February 2013
Volume 1, Issue 4
SHELLS Featured Article: MLSS by Lee Commander Everyone has had the hard knock decisions when it comes to selecting new members of our Sorority and faced the difficult struggle it can be to determine what characteristics deserve to considered more important than others. When considering prospective members my chapter at Alpha Omega always uses MLSS: Musicianship, Leadership, Service, and Sisterhood to help guide our decision making process. There are several ways that you can break down these
upfront role in leadership? Maybe these are people that whenever they walk by a piece of trash they pick it up, or arrive early, stay late, are always at attention, never miss rehearsal, always know their music, etc. It is quite possible especially with younger students that one day they will have a leadership role but, we also need to make sure we are visible to the things they are doing. Also, check out and see if their leadership carries over to a different organization other than Tau Beta Sigma. It could allow connections to be built with other
categories. Musicianship: Musicianship is not solely defined with the premise that they are the world’s best musician or even music majors. Some general characteristics might be are they passionate about music? This is the common tie that links ALL sisters and brothers together so should it then not be placed close to the top of the value chart? Are these prospective members working hard at their instrument? Are they participating in outside musical activities other than simply marching band; students might be involved in Basketball Pep Bands, A Concert Ensemble, A Jazz Band, A Cappella group. Perhaps someone is a music student and is just simply phenomenal at their instrument this too is something to consider. Remember first and foremost you support the bands and you should want people who are passionate about that support. Leadership: This is another category that can be broken down a little. Of course if people are currently on student leadership in your band program then they can be looked at as leaders. But, what about the ones who are leading by example every day? Do you have your eye on them? Would you notice even if they are choosing not to take an
musical, or service organizations. Service: Service often times takes a little bit of digging in order for people to truly get to the nittygritty about how people interact with service. Perhaps these people are involved in other service organizations, maybe they are involved in the community, and maybe they show up for service projects and weren’t even connected to the organization yet. However, MANY times these same students were involved greatly when they were in high school. This is most certainly something that can be reveled at. The best indicator of future behavior is past and present behavior thus, if they were involved when they were in high school they will probably be involved again when they are in college. Sometimes these students are interested in starting a project. Listen to what they have to say, this could very well lead you as sisters into a new project that opens new doors or promotes your chapter better. Sisterhood: Sisterhood is the hardest to define but ultimately goes to are you being a good steward of yourself, your chapter, your sisters, and the organization as a whole. Someone who is constantly yelling on the field, not paying attention, or cusses up a storm to others is not setting the voice or the model that you want for your organization. Once, someone becomes a candidate and other people are aware of their candidacy then they are a representation of
Southeast District of Tau Beta Sigma Spring Dates: DLC @ S.C. State February 16th Convention Packet Due March 1st March for Music March 9th SED Convention @ FSU April 5th-7th PAPERWORK
Inside this issue: President
2
VPM
3
VPSP
4-5
Secretary
5
Treasurer
6
Historian
7
Contact Information
7
YOU as a chapter. In order for Tau Beta Sigma to function we need people who are ready to represent in a positive way, and are always striving for emotional poise and making a positive example for the rest of the organization.
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President: Are YOU Going? This year the district is honored to have some outstanding events going on, and the question is... ARE YOU GOING?! Many times it is easy for us as a district to let the bystander effect take control but, I want to see 100% of our chapters represented. DLC this year is going to be held at South Carolina State University on Feb. 16th. We will be doing workshops based off of MLSS! (Musicianship, Leadership, Service, and Sisterhood) There will be phenomenal workshops including but not limited to “Being a Silent Leader,” and “Building Better Relationships with your Director of Bands.” Several of our workshops will be led by some of our past district officers such as Stephen Burt, Rachel Kerley and Ashlynn Whittchow. We will also be having a District Council Leadership Panel where you are able to ask us any question you want from “What inspires you in Tau Beta Sigma,” to “What’s the hardest part of your job?” Most importantly we will be bonding and working together with our brothers to learn more of our district music to be performance ready for Southeast District Convention. On March 9, 2013 we will be having March for Music. This is a very special project to the SED and we really hope that we will see MANY of our schools represented! If you have any questions please talk to Belinda Baker at sedvpsp@tbsigma.org. Most excitedly I am thrilled to announce that Southeast District Convention will take place at The Florida State University on April 5-7. This convention is sure to be one of the best conventions you have ever been to! We are fortunate to have the National Historian Lisa Croston coming to be our featured presenter. She will be talking about “The History of Tau Beta Sigma be- fore 1946.” We will also be having many workshops from other national leaders or sisters from other districts. This is all on top of the fantastic music we are sure to get from the FSU College of Music and our very own Concerto Contest Winner! You also can’t forget your nice
