W. Francis McBeth was born on March 9th, 1933.

An initiate of the Alpha Iota Chapter at the University of Texas, Brother William Francis McBeth remains one of the most performed American symphonic wind composers. His works, including such pieces as “Kaddish,” “Joyant Narrative,” and “Masque,” are considered to be standard repertoire for most wind ensembles.

McBeth was Professor of Music and Resident Composer at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, from 1957 until his retirement in 1996. As a conductor, he appeared in forty-eight states, three Canadian provinces, Japan, and Australia. He even conducted the Arkansas All-State Band, with future president Bill Clinton playing in the tenor saxophone section.

Up until his death in 2012 and even still, McBeth continues to be a prime musical influence on several American composers. In his lifetime he was honored with several awards including the Howard Hanson Prize at the Eastman School of Music, the ASCAP Special Award, Kappa Kappa Psi’s Distinguished Service to Music Medal, the John Philip Sousa Foundations Sudler Medal of Honor, and many others.

Brother McBeth became the Fraternity’s 15th “Man of Music” 1988.

J. Clifton Williams was born on March 26, 1923.

James Clifton Williams was initiated into the Beta Omega Chapter at Louisiana State University in 1946. He graduated from the university a year later with his Bachelor’s of Music degree. In 1949, Williams earned a Master’s from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY. While attending Eastman, Brother Williams studied composition under Bernard Rogers and Brother Howard Hanson at Eastman, and they became mentors and primary influences in his career as a composer.

Sigmund G. Spaeth was born on April 10th, 1885.

Dr. Sigmund Spaeth was a charter member of the Iota Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha at Northwestern University in 1910. His name as a composer and musicologist was interwoven with American music for several decades from the early 1920s through the late 1940s. After attending Haverford College (where he would compose the alma mater) he earned a doctorate degree from Princeton University. Spaeth was a well-known music critic on several newspapers including the “New York Times” and “The Boston Evening Transcript.” He would also compose music for the movies “Show Boat” and “The Trespasser.”

Spaeth was the author of several books such as “A History of Popular Music in America” and “The Common Sense of Music.” These works helped show the ties between popular songs of the time and old American folk songs. His vast knowledge of musical heritages led to the premiere of his NBC programs “Keys to Happiness” and “The Tune Detective.” On many occasions, he was sought out as an expert witness in the courtroom testifying against musical plagiarism. As a passionate supporter of barbershop quartet singing, he would spend much time outside of his profession organizing musical groups for the blind and arranging to have records sent to servicemen overseas.

In 1958, Brother Spaeth was named Phi Mu Alpha’s 4th “Man of Music” at the 35th National Convention for his contributions to American art and culture as well as his study of the origins of American popular music.