Sigma Alpha Iota

PAN PIPES • SPRING 2018 • sai-national.org 12 SAIS IN ACTION M embers of the Lambda Omicron Chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota at Florida International University came together during their spring break by participating in a community outreach initiative at Fulford Elementary School. The members participated in various activities with students during the school's music class, including introducing various woodwind, brass, and string instruments. Members demonstrated how each instrument is played and categorized within the instrument families. Students in the classes were able to participate in an instrument petting zoo with the members of the Lambda Omicron Chapter. Many students had their first chance to attempt to play instruments such as the trombone, flute, piano, and drums. "We made a difference in the lives of 400 students, and it was such a beautiful experience getting to show these kids instruments that they've never seen or heard before. Seeing the smiles when they played them for the first time was indescribable," member Ariana Olivero said. In the fall of 2017, the Lambda Omicron Chapter was awarded a Chapter Outreach Grant from Sigma Alpha Iota Philanthropies, Inc. for $500 to implement an outreach project in the Miami community. Funds from this grant, along with donated funds from the chapter, were used to purchase instruments, method books, and music supplies as part of Lambda Omicron's project called, "Adopt-A-Music Program". In addition to the community service the chapter provided to the school, Lambda Omicron delivered over $600 of supplies that Fulford Elementary School's music program stated they needed for their program's improvement. The items purchased for the music program will benefit over 400 students and allow them access to essential materials in order to continue their music education. "It was such a pleasure having the members of Sigma Alpha Iota at my school. My students loved the instrument petting zoo, and many of them returned after their music class telling me how much fun they had learning and playing the instruments that were introduced to them. This initiative has impacted many lives," Natalie Lopez, music teacher at Fulford Elementary, stated. Fulford Elementary School is considered an underfunded school in Miami-Dade County where programs are not funded — particularly the school's music program. The school is located in an economically disadvantaged area where close to 95% of the student population is placed on free or reduced lunch. "The Adopt-A-Music Program is a great opportunity to promote the importance of music in our schools and to strengthen our organization's involvement through service," said Jacqueline Ramirez, President of the Lambda Omicron Chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota. —Jacqueline Ramirez, Lambda Omicron Chapter President Adopt-A-Music Program Initiative: Raising Funds, Awareness for Music Lambda Omicron members with donated drums and books for Fulford Elementary School in Florida.

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