clothes or ritual clothes since we are fortunate enough to have BOTH! We are also doing things slightly differently by trying to put together committees sooner so that more work can be accomplished during convention since there is limited time at convention to work. Please check out your convention registration packet for information regarding that. IF YOUR CHAPTER HAS NOT RECEIVED THE MAILOUT PLEASE EMAIL ME OR YOUR CHAPTER MENTOR ASAP!! I look forward to seeing all of you at all three of these exciting events! MLITB, Lee Commander Florida State University, Alpha Omega SED President 2012-2013
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Vice President of Membership: Music, Our Common Tie For many of us, music has had a profound impact on our lives. This concept is so central to who we are as sisters of Tau Beta Sigma that it is one of our Eight Essential Factors promoting friendship and respect among Sorority members: “A mutual interest in the Art of Music in its performance and in the aesthetic qualities it can project to others.” I realize that these factors can only be so long to be memorable, but this only scratches the surface of what music really is. I can imagine our founders had a really hard time deciding what to write for the musical factor. After all, if we had words that could achieve what music can, there may have been no need for it at all. But since there are no words, music is a need. As one of my chapter brothers in Phi Mu Alpha once said, “Music is what feelings sound like.” Music is as central to our beings as the emotions that inspire it. Not only that, but without music, there would be no band, no camaraderie, no opportunity to serve, and no Sisterhood for us to enjoy. In my experience, what has made Tau Beta Sigma so successful is the bond we share first and foremost as musicians and band members. Whether auxiliary or instrumentalist, the time we share in rehearsals, performances, game days, and whatever other events our band is involved in is what gives us the opportunity to spend time together, grow together, and serve together. So what do we do to honor this pillar of our Sorority? We devote time to it. This can take many forms: participating in an ensemble, practicing, performing for Sisters or anyone else, or even attending a concert (especially if a Sister is performing!). All of these activities are integral parts of the Art of Music, and you should hopefully be actively pursuing many or all of them at various points during the year. I really want to emphasize that we need to share this gift with others; it provides an amazing service to the hearts and souls of others. The fact that our fifth factor reminds us of Music’s “aesthetic qualities it can project to others” tells us how important it was to our founders that we share music with everyone, not just within our chapter or our Sorority. I hope you and your chapters can take
time and evaluate how music is being upheld in your chapter, and if there is anything you can do to make it better. In today’s world, music programs are at risk for diminishing and getting cut in the school systems. What administrators don’t always realize is how much it helps students succeed academically and socially, and teaches them the value of responsibility, hard work, teamwork, and perseverance. Never forget what music has given us, and never fail to give back to it when you have the opportunity. MLITB, Kevin Brenner Vanderbilt University, Eta Phi SED Vice President of Membership
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Vice President of Special Projects: Leadership The road not taken, may be the road to the rest of our lives... This is a difficult article for me, as I have always chosen the road not taken. Whether in choosing my instrument (girl percussionist) or my favorite food (anything Asian-- Japanese, Chinese, Korean) to making even more difficult decisions, college (out of state), profession (Woman Band Director), etc. Every single decision and mistake I have ever made, seems like the one not taken by any other. I have never been “main stream,” I truly am the world’s first hipster.... I knew leadership and self-reliance were what I wanted to strive for, even when it was still cool to be with the “in” crowd. I knew music and service were calling my name, way before typical school stereotypes told me that was acceptable. And yes, I do mean this to sound exaggerated, for it is. Yet, somehow, beyond all odds, beyond the norms of society and what it demands from me, here I am. Here I am in this wonderful organization which has changed my life forever. And through this organization, I have met so many magnificent people, probably including you. This is the lesson of leadership I have for you. Leadership does not come in one shape, or size, one major, one instrument, one gender, or even one behavior style. Leadership belongs to all of us. This organization offers us all the opportunity to discover where we excel. The best part about it? Everyone fits in. Every single sister and brother across the nation has potential, that is how and why we belong in this incredible bond. Now, my challenge to you for this semester and always: Find your niche. Be a leader in your own way. Do not let others determine your worth or use. We all have voices and they should sing above reprisal.
