Sigma Alpha Iota holds movie night

One of the Troy’s Greek organizations dedicated to supporting women in music held a hot chocolate and movie night to kick off its recruitment week last Wednesday. 

Sigma Alpha Iota is a music fraternity that aims to provide community for women pursuing music whether as a means of career or hobby. The members act as ushers for choir, concert band and symphonic band concerts, and do community service across the John M. Long School of Music and the entire Troy community. 

“Supporting our philanthropies is where most of the magic happens,” said SAI President Sydney Strickland, who is a junior general science education major from Hartford, Alabama. “The most notable philanthropy projects supported are the Bold Notes Project, providing large print music to those who are visually impaired, and the Inter-American Music Awards, where composers submit their work every three years that follows that year’s theme.  

“The reward for the winner varies year to year, but the winning piece is always played at the next Sigma Alpha Iota National Convention.” 

The event included all the members and those interested in joining drinking hot chocolate with various toppings and watching “Megamind.” The organization’s Vice President of Membership Ginny Messenger, a junior criminal justice major form Dothan, Alabama, said they were grateful for the interested people who decided to show up, regardless of the number. 

“We had about three to four potential sisters attend the event,” Messenger said. “While we hope to see more at our upcoming game night, we truly appreciate and value anyone who shows interest in our organization.” 

These interested students aren’t just future members in Messenger’s eyes though; they are future lifelong friends. 

“We are a group of women who love music and want to share that passion with others,” Messenger said. “The friendships I have made in this organization are unlike any other.  

“The women in SAI constantly show their support for me, and I know that even after my time at Troy is over, I will have lifelong friends. SAI allows me to continue doing what I love, playing music and being surrounded by people who love music, while not being a music major.” 

SAI Financial Advisor Rachel Arnold was a part of the organization in her time in college. She says she can attest to the true friendship built between members. 

“SAI gives members the opportunity to form genuine connections with people who share the common interest of supporting music initiatives throughout campus, community, and on a national level,” Arnold said. “Some of my best friends from college were sisters in SAI, and I would encourage anyone on campus who has a love for music to attend recruitment events to see if SAI is right for them.” 

Strickland cites these bonds and friendships built between members of SAI as the reason for her becoming more social and confident, as well. 

“Since I am not a music major, band was really the only organization on campus that allowed me to get out and meet new people, and SAI help solidify my relationship with most of them even further,” Strickland said. “SAI has also allowed me to grow my communication and leadership skills.  

“Since joining, I have greatly improved my overthinking and procrastination problems.” 

The requirements for joining SAI are to have a 2.7 GPA, have completed at least one music course, and to identify as a woman or a gender non-conforming individual, however, anyone is welcome to attend their recruitment events.