Table of Contents

- Why, Sinfonia?
- Editorial
- Sinfonian Honored
- New Coordinator Seeks...
- The "Sounds" in Town
- Calendar of Upcoming Events

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Editorial
by Frank Miles

Sure, I know what you’re thinking…
“Here it comes again. Some blow hole is gonna ask me if I would be interested in joining an alumni chapter, or can I reach way down into my heart (and into my pocket) to support the Joe Sinfonian Memorial Scholarship.”

And you’re thinking, “I just don’t have time like I did in college. I’ve got a career and a family. And I’ve got a mortgage and a car payment and kids to send to school, so don’t ask me for a dime.”

And of course there’s “I haven’t heard from anyone in the chapter since I graduated, so don’t come to me now with your sob story. Don’t tell me how much you need me. You haven’t needed me all this time!”

Actually, I just wanted to say hi. How’s it going? Whatcha been up to?
You see, when you boil it all down, that’s what fraternity is all about. That’s what Sinfonia is all about-developing the truest fraternal spirit. Through this newsletter, a small group of Sinfonians hopes to develop the spirit of Phi in the hearts and minds of brothers statewide, starting with the alumni of Province 34’s strongest chapter, Iota Nu.

Ah, the good old days! It was a much smaller world back then, wasn’t it? Chances are, when you were an active collegiate member of Phi Mu Alpha, you rarely sat in a meeting with more than 25 other brothers. You rarely performed in an American Composer’s Concert with more than 25 brothers. You rarely presented a Singing Valentine to a lovely lady with more than 25 brothers. Fact is, in its 43-year history Iota Nu has rarely had an active membership of more than 25 brothers. But, looking back, can you believe how much you accomplished as a chapter? How did you do it?

Fraternity. It’s the cornerstone of an organization built to foster the mutual welfare of musical students. The leaders of Phi Mu Alpha have done some soul searching over the past decade or two and they have realized that Sinfonia and Sinfonians began to stray from that ideal which Ossian E. Mills himself laid as the foundation of a great and noble society. Fraternity.

That’s not to say we weren’t fraternal in our time. I think we all remember just how fraternal we could be, especially at Iota Nu. In all my travels to other chapters and to conventions, I never found a chapter as tight or as diverse as Iota Nu. But Sinfonia as a whole, and at Troy State to some extent, became a “professional” fraternity somewhere along the paths. The perception among its members was that music was the prime focus of Phi Mu Alpha. We believed it was our responsibility to place music upon a pedestal, but we forgot that we were the pedestal. We were looking to network, to find other Sinfonians who could help us get to where we wanted to go. We wanted to be first in line for that band director opening when we should have been making sure there would be a program there to direct. We became selfish instead of becoming Sinfonians.

Men of music at the turn of the century needed each other, and music in America needed them to band together. That’s why the Sinfonia Club was formed. Today, we face an entirely different crisis concerning the state of music in America, but the solution is the same. First, WE band together, as brothers, and then we can face the challenges that are putting in jeopardy music’s important role in the enrichment of the human spirit.

What about those kids you have to send to school? What if they don’t have the same musical opportunities you had? We’ll address that issue and others as our journey together down the paths of Sinfonia continues. But for now, just let us know how you’re doing and what’s going on in your life. Have dinner with a brother in your area or attend a probationary membership function in Troy. Get on the listserv and find out what’s going on with Iota Nu collegiate and alumni brothers. Or call a brother and just say “hi.” Whatever it takes to rekindle the flame do it, because now, more than ever, it’s great to be a Sinfonian! OAS, AAS, LLS!

“The future success of an organization depends upon the amount of fraternal spirit manifest within it. Fraternalism creates the spirit which daily moves us to do things. Man grows strong through contact with fellowmen. If they be of the kind seeking to tread a path parallel to his, and a fraternal bond links him to his brother, added strength is given to him, and greater zeal fills his soul for the onward push. He knows a brother hand is ever ready to be extended across the way to aid him should he stumble and fall. It lends a feeling of security to his footsteps.”-Roy J. Buell, Gamma, 1910
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Sinfonian Honored as Teacher of the Year
By Scott “Scoop” Erb

“You can teach a student a lesson for a day; but if you can teach him to learn by creating curiosity, he will continue the learning process as long as he lives.” ~Clay P. Bedford

That is Phil Wilson in a nutshell. He is a creative teacher, a molder of young minds. He is truly a teacher of today’s standards and yesterday’s traditions.

