The Mills Music Mission
By Brother Dave "Slacker" Barry
The Mills Music Mission was founded by its namesake, and Phi Mu Alpha
founding father, Ossian E. Mills. The original mission, known then as the
"Flower Mission," brought together students in Boston, men and women, to
sing at local hospitals on Christmas and Easter. The students played, sang,
and even recited readings at the bedside of all the sick residents, allowing
the joy that music brings to conquer the dark sadness and grief of the sick.
Joining with the musicians were several assistants, who would hand out
flowers to the sick as the rounds were made. These flowers were usually
donated from churches that had used them for the morning worship services.
Mill continued the Flower Missions until his death, nearly 30 years later.
After Mills founded Phi Mu Alpha, it was often left up to the brothers of
the Alpha chapter, located at the New England Conservatory of Music, to run
the mission. The fraternity formally adopted the Mills Music Mission as a
way to both continue the use of music to bring joy to others, and as a
tribute to the founder, Ossian E. Mills. More information can be found at
the following link.
msnhomepages.talkcity.com/Terminus/jmongiovi/MMM/ossian.htm
What other brothers think...
 "To me, the Mills Music Mission repesents all that is good about Phi Mu Alpha. To be able to share the values and ideals of the fraternity with the community is a strong statement that not only improves the image of the fraternity, but also brings its members closer together."-Brother John "#Wit" McKay, Alumnus. |
 "Singing for people during the Mills Music Mission reminds me how special and wonderful singing is to everyone."-Brother Chris "Mustard" Clary, President. |
 "The Mills Music Missions are the most important part of Phi Mu Alpha. I have always enjoyed doing community service, and the Music Missions are the perfect way to carry out the purposes of the fraternity and enirch the lives of the community."-Brother Brandon "Snuggle" Seay. |
 "The Mills Music Mission is one of the most heart warming experiences... singing,
doing something you love, and seing how it brings joy into the lives of
others--it's what Phi Mu Alpha is all about."-Brother Matt "Maverick" Young. |