First step to unlocking your leadership potential in Tau Beta Sigma? Attending an assortment of events geared to mold and shape that untapped potential of yours!!! First and foremost, it would be coming to DLC at SCS and attending the different workshops geared towards bettering yourself and your chapter. Or attending the first, official ATL March for Music. Or what about serving as your chapter’s delegate at SED Convention in April? Let your voice and vote be heard throughout the district. And the huge opportunity I have yet to mention, it is a NATIONAL CONVENTION year! Travel with the rest of the SED to Springfield, Massachusetts to shower our diversity across the Tau Beta Sigma nation. These opportunities do come around every year (or two), but why wait another year wondering? Don’t. Get involved. Attend. Let your voice and opinions be heard. The truth is, we will listen. I promise, unleashing your leadership potential, wherever it may be is a life altering experience you should not miss out on. MLITB Belinda Baker Auburn University, Theta Lambda SED Vice President of Special Projects, 2012-2013 2013 March for Music, Head Coordinator
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Secretary: Service and Sisterhood Service “We provide exceptional service to collegiate bands…” There it is so simply stated in our mission statement. That we, Tau Beta Sigma, provide service to bands. We all have the things that we think of when we think of providing service. For example in my chapter, Beta Xi, we do things such as provide receptions after concerts, line the field before marching band rehearsals, set-up chairs for rehearsal, and distribution of snacks to the marching band after the halftime performance each game. However, providing exception service is not just simply doing these same things day in and day out. Service goes much further than that. Having Sisters in the different bands your school offers is a “service” and being a leader (officially or unofficially) within your band and setting a good example is also a service for your directors. There are also other things we can do as Sisters of Tau Beta Sigma to provide service not only to your band, but your community as well. In the past Beta Xi has gone to Al’z Place here in Gainesville, which is a place that assists people with Alzheimer's, and played music for them. The people within the organization love the special treat and it not only promotes Tau Beta Sigma, but it also promotes your band program as a whole. Something that almost all directors love. Don’t be afraid to do something new, to look outside the confines of your band and do something exceptional for everyone involved. Sisterhood “...With my Sisters I am best…” As part of the interviewing process of each Sister our Membership Candidates ask each Sister their definition of sisterhood and this is something that I feel truly shows who we are as an organization. The bond we all share as Sisters (as well as many other things) is what makes us more than just a club or fun thing to do on the side. My answer is simply October 16, 2012. When the
membership candidates look at me in confusion I simply explain to them why this date is so important to me and why it is my definition of Sisterhood. This date, as I’m sure you are all aware, is the day our beautiful founder, Wava, joined the great Sorority in the sky. I use it as my definition of Sisterhood because no matter what chapter someone was from, when they crossed, or any of that we were all there for each other. We mourned as one organization as we lost someone who has touched each of our lives whether we met her in person or not. The togetherness we showed that day is something we should show each day. Being Sisters does not mean that we have to agree on everything all the time, but it means that we should support each other. That we should be there for each and be able to get along even when we aren’t having the best of days. Our Sisters are someone we can lean on. The next time you have a disagreement with a Sister think back to the day where we all came together and remember the kindness we all shared that day. “Generosity of mind, heart, and hand.” MLITB Rebecca Snead University of Florida, Beta Xi SED Secretary, 2012-2013
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Treasurer’s Chest Greetings SED! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday break, and I am revved up for what this semester has in store for the SED. As the semester begins, I encourage chapters to look closely at last semester’s budgets next to this semester’s, and see if there were any unnecessary budgeting that can be eliminated. This helps gauge what is possible this semester with you leftover. As we all know, that extra cushion is a great way to end our semester for the next academic year, or with a nice donation to your Music Department.
Last, but not least, while we are talking about budgets, it is great for Treasurers to budget spending money for the upstart of fundraisers. However, you want to ensure that you will make a nice profit off of it in a decent amount of time. You always want your turnaround to benefit you. With SED around the corner, and National Convention not too far after, this is a great opportunity to get great fundraisers to offer to other sisters at those conventions.
A few budgets that may be worth looking at in particular are: Special Projects/Programs, Ways ‘n’ Means/Fundraising, and Social. These budgets (from what I have seen) can be the largest budgets within a chapter. However, I have seen instances where these budgets are very underutilized, or just over budgeted. However, I have seen where these budgets may need to increase, such as Special Projects/Programs; because of inflation, food prices have raised, ergo concert receptions for the bands may cost more now.
As always, I am here as a resource, and look forward to seeing many of you at the upcoming events this semester, and throughout the SED. Please, feel free to contact me at any time.
