Student Organizations

There are many ways to become involved.

Music Business Association

Music Business Association of Western Illinois University was started by a group of Music Merchandising Students in the fall of 1987. Its purposes are:

1) for the advancement of knowledge and education in the field of music business;
2) to increase the awareness within the university community of the field of music business;
3) to provide a forum for guest lectures, field studies, presentations and discussions in various areas of music business; and
4) to sponsor activities wherein the membership can gain experiences in leadership, advertising, sales, promotion, and management roles.

Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia

Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity was founded in 1899 at the New England Conservatory of Music and has become the largest professional fraternity in the world. There are over 300 active chapters within the United States whose purposes are to advance th e cause of music in America, to foster the mutual welfare and brotherhood of students in music, to develop the truest fraternal spirit among its members, and to encourage loyalty to the Alma Mater. The Kappa Psi Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia was found ed at Western Illinois University in 1963 and has a current membership of 35, together with an alumni chapter.

Faculty Advisor: Terry Solomonson

The Music Student Council is a body of students responsible for representing the music major student body in matters that pertain directly to them. It meets with the Department Chair and is made up of the Presidents of the various student organization s, the Presidents of the major ensembles, and elected graduate student representatives. Members of this group will present student views on various faculty committees and/or directly to the Department Chair.

ASTA is a national organization of string teachers to which WIU string students can become affiliated and form a student organization for the purpose of better understanding and promotion of string teaching.

ICMEA is open to all students, but is of particular interest to Music Education majors. Purposes of the ICMEA are:

1. Advance the preparation of its members for actual teaching;
2. Sponsor and support activities of the State IMEA organization at District and State festivals; and
3. Sponsor clinicians and guest lecturers to inform the membership about Music Education.

Faculty Advisor: Christine Lapka

Mu Phi Epsilon was founded in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1903 and has grown to include 110 collegiate chapters, 83 alumni chapters, and more than 30,000 members. The Beta Omicron Chapter of Mu Phi Epsilon was initiated at Western Illinois University in 1968 with 12 charter members. The purposes of Mu Phi Epsilon are: to recognize scholarship and musicianship, to promote friendship within its brother and sisterhood, to encourage loyalty to the Alma Mater, and to advance the cause of music throughout the world.

Faculty Advisor: Charolette Megginson

Music and Miracles is a group of interested students whose purpose is to learn more about music therapy techniques and recent developments in other related health fields. The club meets twice monthly and sponsors various fund-raising activities so int erested persons may attend music therapy conferences and workshops.

Faculty Advisor: Jennifer Jones

The student chapter of the ACDA is a professional student organization, which fosters the art of choral music and the profession of choral conducting at Western Illinois University and throughout the State of Illinois. Student chapter members organize and host choral events on the campus of Western Illinois University such as the Illinois Music Educators Association District IV Workshop, the Illinois Music Educators District VIII Workshop, and the Illinois American Choral Directors Association High Sc hool Men's Choral Festival. Additionally, they sponsor the annual choral conductors competition.

Faculty Advisor: Dr. James Stegall

Student Chapter of the American Guild of Organists

The student chapter of the AGO is an organization for students interested in organ playing and in church music.

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Anita Werling

Student Chapter of Music Teachers National Association

The student chapter of the MTNA is affiliated with West Central MTA, the local area group of the Illinois State MTA, and MTNA, the national organization of studio music teachers. Members participate in all activities of the local association including Syllabus Auditions, Keyboard Karnival, Ensemble Festival, and Spotlight Recitals. Low student membership fees allow full participation as a student teacher and include receiving monthly issues of The American Music Teacher magazine.

Faculty Advisor: Tammie Walker