Answering Father Mills

[WaxOff]

I don't remember the exact quote, but Father Mills once asked a question about whether or not the men made Sinfonia better or if Sinfonia made the men better. I ask you all that question.

For me, I can definitely say that Sinfonia made me a better man.

I didn't rush. I had no intentions of rushing any Fraternity my first semester. I had 18 credits, classes from 7am to 5pm and a somewhat full time job. (I was a rigger and sound engineer at the Orlando Arena and Citrus Bowl. I could work 60 hours one week and not work again the next, depending on the time of year.)

One day after Marching Band practice, I was handed an invite to the first Pledge/Probationary kick off party/social by the Chapter President. I felt Honored and accepted it.

The things I learned as a Pledge/Probationary Brother and as a Sinfonian have sunk in and been the root of a lot of what I have become. I was initiated under the Purposes and used them to guide me through my life and career after college. Today, I gladly accept the Object.

I moved back to California to be closer to my family and started teaching band and choir at a high school. After I couldn't afford to live as a teacher anymore and had to change careers, I continued to teach for free to anyone that had a desire to learn. I strived to "instill in all people music's important roll in the enrichment of the human spirit."

It's been 15 years since I made one of the most important choices of my life. 15 years of being Honored to be called a Sinfonian. 15 years and I'm still teaching for free, still encouraging and actively promoting music wherever and whenever I can. Hell, I just contacted the Chapter President of UNLV's SAI Chapter and volunteered my services since we don't have our own here yet (Key word is yet).

To answer Father Mills. Yes, Sinfonia has made me a better man. Sinfonia has brought me to do things I may have never had the desire to do. I ask you all the same question? Did Sinfonia make you a better man?

All together Brothers...

OAS! AAS! LLS!!!!!!!!!

Rob Miller
Mu Eta
Fall '93