Many would say that Mr. Wilson is a talented teacher and musician, yet he is a humble man. You would never know that he is the F.A.C.E.S. Teacher of the Year. The Foundation for Auburn’s Continuing Enrichment in Schools annually bestows the honor on one educator in the Auburn city school system, along with a grant to help out in the classroom. F.A.C.E.S. comprises members of the Auburn community as well as teachers in the system.

Phil is a graduate of Troy State University with a Bachelor’s degree in music education. He is a 1997 initiate into the Iota Nu chapter and has served Phi Mu Alpha in many leadership capacities, including chapter president. It was my great pleasure to talk to Phil and ask him a few questions about his award.

Tattler: Did you know you were up for the award?
Phil: I really wasn’t sure! I have only been working for Ogletree Elementary School for two years, and wasn’t sure if I had enough experience or namesake for anyone to even notice what I have accomplished in my classes.

Tattler: Nine teachers from nine different schools were nominated; tell us more about the process.
Phil: Teachers from each school choose their individual F.A.C.E.S. teacher of the year, and that person is voted on by the F.A.C.E.S. board to receive the system teacher of the year. After a teacher is selected by their school, a short write up about why they deserve the award is presented to the F.A.C.E.S. board. The board meets and reviews each write up and selects the recipient based upon the organization’s ideals and mission. (Enclosed at the end of this interview are snippets from the write-up on Phil) Two announcements are given: one after one wins their school TOY (Teacher of the Year) and the other at the institute meeting of every employee in the system.

Tattler: What was your reaction after hearing the good news?
Phil: I was very surprised! My competition was very stiff. As I remember, I was up against teachers who had many years of experience, high and middle school teachers, and teachers whose names I had heard through the grapevine as outstanding teachers. I think I might have shouted out “Oh my goodness” when they called my name.

Tattler: How does this award help you in the classroom?
Phil: I received a total of $600 from the F.A.C.E.S. board to spend on continuing enrichment to all my students. One hundred dollars was awarded to me for being Ogletree TOY, and $500 for the system TOY. As a music teacher still learning the ropes, this award gives me extra confidence and comfort knowing that music and other arts related fields are finally being recognized as an important part of a child’s development.

Tattler: What do you try to accomplish in your classrooms?
Phil: I attempt each day to accomplish a general appreciation of all music. Many of the students in my school come knowing some of the basics of music. I try to take what they already know and expand upon it in a way that they can understand it and have a little fun with it. I also try to teach character through music. We sing songs and act out plays about everyday situations in which they must choose to make good decisions.

Tattler: What are some goals you have set for your classroom?
Phil: I would love to start an Orff ensemble at my school and have every child participate in it at some level. I believe Orff is a wonderful way to enrich the minds and musical habits of children. I know that more lofty goals will arise as I continue to teach elementary music.

Tattler: Would you say you were living up to the ideals and dreams of a Sinfonian?
Phil: I give it my best effort. As a music teacher, I never profess to be the best teacher or musician, but I do give it all that I have. For me, this is living the best I can according to the ideals of Sinfonia.

Tattler: What would be some of those ideals?
Phil: Encouraging and promoting high standards of music, seeking the best in others for the good of all, developing good spirits among Sinfonians and music students alike, and teaching the importance of music to name a few. (As you see, my thoughts are reflective of the many ideas we share)

Tattler: Do you feel that you are making a difference in the community and the school with the music program?
Phil: I hope so. I have parents thanking me all the time, but one particular instance really touched me. Some parents stopped me in the hall to tell me about their dinner the night before. They have a 1st and a 3rd grader at my school. A piece of music came on in the restaurant and the boys immediately turned to each other and named the title of the piece and the composer. The dad just happened to know the piece and said they were correct. The parents were shocked that their boys could recognize a complicated piece and remember who wrote it. This just blew my mind! I didn’t think anyone listened to me when I taught about composers and their music. Since I have been at Ogletree, the choir has received invitations to perform at many community wide events. My favorite so far has been singing the National Anthem at an Auburn University Basketball game. We are pushing for a university football game next. I will let you know when that happens!

