Sigma Alpha Iota will host its fourth annual spring benefit concert in the Martha-Ellen Tye Recital Hall at 7:30pm Thursday.

Sigma Alpha Iota is a fraternal organization that promotes leadership and a passion for music at Iowa State. The 21 members are required to take a music class in order to be considered.

As a member for three years, Felicia Kraus, senior in music, is excited for the performance.

“We try and preform music by female, American composers to help fulfill our national objectives,” Kraus said.

At the concert, the members perform their talents as instrumentalists and vocalists with the goal to raise money for their philanthropy.

“The purpose of this concert is to raise money for the fraternity philanthropy headquarters, Sigma Alpha Iota Philanthropies Inc.,” Kraus said. “This is our organization’s philanthropy that we support by doing fundraisers throughout the year.” 

Jillian Burdick, senior in music, is on the philanthropy committee for SAI.

“This year we will be featuring two marimba players, a saxophonist, vocalists, flutists and a bassoon quartet. Most of the performers are members of our chapter,” Burdick said.

The concert includes performances from fraternity members as well as the department faculty.

“The mission of Sigma Alpha Iota Philanthropies, Inc. is to support the educational and charitable goals of Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity through philanthropic endeavors,” Burdick said.

The fraternity is involved in fundraisers and continues to promote its outreach projects.

“Some of these projects include The American Composer’s Bureau, The MacDowell Colony, Music Therapy, Services for Musicians with Special Needs, and Scholarships, Grants and Awards,” Burdick said.

Events such as the spring benefit concert are not the only time the fraternity gets to give back and stay involved. The fraternity hosts fundraisers throughout the year, completing its national objectives.

“Being a part of this fraternity has brought me some of my most memorable moments of collage, while giving me great leadership opportunities. It gives me extra motivation,” Kraus said.

Students and audience members can expect a variety of music.

“There will be music from Bach to 20th century composers. It will be about an hour long,” Burdick said.

The performances will provide different time eras as well.

“I think people can expect to experience the classical side of American classical music. The American part of classical music often gets overlooked as our music was slightly behind the musical development of Europe,” Kraus said.

In the organization, the women are able to display their love and talent for music, but also learn strategies to host events, such as their benefit concert.

“Members of our chapter set up the reception during the concert, make sure people are admitted, count donations, stage manage or attend. I’ve learned how to prepare and host events and how to be more organized,” Burdick said.

The fraternity asks for an admission donation of $5. For more information on the fraternity’s philanthropy, visit www.sai-national.org.