The PODIUM - Fall 2024

Membership Services Coordinator

Projects & Systems Manager

Membership & Expansion Coordinator

National Events Coordinator

National Accounting Manager

Kappa Kappa Psi Chapter Field Representative

Kappa Kappa Psi Chapter Field Representative

STAFF

Debbie Morris

Aaron Moore

Nicole Brooks

Lisa Croston

Kathy Webster

Mason Thomas Ari Wright

MAILING ADDRESS

The PODIUM

National Headquarters Kappa Kappa Psi/Tau Beta Sigma P.O. Box 849 Stillwater, OK 74076-0849 (405) 372-2333 www.kkytbs.org e-mail: podium@kkytbs.org

ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS

Articles must be prepared using common word processing software or submitted by e-mail. Photographs must have captions attached with all individuals identified. Detailed author’s guidelines can be found on the NHQ web site at: podium.kkytbs.org

DEADLINES

May 1 December 1 Fall issue Spring issue

The PODIUM is produced at the National Headquarters of Kappa Kappa Psi & Tau Beta Sigma in Stillwater, Okla., and printed and mailed by Modern Litho-Print, Jefferson City, Missouri.

On the Cover:

The Blue and Gold Marching Machine of North Carolina A&T State University performing at the 2023 Bands of America Championships. See the story on pg 12-13!

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

September 30

• Submission & postmark deadline for KKΨ & TBΣ Chapter Personnel Reports, policy acknowledgments and fees.

October 15

• Quarter Schools Submission & postmark deadline for KKΨ & TBΣ Chapter Personnel Reports, policy acknowledgments and fees.

morris@kkytbs.org moore@kkytbs.org brooks@kkytbs.org croston@kkytbs.org webster@kkytbs.org kkycfr@kkpsi.org cfrkky@kkpsi.org

Nov 1

• Auditions open for the 2025 National Intercollegiate Band

Dec 1

• Online deadline for articles being submitted to the Spring 2025 issue of The PODIUM

• On-time deadline for Fall Activity Reports

Jan 15

• Deadline to submit nominations packet for Kappa Kappa Psi

Jan 30

• District Convention Registration opens

Mar 1

• 2025 National Intercollegiate Band auditions close

• Deadline to submit nominations packet for Tau Beta Sigma

Mar 7-8

• Northeast District Convention in Camp Hill, PA

Mar 21-22

• Southeast District Convention in Atlanta, GA

Mar 28-30

• Southwest District Convention in Midwest City, OK

Apr 4-6

• North Central District Convention in Grand Rapids, MI

Apr 11-13

• Midwest District Convention in Wichita, KS

• Western District Convention in Tempe, AZ

May 1

• Online deadline for articles being submitted to the Fall 2025 issue of The PODIUM

Jun 1

• On-time deadline for Spring Activity Reports

Jul 15-18

• National Convention in Lexington, KY

what'sINSIDE

Nathaly

Writers Wanted!

The National Headquarters accepts the Podium submissions via e-mail at podium@kkytbs.org and online at podium.kkytbs.org. In order to make processing of articles easier please use the following format:

Remember that articles must be received by May 1 for the fall issue and December 1 for the spring issue. Within the GYM line include "Podium Article for (your) Chapter."

Feature articles should be 1-2 pages, not including photos. You can figure 600 words per page, so a 2-page article would be about 1,200 words. Try to keep your article to a multiple of 300 words, with a 600 word/1-page minimum.

Fraternity/sorority-wide news items should be one-half page/300-word minimum, not including photo(s).

Chapter news items should be one-quarter page/150-word minimum, not including photo(s).

Articles may be submitted as an attachment to an e-mail message; save the article as either a Microsoft® Word document or in Rich Text Format.

Be sure to send photos illustrating your story. Photos must be 300dpi or higher and attached separately from the article, not embedded. We assume that the writer of the article has full rights to the photos and grants a license to us for publication purposes. Submissions containing photographs will receive priority for publication.

Every photo must have a caption! Be sure to include the photo captions within the e-mail for the article you send and be sure you identify everyone in the photo.

Original photos are preferred, either color or blackand-white.

Helpful Hints

- Make your article interesting and exciting to read.

- Focus on one or two topics and expand upon it.

- Try not to write a chapter summary report for your article.

- We like to hear about extraordinary things such as successful fundraisers, unique socials, or service projects.

FROM YOUR NATIONAL PRESIDENTS

As we present the Fall 2024 issue of The Podium, we are reminded of the profound and interwoven stories that shape our organizations. In these pages, you will find a common thread that speaks to celebration, legacy, and reflection—each an essential element of our individual and collective journeys. As we stand at the threshold of another chapter in our shared history, we encourage you to take a moment to honor the steps you’ve taken, the paths you’ve carved, and the contributions you’ve made to Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma.

This issue is a tribute to the dedication, resilience, and passion that define our membership. Whether you are a newly initiated member finding your place within our organizations, or a seasoned leader reflecting on decades of service, your journey is integral to the fabric of Tau Beta Sigma and Kappa Kappa Psi. Together, we have created a legacy that transcends generations, and it is this legacy that we celebrate with each article, story, and reflection shared in this edition.

We are deeply grateful to all our volunteers and members who have poured their time, energy, and hearts into the work that we do. To those who have authored the articles in this issue, thank you for your courage in sharing your experiences, insights, and wisdom. Your voices are the life force of our community, and your stories serve as a beacon of inspiration for all who read them.

As you dive into the following pages, we encourage you to embrace the wealth of insight and inspiration that awaits you. Each article is a testament to the power of reflection, the strength of legacy, and the joy of celebration. Let these stories fuel your passion, broaden your understanding, and deepen your connection to our brotherhood and sisterhood.

On behalf of the National Councils of Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma, we wish you a meaningful journey as we march together toward our National Convention in July 2025. May the reflections of the past guide you, the celebrations of the present uplift you, and the promise of the future inspire you.

In the Bond, Leslie Gartin 49th National President 41st National President Kappa Kappa Psi Tau Beta Sigma

The Road to a WIM Scholarship

Nicholas Smith Theta - TBΣ University of Cincinnati

The Theta Chapter (est. 1947) of Tau Beta Sigma (ΤΒΣ) has had a long history, and recently, we have been able to add a wonderful addition to our chapter legacy. In the Fall of 2021, our chapter took time to focus on our internal operations and consider the direction and focus of Theta. On November 14th, we determined that we wanted to place a higher focus on music and thus decided to elevate our Music Chair position to Music Director, a title finally solidified in our records in 2023. With this role, we also established a Music Committee they would oversee as an executive officer. Shortly after this shift, in the Spring Semester of 2022, one of the committee’s focuses became developing a Women in Music (WIM) Scholarship. This scholarship idea was worked on over the next year, but never fully developed until this past academic year when planning finally got off the ground and the project was realized for the first time.

Before illustrating our chapter’s journey with this project however, it is important to consider why we wanted to establish a Women in Music Scholarship in the first place. In modern times, there are more opportunities for a woman to be successful in music than in our Founder’s times, but we recognized that it is still incredibly difficult with instances of sexism, gender expectations, and much more. As such, we wanted to highlight one woman in music in the area surrounding Cincinnati, to get beyond marching versus concert band and even the University of Cincinnati itself. When this scholarship was first conceived, we did not want any impediments, so the basic requirements were to be female-identifying, enrolled in a nearby undergraduate program, and actively involved in the musical arts. We hoped this would allow our project to be accessible and also help the project come to life.

Since it had already taken about a year and a half to realize this vision, the committee was determined to get this idea to take flight this academic year. When the planning began, there was one key focus: to set a timeline to get the project in motion and finally complete the process. With this in mind, the group compiled goals and ideas

from previous years of brainstorming and began an initial draft of the application. In October 2023, with lots of fine-tuning, the committee presented this draft to the band staff and chapter to get thoughts on the application. In the end, we settled on six main parts to the application including scholarship purpose statement, a description of the amount of aid, how/ when/where the winner will be recognized, requirements to apply, an applicant bio-form with an essay, and additional information about the Bearcat Bands and ΤΒΣ.

Once the application was fine-tuned and narrowed down to all those key aspects, the committee reached out to prospective panelists for the scholarship, which included past women in music speakers, former music education staff, and former music teachers, yielding a top-tier group of three panelists. The panel consisted of Dr. Ann Porter, Melissa Dennedy, and Carol Dunevant. Dr. Porter is a retired educator who most recently served as a Professor of Music Education and Chair of the Division of Music Education for the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music (CCM). Mrs. Dennedy is a music educator who has served in the Loveland City Schools District for over 20 years in a wide variety of roles and has received both regional and national recognition. Ms. Dunevant currently serves as the Director of Learning for the Cincinnati Symphony and Pops Orchestra, with experience conducting nationally and internationally.

In January 2024, it was time for the longawaited announcement of the inaugural scholarship. A major lesson learned by the chapter from the announcement process was to have planned lines of communication with the community prior to launch. For instance, for the first few weeks we neglected to put up fliers about the scholarship in our own band room but did have them in CCM. Regardless of these initial errors, we were able to have the scholarship open for seven weeks from January 8th until February 23rd. Once the application closed, the responses were compiled for the panelists to begin making a decision about the finalists. The chosen finalists then came in

WIM Scholarship Poster Image Description: One of two 2024 WIM Scholarship poster announcement containing application details

WIM Scholarship Poster (Page 2) Image Description: The second of two 2024 WIM Scholarship poster announcement containing application details

to conduct interviews on March 4 and a decision on who had won the scholarship was chosen on March 5th. After selection, our winner was contacted to determine how to send the money to their account and to extend an invite to attend the band’s formal at the end of the semester for public recognition.

Given the information above, we are ecstatic to announce Kelly James as the winner of the Chapter’s inaugural Women in Music Scholarship! Kelly James is a collegiate horn player from Princeton, Kentucky currently pursuing a double major in horn performance and music education at CCM. Under the renowned horn player Dr. Margaret Tung, Kelly has been involved in many opportunities during her time at CCM including a wide variety of large ensembles, chamber groups, and solo competitions. She was recently selected to attend the Bayview Wind Institute this upcoming summer to further her musical pursuits. Previously, she has played in regional and state ensembles, including international performances with Kentucky Musicians Abroad on their European Tour. Throughout her past experiences, she developed a passion for music and the life-long positive impacts that educators can have on their student’s lives.

Congratulations again to Kelly and once again we’d like to thank our panelists for their time, energy, and talents.

As we reflect on the process of making this scholarship, there are many lessons learned in addition to the success experienced in finally achieving a multi-year dream of the chapter. The most important lesson learned was to make a timeline for the whole process. Prior to this year, a detailed timeline and plan was not established and thus the project was never fully realized. This year, we learned the value of having a timeline and blocking out time to work on the project since we were finally able to award this scholarship. Above, we also highlighted the example of our posters and how we realized there were none in our band room. From this, we learned to be more specific while we are planning the timeline with details about the where, who, what and how aspects of the project will be done in addition to when. Overall, we learned that as we go forward with this project in future years, we must always keep the Tau Beta Sigma’s purpose and goals in mind as we modify and execute the project to best recognize women in music.

