In the Beginning

Sigma Alpha Iota was founded on June 12, 1903 at the University School of Music, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Incorporation papers, under the laws of the State of Michigan, were signed December 1, 1904, and recorded December 15, 1904.

Founders

Elizabeth Campbell
Frances Caspari
Minnie Davis Sherrill
Leila Farlin Laughlin
Nora Crane Hunt
Georgina Potts
Mary Storrs Andersen

Alpha Zeta History

In 1925, a group of Oklahoma City University music students and faculty organized a club called Mu Sigma. This group was installed as the Alpha Zeta chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota Women's Music Fraternity on November 10, 1928. This newborn chapter was composed of Marianne Bays, Ruth Blassingame, Marian Deirdorff, Elaine Farmer, Miryl Garrett, Genevieve Greer, Virginia Hale, Ruth Jenkins, Helen Kaylor, Ruth Lindsay, Mazo Pickle, Clara Trenfield, Sansing, Caryl Taylor and Ester Wessell. Mrs. Clarence Burg, Oklahoma's first president of the Oklahoma Music Teacher's Association and established OCU faculty member, served as the chapter's sponsor. Patronesses affiliated with the chapter were Mrs. Floyd R. Bull, Mrs. Fred H. Austin, Mrs. Basil A. Hayes and Mrs. Earl Virdin. Without support from women in the music community and faculty members, Alpha Zeta would cease to exist.
 
In the 1920s meetings were held at Ester Wessell Farmer's childhood home. The Farmer's house was on campus for decades until it was finally removed. Meetings are now held in the Wanda Bass School of Music. Today the Alpha Zeta chapter participates in selling roses and concessions during main stage performances, assists with music school functions, participates in Relay For Life each year, and fundraises for the local school for homeless children, Positive Tomorrows, to support their music program.

Wanda L. Bass School of Music

In Fall of 2006, the SAI sisters of Alpha Zeta moved into a brand new music building made possible by Wanda L. Bass, National Honorary Member.

The $38.5 million teaching facility added 113,000-square-feet, and more than doubled the size of the old music school. The Bass Music Center has 60 practice rooms, 40 new teaching studios, high-tech music labs, six ensemble rehearsal halls, and a black-box theater. Because of the new space, the Alpha Zeta chapter now has new office and storage space. The expansion incorporates new developments in soundproof and acoustical sciences. Because of the expansion, SAI now has their own office and additional storage space.