It is not uncommon for Eastman students to take the Route 72 bus to the River Campus on a Friday night to participate in some of the many activities sponsored by UR’s Greek organizations. Eastman, too, has its own Greek organizations, which sponsor parties, events, and philanthropic activities.
One such organization is Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, the nation’s only all-male professional music fraternity.
Throughout the year, the fraternity sponsors a variety of different activities, ranging from the Boo Blas, a Halloween party, to several other pizza parties. In the past they’ve sponsored Super Bowl activities – a tradition that they hope to continue in the future.
This semester, the fraternity has been extremely busy planning and participating in community service activities as well
On April 6, the fraternity participated in one of its first philanthropic activities this year, raising over $300 for the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation. While they had originally planned on participating in Rochester’s MS Walk, the recent ice storm caused these plans to be cancelled. However, the money that was raised by contributions from students and faculty members was still donated towards the cause.
“I just helped out by working a few shifts at our table, asking people who passed by for donations,” sophomore Colin Wise said. “It’s good to keep us active. I look forward to doing more philanthropic stuff in the future.”
President Jeff Willy agreed. “I hope the fraternity can participate in more events that better the community. People have stereotypes about frats, and I hope we can break those,” he said. Next year, FMA plans on volunteering their time at a local soup kitchen once a week.
Since FMA is a music fraternity, they also put on recitals at least once a semester. This year’s “American Musicale” recital will take place on April 21 in Annex 902. The recital will feature music by American composers performed by members of the fraternity.
“I will play something by Herbert Clark or Eric Wazen,” fraternity member and junior Emory Burch said.
Another annual fraternity event takes place at Jillian’s, a local bar in downtown Rochester. This event, which is co-sponsored by the Students’ Association, will take place on April 27 from 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. The event costs $5 per person, and participants are treated to a night of activities such as bowling and billiards, as well as unlimited food, drinks and gaming.
At the end of this semester, the SA, FMA and Eastman’s other two Greek organizations – Sigma Alpha Iota and Mu Phi Epsilon – are joining together to put on a barbeque for the entire school. This event will have a carnival-like atmosphere and is free of charge.
In addition to catered food and drinks, there will be several games – for example, a Velcro wall and a moon bounce. There is also the possibility of a raffle.
The event is tentatively scheduled for the weekend before finals, although dates have not yet been set in stone. The organizations involve suggest that students look around the school and dorm closer to the event for more details.
FMA recruits new members in the middle of the fall semester – though they occassionally do so in the spring as well if there is enough interest. All male members of the student body, including River Campus students, with an interest in music are encouraged to rush.
Gorode can be reached at kgorode@campustimes.org.