Thank you to those who helped craft this project over the years including Nicholas Smith, Beth Salyers, John Danko, Gabe Beebe, Madison Smith and our 2023-2024 Music Director who put it into action, Bea Aldrich. We’d also like to thank this year’s panelists and our winner Kelly James once again for helping make this inaugural scholarship possible. Here’s to many more future WIM Scholarships from the Theta Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma as we head into our next twenty-five years of service to the Bearcat Bands.

Kelly James Headshot: Kelly James, winner of Theta’s inaugural WIM Scholarship pictured playing French Horn at a CCM Concert

Kelly James Headshot: Kelly James, winner of Theta’s inaugural WIM Scholarship pictured

Through This Wilderness: The 101st Year of Eta

by Nick Schnitzspahn

Eta - ΚΚΨ

The Ohio State University

This year, the Eta chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi embarked on a journey through a wilderness seldom traveled: how do you continue to grow and re-energize your chapter after a celebration of 100 years of brotherhood, service, and leadership in music?

On the Saturday following the election of our new panel of officers for the 2023-2024 school year, we celebrated the Centennial Anniversary of the chartering of the Eta chapter that occurred on April 23, 1923. At this celebration, we had the opportunity to talk to alumni and learn more first-hand about the unwritten history of our chapter. Our new executive board this year, headed by Chapter President Quentin Bouanna, was concerned mostly with ways that we could “re-energize” our chapter as we moved into the uncharted territory of a second century of activity: our 101st year as a chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi.

While traditionally we might expect elected or appointed leaders to be the ones to spearhead events, this year we made an active effort to promote non-titled leadership within the chapter. Our Brotherhood Committee put together Brotherhood events every month this year which allowed all of our Brothers in that committee an opportunity to lead an event themselves. Some of our favorites included going line dancing and an ice-skating Brotherhood event!

Our service committee put together some great projects this year. We started hosting receptions following band concerts within our Schools of Music, and even put on three different cookout/pizza party celebrations for our marching and athletic bands throughout the year. One of our favorite new events this year was what we liked to call “Traveling Pep Bands”. For these, we’d go around campus playing traditional school songs or our favorite familiar stand tunes on days in which there might be an away game that our marching/athletic bands weren’t traveling to, or even right before exams started in hopes of motivating students.

One area we really excelled in this year was fundraising. We were able to raise over $10,000 for our chapter funds through fun events like merch sales, video game tournaments, restaurant spirit nights, bake sales, and even a volleyball tournament. With these extra funds we were able to help send two of our Brothers across the country to compete in the National Trumpet Competition, as well as to help another Brother pay for fees associated with marching DCI this summer with the Bluecoats!

In our 101st year, we were really productive when it came to membership! Thanks to great recruitment efforts headed by our Vice President for Membership, Bri Cochill, we welcomed 17 newly active Brothers at the end of March. Throughout the year, we also created programs to help with our efforts in Continued Membership

(left to right): André Gomes Felipe (honorary), Noah Ketcham, Sam Langer, James Mills, Dominic Kuznik, Miranda Russel, BJ Hobson, Nathan Varda, Lydia VanVleet, Hannah Erb, Nathan Howe, Jaylyn Fogle, Leo Lipker, Haley Svec, Gianna Marchese, Justin Planck, Codi Andrews, Konner Barr (honorary), Amara Suchy, Dr.

Education by creating different games or activities that gave a new perspective on the Road to Wisdom and the history of our chapter. One of the highlights from these games was that on the last day before finals, we hosted a Family Feud event where we surveyed the chapter for the most popular answers and had Brothers (arranged by “families” of Big Brother/Little Brother) compete in the style of the popular TV gameshow, Family Feud.

So how do you continue to grow and re-energize a chapter that’s over 100 years old? We found that some of the best ways to grow together were to lean into the Brotherhood by connecting with each other more outside of our regular chapter meeting times. We facilitated these stronger connections by frequently hosting new and exciting events for Brothers to hang out and grow closer together.

After a great 101st year and having elected a new and super motivated executive board for our upcoming 102nd year for the 2024-2025 school year, we’re excited to see how we can expand upon the goals of our past leaders with even more new initiatives and travel further together as a chapter Through This Wilderness that lies ahead of us.

Newly Active Brothers (including Honorary Brothers) of the Eta Chapter following the completion of their Third Degree on March 29, 2024.

Pictured

Dustin Ferguson (honorary)

Brothers playing board games as part of Game Night, one of our favorite Recruitment Week events!

Pictured (left to right): Willow Mauldin, Cameron Wright, Nathan Varda

Sisterhood in Indoor Percussion

by Angelina Mussini

Beta Eta - TBΣ University of Maryland

My journey with the marching arts throughout college has taken me down two very different paths – from every August to December, I perform with Mighty Sound of Maryland at the University of Maryland, where I play cymbals on the drumline. Right as the collegiate marching season quiets down, however, I pick up rehearsals with Old Line Performing Arts, a competitive indoor percussion ensemble in Frederick, Maryland, where I have played vibraphone, cymbals, and performed with the visual ensemble over the past three seasons.

Marching indoor percussion while being a college student is quite a large undertaking – from November to April, we rehearse and compete throughout the mid-Atlantic region, all leading up to the Winter Guard International (WGI) World Championships in Dayton, Ohio. I love how indoor pushes me mentally and physically to become stronger and grow as a musician. However, I discovered that there was a certain isolating factor to performing with such a group as well – I spent all of my weekends off campus and away from home and felt rather disconnected from the community that the bands at the University of Maryland had built. I became a sister of the Beta Eta chapter of Tau Beta Sigma last fall in hopes of staying more involved with UMD bands year-round – but the connections that I found through TBS within the indoor percussion world as well were entirely unexpected, yet proved to be a defining aspect of my indoor season.

Through Old Line Performing Arts, I’ve now been able to march with and get to know fellow sisters from the Eta Sigma chapter of Tau Beta Sigma at Towson University, as well as brothers from the Lambda Delta and Iota Delta chapters of Kappa Kappa Psi at Shippensburg University and Towson University respectively. We supported each other through the ups-and-downs of the season, enjoying all of the moments from carpooling to competition sites to motivating each other through tiring rehearsals. It warms my heart to be able to bond

with sisters and brothers from different chapters so often, as that is not an opportunity that everyone gets.

After realizing that our WGI regional competition in Richmond coincided with the Northeast District Convention, we decided that we would have our own small celebration instead, and planned to bring our letters to rehearsal to take a picture. Thus began a fun new tradition of “Letters Rehearsal”, which we did a few more times throughout the season. Another really impactful experience was our trip to the WGI World Championships at the end of April, where we got to meet sisters and brothers from across the country – I had no idea how many members of Tau Beta Sigma and Kappa Kappa Psi were also involved in the world of indoor percussion!

Over the six months of the season, I have seen a wonderful culture begin to flourish at the intersection of collegiate bands and independent competitive marching arts. This has led to the formation of what we hope to be lasting connections – although the indoor season may be over, we hope to keep tabs on each other’s chapters and attend each other’s degrees in the years to come. For next year, we are already planning ideas for service projects between our chapters, and I cannot wait to see what we accomplish together.

The fourth purpose of Tau Beta Sigma is to encourage a close relationship between collegiate bands, and I feel a great sense of fulfillment in living out that purpose through my time with Old Line Performing Arts. It has helped me understand that the bonds of Tau Beta Sigma and Kappa Kappa Psi are not just something fostered within our own schools and chapters, but a truly interconnected community stretching further than I could have known.

The Old Line Performing Arts sisters and brothers at a rehearsal weekend. Pictured from left to right: Jack Bennett (TBS Eta Sigma), Christian McClain (KKPsi Lambda Delta), Claire Gandionko (KKPsi Iota Delta), Angelina Mussini (TBS Beta Eta), and Shamari White (KKPsi Iota Delta) | Not pictured: Ryan Cleary (KKPsi Lambda Delta)

My Transformative Growth Through TBΣ and UNC Bands

By Nathaly Aranda-Velez

Iota Lambda - TBΣ University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Growing up, I never imagined joining a Greek organization. However, becoming part of Tau Beta Sigma’s exceptional Iota Lambda chapter at UNC-Chapel Hill has transformed my life. As a first-generation college student, I struggled academically and felt uncertain about my future during my freshman year. Through my involvement in Iota Lambda, I have developed valuable skills and a deep sense of community and belonging, profoundly impacting my personal and professional growth.

One of the most significant ways Tau Beta Sigma has influenced my professional life is through the development of leadership skills. Before joining the organization, I was shy and quiet, lacking confidence in my ability to take on leadership roles. Being part of Tau Beta Sigma provided numerous opportunities to step out of my comfort zone. After being initiated as a sister, I became Corresponding Secretary. Whether it was through planning gifts to spread love across the music department, coordinating with other chapters, or leading committee meetings, I learned how to communicate, collaborate, and motivate others effectively—a skill invaluable in any professional setting. This

position also boosted my confidence to become more social and express my cheerful personality.

Additionally, the values instilled by Tau Beta Sigma, such as service, integrity, and excellence, have become guiding principles in my professional endeavors. Participating in service projects taught me the importance of giving back to the community and making a positive impact on the world around me. These experiences instilled a sense of responsibility and a desire to strive for excellence in everything I do, whether in my academic pursuits or future career. Realizing the positive impact I could have on others led me to study psychology. As a Mexican-American, I became aware of the lack of minorities in the psychology field, which limits people from seeking mental health support. Tau Beta Sigma motivated me by highlighting the positive impacts I could have on my community. Conversations with my mom about the stigma and lack of professionalism in psychology influenced my decision to study this field. Growing up, my mother often spoke about the reluctance within Mexican families to address mental health issues due to stigma and the lack of access

Selfie with active sisters of Iota Lambda. Nathaly Aranda (taking the photo), Jazmin Valdez (left), and Kellie Finch (right).

to professionals who speak Spanish.

Furthermore, the sense of sisterhood within Iota Lambda provided a strong support system that helped me navigate the challenges of college and beyond. As a first-generation college student, I often felt overwhelmed and unsure of myself, but knowing I had a group of sisters who had my back made all the difference. Whether studying together for exams, offering advice and encouragement, or simply being there to lend an ear, the bonds I formed within Tau Beta Sigma were instrumental in overcoming obstacles and achieving success.

In addition to the skills and values gained through my involvement with Tau Beta Sigma, my experiences in the band have also played a significant role in shaping my professional life. As a band member, I learned the importance of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance— all essential qualities in any professional setting. Whether practicing for hours to improve a musical piece or working together with fellow band members to achieve a common goal, the lessons learned in the band have translated seamlessly into my academic and professional pursuits.

