Beta Kappa began its second decade with a bang. Unaware of the impending world-wide disaster that would come before the decade was out, the membership skyrocketed to an all time high of 23 student members. Additionally, the Phonograph Concerts sponsored by the chapter had garnered national attention. The Carnagie Foundation donated an electric phonograph and 600 records for use in these concerts. In 1941, the chapter also showed strong membership, 25 students, breaking the record of 1940. The 1941 Acorn noted that the Inter-Fraternity sing was still a tradition, and an equally strong tradition was the cup being won by the men of Tau Kappa Epsilon. They had won the cup every year since 1937. Beta Kappa survived deep into the war years, appearing in the 1942 and 1943 yearbooks.

    However, by 1944, the strains of World War II had taken their toll. For the second time in its history, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia faded from the pages of the Acorn. It is interesting to note that in 1944 and 1945, music at Coe was as strong as ever, with women filling the parts of the Vesper Choir, A Cappella Choir, Women’s Band, and Symphony Orchestra. No men are pictured anywhere in the Department of Music. In 1947, however, the Men of Song had returned to Coe, and almost as if nothing had happened, Beta Kappa returned to the pages of the Acorn, hosting record concerts and the inter-fraternity sing. Indeed, at Coe, Sinfonia survived the war years, and seemed on a steady footing for the end of the 1940’s.