volume 3, issue 2
winter term 2013
my PM experience by Stephen Nguyen Eta Class During fall term of 2012, I was approached and given the opportunity of joining Kappa Kappa Psi. Within a few weeks, I had gone through my first degree, and was still mostly unaware of what was to come. This, like many things offered to me at OSU and college in general so far was a new experience, and an experience that I wanted to explore. I wanted to obtain a better understanding to help further grow my personality and bring out qualities that I didn’t know were strong or discover new ones. Throughout my marching band experience, I have always noticed Kappa Kappa Psi as the prominent group of individuals who were the leaders. Not just section leaders, but those who took initiative to do things that weren't always asked of them or when the volunteer counts were low. I was always curious, but never thought about joining. I knew I had to think about what priorities I wanted to keep and eliminate or add on to my busy schedule. I also thought about whether or not my personality clicked with everyone in the group. Now, that I've gone through a full term of education as well as second degree, my relationships with
the people that I saw almost everyday grew stronger and I made new ones including my Big, Allison Julander. I have a better understanding of the background of Kappa Kappa Psi and what they stand for, which I believe is to keep music alive, prosperous, and ever changing throughout college bands. As simple as that. Yes, there is a lot more, but from I've experienced and seen, that is the main idea and purpose. As I approach my third degree, getting closer and closer to becoming an active member, I have reflected upon what I have learned Stephen Nguyen and Allison Julander and the relationships I've made. Together, with the principles of Kappa Kappa Psi, I look forward to moving forward to the many new experiences and discoveries to come. Annie Pasquinelli and Nicole Watson
by Danielle Aguilar Gamma Class This year we continued our tradition of hosting a Mocktail party after 2nd Degree. With our awesome hosts, Allison and Annie, and with our energetic and engaging Eta class, it was a huge success. We had the usual unknown taster drinks where we had to guess whose personality the drink best fit. From virgin strawberry daiquiris to orange flavored jello shots, it was definitely a tasty night! I especially enjoy the classic Benny drink, which includes hot chocolate, chocolate syrup, and a pirouette cookie. But the real activity that made this night so much fun was a question game we played in between drinks. Annie had asked the chapter to write interesting questions that we could ask each other, silly or serious. We all drew questions from the hat and used these as ice breaker questions to get to know our Eta class members better, and for them to get to know us. These definitely sparked some interesting conversations! "Why do you love music?" is a lot harder to answer than you'd think! But then there is "Would you rather fight ONE horse-sized duck or ONE HUNDRED duck-sized horses?" I am glad to see that this tradition, which started when Gamma class were prospective members, is continuing on. I still remember the drink made for me, the ‘tequila’ shot, consisting of Seven Up and a lime wedge!
Jamie Gregory, Kaila Eason, and Kerry Sloan
Danielle Aguilar, Daniel Malmuth, and Danny Mitchell
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Brotherhood from by Sarah Montague Epsilon Class
Abroad!
This winter term I spent three months studying Marine Ecology along both sides of Peninsular Thailand and Malaysia. A typical day consisted of snorkeling three or four times, doing field work on the coral reefs, having lecture in hammocks, and eating delectable Thai meals. I must say, camping on islands with 85 degree weather and crystal clear water was not too shabby, but enough about that… After my course, I headed back to Bangkok for a few days. One day while adventuring through Bangkok’s version of Central Park, I heard clarinet sounds in the distance. After following them for a bit, I came across a stage set for The park venue where the Thai Youth Orchestra performs their annual concert an orchestra concert decorated with banners in Thai with music symbols. Jaw dropped, I scanned the stage immediately for a bassoon bell. The group was definitely only warming up and not everyone had shown up yet. I finally spotted a single bassoon bell and watched as the Thai man walked around to the back of the stage. Naturally I followed him and watched eagerly as four bassoonists took pictures with the emcee for the newspaper. Eventually they wondered whom the weird American girl was that was taking pictures of them. I explained my story and they invited me to take a picture with them! I stayed and talked with the musicians who I was happy to realize were just as goofy as bassoonists that I’ve met in the U.S. they were happy to show off their beautiful bassoons and use as much English as they knew. We parted ways as they went on stage to play with the Thai community youth orchestra for their annual concert. I was so lucky to stumble upon this group of bassoonists who perform only once a year with the Thai Youth Orchestra. This encounter with them gave me so much hope and happiness for music worldwide. Seeing how successful and how much community support the group had was so refreshing and motivating. The audience in the park was packed and people were all smiles. This more than anything made me miss my Theta brothers and the Western district. Sometimes it takes leaving the country and experiencing another culture to truly realize how lucky you are to have supportive, talented and loving brothers in your daily life. Thank you to eveSarah with the youth bassoonists ryone, MLITB!
