CALL TO THE FIFTY-SIXTH NATIONAL CONVENTION

Dear Brothers–

By virtue of the power vested in me as National President, I hereby appoint Tuesday, July 17, and Wednesday, July 18, 2018, as the days on which all duly accredited delegates to the National Assembly shall assemble at the Fifty-sixth National Convention of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity, at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel, located at 500 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130. Furthermore, I hereby call a meeting of the National Executive Committee at the above-named place on Tuesday morning, July 17, at 9:00 a.m., Central Daylight Time (CDT).

I call all delegates to the National Assembly to arrive in New Orleans no later than 10:00 p.m. CDT on Monday, July 16. The Fraternity’s Council of Province Governors and Council of Collegiate Province Representatives will meet separately, in caucus sessions, beginning at 11:00 a.m., CDT, on Tuesday, July 17. The opening session of the National Assembly will be called to order at 1:00 p.m., CDT on Tuesday, July 17. The National Assembly will meet during the Convention as required, until all the business before it has been properly addressed.

The National Assembly will consider changes to our governing documents and other Fraternity business and will elect a National President, National Vice President, Committeeman-at-large, and National Collegiate Representative. The official legislative docket for consideration by the National Assembly is included with this formal call to Convention, as stipulated in the National Constitution & Bylaws, Title I: Article III; Section 3.

The formal Opening Ceremonies of the Fifty-sixth National Convention of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity will begin on Wednesday evening, July 18, 2018, at 7:45 p.m., CDT, in the Napoleon Ballroom of the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel. The Convention will conclude mid-day on Sunday, July 22. I call on all Brother Sinfonians who are able to join me at this historic, phenomenal and uniquely Sinfonian event.

Non-delegate members should arrive no later than 5:00 p.m., CDT on Wednesday evening. Guests may check into rooms at the Sheraton Hotel beginning at 3:00 p.m., CDT. Convention attendance is open to all members in good standing. Collegiate members of chapters who are not in good standing, whether due to unfiled reports or non-payment of Convention Tax, will not be eligible for registration until all chapter obligations have been met and the chapter is restored to good standing.

The triennial Convention of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity is unparalleled in the fraternity world. No other event features Brotherhood in Music in such a profound and uplifting manner. New Orleans is one of America’s oldest and most unique cities, and celebrates its 300^thAnniversary in 2018, just as our beloved Sinfonia prepares to mark its 120^th Birthday, and we are preparing a celebration befitting of these momentous milestones.

This Call, upon receipt, is to be READ at your next chapter or association meeting and posted on your GINsystem, website, and social media to ensure that as many members as possible receive it.

Imagine singing in a chorus of one thousand male voices, listening to a private concert given by a giant of the music world, meeting Sinfonia’s next Man of Music, and attending unforgettable concerts in world-class venues such as the Cathedral of St. Louis, King of France, in Jackson Square. Imagine taking part in the largest Step Sing ever staged. Choose from hours of educational offerings, acquaint yourself with the rich musical heritage of New Orleans, explore the French Quarter, experience the award-winning World War II Museum, ride a Streetcar named Desire or sample the jazz experience on Frenchmen Street. I especially urge all chapters to contact your alumni, including your Faculty Advisors, and encourage them to attend this historic Convention. I am calling for at least 1750 Brothers to join me in the Crescent City this July as we strive to Sing as One and truly Raise the Song!

So let it be for Sinfonia!

Fraternally yours,
In Phi, Mu, Alpha,