Object
The object of this fraternity shall be for the development of the best and truest fraternal spirit, the mutual welfare and brotherhood of musical students, the advancement of music in America, and a loyalty to the Alma Mater.
Iota’s History
On April 29th, 1910, Merrill Otis Gruber and seven other men became the first brothers of the Iota chapter of Phi Mu Alpha, now one of the oldest continuously running chapters of Phi Mu Alpha. The day’s festivities were marked by a banquet whose guests included School of Music Dean, Peter Lutkin (later made an honorary member in 1912) and Northwestern’s President, Abram Winegardner Harris.
Since its founding in 1910 Iota Chapter’s members have played a vital role in the world of music and the history of Sinfonia. Iota’s members include great music educators such as Peter Lutkin (Iota Honorary, 1913), Will Earhart (Iota, 1923), Clifton Burmeister (Iota, 1941); notable band directors such as Glenn Bainum (Iota, 1927) and John Paynter (Iota, 1948); composer and founder of The Instrumentalist magazine Traugott Rohner (Iota, 1934); organist and composer, Porter Heaps (Iota, 1925); and musicologist and media personality Sigmund Spaeth (Iota, 1910). Three composers who hail from Iota Chapter have been elected to National Honorary Membership: Howard Hanson (Iota, 1916), John Cacavas (Iota, 1951), and David VanVactor (Iota Honorary, 1939). There can be no doubt of Iota Chapter’s significant role in Sinfonia’s history when one considers the contributions of these men, but two additional National Honorary Members who were members of Iota Chapter deserve special mention for having forever influenced our Fraternity: Charles E. “Casey” Lutton (Iota Honorary , 1913) and Rollin M. Pease (Iota, 1917).
Brother Lutton, Supreme Secretary-Treasurer from 1919-1950, centralized our Fraternity’s operations in Chicago and saw Sinfonia through over three decades of tremendous growth and change. Brother Pease, Supreme Historian from 1926-1934, was the author of our Ritual, whose work of love for Sinfonia has graced the life of every living Sinfonian. No words on a page could do justice to the contributions of these men. Their limitless devotion and enthusiasm to work for their brothers and for music have given lasting testament to the power of shared goals and friendships sown in Iota Chapter.
In the 1950s, the Iota chapter became famous throughout campus for its frequent serenades in the sorority quads. Every year, the brothers would take part in Northwestern’s “All-U-Sing” performances often being declared one of the best groups.
Iota played a critical role in NU’s Lawndale Project. In the mid-1960s, the university began busing students to Chicago’s poverty stricken districts in order to tutor underprivileged high school student. Iota sent several brothers to teach music theory and history. The brothers would dedicate entire Saturdays in hopes of “giving the student an opportunity to really excel and be recognized as a person, not as merely a member of a race” according to Iota’s president, James E. Trapp.
In 1968, Northwestern dropped the Lawndale Project and the organization was in danger of falling apart. However, Iota stepped in and assumed full responsibility in leading the program, allowing it to continue for several more years. Soon, Iota was taking the high school students to Northwestern to attend performances such as Handel’s Messiah and Bach Mass in B Minor. After the concerts, the brothers and students would study the musical scores and discuss the works.
In 1988, Iota was able to secure, for the first time, an exclusive house for its brothers. The chapter spent the previous two year petitioning for use of 626 Emerson and finally was given the house over such fraternities as Sigma Chi and Pi Kappa Alpha. Iota’s president, Ray Schmitz pressed for the house, and argued that it was necessary for the numerous fraternity ensembles to be able to have a permanent space for rehearsals. Brothers were quoted in a Daily Northwestern article about the house where they expressed their excitement at having an exclusive residence, saying that it would make them a stronger musical presence on campus.
This chapter has always shown dedication to musical excellence and philanthropic labor, creating a long heritage that stretches back 100 years to its founding. With over 700 alumni Sinfonians from the Iota chapter we provide the men at Northwestern an opportunity to be a part of life-long brotherhood.
The Iota chapter is currently comprised of 46 brothers, 1 alumni affiliate, 2 faculty advisors, and numerous faculty Sinfonians. We welcome all who share a love for music and brotherhood into our doors.
