Phi Mu Alpha, Founded in October 1898 is the oldest professional music fraternity in America. Phi Mu Alpha's primary purpose is "to encourage and actively promote the highest standards of creativity, performance, and education in music in America". Further purposes of the Theta Lambda chapter at Hardin-Simmons university shall be to develop and encourage loyalty to the Alma Mater, to foster the mutual welfare and brotherhood of students of music, to develop the truest fraternal spirit among its members, and to instill in all people an awareness of music's important role in the enrichment of the human spirit.



Pi Kappa Lambda is an honor society, the only music organization recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies. It was dedicated by its founders to the fostering of scholarly interest in the theoretical and historical aspects of music, and to the pursuit of eminent achievement in performance, composition, music education, and research. The Society was founded at Northwestern University in 1918. The first member was Peter Christian Lutkin, then Dean of the School of Music at Northwestern, whose initials in their Greek equivalent were selected for the name of the Society. The Society has almost two hundred chapters in colleges and universities throughout the United States. The Epsilon Pi Chapter of the Society was founded at Hardin-Simmons in 1984. The chapter annually invites to membership the top twenty percent of graduating seniors and the top ten percent of juniors among those students majoring in music.

Sigma Alpha Iota, International Music Fraternity, was organized in 1903 "to form chapters of music students and musicians who shall by their influence and their musical interest uphold the highest ideals of a music education; to raise the standard of productive musical work among the women students of colleges, conservatories and universities." As of August 2000, its membership included 189 active college chapters and 111 alumnae chapters throughout the United States. The members of Hardin-Simmons University's Gamma Phi Chapter invite you to contact them regarding membership in this organization.

The Foundation was established in 1989 by Dr. and Mrs. Hemphill, as an arms-length foundation to promote the growth and excellence of the School of Music. Members of the Foundation are outstanding alumni and friends of the University and the School of Music. They assist the dean and faculty by helping with student recruitment, by planning, publicizing, supporting special events, by praying and by soliciting financial support for capital improvements. In its ten-year history a number of significant events have occurred: A Centennial, Celebratory Banquet with Van Cliburn as guest speaker, a performance by a Cliburn bronze medalist on a new Steinway Concert Grand, the acquisition of a significant library of early hymnals, dating back to the seventeenth century, the establishment of a fully equipped technology laboratory, the new music building, and now our new School of Music Web-Site among many others.

Obligations of members include a yearly $25 dues ($35 for couples) for the handling of basic expenses of the Foundation, attendance at the annual meeting, supporting of projects adopted by the Foundation, and service on committees or as an officer. Membership in the Foundation shall entitle the member to the following: (a) a free ticket to the All-School SING held at Homecoming each year, (b) a two dollar discount on the dinner ticket for the annual meeting of the Foundation, and (c) a copy of any Foundation Newsletter.

The annual meeting of the Foundation is held Friday 5:00 p.m. during Homecoming in Woodward-Dellis Recital Hall. The program includes a dinner and fellowship with friends, the introduction of our new members, reports from Dr. Hawthorne, a performance by faculty members, and business of the Foundation.

If you would like to become a member or make a donation to the School of Music Foundation, please contact the foundation President, J.G. Martin, at 325-673-7506.

The purpose of Abilene Music Teachers Association is:

To promote and participate in the educational growth and development in music.

To practice and promote high ethical standards in professional an business dealings.

To provide opportunities for more student participation in music.

AMTA is a 501 C(3) organization affiliated with Music Teachers National Association, (MTNA) and Texas Music Teachers Association, (TMTA). AMTA is organized exclusively for charitable, educational, and scientific purposes.

AMTA is comprised of six classes of membership: Active, Associate, Provisional, Collegiate, Honorary, and Apprentice.

Benefits of being an AMTA member include student activities such as student recitals, Student Affiliate Activities of TMTA, local festivals and competitions. AMTA annually awards students senior participation awards and summer camp scholarships.

AMTA teacher benefits include teacher workshops, mentoring of new members, monthly programs, presentations, certification and the opportunity to be a member of the Abilene Teachers Federal Credit Union. AMTA members have the opportunity to involve students, build relationships, and receive continuing education, and teacher training.

AMTA encourages students to build partnerships and give back to
the community by participation in Artwalk, Founders Day,
Harmony Family Services Art Auction and more.

The AMTA Showcase Concert presented in June at the Abilene Civic Center is free of charge to the public. The concert includes highlights from the previous year of AMTA events. Featured are students who will be performing or competing at the state TMTA convention. Ensembles include three AMTA piano teams involving approximately 50-60 students performing on 10 or more pianos.