Music fraternities and sororities

Sigma Alpha Iota is an international music fraternity for women and a service organization. Syracuse University’s chapter is composed of both music and non-music majors. They are dedicated to serving the school through service projects and fund-raising activities both on and off campus, including the well-known “Muffin Mondays” in Crouse College. Contact: Joanne Wheeler, president, jkwheele@syr.edu.

Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia is a national fraternity for men of music and a service organization. The group welcomes all men of music both in and outside the Setnor School of Music. Service activities include singing for patients at local hospitals, helping set up for concerts in the Setnor School, and providing Valentine’s Day serenades. Contact: Stefan Schuck, president, sdschuck@syr.edu.

Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma are the national honorary band fraternity and sorority, respectively, and are service organizations. Learn more about them in our section on University Bands.

Chimesmasters

Chimesmasters is a campus-wide student group that rings the Chimes in Crouse College’s bell tower. The group gives two 15-minute concerts daily that can be heard within a one-mile radius by an audience numbering in the thousands. Contact: Amy Mertz, Setnor concert coordinator, ammertz@syr.edu.

A cappella ensembles

Syracuse University’s a cappella ensembles are entirely student-run and directed. The groups perform without instruments and are composed of strictly voice and optional vocal percussion. All-female, all-male, and co-ed groups exist, as well as a Jewish a cappella ensemble. While the groups perform a number of individual concerts during the semester, a large concert for all ensembles is held each semester.

A cappella groups include: 

• Groove Stand (co-ed)
• Main Squeeze (all-female)
• The Mandarins (select all-female)
• Orange Appeal (all-male)
• Oy Cappella (co-ed Jewish)

Black Celestial Choral Ensemble

The Black Celestial Choral Ensemble performs contemporary Christian gospel music. It concertizes regularly throughout the Central New York Area.

First-Year Players

First-Year Players (FYP) is a student-run musical theater organization at SU. FYP gives non-drama major, first-year, and transfer students the opportunity to perform in an annual spring musical and gives production experience to undergraduate majors.

National Association for Music Education (NAfME) collegiate chapter

Formerly known as CMENC, SU’s NAfME collegiate chapter is a recognized student organization at Syracuse University. The chapter’s weekly forum is a chance for students to listen to guest speakers, participate in workshops, and discuss current events related to music education. Along with weekly meetings, the chapter holds numerous fundraisers throughout the academic year to raise money for student scholarships, teacher grants, and charities. Every year, SU’s NAfME collegiate chapter awards one scholarship to an incoming first-year music education major and one grant to a local music educator to use for supplies. The chapter is always looking to grow, improve, and give back to the community.