History of IFRM

The Rotary Music Fellowship was chartered in New Mexico in 1972 by PDG Jim Whited (D-5470). The IFRM Music Notes, the RI Presidential Themes songs for each new RI Presidential year, and the IFRM Trust Fund all have their origins during Jim's tenure.

In 1987, composer and music educator, Chairman Phil Turner of Massachusetts (D-7910) expanded Jim's vision. By recruiting members at RI conventions and enlisting at least one member from each district in the USA, the membership exceeded 1000 musicians. Adding to Phil's legacy is that he personally composed RI's Presidential theme songs for five years (1988-1993).

Violinist Bob Corning (D-5450) assumed the Chairmanship in 1993 after his successful editorship of the newsletter. Under his leadership, membership expanded to 1500, the Trust Fund was generously enriched, and IFRM members expanded their presence at the International Conventions. Not only did they serve as guest artists, strolling musicians and Interfaith choir performers, but notably and in Calgary in 1996, they hosted the first ever Music Fellowship Banquet, Dance and Stage Show where the entertainers were IFRM members themselves.

The fellowship was then co-chaired by Lt. Col. Harold "Andy" Anderson and Chungsam Doh, followed by the election of Susan DuPree in 2005. Under Susan's leadership, the IFRM Foundation was established (2007), music literacy projects around the world were funded by IFRM grants, and IFRM became more interactive with the Yahoo Mail List and member photo gallery. Chair Lee Denlinger, elected in 2010, initiated the publication of the monthly e-bulletin, Staccato, and expanded the number of vice-chair positions in order to better serve IFRM members in the Rotary world.

Board of Directors 2010-11

Honorary Members

For their commitment to "Service Above Self - Through Music", fifteen Rotarians were chosen as Honorary Members by the IFRM Board of Directors in the millennium year, 2000.