List of Sinfonians

List Of Sinfonians

This is a list of distinguished members of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity who have achieved significant recognition in their respective fields, including (but not limited to) education, film, industry, literature, music, philanthropy, public service, radio, science, and television. While many of these names are easily recognizable, other names that have faded from common knowledge are included to reflect the diversity of Sinfonia's membership, the breadth of its history, and the far-reaching influence of its membership on the American musical experience. This list is by no means intended to be a comprehensive listing of the Fraternity's membership, but rather is meant to be representative of those Sinfonians who are or have been prominent in the public eye.

In determining the classification for each Sinfonian listed here, an attempt was made to classify the individual based on what he is most known for. In some cases, a person such as Aaron Copland may be known equally as a conductor and a composer. In other cases, an individual such as Branford Marsalis may be known equally as a jazz musician and a television personality.

If known, the name of the initiating chapter and the year of election and/or initiation is included. In the case of some early honorary members (particularly the many who were elected to honorary membership by the Alpha Chapter at the New England Conservatory in 1917) were simply elected to honorary membership and may not have participated in the initiation process that has developed in the Fraternity since that time. Since at least the 1970s, Alpha Alpha has been used as the chapter designation for National Honorary members of the Fraternity, some of whom may have had honorary membership in a collegiate chapter, and in a few cases, two collegiate chapters. In the case of former supreme president Peter W. Dykema, he held honorary memberships in both the Alpha Chapter and the Beta Chapter, was a member of the charter class of Phi Chapter at the University of Wisconsin, in addition to holding national honorary membership. Based on all records available, it appears that Dykema holds the record for multiple forms of membership in the Fraternity (four, counting national honorary membership). For the sake of consistency, the term "Alpha Alpha National Honorary" is used throughout as the commencement of the usage of "Alpha Alpha" is not known. While biographical information is drawn from a variety of sources, initiating chapters and election and/or initiation dates are drawn primarily from the Fraternity's membership records, as well as membership development resources, historical documents, and other publications. Of particular value was supreme historian Thomas A. Larremore's (Chi 1924) research on the honorary members that were brought into the Fraternity between 1898 and 1939, the findings of which were published in the Fall 1940 issue of The Sinfonian. The reader is referred to the article "Chapter Honorary Members of Sinfonia" and the accompanying "List of Honorary Members of Sinfonia" that appeared in that issue for additional information.

This list also makes note of Sinfonians who have received special honors at the national and international levels, further demonstrating their contributions to music in America, and to the world. As of 2008, only Bo Diddley also held membership in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Among Sinfonia's notable members are two honorary Knights of the British Empire, Pulitzer Prize winners, and a winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. Information is also included on distinguished members who have received special honors from the Fraternity itself.

Work has begun to properly subdivide the composer and conductor sections. Efforts are being made to categorize each person listed in these sections based on what he is most widely known for. It is recognized that some listed could easily be listed under any number of categories.

Finally, information on two honorary Sinfonians who were expelled and historical inaccuracies and "urban legends" surrounding those believed to have been Sinfonians is also included.