And Then, There Were Eleven

by Christina Jones

Theta Phi - ΤΒΣ Hampton University

Spring 2022. The Eleven Eclectic Tiers of Excellence. We come from all different areas of the band and strive for excellence together. This spring, I, along with ten of my SisTAUs, had the honor of being initiated into the Theta Phi chapter of Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority, Inc. This is one of the largest lines Theta Phi has ever had. During our Membership Education Process, we were taught the ways and values of Tau Beta Sigma through classroom education and hands on experiences.

Attending the 2022 District Convention was one for the books! It was great being able to meet and bond with fellow TBS and KKPsi members and membership candidates. We were able to learn from other chapters and from the many speaker presentations. In preparation for writing this piece, I asked my sisters, “what was the most enjoyable moment during our process?” One of my sisters, Taylor Root, responded, “I think the most enjoyable part of our process was when we all went to the District Convention. It was the biggest thing we all did together as membership candidates and Active members. We got to shadow proceedings and see how things worked, as well as just have fun together as a whole group, including our brothers, too.”

Throughout our membership process, we also learned the value of service. We came together—both membership candidates and active members—to clean out the uniform closet. We cleaned uniforms, organized shelves, and reorganized the uniform parts. After a long afternoon full of hard work, dedication, and sister bonding, we had greatly transformed the uniform closet. It was great being able to serve the band in this way while continuing to get to know each other and develop the bond. Additionally, we volunteered at a local elementary school, helping a Theta Phi alum set up her Music classroom. As a music teacher, she was moving into a new school and requested our help. Helping at the school led to an even greater opportunity, where TBS and some band members were able to go to the school and perform for the kids. It was a great way to share music with the youth and expose the kids to where music could take them in the future. This opened our eyes to the different types of service that can build bridges between TBS, our band, and the local community.

On April 9, 2022, we were initiated into Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority, Inc. The journey to get here was not easy, however, it was worth it all. In the words of my sister, Jada Haskins, “…We are all so different, and if it wasn’t for this process, some of us would have likely never spoken to each other…” The eleven of us have built an unbreakable bond and are excited to work and serve the band!

Spring 2022 at the District Convention in Delaware as membership candidates.

Spring 2022 after their initiation into Tau Beta Sigma

NATIONAL LEADERSHIP TEAM POSITIONS

The National Leadership Team would like to solicit interested and quali ed parties to submit their name and quali cations for election to the National Council, Board of Trustees, or TBSAA Executive Council for the 2023-2025 Biennium.

NATIONAL COUNCIL

Interested individuals running for the National Council should meet the following basic quali cations: • Life Member of the Sorority in good standing and at least 25 years of age at the time of election. • Completed an undergraduate degree program. • Shall possess outstanding business ability and be able to represent the Sorority under all ordinary conditions. • Able to serve a two-year term once elected. • Will interview with the Nominations Committee at the National Convention & elected by the National Chapter.

More info of this process can be found in 3.202, 3.203 & 3.204 in the National Constitution: https://www.tbsigma.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/TBSConstitution-2021.pdf

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Interested individuals running for the Board of Trustees should meet the following basic quali cations: • Life Member of the Sorority in good standing and at least 30 years of age at the time of election. • Shall possess outstanding business or professional ability and shall be capable of representing the Corporation and Sorority under all circumstances. • Able and willing to serve a four-year term once elected. • Will interview with the National Council (Nominations Committee for the Board of Trustees) & elected by the Life Members of the Sorority.

More info of this process can be found in 2.105, 2.106 & 2.107 in the National Constitution: https://www.tbsigma.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/TBSConstitution-2021.pdf

TBSAA EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

Interested individuals running for the Executive Council should meet the following basic quali cations: • Life Member of the Sorority & current TBSAA member in good standing, and at least 25 years of age at the time of election. • Hold an undergraduate college degree. • Shall demonstrate outstanding business skills and be capable of representing the TBSAA under all circumstances. • Able and willing to serve a four-year term once elected. • Elected by the current members of the TBSAA (at the Standard membership level or higher).

More info of this process can be found in 3.202 & 3.203 in the TBSAA Constitution. http://www.tbsalumni.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/tbsaaconst-2123.pdf

Interested Individuals May Submit Their Information No Later Than March 1, 2023

MATERIALS REQUESTED:

• Letter of intent which identi es the position being sought, why it is being sought, what contributions you can make in that o ce, and information detailing how you meet the above basic quali cations. Highlight band and Sorority experience. Limit: 1 page. • Résumé/Vita, inclusive of both Sorority and professional experiences. Limit: one 2-page document or two 1-page documents that separate the two categories. • Three letters of recommendation, one of which should be within the applicant’s profession. • One photograph, suitable for publication.

QUESTIONS MAY BE ADDRESSED TO:

• National President Erika Pope (erikapope@tbsigma.org) • Chairperson of the Board of Trustees Dr. Dawn Farmer (dawn@tbsigma.org) • Chairperson of the TBSAA David Alexander (TBSAA-chair@tbsigma.org)