Sigma Alpha Iota (SAI) Epsilon Gamma, one of the three music Tri-Greek chapters, fosters sisterhood, community and philanthropy while encouraging and supporting musicians of all majors. 

Students from choir, music education and instrumental make up most of its membership, with roughly 15 active members. 

“Being a part of Sigma Alpha Iota means so much to me,” Caidyn Smith said. “Being able to just create friendships and build my future, it’s incredible.” 

Smith, a senior interdisciplinary studies major with a focus on funeral science from Truman, Arkansas, serves as the chapter’s president.  

She got involved with the chapter during her sophomore year after searching for a group to join. Encouraged by a clarinet player who was president at the time, Smith soon became secretary and later vice president for membership before running for her current position. 

“I’m really passionate about the chapter, and I really loved being the secretary, and I wanted to do a little bit more, so I did that, and really enjoyed it,” Smith said. 

She said the chapter focuses on making connections that will be beneficial for future careers.

“It’s all about making connections with the people in the group to use in the future, and then getting to know people with different jobs, and just building a contact book of people,” Smith said.

She added that being a part of the chapter has helped her grow personally and professionally.

“I really kind of struggled with that in high school but when I got to college and joined this group, I really kind of came into my own,” Smith said. “It’s helped me get better at talking to people above me, and just interacting with others in general.”

The chapter has been active since the 1970s, focusing on community, music promotion, service projects and professional networking. SAI has worked closely with alumni chapters at local schools and conducted service projects on campus to strengthen its ties within the community. 

Last year, the chapter hosted a Christmas toy drive and is currently working on philanthropy projects to support its national headquarters, which was affected by a hurricane.

Smith said that as the organization gains momentum and membership, its visibility has been key to its philanthropic efforts. 

“Getting more recognition and being seen just a little bit more has made me really proud to be part of the fraternity that’s doing its job and getting things done,” Smith said. 

Kristin Leitterman, an assistant professor for oboe and bassoon, is the adviser for the chapter. 

She said SAI and the other music Tri-Greek organizations contribute to the overall musical experience at A-State through its networking efforts. 

“It is very important to have these student-led organizations within the Department of Music because it gives our students the opportunity to get experience in leadership roles where they have a say in what they are creating for their organization and the department,” Leitterman said.

She said the organization helps bridge a gap between music majors and other students across campus that still love music and want to be involved in it. 

“The students get very close to each other and become a support system for each other,” Leitterman said. 

Zoey McGillvray, a sophomore music education major from Bald Knob, Arkansas, is the chapter’s editor. 

She said SAI is a social organization for like-minded individuals who share a passion for music. 

“We are set apart in the way that everyone is involved in a musical aspect on campus in one form or another,” McGillvray said.

Through these organizations, she said she was given many performance opportunities, as well as lasting friendships and memories. 

“Sigma Alpha Iota is such a friendly and outgoing organization. Our fraternity loves all things music and everyone is so supportive of each other,” McGillvray said. “There’s so much learning experience and opportunities within SAI.”

As a smaller group compared to other musical Tri-Greek chapters, McGillvray said close contact and connections help affirm the chapter’s support for its members regarding future prospects, academics or personal concerns. 

“If a member needs anything at all, we will absolutely be the first person there for you,” McGillvray said.

She also highlighted a special tradition for graduating members: the chapter sings in a circle around them. 

“Although we lose a classmate, we never lose a sister,” McGillvray said. “Us singing is a way of expressing our gratitude for them; we don’t sing as a goodbye, but as good luck.”

She said she’s excited to see the chapter grow as they recently welcomed three new members this semester. She said she is optimistic about the next semester regarding membership. 

“I love getting to design and create new projects in order to help spread information about us and hopefully gain interest,” McGillvray said. “I am excited to see what we take on next semester and to see what all I can create!”

To join, candidates must have at least one hour of college music credit and a genuine interest and passion for music. 

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