Moreover, the organizational skills and time management abilities honed through my involvement in both Tau Beta Sigma and the band have been invaluable in balancing academic responsibilities with extracurricular activities and other commitments. Learning how to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and effectively manage my time enabled me to excel academically and prepared me for the professional world’s demands. These skills further extended my leadership within the UNC band programs and Iota Lambda. I had the fortitude and courage to pursue my ideal and apply for the positions of drum major and pep band conductor as a rising junior, roles typically offered to seniors. During my interview, my band director recognized my growth and offered me the position of pep band conductor, considering me overqualified for the role of drum major. He explained that the top position a student could serve was as a pep band conductor, entrusted with leading a small portion of the band at athletic gigs. Reflecting on this experience, I realized that Tau Beta Sigma played a significant role in developing my leadership skills, not only within the sorority but also in my band program.

Iota Lambda remains committed to fostering leadership and educational achievement among its members, enabling me to assume more impactful roles within the chapter. Serving as the Vice President of Membership for the 2024-2025 term is truly an honor, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue upholding the sorority’s traditions and making an impact on UNC band programs.

In conclusion, my journey with Tau Beta Sigma and the band at UNCChapel Hill has been transformative, shaping not only my personal growth but also profoundly impacting my future professional career. Through Tau Beta Sigma, I have cultivated crucial leadership skills and embraced values such as service, integrity, and excellence, which have become guiding principles in my professional endeavors. The sense of sisterhood within Iota Lambda provided invaluable support, helping me navigate the challenges of college and beyond. Similarly, my experiences in the band reinforced qualities like discipline, teamwork, and perseverance, all essential in any professional setting. Moreover, the organizational and time management skills learned through my involvement in both organizations have prepared me for the professional world’s demands. The opportunities for leadership within Tau Beta Sigma and the band have further developed my confidence and capabilities, enabling me to assume impactful roles within the chapter and band program.

As I reflect on my journey, I am grateful for the lessons learned and the friendships forged, knowing they will continue to shape my professional journey for years to come. With a solid foundation built on the values and skills gained from Tau Beta Sigma and the band, I am confident in facing the challenges and embracing the opportunities that lie ahead. Indeed, my involvement in these organizations has not only enriched my college experience but also provided me with the tools necessary for success in my future endeavors.

Nathaly (left) with her line sister Jazmin (right) at Davis Library.

Nathaly during the 2023-2024 marching band season.

Bands of America Grand National Championships November 11th 2023

The BGMM goes COAST TO COAST!

By Garvin Collins Iota Zeta - ΚΚΨ North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University

In a year marked by milestones and moments of triumph, the Blue and Gold Marching Machine of North Carolina A&T State University embarked on a journey that captivated the hearts and minds of audiences across the nation. Our first notable accomplishment was our historic performance at the Bands of America Grand National Championship in Indianapolis. As the first Historically Black College and University (HBCU) band to grace this prestigious event, we made an indelible mark, showcasing the rich musical tradition and talent that defines the BGMM.

Following our success in Indianapolis, we embarked on a rigorous three-month elimination process that culminated in our selection as finalists for the ESPN Band of the Year event. Through dedication, and perseverance we delivered a captivating performance that earned us the honor of being named the inaugural winners of this esteemed competition, triumphing over The Sonic Boom of the South at Jackson State University. This achievement not only speaks to the musical prowess of the BGMM but also highlights the dedication and teamwork of every member of our ensemble.

As we bid farewell to 2023 and welcomed the dawn of a new year, the BGMM had the privilege of representing HBCU bands in the 135th Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California. The experience of performing in California was profound for many of us, as it marked our first time traveling so far away from home. To stand amidst the vibrant floats and cheering crowds, knowing that we were representing our university and HBCU band culture on an international stage, was truly surreal. The parade, televised to approximately 5.6 million viewers worldwide, presented an opportunity for us to not only represent our university but HBCU band culture as a whole.

At the helm of our esteemed ensemble is Dr. Kenneth G. Ruff, whose 20th season as Director of Bands has been characterized by visionary leadership and unwavering dedication. Under his guidance, the BGMM has continued to push the boundaries of musical excellence, inspiring generations of musicians to reach new heights.

We are also grateful for the steadfast support of Chancellor Dr. Harold

L. Martin, whose unwavering commitment to our success has been a guiding force throughout our journey. His vision and leadership have been instrumental in propelling the BGMM to new heights of achievement and recognition.

As Head Drum Major of the BGMM, and Chapter President of the Mighty Iota Zeta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi, I am honored to have been part of this remarkable journey. Serving in these roles has been a surreal experience, allowing me to witness firsthand the dedication and resilience of my bandmates as we faced and conquered challenges together. Whether it was providing musical assistance

to ensure everyone in the ensemble reached their full potential or organizing logistics to support our director’s vision, the Mighty Iota Zeta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi stood ready to serve.

The accomplishments of the BGMM are a testament to the dedication, talent, and spirit of every member of our ensemble. As we reflect on the journey that has brought us to this moment, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our loyal supporters and fans who have stood by us every step of the way. Together, we have made history, and together, we will continue to Strive for the Highest in all that we do.

BGMM at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena California

Bands of America Grand National Championships November 11th 2023

ESPN Band of the Year, HBCU Band National Championship December 15th 2023

TBΣ Xi Members Performing at the Annual TMEA Convention

by Annelise Mora

Xi - TBΣ

West Texas A&M University

This past February, members of the Xi chapter of Tau Beta Sigma had the very exciting opportunity to perform at the annual Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) convention in San Antonio. This quickly became a very anticipated event for all band members, and it was also the West Texas A&M Symphonic Band’s 16th appearance performing at the convention. The Xi chapter proudly had 8 members performing in this ensemble, and after many months of rehearsals and hard work, the Symphonic Band set off to San Antonio. On their way to TMEA, the band stopped at multiple high schools and gave a performance at each one. This was also where our sisters and brothers met with alumni and had the chance to interact with students. Some students even asked for their cases to be signed by the performers! This was a very heartfelt experience and a perfect opportunity to express the group’s love for music throughout this tour leading up to TMEA.

The sisters and brothers of the Xi chapter had difficulty finding the word to express the feeling they had when performing on stage and simply described it as ‘surreal’ and ‘indescribable’. As an audience member at the TMEA performance, I was not only excited to watch the performance, but I was also very excited and proud to see my sisters and brothers on the Lila Cockrell stage knowing how much hard work and passion they put into this performance, as well as watching them do what they love. In the end, the experience and performance at TMEA was an incredible way to showcase love and dedication for music. It was also a great example of how fulfilling and rewarding performances can be, not only to the performers themselves, but to the audience as well.

The West Texas A&M Symphonic Band performing on the Lila Cockrell stage at TMEA.

Sisters and Brothers (Left to right) Blake Livingston, Carlie Marcotte, Kaitlyn Rubinski, Zoe Stovall, Dayton Scholz, Grace Lindauer, Mackenzie Stephenson, and Maribel Rivas just before the performance at TMEA.

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 2025-2027 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 information about this process can be found in 3.202, 3.203 & 3.204 in the National Constitution: https://www.tbsigma.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/TBS_Constitution_2023-2025.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.

• Completed an undergraduate degree program.

• 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 information about this process can be found in 2.105, 2.106 & 2.107 in the National Constitution: https://www.tbsigma.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/TBS_Constitution_2023-2025.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 (at Standard membership level or higher) and at least 25 years of age at the time of election.

• Completed an undergraduate degree program.

• Shall possess outstanding business or professional ability and shall 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 information about this process can be found in 3.202 & 3.203 in the TBSAA Constitution. http://www.tbsalumni.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/TBSAA-Constitution-23-25.pdf

Interested Individuals May Submit Their Information No Later Than March 1, 2025

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 Leslie Gartin (lesler@tbsigma.org)

• Chairperson of the Board of Trustees Rosalyn McDonald (rosalynmcdonald@tbsigma.org)

• Chairperson of the TBSAA Dr. Thea Murphy (TBSAA-chair@tbsigma.org)

40 Years of Brother and Sisterhood at Boston University

By Charlie Kehoe, Lina Dicovitsky, Lindsay Warrell, and Palmer Wencley

For more than a year, a select committee of alumni and actives from KKΨ Theta Beta and TBΣ Eta Gamma had been preparing for their largest chapter event in over a decade. They scoured countless Facebook pages, dove through the depths of LinkedIn, and collected scores of email addresses to update contact information. No stone was left unturned in tracking down Brothers and Sisters to make sure every single one received an invitation, and no efforts were spared as the committee ensured everyone had the opportunity to be a part of this historic weekend.

Their efforts came to fruition in April, just in time for a weekendlong celebration of the 40th anniversary of KKΨ and TBΣ here at Boston University. More than 120 actives, alumni, honorary members, and founders descended on campus, some from nearby Allston and others from as far as Switzerland, for the occasion. Additionally, we welcomed representatives from KKΨ Nu Theta and Epsilon Nu, as well as TBΣ Theta Theta to participate in this historic event.

At the heart of our weekend of celebration were our Third Degree ceremonies, where our Joint Chapter had the privilege of welcoming eleven new members into our ranks in the presence of generations of Brothers and Sisters. Our actives and alumni shared a collective moment of joy and nostalgia as our post-third gift exchanges got underway. Our initiates beamed with pride upon receiving their first pair of letters, Big Brothers’ shocked faces lit up the room as their Littles gifted them ornately decorated paddles, and the room bubbled with anticipation as we waited to hear their nicknames and the heartfelt stories behind them for the first time. Though our new members may not have realized it at the time, this moment was deeply emblematic of Brotherhood, Sisterhood, and the shared experiences that have defined our organizations across decades. Most importantly, our Third Degrees inspired great hope for the future of our chapters.

After our Third Degrees, the Joint Chapter shared a dinner together. Brothers and Sisters reminisced on their time in the chapter and the BU Band as they exchanged stories, jokes, and garlic bread while the BU Pep Band playlist played in the background.

During the celebratory dinner, Eta Gamma and Theta Beta respectively surprised founding Brother Dom Coloyan and founding Sister Nadene Stein with honorary bids of membership in recognition of their continued and unwavering support of our joint chapter, their contributions to the planning of the 40th Anniversary, and in honor of forty years of strong joint relations.

Following dinner, the Sisters joined hands to sing the Affirmation, followed by the Brothers and the Hymn, and lastly our local joint hymn. The room was filled with the soaring melodies and harmonies that are so emblematic of our bonds, ending the night on a note of community and joy.

Our weekend of celebration concluded the next morning at a local bowling alley, where the speeches from our founders and our director of bands highlighted that our joint unity has never been stronger. As Founding Brother and newly Honorary Sister Dom Coloyan put it, “I’ve been a proud Brother for 40 years and a proud Sister for 14 hours.”

