Cover Contributions: Annie Pasquinelli
The Orange Baton is a production of Oregon State University’s Theta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity
Executive/Layout Editor: Greg Urban - Photo Editor: Danielle Aguilar
A little Orange Baton History...
By Danielle Aguilar Historian 2010-11 This being the very first Orange Baton issue since the re-installment of the Theta chapter at Oregon State University, a little recap on recent years may be necessary. The Orange Baton originated in 1931 as the newspaper for the Theta chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi. It began as an annual newspaper in 1930, sponsored by KKPsi, and written by
the band members of the then Oregon State Agricultural College band. The Orange Baton showed that pledging and membership to Kappa Kappa Psi was the highest honor and goal of every high school bandsmen who would soon enter college. Now that Theta chapter has been reinstalled and is growing in membership and service activities, re-launching the Orange Baton is finally a reality!
‘Doc’ speaks up By Dr. Brad Townsend Western District Governor The Theta chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi continues to grow and flourish and has become an integral part of the OSU Band program. From projects like organizing equipment and uniforms for the marching band’s fall season to providing snacks at games, the OSU Marching Band simply could not operate with out Theta. It has been particularly gratifying this year to see
Thetas reach out to help in the concert band side of things as well. From recruiting members who are not in the marching band to helping set up rooms for rehearsals to cleaning Benton Hall, Theta has been doing it all. We are very happy with their growth and their efforts to reach out to new band members and Theta Alums. We look forward to seeing Theta’s progress and are grateful for their contributions to the OSU Bands!
Arrangement Competition
Photo Credit: Danielle Aguilar
The Epsilon class after 3rd degree. Not pictured: Ryan Auerbach
Reflections from an Epsilon
By Sarah Montague Epsilon Class Third degree at Western District Convention was such a great and special event. Having brothers there from many different chapters made the experience even more special. Going into third degree, I was nervous and didn’t know what to expect. I questioned whether I was ready to be in a brotherhood and if I could make the time commitment. When we entered the
room and removed our blindfolds to go through the stations, I looked around at all the people that were soon to become my brothers. I knew at that point I could put both feet into the Fraternity and that the bond through music that all these people shared was so strong. Having the company of all the chapters and the National council members there meant so much and it is an experience I will never forget.
By Meghan Payne Fundraising Chair 2010-11 We’re always looking for ways to combine the great philosophies of our organization and the 1st annual Slam Dunk Arrangement Competition served to do something like that. Open to any student on campus, the competition was designed to encourage participants to make an arrangement of a contemporary song. 3 scores and a midi file of the arrangement were to be handed in along with an entrance fee of $5. The songs were then judged by a panel of brothers and their top choices were given to the director of bands, Dr. Chapman for the final say. The prize? The winner was awarded a session with Dr. Chapman to perfect the piece before it
was to be given to the pep band to sight read. Upon the disgression of the director of athletic bands, Dr. Townsend, the piece may have been put into the pep band folder to be performed at basketball games, volleyball games, and gymnastics meets. The greatest difficulty that we faced was marketing. We set the competition for Week Two of winter term so that there would be plenty of time for Dr. Chapman to set up the appointment with the winner. As a result, we didn’t do as much advertising as we should have. Next year we plan to get the word out and have information and sign-up sheets ready at the end of fall term so that participants will have winter break to work on their arrangements.
Thoughts from RV the (former) VP
By Rachel Vanderbeek Vice President 2010-11 I must say that being Vice President this past year has been one of my most memorable things. I learned so much about who I am as a leader and more importantly, I got to know 9 amazing members of our fraternity in a way that only a teacher can. So thank you to the chapter for giving me this chance to put my skill to good use, and thank you Delta and Epsilon for giving me the best memories of the year. I expect great things from you guys in the years to come and look forward to working with some of you this year on the various committees and projects we serve on together. Each and every one of you has special talents and it was my goal as your educator to help you find where you can best use those talents within this fraternity and out in the real world: Sarah L, you are always so kind
and friendly. I know you’re going to do great at whatever you end up doing, just make sure it isn’t boring. Noel, I am still impressed with how devoted to MEP and to this fraternity you are. Keep it up and have a great senior year. Brian, though you’re the quiet one of everyone, I know you have great ideas and want the best for this fraternity. Greg, I look forward to working with you on executive council this coming year and have always loved your enthusiasm for everything you do. Blake, you consistently impress me with the patience and wisdom you have. I look forward to the day you correct me in meetings, I know it will come. Alex, I’m so happy you are a member of our fraternity now. Your kindness and compassion are amazing. Sarah M, oh so full of life you
are. You constantly make me laugh since your smile is contagious. Ryan, my successor. I look forward to working with you and see what improvements you bring to MEP and to this fraternity. Just promise me you’ll remember Wava Banes. Christy, I hope you still have that note on your phone. Your enthusiasm made meetings great and I always have so much fun when we hang out. Delta, congrats to surviving a rough term with all the mis-scheduled events and having meetings in the uniform room. Epsilon, never lose your spirit and enthusiasm; they make each of you unique. All, never lose your love for music and your love for your brothers. AEA, Rachel Vanderbeek 2010-2011 Vice President 2011-2012 President Kappa Kappa Psi-Theta Chapter
Photo Credit: Danielle Aguilar
The annual Theta Chapter camping trip to Beverly Beach in May of 2011, where a weekend of brother-bonding and fun took place. A few brothers from Gamma even managed to make the long haul down for the weekend.
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5 Fabulous Pictures of Theta Showcasing...
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4 1. Jesse, Greg, Paul and Alex reorganize the top of the cabinets in 202 for one of Delta’s rush nights. 2. Rachel cuts out a wagon wheel placard for Western District Convention. 3. Rachel and Lauren scrapbook at WDC. 4. Brian and Greg move out some trash at the Reser Clean-Up day. 5. Naomi, Danielle, Meghan and Noel sell flowers on Valentine’s Day in the quad.
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