Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia

Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, at Nicholls State University, hosted a concert in Peltier Hall Auditorium on Oct. 6. 

Phi Mu Alpha is an American fraternal organization for men that have a deep interest and love for music. 

The concert was held to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the founding. This fraternity was founded on Oct. 6, 1898 at New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, Mass. 

The Omicron Beta chapter at Nicholls was founded on Dec. 11, 1994. 

Kelly Rodrigue, Phi Mu Alpha’s chapter advisor said, “The Chapter was pleasantly surprised at the audience turnout for the concert in celebration of our fraternity’s 125th anniversary in conjunction with Nicholls’ 75th anniversary celebration year!” 

At the concert, choral ensemble pieces were sung by current members of the chapter, and they were even joined by a couple of alumni members. There were also a few solo pieces that were performed by faculty of the music department who are involved with the fraternity. 

According to Rodrigue, there were many members—active and alumni—who participated in this concert.

“In addition to 10 active fraternity members, their faculty advisor—me—and a music faculty member [Dr. John St. Marie] sang under the guidance of Zachary Rodrigue, the chapter’s music coordinator. Another music faculty member [Dr. Jason Ladd] played a tuba solo piece about halfway through the concert to give the choir a little break”, Rodrigue said. 

 At the end, the 12 active members on stage were joined by six alumni as they came together for a final song,  A Sinfonia Anthem. 

In addition to concerts, this fraternity also takes part in service projects throughout the year. Rodrigue said that they go to a nursing home or a hospital and sing to the patients. This is called Mill’s Music Mission, which is named after their founder Ossian E. Mills. They normally try to do three to five visits every year.