WHY ROTARIANS SING
Did you know that Rotary was the first organization of business leaders with singing at its meetings?
Did you know that Rotary was the first organization of business leaders with singing at its meetings?
Harry Ruggles was the fifth person ever to become a Rotarian. He was a printer who also happened to have created the first Rotary wheel that later became the cog that we all now know. In the early 1900s, Harry had to diffuse a tense situation at a Rotary meeting...so he jumped up on a chair, waved his arms, and cried out “OK boys, let’s all sing ‘Let Me Call You Sweetheart!’”
And so began the tradition of singing at Rotary meetings and we have been singing at meetings in one form or another ever since!
Nowadays, members of many Rotary clubs around the world sing regularly at club meetings or on special occasions, with National Anthems being the standard selection. Additionally, several Rotary clubs are now known as “singing Rotary clubs,” as they include the crooning of up to three songs from members at each weekly Rotary club meeting and are aided by the vintage songbook – “Songs for the Rotary Club: Words and Music.”
However, did you also know that every Rotarians has a unique opportunity to sing through the International Fellowship of Rotarian Musicians (IFRM)?
However, did you also know that every Rotarians has a unique opportunity to sing through the International Fellowship of Rotarian Musicians (IFRM)?
IFRM provides a world-wide platform that encourages all types of musical performances, be they vocal or instrumental. Established in 1972 to "promote and encourage the use and appreciation of music in Rotary Clubs by Rotarians in our society and, thereby, to encourage world understanding," IFRM includes Rotarians, spouses and Rotaractors and friends who want to connect with each other through their love of music. Over the last four decades, officers and members of IFRM have taken a leading role in extending the cultural and educational use of music in Rotary through group singing, musical entertainment, and the fostering of music projects around the world.
The Mission of IFRM is:
- to promote Rotary Fellowship by encouraging clubs to sing;
- to organize musical activities for performances at all levels of Rotary functions; and
- to support community music organizations and school music programs
Although IFRM is an association, it also has a separate charitable (501c3) foundation (IFRM, Inc), which funds projects around the world supporting worthwhile musical projects for youth, seniors, and communities in need.
Best known for its annual concerts at the Interfaith Service of most Rotary International meetings and at the Rotary International Conventions often with the Rotary World Choir on the Musical Stages, as well as, a booth within the House of Friendship, IFRM currently hosts regular weekly Saturday sings, with participants performing virtually and the sessions being recorded and posted online. check out some of their latest renditions here.
Did you know that regionally there are 15 Rotarians listed as members of the Caribbean chapter of IFRM as of September 2020?
Looking to build its membership and notoriety across the region, the Caribbean chapter of IFRM is enthusiastic to engage with Rotarians and Rotaractors in District 7030 and (re-)introduce everyone to IFRM.
Stay tuned to the District website and social media channels for more on this exciting Rotary Fellowship.
For more information on IFRM, visit ifrm.org