film. Published in several texts, he has taught seminars at Dartmouth, NY School of Visual Arts/MFA, and the Julliard School. Recognized as a national leader in pageantry arts and a member of the Drum Corps International Hall of Fame, he is in demand as an adjudicator of high school bands and a consultant for drum and bugle corps.

Andy Griffith, Alpha Rho (North Carolina-Chapel Hill) '45
Andy Griffith is an award winning actor, producer, writer, director and musician best known for his starring roles on The Andy Griffith Show and Matlock. He debuted on Broadway in No Time for Sergeants in 1955 with which he was nominated for a Tony Award. Since 1958, he has released 15 albums and received a Grammy Award for his 1997 release, I Love To Tell The Story. In 1999, he was inducted into the Country Gospel Music Hall of Fame. In 2005, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.