Theta Beta KKΨ / Eta Gamma TBΣ Boston University

Active Sisters, Alumni, and Honoraries of TBS Eta Gamma join hands in singing the Affirmation after a night of festivities.

Eta Gamma Founder Nadene Stein hugs Theta Beta VPM Vivek after receiving a bid for Honorary Membership from KKΨ Theta Beta.

40th Anniversary Celebration April 5-7, 2024

Theta Beta KKΨ / Eta Gamma TBΣ at Boston University

By Dominador Coloyan Life Member, Theta Beta- ΚΚΨ

I can scarcely believe that it’s been nearly 42 years since Nadene Stein and I sat down with Doc Chrisman in his office in the College of Fine Arts to discuss the creation of chapters of Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma here at Boston University. Tony Cyrus, Gene Boyle, and I had just come back from Orlando where we had represented BU in the 1982 All American College Marching Band. We had spent ten days in Florida rehearsing and performing for the Grand Opening Ceremonies of Walt Disney’s new EPCOT Center. And during that time, we leaned about a fraternity and sorority that were created specifically, and dedicated to, supporting and serving their schools’ band programs.

We found out that Doc not only knew about the groups, he had also been a Brother at the Nu Chapter at the University of Michigan when he was an undergrad. He thought it was a great idea and supported us wholeheartedly. He said he’d make some phone calls and get the ball rolling. A couple of weeks later, two large packets arrived from Stillwater, Oklahoma. Our colonization period had begun.

In the ensuing eighteen months, the Charter members were kept busy organizing, setting up, and working with our newly assigned Big Brother and Big Sister chapters at UMASS. We learned about the history, purposes, and traditions of KKΨ and TBΣ. And we worked with Doc and Doug Bish on how best to serve the band and the university. It was a lot of work on top of our regular studies. But as I look at all the people gathered in this room today, I can see that our efforts were well worth it.

I have been a Brother of KKΨ for four decades and a Sister of TBΣ for about fourteen hours. And I have been so proud of what both chapters have accomplished since Nadene and I left BU long ago. Not only have we survived, but we have prospered and flourished. Last year, Theta Beta won the A. Frank Martin Award for best chapter in the Northeast District. And James Kang won for best sponsor. 6,000 kilometers away, I was beaming with glee.

So what does the fraternity and sorority mean today? For me, it is a sense of a Brotherhood and Sisterhood that now spans two generations. I have met and befriended people who I otherwise would have never known had it not been for the chapters. I have been invited to your private family gatherings, simply because you knew me through the fraternity. Last year, I had some meetings on Capitol Hill. During that week, I arranged to have lunch with three Brothers. Paul Pierson was from the Epsilon Class and graduated in 1990. Rod Morgan was in the Kappa Class and graduated in 1994. And Dave Nazer was from the Omicron Class and graduated in 1998. And though none of us were in school at the same time, we had a wonderful afternoon catching up for a couple of hours in a bistro just a couple of blocks from Congress.

Yesterday, I attended the Third Degree for our Alpha Phi Class. I was pleasantly surprised to hear that they are still playing the music that I composed for the ceremony forty years ago. And I was honored to be asked to do one of the readings. As I looked at the very young faces of our newest Brothers, I couldn’t help but feel a wave of joy and pride. We pass the torch now to their capable hands. And forty years hence, when many of us here will be gone, they will be the ones to carry on the stories, the memories, and the traditions of our chapters.

During our membership period, we learn that we should always strive for the highest. This is something that I have carried on with me in my life and in my career. The lessons in the Three Degrees are not just words to be learned and then regurgitated on a test. They are words to aspire to. During my life, much of my success has been because of these lessons: working with others, leading by example, and always finding our best self within us.

There’s an old saying that goes “in life, we can either sink or swim.” Because of Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma, I learned that we have a third choice on life’s road. We can fly. For me, it has always been an honor to be selected to serve.

From left to right, three of the Theta Beta Charter Class Members R. Todd Palumbo, Dominador Coloyan, Daniel Fishbein

1946 Club Members

$19.46

Century Club Members

$9.00

Generosity of mind, heart and hand…

The rich history and legacy of Tau Beta Sigma thrives and continues to grow thanks to the loyalty and passion of all who have financially supported the organization. On behalf of the Tau Beta Sigma Board of Trustees, we wish to extend our sincerest gratitude to the following individuals for their total contributions across the years.

Wava

$20,000 - $49,000

Society

$10,000 - $19,999

$9,999

$1,000 - $4,999

Kappa Kappa Psi Lifetime Donors

Kappa Kappa Psi would not be the fraternity it is today without the leadership, vision, and loyal support of our alumni and friends. Please accept our sincere thanks for your ongoing and loyal support. We want to make you aware that the donation lists you will see below are based on the last 20 years of computerized records. We value your contributions to the Fraternity and wish to have you recognized here accurately. If you have additions or corrections to this list, please contact Aaron Moore at moore@kkytbs.org.

Strive For The

$50,000-$150,000

$10,000- $19,999

The

$5,000-$9,999

Honoring Our Supporters of the TBΣAA For Greater Bands 5K

Thank you to everyone who participated in our For Greater Bands 5K this year! We had 79 people commit to engage in a healthy activity for a good cause and raised over $1500 for the TBSAA Welcome Experience for NIB Participants. This event, originally founded in 2015, has been a signature program and we look forward to future opportunities to promote wellness and raise money for worthy music projects. To find out more about this program or make a separate donation to the Welcome Experience, please visit our website: https://www.tbsalumni.org/for-greater-bands-5k/

Thank you to the following people for participating in the 5K:

Kimberly Ahokas

David Alexander

Abraham Anthony, III

Spencer Bajcar

Pamela Bennett

Gregory Boike

Laura Borzellieri

Tamara Brooks-Thomas

Harrison Calvert

Madison Calvert

Tammy Carethers

Sue Carr

Aletha R. Cherry

Evan Choy

Maddy Collins

Lance Coochyouma

Emeline Crone

Lisa Croston

Keyaira Davis

Keelia Decker

Phaedra Dinkins

Katie Dukes

Deann Egan

Leslie Gartin

Ciara Gibbs

Mia Grant

Sherronda Henderson

Heath Holloway

Wendy Jacques

Antoinette Kellgren

Shaundollyn King

William Lake

Katherine Langley

Allison Leemann

Lisa Legard

Kayla Lennon

Sherisse Liggins

Andrea Lindsay

Michael Lindsay

Victoria Liu

Nikki Lyons

Jeffrey Makinster

John Markley

Kathrine Markley

Heather Marshall

Minna Martin

Malinda Matney

Rhonda McKinney

Destiny Moore

James Moore

Kelly Muldowney

Thea Murphy

Gwynn Neves

Wairimu Njoroge

Aidan Rall

Lia Rall

Adrienne Rall

Preston Ramsey

Linnetta Ratliff

Ariel Reed

Thank you to the following people for making separate or additional donations to the cause:

Abraham Anthony, III

Gregory Boike

Laura Borzellieri

Madison Calvert

Tammy Carethers

Sue Carr

Chelsea Cawthon

Aletha R. Cherry

Maddy Collins

Lance Coochyouma

Keelia Decker

Phaedra Dinkins

Sherisse Liggins

Sonia Manuel

Minna Martin

Linnetta Ratliff

Savannah Reed

Morgan Robinson

Monnica Rose

Edward Savoy

Burt Simpson

Alicia Simpson

Zara Simpson Muller

Theo Smith

Wendy Smith

Jessica Smith

Deena Smith

Nick Sondag

Kimberlee Spears

Wendy Stewart

Christina Wade

Paula Williams

Tyra Yiare-Holloway

Chelsea Zuniga

Mellinna Ridout

Morgan Robinson

Jessica Smith

Tyra Yiare-Holloway

Chelsea Zuniga

David Alexander, Jr.

Stephanie Alexander-Fisher

Veanda Allen

Venus Anderson

Abraham Anthony, III

Debbie Baker

Melissa Bays

Alison Beidler

Akilah Bell

Stacy Bell

Billy Bennett

Pamela Bennett

Oria Berkley

Greg Boike

Joanna Bonner

Lenise Bostic

Juliet Boykins

Angela Brewster

Lisa Brooks

Erwin Brown

Cariece Browne

Kimberly Burrell

Sonja Butler

Harrison Calvert

Madison Calvert

Samserai Cardenas

Tammy Carethers

Sue Carr

Morine Carroll

Jessica Carswell

Reneé Cartee

Kreshay Caswell

Kiesharra Cole

Jolene Colvin

Lance Coochyouma

Amelia Cook

Ken Corbett

Brandi Cousin Sims

Debra Crawford

Lisa Croston

Jacquelyn Crutchfield

Deatrica Cummings

Kaitlyn Curley

Tau Beta Sigma Alumni Association Gold Star Club Members

The Executive Council of the TBΣAA would like to acknowledge and express our gratitude to the dedicated alumni who generously give an additional donation to the Association through their membership in the GOLD STAR CLUB for the 20242025 year. With these additional funds going toward future goals, the TBΣAA is working to increase grants and scholarships for our members, aid LAAs through grants, create new awards, support events like our For Greater Bands 5k, Growth and Professional Development Program, and find greater service and fellowship opportunities at district and national conventions. You can learn more about our GOLD STAR CLUB and join the the TBΣAA at www.tbsalumni.org

GOLD STAR CLUB MEMBERS

Tiffany Davis

Darlene Davis Goodwine

Keelia Decker

Olivia DeFilippo

Karen Derrickson

Alexis DeVaughn

Katie Dukes

Jen Eberle

Kelly Eidson

Johnny Engelke

Harmona Epps

HaShawn Epps

ShaDonna Epps

Gayle Ferguson

Andrea Fields

Lydia Floyd

Gwyn Fox Stump

Linda Franklin-Yildirim

Willie Frazier

Abbey Frey

Ciara Gibbs

Pamela Gilmore

Shaniya Graham

Becky Grasser

Layla Gray

Chiquita Greene

Tim Greenwell, Jr.

Indya Hairston

Erica Hamilton

David Hammond

Karon Hammond

Bridgette Harms

Alan Harriet

Alysha Harvey

Charlotte Harvey

Akierah Hatten

Janelle Henderson

Quoletta Henderson

Sherronda Henderson

Tyler Hern

Jenny Hirt Renaud

Lashunda Hodges

Kimberly Holloway

Shauna Holmes

Cherrief Jackson

Kimberly Jackson-DeMoss

Wendy Jacques

Andrea Johnson

Evelyn Jones

Teresa Jones

Annette Jones-Baskin

Kathryn Kelly

Shaundollyn King

Randy Kitchens

Katie Langley

Wanda Lee

Kayla Lennon

Shanta Lett

Monica Lewis

Lueen Lindsay

Kim Littlejohn

Heather Lockwood

Asia Long

Tamara Lovejoy

Christopher Lukasik

Nikki Lyons

Ava Martin

Malinda Matney

Clara Mattheessen

Ted McCadden, Jr.