Comforting Constancy by Allison Julander Gamma Class My last several years have been anything but consistent: I studied abroad, took a term off for an internship, switched majors, and have changed addresses six times since moving away from my California hometown. Being a Brother has truly been among the few constants in my college life, and I’ve always loved returning from wherever I’ve been to the Theta chapter. Still, I’ve inevitably missed out on things by coming and going so frequently, including bid and election nights, degree ceremonies, and memorable events such as the WDC we hosted in Portland. I can’t begin to describe how wonderful it’s been so
far to stay at OSU for the full year. It’s opened up so many opportunities for me, such as participation in a full year concert ensemble for the first time and living with some of my closest friends. Within Kappa Kappa Psi, it’s allowed me to hold leadership positions, travel to more events, be a Big, and just be more aware of and involved in the fraternity in general, at both the chapter and district levels. Wagon States Days at the University of Oregon was such a great example of this—it was the first States Days I had attended since my freshman year when I was a prospective member. The weekend was amazing and full to the brim with activity: we did profit shares at Yogurt Extreme and Dickie Jo’s, played lots of ‘get to know you’ games, held a service project at a local high
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Photos provided by the Mu Pi chapter
Continued from page two school’s band room where we cleaned stands and organized music, had a dance party and movie night, explored the gorgeous University of Oregon campus on a photo scavenger hunt, made VooDoo Doughnuts and calzone runs, and more. On the drive home I was left in awe of how much we had done and how many Ultimately, I feel like I’m appreciating this Brotherhood Brothers and Sisters from all over the northwest (and a and this chapter more and more all the time this year. I couple from further down south too!) I had gotten to can’t wait to see what the rest of the year brings. know in just two days. A month later, Greg, Jamie, Danny, Garrett, and I were able to return to the University of Oregon to attend 3rd degree for Mu Pi’s Zeta class. Afterward, we all went to Red Robin and I got to share a table with Theta, Gamma, Psi, and Mu Pi Brothers. It was such a small moment, but as all of us laughed and talked and ate together right after leaving a Third Degree ceremony, all I could think was: this is it. This is the type of moment that first drew me to Kappa Kappa Psi—an organization where people from rival schools with a common interest could become Garrett Elzie, Danny Mitchell, Jamie Gregory, Greg Urban, and a ‘we.’ Allison Julander after 3rd Degree for Mu Pi’s Zeta class
by Stephen Marshall Zeta Class This year, the Theta Chapter of Oregon State says goodbye to our sponsor Dr. Brad Townsend (or Doc as we like to call him), Director of Athletic Bands. This summer he moves to Philadelphia to begin his new career as Director of Bands at the University of Pittsburgh, where he can work closer to his family and friends and we wish him the very best on his next adventure. Dr. Townsend’s support of the Theta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi has helped us grow into an organization that not only can support the athletic bands, but all the bands at Oregon State. When he took the job more than ten years ago, the Theta Chapter was inactive. Under his guidance and support the chapter regained its relevancy and returned with full force and immediately ready to make an impact. In addition to his role as Chapter Sponsor, Dr. Townsend was also one of the two Western District Governors, and has overseen so much positive change and provided council to the leadership of the Western District. The Marching Band at Oregon State has more than doubled in size largely because of the band culture Dr. Townsend has created here. The OSUMB provides students of all musical skill levels a unique opportunity to create and share music with one another. Dr. Townsend’s bands will be remembered for their masterful coupling of fun and hard work. It is a true testament to Dr. Townsend’s character that the OSUMB maintains more upperclassman than almost any other in the country. We will miss Doc for his teaching, his spirit, and of course his jokes. But even more we will miss his encouragement and ability to inspire. Dr. Townsend’s teaching style is brilliant because he shows his students that the true mark of strong leadership comes from hard work, active participation, and maintaining a positive attitude and not from a person telling others what to do and how to do it. He taught us that true success could only be achieved when the individual is committed to the goals of the group and to their band mates. No one person can force a group to greatness, but a sincere individual is capable of bringing the greatness out of a group of people. The love Doc has for music and for his students is clear, and his skill and attention to detail is obvious. He will be missed at Oregon State but it is clear that his legacy will be a long one. Long after all his students leave, the permanent imprint of his work on the culture of the OSUMB will remain. No student in the marching band escaped his care or his attention, and no student lucky enough to work with Dr. Townsend will ever forget the experience. Thank you Doc, you are my boss, my teacher, my mentor, and my friend. It’s hard to imagine Oregon State without you here, but I know our future and yours is bright, and your students will continue to lead and uphold the high standards you have helped us set for ourselves. I can only hope that I can continue to spread what I have learned from you to my future students someday.
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the fabulous
Brian McFadden
five fabulous pictures of Theta showcasing...
ANNIE’S ART
{
sketches of Thetas drawn by Annie Pasquinelli at chapter meetings
}
Stephen Marshall Sage Gustafson
Brett Moffatt
Rachel Vanderbeek
elli n i u q s a P Annie
The Orange Baton is assembled and edited by Allison Julander // Photos compiled by Jamie Gregory and Annie Pasquinelli Special thanks to the Mu Pi chapter for photo contributions!
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