IOTA KAPPA NEWSLETTER SPRING 2015

All Hail Brothers! It is with great pride that I am writing to you on behalf of the Iota Kappa Chapter. It has been such an honor to be involved in such an illustrious chapter such as this. I certainly hope those feelings of gratitude permeated the barriers of this institution once attended and the full feelings and meanings of Sinfonia live on in your hearts and souls.

My time here at LVC has allowed me to see what Sinfonia was, is, and how we can be as a functioning organization on this campus that will benefit the men who wish to become a part of it. As I stepped into the large shoes of president, I felt there to be a lot of room and asked myself the question posed to us before we are initiated. Are we better for it? I wanted to make this time at LVC as a Brother of the Iota Kappa chapter meaningful. This should not be a time to waste any of the three powers we use as men of Sinfonia.

Involvement has been the push of my time as an officer. Since then we have attended, with high numbers, all province events, gone to Lyrecrest, obtained of the provincial leadership as a chapter, have a president of Greek Council, inspire high relationships with the music department and other faculty, and have had a blast doing it. I am proud to lead such a motivated group of men. I invite each and every one of you to come back to any event or swing by campus anytime. Always know you will be greeted with fraternal grip and embraced by a brother. Come share stories and inspire newcomers. Let us lead brothers, new and old, into the paths of harmony and righteousness. On and ever upward, my Brothers,

(NOTE: This was written in 2012)At the beginning of the semester, I was certain I

did not want to pledge for Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. I had nothing against the fraternity; I just simply had no desire to be a part of it.

Several brothers talked to me about considering pledging, and although I listened to what they had to say, I was still not interested.

T H E L Y R EPRESIDENTS ADDRESS

- Dean Howey 16

Does Sinfonia Choose You?-Adam Rabenold 15

IOTA KAPPA NEWSLETTER SPRING 2015

Finally, I decided to go to the open smoker. I did not want to say no without giving it a fair chance. Nonetheless, I still was 95% positive I wasnt going to pledge.

When I got into the room in Neidig-Garber, all of the brothers were sitting in the front. They got up an introduced themselves, and I immediately thought that it seemed like a great and fun group of guys. They asked us if we had any questions, and I didnt really know what to say. After feeling reassured by the words no hazing fraternity, my mindset began to change. I left the open smoker with a completely different outlook I specifically remember going back to my friends room and saying, Im pretty sure Im going to pledge.

What changed my mind? Ive asked myself that question every single day of pledging, and I continue to do so. I have no regrets about pledging, b'ut I still cant think of a definite, concrete reason why I pledged.

Looking back, when I went to the open smoker, something inside of me suddenly changed. It may have been caused by the atmosphere of the entire group. It may have been caused by my desire for a change. All I know is that I went from one end of the spectrum to the other from being sure that I wasnt going to pledge to being sure that it was something I wanted to do.

I do not believe I chose to join Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. I believe it chose me.It amazes me how the group seems to find just the right people to pledge and get initiated into

the fraternity. It seems that the fraternity attracts just the right people. Its like the energy of the group, of Sinfonia, lures people to the group and chooses the right people. Even still, Im glad to finally be a brother of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.

Coming into Pledging, I had no intention of being the President of my pledge class. To be honest, I wasnt even aware that such a position existed. After having served the position for the duration of the process I can say that it was definitely a rewarding experience, and I am genuinely glad I took the position.

As any former pledge class presidents will know, the duties of the position really arent that complicated. Set up meetings, keep order, the usual. The thing I believe I gained most from my position was the furthered connection it offered me with all of my fellow probationary members, and now, my brothers. Being in constant contact with all of them, I started to get to know them better and better, and eventually formed amazing bonds with them all. Having this leadership position and having to be aware of everyones conflicts, interests, and the like, helped me to get to know everyone so much better.

I am happy to be as close to my pledge class as I now am. I can unwaveringly call them my friends and my brothers. Though taking on the leadership role during the pledging process was stressful, it was above all things rewarding, and I am a better man and a better musician because of it.

My Experiences as a Pledge Class President- Sean Reynolds 17

IOTA KAPPA NEWSLETTER SPRING 2015

Brothers! I have truly been honored to be the Alumni Relations Officer for the last year and a half. Getting in contact with all of you and seeing some of you come back reminded me how Sinfonia is not just a four year commitment. It is a lifelong commitment that will constant tie us together.In the year and a half that I have held this office, I have put much effort into re-establishing the Alumni Relations Program. I would like to think I have been successful in my endeavors. My work has only been a small portion of what this program could be, however. You, the alumni of our chapter and other chapters, are our greatest resource. You all have wisdom and experiences to share with us to help guide us into the future of the fraternity.But being in contact with just the ARO isnt enough. I feel that alumni should also be in contact with each other. I have tried some methods of

getting alumni back in contact with each other and sometimes it seemed a bit much. I would like to hear from you if you have any ideas on how I can create a way for alumni to get in contact with each other again.

Upon graduation this year, I will be vacating the office of ARO at the Iota Kappa Chapter. I know that alumni may hold the position, but I feel that in order to get information out in a timely and efficient manner, it should be someone here on campus or close to campus. I greatly appreciate the encouragement all of you have given me when I first started the position.

It is my hope and expectation of the Alumni Relation Officers to come will continue to foster the relationship that has been created again between you and the chapter. I am going to pass on all of the information I have about how I did my job and encourage them to further develop the program.

With that, when a new ARO is elected, I will pass on his information to all of you. Please keep the fire of Sinfonia alive in your everyday life and keep in touch with myself and the brothers of the chapter.

Once, Always, Long Live!

THE LYRE is created and edited by IK Historian: Kevin Gane 16

Parting Song: Reflecting Upon Being ARO and Moving Forward- Joseph Swartz 15