Armani McCall

Carolyn McCambridge

Scott McCambridge

Leslie McClure

Cynthia McDade

Rosalyn McDonald

Letitia McKenzie

Rhonda McKinney

Kristin McMullen

Cathy Miles

Pamela Minniefield

Shera Mitchell

Monika Monk

Aaron Moore

Destiny Moore

Ivania Morales

Maya Morant

Caleb Morris

Eric Morson

Larietta Moultrie

Thea Murphy

Taylor Nickerson

Mimi Njoroge

Carmin Nowlin

Jayla Nowlin

Mike Osborn

Rhauyan Page-Morton

Maisha Paggett

Salli-Tymna Parker

Kayla Pearson

Lindsay Pfannenstiel

Amanda Poinsette

Collinn Point

Theresa Powell

Adrienne Rall

Preston Ramsey

Chelsea Rasing

Netta Ratliff

Candi Rankin

Zack Rebarchek

Chris Reed

Kelsey Reilly

Mikaela Rhodes

Mellinna Ridout

Danielle Rogers-Roy

Alyssa Rose

Monnica Rose

Catrina Sally Thomas

Nicole Sanchez

April Sansing

Edward Savoy

Amber Scott

Jahn Scott

Jennifer Scott

Mariah Scott

Shuan Shepherd

ClinTonya Shorter

Kirk Sibley

Kimbi Sigle

Zara Simpson Muller

Yvette Sloan

Jazzlyn Smith

Jessica Smith

Jacob Stover

Felecia Studimire

Lizzy Sykora

Ashley Tanksley

Arial Taylor

Jessica Thomas

Nyaesia Thompson

Julia Tordo

Lukas Tosello

Amber Tubbs

Lauren Tubbs

Omaria Tucker

Regina Tucker

Benetta Walton Georgette Washington

Bridgette Welch

Erica West Green

Braeden Weyhrich

Deneen White

Terri White

Leeann Wieser

Alexandria Williams

Shann Williams

Paula Williams

Charles Wilson

Grace Wilson

Eireka Wright

Kris Wright

Patrice Wyatt

Marcus Wyche

Tyra Yiare-Holloway

Chelsea Zuniga

Recruitment and RetentionBy the Book

Dr. Nic Rorrer

National Vice President for Membership & Expansion, KKΨ

The phrase “By the Book” usually elicits two responses - either mathematical with analysis or in reference to a specific book, for us our Ritual. In this article, I also mean both!

Right now, we are hearing from Chapters that they need or want more help with recruitment and retention - and it makes sense. As an organization, our retention between Spring 2023 and all 2023 was 87%, meaning that 13% of our members (who did not graduate) did not return for a variety of reasons - be it financial, other time commitments, or personal issues.

Furthermore, when compared to pre-pandemic numbers, we are recruiting less people. For example, we initiated 37% less people in 2020 than in 2019, 4% less people in 2021, and 8% less people in 2022. This makes sense because the pandemic both disproportionately affected bands (and thus our membership) and affected college groups broadly. Indeed, the issues that Kappa Kappa Psi is currently facing are not unique to us, but are the result of the college environment. Excitingly, we know that our Brothers are doing the work. Initial signs at the time of writing this publication indicate that per Brother, we recruited more people this past year than we have in over five years and that we have had more initiates than anytime since the pandemic began. So while there is still work to do, we owe you all a huge thanks for doing the work! So thank you Brothers!

Importantly, we want to continue on this positive trajectory that you all have established. So here we want to share with you all the successes we have heard from our Chapters on their Journey to Recruit and retain quality Brothers.

First, and most importantly is that Good Retention Starts with Great Recruitment. As an organization, we are founded on the principles of Brotherhood, Leadership, Service, and Musicianship. Despite this, when we recruit people we often only show off the Brotherhood aspect of Kappa Kappa Psi. Yet when people get into our organization, we have them do things they didn’t know they were signing up for - be it small ensembles, moving instruments at 8am, and attending meetings during “homework time.”

Being a member of Kappa Kappa Psi is an honor bestowed and privilege granted but it does also require time and sacrifice in the service of something bigger than us. Thus it is important that your recruitment process highlights what we are as an organization. Thus, to all of our Chapters, we encourage them to host Pillar Based Recruitment events. Absolutely show off that we are an amazing Brotherhood, but also show off the important work we do for the band. Host a band room clean-up with pizza afterwards or some other mini-service event to highlight the work that we do. Host a music night playing musical trivia (or something of the like) to highlight our love of music. We have heard loud and clear from our Chapters that the “Pillar-Based” recruitment approach is a great way to brainstorm new events and recruit a wide variety of

members.

By showing people what Kappa Kappa Psi is about, Chapters have shown that we can grow their numbers through quality members. The biggest reason why this is working for chapters is because they are being intentional with their recruitment. Which brings me to our third point, recruitment and retention often work best when Chapters are being intentional with their plans for the year Within recruitment, intentionality may look like:

• Making connections with individuals first before asking them to be interested in Kappa Kappa Psi (“Friends First, Then Brothers”)

• Reaching out to individuals to invite them to recruitment events

• Hosting a variety of events at a variety of times to ensure that people have the opportunity to learn more about Kappa Kappa Psi

• Taking no as an answer when someone’s actions indicate they are not interested in Kappa Kappa Psi

• Setting a recruitment target for the year

Some of these things, your Chapter may be doing already, but it is always important to discuss these topics in an open form to make sure people are informed of your Chapters plans. Often, Chapters don’t talk about a recruitment target for the year; however, we encourage you all to talk about this openly. Thus, aligned with the Strive for Five Initiative we challenge all Chapters to recruit at least five members as one of our Crown Pearl Goals for 2024-2025. However, this number may not be right for all Chapters - realistically a Chapter of 20 members should be

targeting to recruit 6 members, while a Chapter of 25 should be looking at 7 members, and a Chapter of 50 should be looking at recruiting 12 members. Other chapters may have university rules that limit their recruitment, so 5 may not be the easiest target to obtain. Regardless of the Chapter size and dynamic, Chapters should be having intentional discussions about their recruitment strategies and goals.

Beyond recruitment, retention can also benefit from Chapters being intentional and following some “by the book” rules. Intentionality in a Chapter can look like:

• Ensuring meetings run as scheduled and on time to be respectful of people’s time

• Being prepared and having a plan for both individual meetings and the year as a whole

• Encourage healthy debate but not actively sowing discord

• Having clear expectations and duties for both your offices and Chapter members

• Bring a spirit of Love and Joy to all work

By being intentional in our approach to Chapter operations, we can ensure that our Chapters are Striving for the Highest for many bienniums to come.

In fact, working “By the Book” is rooted in intentionality. As a National Council, we are trying to model this behavior. We are using numbers to help define targets and goals for both our National Organization and our Chapters. We are highlighting our pillars in

our approach to programming while intentionally making sure that we are bringing a healthy structure and sense of joy to all of work. Regardless, if “By the Book” is figuring out a direction from a holistic look at our organization or if it is “Marching Shoulder-to-Shoulder” we are excited to be on this Journey with all of our Chapters and look forward to our future endeavors advancing the college band movement.

RELATED RESOURCES

For more information about the Strive for Five Initiative, please visit www.kkpsi.org/membership/recruitment/

For more information about the 2024-25 Crown Pearl Goals, please visit www.kkpsi.org/membership/crownpearl/

FALL 2024 RECIPIENTS

Kevin Rodriguez Kappa Lambda

Jackson Snyder Beta Omicron

Stefan Sundin Iota Omega

Mary Swope Nu Gamma

Morgan Wadsworth Alpha Omega

Alyssa Cumpston Nu Gamma

Tyler Irving Alpha Iota

Celebrating Five Years of Overture, the National Curriculum

By Allison Leemann National Vice President for Membership & Expansion, TBΣ

Celebrating its fifth anniversary, the Overture Curriculum has profoundly transformed membership education of Tau Beta Sigma members, fostering a deep understanding of our values and preparing new members for their service and experience as Active members. Let’s take a look back at Overture’s beginnings and how it has impacted Tau Beta Sigma.

Developing a National Curriculum

In 2017, National President Jonathan Markowski and Vice President for Colonization and Membership (former title of the VP for Membership & Education) Adrienne Rall established a Curriculum Committee to develop a standardized national curriculum for Tau Beta Sigma. The key aims of the Curriculum were to ensure clarity and consistency in education content for Membership Candidates and newly initiated members of Tau Beta Sigma while providing appropriate resources to support Chapter Member Educators. In addition, a standardized curriculum aligned Tau Beta Sigma with industry best practices to remain at the forefront of addressing contemporary issues with the needs of our membership.

During the 2017-2018 academic year, the committee was led by Dr. Ted McCadden and identified key educational areas as well as outlined the structure of the Curriculum. This included a breakdown of topics into our Modules as we know them today.

In the summer of 2018, the committee restructured to focus on creation of the Modules and Lessons, and was led by Adrienne Rall, Leslie Gartin, and Allison Leemann. Between June and August 2018, all Modules were outlined to include individual Lesson learning objectives, content, and suggested Activities. The first presentation of Overture (at the time without a name) occurred at the 2018 National Leadership Conference in Stillwater, OK, with the District Officers and Counselors working through an example Module and Activities.

As we entered the 2018-2019 academic year, the Curriculum was piloted by five Chapters. Chapters met with the committee on a weekly basis, working together through the Curriculum and providing real-time feedback. Each District was invited to participate in the first pilot program. The five Chapters who completed the “alpha” pilot program were: Omega (Univ. of Arizona), Alpha Omicron (Sam Houston State Univ.), Zeta Alpha (Illinois State Univ.), Eta Rho (James Madison Univ.), and Theta Mu (Univ. of Nebraska at Kearney).

Using experience and feedback from the pilot Chapters in Fall 2018, Overture was ready for further expansion and roll-out across the nation. The “beta” pilot group included 30+ Chapters participating either in the full Curriculum or testing out specific educational Activities. By the end of the 2017-2019 biennium over 30% of all Chapters experienced Overture. Examples of the Modules were also presented to each of the Districts’ Membership Committees for

discussion and feedback.

During the 2019 District Conventions and at the National Convention in Stillwater, Oklahoma, Chapters were presented with Overture content as well as feedback from the participating pilot Chapters. Thoughtful discussion occurred around how to transition to the new platform for incoming VPMs, how Chapters could retain their own identity within their education, and how the program would be reviewed for long-term effectiveness. With an exciting near-unanimous favorable vote, Overture was established as the National Curriculum and would be utilized by all Chapters in Fall 2019.

What’s In a Name?