A few ways to ensure a budget is 100% maximized, and used properly would be: going back to previous semesters’ budgets;; making sure your officer(s) is/are doing their job(s) properly. I have noticed that over/under budgeting has been a result of not looking at past budgets, and improper planning. Also, it is good for the Treasurer to analyze the budget, and ask questions about what the money is for. This way they can go back to the E-Board if they feel the officer is planning more than is feasibly achievable.
Your 2012-2013 District Councils with their Convention Host Chairs at Winter Council!
MLITB Salvatore Parillo University of Central Florida, Zeta Psi SED Treasurer, 2012-2013
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Parliamentarian: Preparing Your Bids Before Convention Hey SED! District Convention is just around the corner and will be hosted at Florida State University April 57. Each semester, chapters are encouraged to submit bids for both the next district convention, and to host the Eighth Note, but before you make the trip to SED, take a second to make sure you’ve gone about making your bid with all the correct considerations. There are lots of helpful resources to help guide chapters in submitting their bid. These can be found in the SED Constitution and Southeast District Operations Manual on the TBS Southeast District website. Additionally, the joint national website has a guide for convention host chapters with a lot of detailed information. Before you start making your bid, make sure to check out these resources. The most important consideration when bidding for either the Eighth Note or District Convention needs to be an honest evaluation of you chapter’s ability to host it. We encourage all chapters to get involved on the district level, and this is a great opportunity to just that. The Eighth Note is a lot of fun to assemble and publish, and although the district will help subsidize some of its publication, ensure that you chapter is in a position to contribute towards its publication as well. A bid for the Eighth Note must consist of a sample Eighth Note of your proposed content and format, and must be submitted to the Committee on Joint Actions during their first session. An honest chapter self-evaluation is also needed for chapters bidding convention, so make sure when you put together your proposed budget for convention, it is a conservative and realistic. Also make sure that you have enough proposed spaces to host separate and joint sessions, and that you are certain in your ability to book them. All requirements are spelled out in the available
resources, but some key components are clear support of your sponsor and director of bands, two proposed convention dates, a complete budget including banquet costs, and available meeting spaces for joint sessions, separate sessions, committee meetings and the marketplace. Physical and electronic copies of your bid are due at the beginning of convention. There are definitely a lot of things to consider when submitting your bid at convention this year, but don’t let it scare you off. Hosting the Eighth Note or a district convention is an incredibly rewarding consideration, and all the hard work pays off. Getting more chapters involved on the district level is incredibly important to make sure that we represent the very best of our amazing, diverse district, and all the strengths we have. I truly hope you consider submitting a bid this April! MLITB Stephen Richards Georgia Tech, Epsilon Theta SED Parliamentarian, 2012-2013
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Historian: SED Scrapbook With district convention around the corner, I would like to go over the changes that were made last year to the scrapbook. Instead of creating your own page for the scrapbook, you can bring your chapter’s scrap- book to convention to be put on display and judged in our new scrapbook contest! The district council will give out awards for the best scrapbooks. As for the district scrapbook, it will be completed with help from you! Choose pictures of your chapter throughout the year – the things you would have put in the old scrapbook page – and send them to me at sedhistorian@tbsigma.org. Also if you took pictures at any district events, you can include those too! The more pictures you send, the better! So send me your photos and get started on your scrapbooks! Can’t wait to see them at conven- tion! MLITB, Lindsay Meyers University of Central Florida, Zeta Psi SED Historian, 2012-2013
http://www.kkytbs.org/ sed/tbs/index.html
E-Mail Addresses President: sedpres@tbsigma.org VP of Membership: sedvpcm@tbsigma.org VP of Special Projects: sedvpsp@tbsigma.org Secretary: sedsecretary@tbsigma.org Treasurer: sedtreasurer@tbsigma.org Parliamentarian: stephenrichards@tbsigma.org Historian: sedhistorian@tbsigma.org Counselors: sedcoun@tbsigma.org
Tau Beta Sigma SED Strength. Excellence. Diversity.
2012-2013 Southeast District Council President: Lee Commander, Alpha Omega Vice President of Membership: Kevin Brenner, Eta Phi Vice President of Special Projects: Belinda Baker, Theta Lambda Secretary: Rebecca Snead, Beta Xi Treasurer: Salvatore Parillo, Zeta Psi Parliamentarian: Stephen Richards, Epsilon Theta Historian: Lindsay Meyers, Zeta Psi