Tattler: Could you use more support? Volunteers? Sinfonians’ help?
Phil: Teachers of music can always use more support. Donations of time and money are always welcome. Children today repeat a lot of what they see. When they see people taking the time to come and talk with them or perform for them, it instills a positive sense of community in them that they will hopefully continue when the time is right. What better help than Sinfonian help!

Here are a few snippets of the nomination letter for Mr. Phil Wilson.

“His passion for music and dedication for his profession is obvious in the many tasks he leads and participates in at Ogletree. The children, teachers, and parents see his model of high character and love for his job shown through his classroom instruction, participation on planning with school committees, and willingness to “go the extra mile” demonstrating his exceptional talents as an educator in every sense of the word.”

“Ogletree students thrive under Mr. Wilson’s direction not only in the classroom, but during extra curricular experiences. He has assisted in chaperoning our Ogletree fifth grade campout, participating in Punt-Pass-and Kick, and attending special events of our students such as recitals.

Under his direction, Ogletree Singers, students wishing to participate in small group instruction and performances, has grown from 50 students to 90 participants due to his fun and enthusiastic approach to teaching music.”
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New Coordinator Seeks to Raise Alumni Involvement Across the Province
By Frank Miles

Once a Sinfonian, Always a Sinfonian...
That’s the promise we all made, and Province 34's new province alumni coordinator wants to remind us we made it.

Jim Brasher, Iota Nu 1980, has been appointed Alabama’s first PAC by province governor Tony Cowan. He is one of only 14 PACs nationwide, evidence that the position is still in the early stages of development. While Jim is not yet entirely sure of what his duties and responsibilities will be, his main goal will be to get alumni more involved on the local level.

“There’s a wealth of talent out there, it just needs to be tapped,” Jim said.

Jim knows a little about talent. In his years as a student at Troy State University, he’s seen talent come and go. And he’s not short of talent himself. Jim studied music and the dramatic arts while at Troy, performing in many musical productions of what was then known as the Opera Workshop. Possibly his most popular role was that of Old Deuteronomy in the musical “Cats.” It was a role Jim was seemingly born to play and anyone who knows Jim honors him with the same respect and admiration that the junkyard cats gave to Old Deuteronomy.

Since his days as a collegiate Sinfonian, Jim has been frustrated by the lack of alumni involvement in the fraternity. He says he hears all the excuses, lack of time being the most popular. But he really believes something else keeps the old guys away.

“I think the real reason they haven’t been (involved) is that we haven’t asked.”

That’s where the province alumni coordinator comes in. Jim would like to see a province-wide alumni association meeting at least once a year just to have dinner together, if nothing else. Once the social connection is re-established, bigger and better things could follow. Is there an alumni association in Province 34's future?

“I think it will come to fruition,” Jim said. “I hope it comes sooner than later. It’s time.”
Jim could use a little help. If you would like to pitch in and assist him in finding alumni and updating information, give him a call in the evenings at (334) 272-0991. And remember-Once a Sinfonian, Always a Sinfonian!
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The Sound’s in Town!!!
By Frank Miles

As you read this, band camp has come and gone for the members of the Sound of the South, and the moon is turning into a football. This season promises to be an exciting one with the Sound performing three different shows.

First, Movie Gallery Veterans Stadium will be filled with the music of the Big Band era as the “World’s Largest Jazz Ensemble” swings in charts like Caravan and Sweet Georgia Brown. Next, the band will perform a show of jazz-rock fusion including a few melodies from the hit group Chicago. And the Sound will pay tribute to the fighting men and women of the armed forces with a show of patriotic tunes.

Director of bands Ralph Ford says the Sound will add many new stand tunes to its repertoire of traditional favorites. Changes will be made to the lyrics of the fight song and some cheers to reflect Troy University’s new name and the pre-game production will be slightly altered as well.

Don’t forget-homecoming is November 6. We hope to see all alumni of the Iota Nu chapter in Troy that weekend to show loyalty to the alma mater and rekindle the flame of fraternity.
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