The naming of Overture was one of the hardest decisions facing the committee in 2018-2019 and was accompanied by late nights reviewing the Ritual book, discussing musical phrases, and sharing what sentiments we wanted the Curriculum to convey. It was important that we had a musical connection similar to other named Sorority programs including Crescendo and Coda. We also wanted the name to connect directly to the experience of the Membership Candidates being welcomed into the Sorority. There was also a great debate about a single word title versus a phrase! Other potential names included “A Journey through Sisterhood” and “Finding the Light.”

Finally, we came upon the term “Overture” and knew that it connected with all our aims. In music, an overture comes at the beginning of a longer piece such as an opera or play and introduces the main themes of the story. The Membership Education Program is an introduction to the main themes of Tau Beta Sigma in preparation for full participation in the Sorority.

Initial draft sketch of the Overture logo designed by Adrienne Rall

Outside of music, an overture can be an approach to establish a relationship. As Membership Candidates, the MEP is an approach in establishing their membership as a Sister of Tau Beta Sigma. With that, Overture was named and ready for nation-wide release.

Overture’s Impact

In the Fall of 2021, Tau Beta Sigma rolled out a first-in-recent-history climate survey to Active Members. The focus of this survey was to gauge membership knowledge and experience of programs and overall Sorority engagement with an additional focus on membership education and risk management. This was the first nation-wide opportunity to learn about Overture’s impact and compare the experience of members who were educated before and after its implementation.

Through the survey we found that members educated with the Overture Curriculum had a self-reported better understanding of the national programs and felt more confident in their ability to transition to Active membership. These findings gave great confidence in the program. In subsequent years, we have (and continue to) informally polled members through Membership Committees and Chapter support discussions - Overture is regularly cited as an excellent resource for new members and has eased the high responsibility of membership education for new Vice Presidents for Membership.

Right On Time, When It Was Needed

One of the unanticipated impacts of Overture was its essential function during the COVID-19 pandemic. At a time of uncertainty, Overture was a flexible and adaptable resource so that Tau Beta Sigma’s membership education could continue on. Lessons transitioned to a virtual setting, Activities were repurposed, and conversations continued across the country with barely a hiccup to welcome our new members.

While not a primary aim of establishing a national curriculum, Overture was implemented right on time. Chapters had a shared resource in the structure of the Curriculum as well as the slide presentations. VPMs operating within the same curriculum allowed for mass support from the National Leadership Team including the National Council, District Counselors, and Chapter Visitation Associates (previously known as Chapter Visitation Assistants).

Present-Day Overture

Today, Overture is utilized by all Chapters of Tau Beta Sigma. It consists of nine Modules with individual Lessons and Activities focusing on key concepts for new members. This core Curriculum has flexibility for Member Educators to select their length of time for the program as well as how they engage Membership Candidates through discussion and activity.

Over the past five years, the Curriculum Committee has further developed resources for educators to include a Member Educator Manual and a Membership Candidate Workbook, as well as template slides and recorded presentations of the Modules. The content of Overture has expanded to include a Module 0 video and Lessons focused on our Alumni Association, on the introduction of HBCUs to the Sorority, and on how the Sorority benefits from a diverse membership. Regular additions, subtractions, and adjustments are made by the Curriculum Committee to Overture so that it continues to be as relevant as possible for our members.

The Future of Overture

As in all areas of Tau Beta Sigma, we seek to continuously improve our resources and programs. Overture is no different. Through the end of the 2023-2025 biennium, the Curriculum Committee is

focusing on the following areas:

• Adjusting the Curriculum so that it respects our Membership Candidates as adult learners

• Transition of Activities to an online database

• Purposeful expansion of Activity and Discussion options to include submissions from Chapters

• Expansion of the Member Educator Manual to include key talking points and connection to template slides to better assist Member Educators

• Development of resources for Sponsors and Directors of Bands to support all aspects of membership from recruitment to education to retention

The most fundamental driver of the growth of Overture is conversation and feedback from Active members and recent Membership Candidates. We continue to grow based on these shared ideas!

A Brief Set of Thank Yous

The work of developing and maintaining a Curriculum is no small feat. It is not possible for one person to oversee its development - instead it requires a long stretch of committed individuals and teams to ensure the Curriculum flourishes and grows over time. Thank you to the following individuals for their key contributions to Overture over the past seven years: Jonathan Markowski, Adrienne Rall, Dr. Ted McCadden, Leslie Gartin, Allison Leemann, Robert Bratcher, Erika Pope, Siobhan Wilkes Bratcher, Neil Bleiweiss, Dr. Christopher Lukasik, Megan Enright, Aaron Moore and all members past and present of the Curriculum Committee.

Learning More about Overture

For Chapter Vice Presidents for Membership and all members interested in learning more about Overture, go to www.tbsigma. org/overture. You can also email overture@tbsigma.org to reach the Curriculum Committee.

As we celebrate the fifth anniversary of Overture as the National Curriculum, we look forward to many more years of educating and instilling a deep understanding and commitment to Tau Beta Sigma for all our members. With continued dedication and innovation, Overture will remain a cornerstone of Tau Beta Sigma’s Mission, nurturing members who will shape the future of service, musicianship, and leadership in their band programs and communities. Continue with us on this journey and let’s create an even brighter legacy together - For Greater Bands!

How Can You and Your Chapter Elevate Your Fraternal Participation

by Daniel Miller

National Vice President for Programs, KKΨ

The creed of Kappa Kappa Psi closes by stating that, “through fraternal participation, each member will strive for the highest.”

As Brothers, we have a variety of opportunities to elevate our fraternal participation by taking advantage of programs offered at different levels of Kappa Kappa Psi and by making the most of our relationships with our host institutions of higher education, with our Sisters of Tau Beta Sigma, and with other organizations that are aligned with our purposes and values. By focusing some of your chapter’s attention on these programs and relationships, you can help to elevate the fraternal participation you and your chapter achieve in the coming year.

First, consider all of the different national programs of Kappa Kappa Psi and how you and your chapter can participate in them. You may have met Brothers and others in your band communities whose musicianship is deserving of recognition through the W. Francis McBeth Student Musicianship Award or whose military service warrants acknowledgement through our fraternity’s Star Memorial and Recognition Program. Your own achievements in the classroom may provide you with the ability to apply for an AEA Scholarship. Your Director of Bands may want to bring a composer, conductor, or musician to campus, and their goal could be supported through a Matching Grant. Perhaps your chapter seeks to overcome an organizational issue with the guidance offered by a guest speaker, which could be made possible through a Chapter Development Grant.

At the same time, each district of Kappa Kappa Psi has developed its own set of programs. Many districts support district-wide publications and host seasonal functions, conferences, and workshops beyond their District Convention. Some districts have adopted unique and innovative programs. For instance, the Northeast District manages its own academic award program that offers scholastic recognition opportunities beyond the academic excellence awards offered at our fraternity’s national level. The Southwest District provides chapters with hundreds of dollars in grants each year through its Chapter Assistance Grant program. The North Central District proudly supports the North Central District Intercollegiate Band and its performance at its District Convention.

Even this short summary indicates that our national and district programs are numerous and diverse. As a result, chapters often struggle to understand these programs, their different purposes, benefits, and deadlines, and how they can best attain success with these programs. One way that a chapter can approach decisions about utilizing these programs is to identify a Brother (or a committee of Brothers, if the chapter is large enough) who will accept responsibility for learning about these programs, tracking their requirements and deadlines, recommending specific programs for the chapter to pursue, and leading the chapter in its involvement in these programs.

Delegating responsibilities related to national and district programs can yield immediate benefits. To start, your chapter could define specific priorities that should be served through engagement in the fraternity’s different programs. For instance, your chapter may need to designate financial support for an upcoming music conference on campus as its primary focus. The Brother(s) who accept the responsibility of leveraging fraternity programs could then investigate whether a Matching Grant could be sought to offset costs related to this conference and whether the chapter’s district offers any additional grant opportunities for such events. The responsible Brother(s) could then report back to their chapter, work with other Brothers to develop the necessary grant applications and supporting materials, and collaborate with relevant music faculty to ensure that this documentation reflects the goals and scope of the planned conference.

The same organizational practices used by chapters to accommodate participation in national and district programs could also be used to build and derive benefit from the chapters’ relationships with their host institutions, their Sisters of Tau Beta Sigma, and other organizations aligned with our purposes and values. For example, Brothers tasked with duties related to these programs can also report to the chapter about educational programs and funding opportunities offered by their campuses’ Student Organizations Offices, about joint activities proposed and supported by chapters of Tau Beta Sigma on their campuses, and about other types of programs made available by organizations focused on music. These efforts could identify grants available from their college, possibilities for partnering with Sisters of Tau Beta Sigma regarding volunteer support, and donations from other local organizations, which could all benefit the hypothetical music conference that was previously described. In this way, the same Brother(s) gathering information and offering recommendations about how national and district programs of our fraternity can serve the defined priorities of their chapters can also consider how the relationships we build with other institutions and organizations can support the accomplishment of these priorities.

Elevating your and your chapter’s fraternal participation starts with a mindful commitment to advance your chapter’s priorities by connecting with a broader range of our fraternity’s resources and all the relationships that Kappa Kappa Psi and your chapter have developed through years of collaboration and dedicated service. By identifying one or more Brothers who can help lead your chapter in strengthening and benefiting from these connections, your chapter can make a solid investment in the fulfillment of our five purposes and our shared mission to Strive for the Highest.

KAPPA KAPPA PSI

NATIONAL RECOGNITION, SCHOLARSHIP, AND GRANT PROGRAMS UPCOMING DEADLINES TO REMEMBER

PROGRAM

AEA Scholarship Program

• “AEA Distinguished Scholars” with 3.75 GPA or better – selected scholars receive scholarships (each up to $2,000)

• “AEA Honored Scholars” with a 3.5 GPA or better – selected scholars receive scholarships (each up to $1,000)

Academic Excellence Awards

• Chapter Certificate of Excellence in Academics

- Recognizing chapters with average GPAs of 2.75 or better among their brothers for a given academic term

• Top Chapter Scholar Award

- Recognizing the active, associate, or conditional brother from the chapter with the highest GPA for a given academic term

• Outstanding Academic Achievement Award

- Recognizing any active, associate, or conditional brothers from the chapter with GPAs of 3.5 or better for a given academic term

Leadership Grant Program

• Offering up to $1,000 per grant to support leadership programs and events to presented to brothers of one or more chapters, to college or university band members, and/or to individuals attending a district event

Chapter Development Grant Program

• Offering up to $1,000 per grant to support programmed events to help chapters in their fiscal operations, officer development, chapter and member development, and membership recruitment, retention, and education

Matching Grant Program

• Offering up to $500 per grant to help bring guest conductors and performing artists to campus for the benefit of college bands

J. Lee Burke Student Achievement Award

• Recognizing active, associate, or conditional brothers who have made outstanding contributions to college bands and Kappa Kappa Psi

W. Francis McBeth Student Musicianship Award

• Recognizing active, associate, or conditional brothers who exemplify the highest standards of musical achievement

Silver Baton Award

• Recognizing individuals, including band educators, volunteers, administrators, and others, for service to ba

A. Frank Martin Award

• Recognizing regionally-known band directors and laymen who have made contributions to the band field

Distinguished Service to Music Medal

• Serving as the highest award presented by Kappa Kappa Psi and recognizing individuals for their outstanding contributions to bands in the fields of composition, concert band, marching band, instrumental music education, artist performer, industrial research and progress, contributing laymen, alumni achievement, and fraternity service Band Excellence Awards

• Citation of Excellence

- Recognizing junior high and high school band members for their outstanding achievement during summer band camp activities

• F. Lee Bowling Musical Excellence Award

- Recognizing junior high and high school band members who have demonstrated excellence in their band programs

DEADLINE

January 1, 2025

July 1, 2025 (for all awards related to academic terms in 2024)

No deadline

NOTE: Leadership Grant requests related to District Conventions are due by December 1, 2024, with the consideration of later requests GYM to grant fund availability.

