Conventions

The International Bylaws specify the International Convention as the legislative and executive authority of the Fraternity. The International Executive Board (IEB) has this authority during non-convention times. Annual conventions were held from 1904 until 1922, when biennial conventions were adopted. Since 1974 triennial conventions have taken place. An exception of two years was made between 2001 and 2003, and four years between 2003 and 2007 in order to allow a Centennial Convention in the appropriate year of 2003.

Conventions rotate among the Provinces. The International Executive Board, all incoming and continuing District Directors, Committee Chairmen, Business Delegates, Music Delegates, Members and Guests are the participants. Each active Collegiate and Alumni Chapter sends one Business Delegate and the Membership Committee Chairman is the Business Delegate representing all Allied Members.

Milestone Conventions

The Silver Anniversary Convention was the last one attended by Dr. Winthrop Sterling. It was held at Troutdale-in-the-Pines, Colorado. Salt Lake City was the site of the Golden Anniversary Convention (1953, observed in 1954). The newly formed Memorial Foundation was officially recognized in Lincoln, Nebraska at the convention commemorating the 60^th anniversary. This 1963 convention was also the first to have international delegates.

A major change occurred in the 1970s with the passage of Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendment Act. This stated that “…there shall be no discrimination as to race, creed, color or sex in election to membership in fraternities/sororities.” In effect Title IX ended the ability of a professional organization to restrict its membership eligibility to a single sex. Therefore the Diamond Jubilee Convention in Kansas City was momentous in that the Fraternity voted to open its membership to men. In seventy-five years Mu Phi Epsilon changed from a Music Sorority, to an Honorary Music Sorority, then a Professional Music Sorority and finally to a Coeducational Music Fraternity.

2003 Centennial Convention

The 52^nd National and 16^th International Convention was held in Cincinnati, the founding city. This Centennial Convention was indeed A Sterling Celebration. Dawn Phelps Neal, Phi Nu/Los Angeles, was General Chairman of the Centennial Convention and Marva Nungester Rasmussen, Gamma Alpha/Cincinnati , served as local Chairman assisted by Willena Bourquein Schlueter, Mu Omicron/Cincinnati.

2008 International Convention

Jacksonville, Florida was the site of the 2008 Convention, with the theme Artistry and Action. The Atlantic and Southeast Provinces were hosts of this convention. Internationally acclaimed soprano and Sterling Patron Christine Brewer gave a master class and was the featured soloist. Dr. Frances Kinne, Chancellor Emeritus of Jacksonville University and honored member of Mu Phi Epsilon, gave the keynote speech.

Convention Rotation

The 2011 Convention will be in Rochester, New York, hosted by the Eastern Great Lakes and Great Lakes Provinces. Future conventions will be hosted by the following:

2014: Pacific and Pacific Southwest Provinces

2017: West Central and Pacific Northwest Provinces

2020: Central and South Central Provinces

2023: East Central and North Central Provinces

Mu Phi Epsilon International Competition

The International Competition is held in convention years. Originally named the Sterling Staff Competition when established in 1964 by Claudette Sorel, Beta, the competition is designed to help bridge the gap between the aspiring musician and a concert career. Originally the categories were limited to voice, piano, violin or cello, and flute, with organ and accompaniment categories offered occasionally. In 1995 the competition was opened to voice and all instruments.

Ordinarily the International Competition is held just prior to the convention and at the same site. The winner is presented in concert during the convention.