Continuing their dedication to strong fraternity education practices and resources, National President Mark Lichtenberg and Past National President John Mongiovi are hosting a series of regional events called Sinfonia Fireside Conferences. The program is dedicated to exploring the mission, Ritual, and ideals of the Fraternity, and providing tools for brothers to teach these concepts and apply them both in their individual lives and in their chapters.

For details about the Fireside Conference, click here.

Maynard Ferguson was born May 4th, 1928.

A Canadian band leader and jazz musician, Maynard Ferguson was awarded the “Man of Music” Award in Cleveland, Ohio at the 2006 National Convention. An initiate of the Xi Chi Chapter at Tennessee Tech University, Ferguson rose to fame while a member of Stan Kenton’s orchestra. After his time with Kenton, he formed his own jazz band in 1957. Ferguson was known for his accuracy with the trumpet’s higher register and helped many up and coming musicians step up into the spot light through his numerous ensembles. Ferguson had the misfortune of dealing with the big time shift when most big bands fell the way side. Unlike most, he was able to survive the change and has survived the changing times by evolving with them, changing his musical style from big band swing, to cool jazz, to Latin, to jazz/rock and fusion and more.

Brothers with outstanding dues owed for the Spring will be assessed a $15.00 Late Fee per the National Constitution and Bylaws – 2015 National Assembly Revision.

Bylaws, Title I.
Article X. Finances
Section 3. Late fee.
The Fraternity assesses a late fee of $15.00 to collegiate members with balances in arrears on December 31 and May 31 of each year.

Thor M. Johnson was born June 10th, 1913.

One of the first projects given to the Public Relations Committee of 1952 was the choice of a “Man of Music.” The award, named in memory of Charles E. Lutton, was first presented to Thor Johnson at the 1952 National Convention in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was given the award during his tenure as conductor of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and led the 52’ Convention “Sinfonia Sinfonette.” Originally a collegiate member of the Alpha Rho chapter at the University of North Carolina, Johnson was made a National Honorary member in 1948, just one year after he was appointed music director of the Cincinnati Symphony. At the time, he became the youngest American-born conductor of a major American orchestra. During his time at the CSO, he helped premier over 120 American and European compositions, half of which he commissioned. In addition to his CSO experience, Johnson was also the founder of the Peninsula Music Festival, established in 1952.

Carlisle Floyd was born June 11th, 1926.

Brother Floyd is one of the most admired and widely performed opera composers and librettists of the last century. Known as the ‘Father of American Opera,’ he is credited with helping to create an American idiom in opera. Floyd’s most popular work, Susannah, has become one of the most performed American operas in history. Having debuted in 1956, in 1957 it won the New York Music Critic’s Circle Award and subsequently was chosen to be America’s official operatic entry at the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair. It has gone to achieve fame both in the United States and internationally. Other well-known works by Floyd include Of Mice and Men and Cold Sassy Tree.

Dave Grusin was born June 26th, 1934.

Academy Award-winning composer Dave Grusin was honored with the title “Man of Music” in 1991. Beginning with the study of classical piano, Grusin turned to jazz and toured with Andy Williams. His touring led him to his first role as a musical director when William’s show, named after him, took off. After William’s show, Grusin teamed up with Larry Rosen to form GRP Records. It was named the top contemporary/traditional jazz label of the 1990s by Billboard Magazine. Following the success of his record label, Grusin was awarded his first Academy Award for his Film Score from Milagro Beanfield War in 89’. He later went on to gain six Oscar nominations, one of which being for his score from the The Fabulous Baker Boys. The same score awarded him two Grammy Awards. In addition to movie scores, Grusin also composed for several TV shows, including programs such as Dan August, Maude, and Columbo:Prescription:Murder.

Join us in the hometown of our National Headquarters for DRUMS on the OHIO!
Phi Mu Alpha is proud to sponsor an evening of entertainment full of exciting music.

The 2018 Corps Lineup includes:

• The Cavaliers
• Phantom Regiment
• Blue Stars
• Genesis
• Music City

For details and tickets check out www.drumsontheohio.com/tickets/

Fredrick Fennel was born July 2nd, 1914.

At the 2003 National Convention in Washington D.C., the “Man of Music” award was given to Frederick Fennell. An internationally recognized conductor, Fenell was one of the big figures who promoted the legitimacy of the wind ensemble as a major performing group. Primarily a percussionist, he participated at Interlochen as well as studying at the Eastman School of Music. Fennel has been music director of several notable orchestras including the Tokyo Kosei Symphony Orchestra. In addition he has also made several recordings with prominent wind ensembles including the Cleveland Symphonic Winds and Dallas Wind Symphony. With the Cleveland Symphonic Wind ensemble,  he recorded a rendition of Gustav Holst’s “Two Suites for Military Band.”

Van Clibrun was born July 12th, 1934

Van Cliburn, eminent pianist and Sinfonian of distinction, was awarded the Fraternity’s “Man of Music” Award at the 1962 National Convention. His speech was well received, playing two selections at the piano at the conclusion of his address. In 1958, he was initiated into the Alpha Chi Chapter at the University of Tula, the same year he participated in the International Tchaikovsky Competition in the former Soviet Union. At this contest, designed to boast the musical genius of the Soviet Race, Cliburn took home the first prize, arriving home to New York City with a ticker-tape parade in his honor. He’s the only musician in history to have this honor in his name. Due to his award, he was known as the “Texan who beat the Soviets.”

Jamey Aebersold was born July 21st, 1939.

A member of the Gamma Omega Chapter at Indiana State University, Jamey Aebersold was given the honor of “Man of Music” at the 2009 National Convention in Orland, Florida. An American jazz saxophonist, Aebersold authored the “Play-A-Long” series, a world renowned series of jazz instructional books that are considered standard for most jazz educators. In his books he touches on techniques that are considered basic building blocks for most jazz musicians. In addition to his books, he taught musical improvisation at the University of Louisville, where he also runs a summer jazz workshop that he has headed up for forty years. At his camp, young jazz students are exposed to master classes, ear-training sessions, jazz theory and concerts put on by the faculty and guest artists.