No deadline

No deadline

(applications are accepted at any time, but encouraged to be submitted before January 1, 2025)

A Look Back: 10 Years of

by Katie Dukes National Vice President for Special Projects, TBΣ

The Focus on Five campaign was first developed in 2014 by the 2013-2015 Tau Beta Sigma National Vice President for Special Projects, Jonathan Markowski. It was created as a way to guide Chapters toward specific initiatives and activities that fulfill the Mission of the Sorority and its core operations. Each biennium has seen more and more chapters participating in the Focus on Five campaign and thereby growing the National Programs of Tau Beta Sigma.

The campaign consists of five stripes and three lyre pieces that each represent a core tenement of the Sorority. Chapters can earn their stripes and lyre pieces by completing various challenges that change each academic year. For the 20232025 biennium, the challenges focus on risk management, community engagement, promoting women in music, band development, musicianship, engaging with District programming, and involvement in National initiatives. When all eight components have been completed, the Chapters will have created the full Tau Beta Sigma Flag.

In looking back on the last decade of the Focus on Five campaign, I sat down with 37th National President, Jonathan Markowski, to learn more about the history of the campaign and how it came to fruition.

Leading up to the 2013-2015 biennium, the National Council had been noticing a lack of chapter participation in Tau Beta Sigma’s National Programs when reviewing the Fall Activity Reports and Chapter Summary Reports (now Spring Activity Report). Upon further investigation,

it was discovered that many chapters were not aware of the National Programs and/ or how they could participate. This sparked the need for a way to garner engagement between our chapters and National Programs.

In 2014, Jonathan led the charge in creating a framework for chapters to make the National Programs their own. Since the Focus on Five campaign launched in the middle of a biennium, there was some difficulty in the beginning with getting the students on board with and understanding this new initiative. Jonathan didn’t give up and promoted Focus on Five any time the opportunity presented itself. The hope was that every chapter would participate in the Focus on Five campaign and engage with the National Programs.

Jonathan shared that the stripes and lyre pieces have always reflected back to the mission and purposes of the Sorority. Although the specific challenges have evolved over time, they always support the National Council’s goals for the biennium. A primary focus in the beginning was on growing the Women in Music Speaker series from only occurring at District and National Conventions to occurring at colleges and universities across the nation through our Tau Beta Sigma chapters. The addition of the Center Lyre Piece being focused on District-specific programming has been one positive change that Jonathan noted. He shared that it has been a great way for the Districts to take part in the campaign and for the District Vice Presidents for Special Projects to encourage participation in their Districts.

Jonathan believes that Focus on Five has had a significant impact on Tau Beta Sigma as a whole. The campaign has accomplished its original goal of bringing awareness to our National Programs. Chapters now know about the Women in Music Speaker series, the Crescendo program, the Coda program, and are bringing those programs to their communities. Tau Beta Sigma has been able to provide guidance and structure for

our

Jonathan Markowski 37th National President of Tau Beta Sigma

The Chi Chapter from The Ohio State University played OSU tunes at a local retirement home as part of the Coda program to complete the White Stripe. 12/12/2023

The Beta Phi Chapter from Florida A&M University hosted leadership development workshops for their band program that focused on resume building, stress management, and mental health. These workshops earned the Green Stripe for Beta Phi. Fall 2023

The Theta Xi Chapter from Iowa State University earned their Black Stripe by completing the For Greater Practice initiative and performing a recital to showcase their hard work. 11/29/2023

chapters as to how they can take part in the National Programs and make them their own. He believes that the Focus on Five campaign has allowed us to bring recognition to our National Programs not only within our chapters, but in their communities as well. In the next ten years Jonathan would like to see the Focus on Five campaign continue on a positive trajectory and have participation from every Tau Beta Sigma chapter. He hopes that it will continue to be a way for the National Council to communicate with chapters about our National Programs and about supporting our purposes and mission statement. Jonathan looks forward to seeing the initiatives in the Focus on Five campaign become regular practice for our chapters. He hopes that the campaign will continue to be an important part of chapter operations and an important part of Tau

Beta Sigma.

In concluding our conversation, Jonathan shared that he believes our Tau Beta Sigma chapters now know how they fit into the greater space of Tau Beta Sigma - they can see that Tau Beta Sigma is bigger than their chapter and district, and that it joins together members from all across the country.

The full interview with 37th National President, Jonathan Markowski can be found on the Tau Beta Sigma YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/4gr8rbands

More information on Focus on Five and the challenges for the 20242025 academic year can be found at www.tbsigma.org/focuson5

My Journey from Counselor to National Council in Tau Beta Sigma

by Kelsey Reilly National Vice President for Communication & Recognition, TBΣ

Transitioning from the role of a Counselor to becoming a member of the National Council in Tau Beta Sigma has been a transformative and enriching journey. This shift has not only broadened my scope of influence but also deepened my commitment to the organization and its mission. Reflecting on this journey, I recognize the pivotal moments and the profound changes in my responsibilities and impact.

As a Counselor, my primary focus was working with students within a specific district. This role allowed me to engage closely with chapters, offering guidance, support, and mentorship to help them thrive. I cherished the opportunity to build strong relationships with students and chapter leaders, understanding their unique challenges and celebrating their successes. My efforts were concentrated on fostering a sense of community and ensuring that each chapter in my District adhered to the values and standards of Tau Beta Sigma.

However, my transition to the National Council marked a significant shift in my responsibilities and the breadth of my influence. As I took on this new role, I quickly realized the enormity of the tasks ahead and the far-reaching impact I could have on the organization as a whole.

One of the most notable changes was the expansion of my focus from a single District to the entire country. No longer confined to working with students in a specific region, I now have the privilege of interacting with and supporting students across all Districts. This broader perspective has given me a deeper appreciation for the diverse needs and aspirations of our members. It has also reinforced the importance of creating inclusive and equitable opportunities for all students, regardless of their geographical location.

In addition to my expanded focus, my role on the National Council has brought new responsibilities, including overseeing the Communications Committee. This committee plays a crucial

role in managing all communications across the organization, ensuring that our messaging is consistent, clear, and aligned with our mission. Under my leadership, the Communications Committee has worked diligently to enhance our communication strategies, leveraging various platforms to reach and engage our members effectively.

Overseeing the Communications Committee has been a rewarding experience, allowing me to harness the power of communication to strengthen our organization. From crafting important announcements to facilitating transparent and open dialogues, our committee strives to keep members informed and connected. We have also focused on promoting our values and achievements, celebrating the successes of our chapters and individuals, and fostering a sense of unity and pride among our members. Keep an eye out for more exciting things on the horizon!

Transitioning to the National Council has undoubtedly been a journey of growth and learning. It has challenged me to develop new skills, from strategic planning and decision-making to effective communication and collaboration. Working closely with other national leaders has been an invaluable experience, as we collectively strive to guide Tau Beta Sigma toward a bright and impactful future.

As I reflect on my journey, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunities I have had to serve this remarkable organization. The transition from Counselor to National Council has not only broadened my horizons but also deepened my commitment to our mission. I am honored to work alongside dedicated and passionate individuals, all united by our shared goal of empowering students and fostering a love for music.

The LΣGACΨ

by Linnetta Ratliff Southwest District Counselor, TBΣ

The Kappa Lambda chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi and Theta Upsilon Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma are celebrating 25 years of service to the Red Sea of Sound Band (formerly Winston-Salem State University Marching Rams) this year.

On November 12, 1997, in the Berry O’Kelly Library on the campus of Winston-Salem State University, groups of men and women gathered to gain knowledge about musical organizations that could help the WSSU Marching Rams Band (now known as the Red Sea of Sound). We are forever thankful to Mr. Emory Jones, our Director of Bands, for allowing us to have the opportunity to bring two wonderful organizations to our Campus. Our Guiding Spirit Kevin Handy (Caesar), our assistant band director and member of the Eta Eta chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi for providing us the connections to the organizations. Present at these meetings were the Iota Zeta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi and the Theta Zeta Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma.

The Zeta Chi chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi at the University of South Carolina served as the advising chapter for Kappa Lambda whereas the Zeta Omicron chapter of Tau Beta Sigma at Virginia Tech served as the advising chapter for Theta Upsilon.

After attending many Southeast District Conventions together as colony members, the brothers were installed as the Kappa Lambda Chapter just prior to the 1999 Southeast District Convention held on the Campus of Tuskegee University. The sisters were installed as Theta Upsilon the weekend following the District Convention.

Over the time of the chartering process, the two groups were able to assist the Marching Band program with travelling to two Gold Coast Classics, the first in the University’s history, both classics were performed against Grambling State University (1998 and 1999). Fellowshipped with chapters as honorary members of the Psi-85 many of those bonds in place today. (Kappa Kappa Psi: Zeta Sigma, Iota Zeta, Theta Mu. Theta Chi; Tau Beta Sigma: Epsilon Lambda, Theta Zeta, Eta Omicron, Theta Omicron)

Both chapters proudly serve Winston-Salem State University through programs that uplift the ideals and purposes of Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma. All the charter members remain closely connected to this day. Our Circle has been broken more times than we would like to have but we remain strong, our children have many Aunties, Uncles, and Cousins.

Kappa Lambda (#251) Charter Members (March 14, 1999)

14 Shades of the Psi: Adam Bradford* . Emanual Bennett, Ramee Williams, Brodderick Pender, Scott Long, Todd Corley, Micheal McEachin, Jock Williams, DeWayne Propst, Brent Stephens, Darius Cureton, Vernon Bowens Jr, Richard Bellamy , Mr. Emory Jones (Director of Bands)

Theta Upsilon (#212) Charter Members (March 28,1999)16 Chords of Dissonance: Dorenda Martin, Charlene Legette, Andrea Johnson-Daye, Catherine (Sturdivant) Anglin, Krystal (Speight) Batchelor, Jennifer Leak, Rebecca Renae Sturdivant* , Jamila Harley*, Linnetta (Williams) Ratliff, Chevelle (Bennett) Caesar, Shaunne (Blackwell) Hall, Demetria Williams, Tamisha (Singleton) Palmer, Tiffany Sellars, Portia (Sharpless) Boyce

*deceased

Kappa Lambda and Theta Upsilon have initiated many members over the years, some have made impact at the Chapter, others at District, and many go beyond and have served at the National level. We are over 200 strong between both organizations. Several alumni have served or continue to serve the organizations post-graduation: Kappa Lambda

• Dr. Darius Cureton (Spring ‘99) – NAA Board- Programs (20032007)

• Teddy Howell (Spring ‘11) Nominations Committee Member (2018-2019, Programs Committee Member (2021-2023)

• Kendrick Smith (Fall ‘03) – Data & Assessment Committee Member (2021-2023) SED KKPsiAA Board Member

• Other Active Alumni: DeMarcus Oglesby (Spring ‘17), Dr. Mel Johnson-Norwood (Honorary, Spring ‘22)

Theta Upsilon

• Ashley Tabron (Spring ‘06) – SED VP for Membership (20082009)

• Amber (Meekins) Scott (Spring ‘01) – Chapter Visitation Assistant (2018-2019) SED Counselor (2019- Present); Honorary, Kappa Kappa Psi – SED (2023)

• Linnetta (Williams) Ratliff (Spring ‘99) – Southwest District Counselor (2022-Present); Honorary, Kappa Kappa Psi – SWD (2024)

• Theta Upsilon Legacy: Amaya Hall (Spring ‘18) – Epsilon Lambda

Most recently, I am proud to share that during the 2024 SED Convention my nephew, Brandon Ratliff joined the legacy and was inducted as an Honorary Member of the SED Kappa Kappa Psi for his work supporting chapters in the Southeast District over the years.

Over the past 15 years alumni members of the chapter have hosted a contest every summer to see who will provide the most water/ Gatorade to support the Red Sea of Sound. Will it be KL or TU this year, no one knows…..

In the end it is truly an honor to be selected to serve, I look forward to many more years of serving Tau Beta Sigma and Kappa Kappa Psi. Look out soon you may see a Local Alumni Association to officially continue our LΣGACΨ.

“We’ll Be Crying Too” Risk Management in Tau Beta Sigma

By Dr. Christopher Lukasik Northeast District Counselor, TBΣ

As National Leaders, we dabble in different projects or tasks from time to time. Especially during COVID-times, I had a lot of time to explore some of those “hey I want to get more educated in this” interests. One of those activities was being trained as a Hazing Educator and Investigator with other national leaders. We learned both the prevention and intervention sides of hazing. Amongst learning investigative skills, the Sorority wrote Overture’s Module 1, Lesson 2 on Hazing as a tangible action step to bolster our hazing prevention strategy.

Risk Management became popular in the early 2000s - it became clear that if organizations like ours wanted to continue to sustain, we needed policies that regulated our activities, and consequences for chapters or members that willfully or recklessly violate those policies. Policies are usually reactive in nature - we have to regulate significant incidents that occur both in and out of the organization. The Sorority exists in the Greek-letter organization industry and we exist alongside every other Greek-letter organization. You can Google an organization’s name and “hazing” or “risk management violation” and whatever comes up on Google creates a risk for Tau Beta Sigma because we exist alongside that organization. Now take that and apply it to any chapter in our organization - that chapter’s activities and events reflect on your chapter too because you exist inside the national organization of Tau Beta Sigma. We have to be mindful that every action we take as members of this organization reflect on every other member - past, present and future; that is the reality of being in our organization is that you are joining a legacy, and that legacy relies on each of our members.

In 2021, I moderated a panel on risk management where we had organizational experts (Rosalyn McDonald, Kathy Godwin, and TJ Tooley) talk about their experiences managing the Sorority’s risk on a day-to-day basis. Each of us that participated had both training and experience in either investigating risk management violations or had experience in deciding what to do after an investigation occurs. It was a moment for us to come together and stress the importance of why risk management goes beyond good policy that is supportive and inclusive, these policies ensure that Tau Beta Sigma continues to exist today.

For a bit of education, a lot of our investigations begin with an “outcry” (which sounds scarier than it is). That outcry is someone disclosing a problem that they perceive with a chapter or a member, likely through our Report-A-Problem page on the National website. Outcries can be anonymous, or they can be reported by a named individual. That outcry is assessed, and a team of investigators is designated by the Sorority to look further into the details. Those investigators then meet with each student in the chapter, and others that can provide data to complete a holistic investigation into the original claims that were made. People who are asked to be interviewed have the right to participate, answer written questions, or decline to participate altogether - we do not force people to participate in investigations (however, if people do not engage, all we have to work from is the original outcry).

The University and your Band Director are notified and involved in this process as well. If your University initiates an investigation, the University and the Sorority will coordinate on who will lead the investigation. Sometimes, if the University has a team that is investigating already, the Sorority will defer to the University and then respond after the University completes its investigation. The Sorority must always

respond to risk management claimsas it ensures that we are reducing the Sorority’s risk as much as possible

Risk Management is everything in the Sorority - it is the behavior of our members, our band, our event spaces, really anything that the Sorority does can create a risk for both the safety of our members, but also the financial safety and sustainability of the Sorority.

Sometimes we must put on our “No” hats and shut activities down, but it is with an eye of ensuring that your chapter continues to be the awesome leader that it is.

Policy Violations can occur with no malicious intent. TJ Tooley recounted that many times he’s seen incidents growing from “well what if we do this activity outside? Or what if we do this activity on a mountain?” where these questions do not come from a mentality that seeks to harm people, but instead with a creative intent, but those questions still bring forth a lot of risk. Kathy boldly stated “You may have heard the phrase ‘it’s better to ask for forgiveness than ask for permission’ but when it comes to risk management, it is not.” Let that be a core message from my article (I call those the “write this down” moments). We are trained in identifying activities that both fall outside our mission, vision, and programming, AND those that create risk for the Sorority. Always ask for permission first.

Increased or increasing risk means higher insurance premiums. To be an organization, we must carry insurance. In 2020, the Sorority updated our policies in response to our insurance carrier requiring such policies to be put in place, and even doing that, the Sorority still pays a lot of money each year to carry insurance. Without insurance, we cannot have Tau Beta Sigma. Take your car for example: you could have a perfect driving record from year to year and still see an increase in your car insurance rates - that’s in part because of the industry. The same goes for the Greek-letter organization industry; another chapter or even another organization’s activities contribute to the overall risk of the industry. As such, your activities not only reflect the legacy of the organization, but it also impacts the bank account of our organization, and the dues that each member must pay each year. Most of the attendees that attended this 2021 panel did not know we had to carry insurance - and in response to that, we added specific education about risk management insurance into Overture to help build more transparency about the business operations of the Sorority.

Current Chair of the Board of Trustees, Rosalyn McDonald, said something that has stuck with me almost three years later: “And when we have to close your chapter, we’ll be crying too.” There is a real impact in closing a chapter, or even reprimanding a chapter, and we feel that impact deeply. It can create real damage to the relationship that our students have with national leaders. It is not something that we enjoy doing, we are not here to “snatch chapter charters” from our students - that is the last resort we have to take to ensure the sustainability of our organization - but it is something that the organization has to do from time to time to ensure that our organization and the work we do can continue on college campuses and in communities. When in doubt (or even when you’re not in doubt), ask us!

Advancing the Journey

Why Running for National Office Matters in Kappa Kappa Psi

By Bang Co National President, KKΨ

As Brothers of Kappa Kappa Psi, we are united by a shared passion for music and a commitment to serve college and university band programs across the nation. Our fraternity thrives on the dedication and leadership of its members, especially those who step forward to guide our path as national officers. With the 2025 National Convention approaching and elections on the horizon, it’s essential to reflect on the importance of running for national office and how such roles profoundly impact both our personal journeys and the fraternity as a whole.

Running for national office in Kappa Kappa Psi is not just about holding a title; it’s about embodying the spirit of service and leadership that is central to our fraternity’s mission. National officers play pivotal roles in shaping the future of our organization,

National President

from setting strategic directions to fostering a nationwide community of musicians who support and inspire one another. This opportunity to lead is also a platform for personal and professional growth, offering experiences that challenge and refine your abilities in ways few other roles can.

This article, titled Advancing the Journey: Why Running for National Office Matters in Kappa Kappa Psi, aims to inform and inspire our brothers to consider the noble pursuit of national leadership. Each section penned by current national officers will provide insights into the joys, challenges, and profound impact of their roles. By sharing these stories, we hope to illuminate the path for potential leaders, showing how their contributions can elevate our fraternity and enrich their lives.

Hello and greetings! My name is Bang Co, and I am honored to serve as the National President of Kappa Kappa Psi, National Honorary Band Fraternity. In this role, I am committed to upholding our values and furthering our mission of advancing the college and university band movement through our core values of musicianship, leadership, service, and brotherhood.

Importance of the Position: As National President, my role is pivotal not only in shaping the future of Kappa Kappa Psi but also in celebrating our current achievements and honoring our rich history and traditions. This position carries the responsibility of providing strategic leadership that ensures financial stability and fosters growth, while also ensuring that our national policies and initiatives effectively support our chapters and alumni members across the country. My role is about more than governance; it’s about inspiring a shared vision, nurturing the fraternal spirit that binds us, and guiding us as we build on the legacy left by those who came before us.

Specific Skills Required for the Position: The effectiveness of the National President is strengthened by a blend of visionary, strategic, communicative, and interpersonal skills. The President creates an engaging vision that aligns with our goals, propelling the Fraternity forward. They strategically collaborate with the National Leadership Team to devise goals and plans that enhance growth and member experiences. Communication is key, as the President keeps stakeholders informed and inspired through regular updates and transparent messaging. Finally, they proactively build and maintain

We invite you to read with an open heart and consider how you might also serve at this level. Whether you’re drawn to the prospect of making significant decisions, influencing policies, or simply giving back to a community that has given so much, running for national office is a step worth considering. As you read through these descriptions, you will gain insights into how each role contributes uniquely to the fraternity’s objectives and how they collectively work to foster a culture of excellence and camaraderie. Join us in discovering how you might fit into this dynamic team and how you could contribute to our collective mission and legacy. Let their stories inspire you to envision your potential impact within our Fraternity!

positive relationships across the Fraternity, ensuring strong connections with all members and partners.

Collaboration with the National Council: Leading and working alongside the National Council is arguably my most important duty as National President. Together, we handle not only day-to-day tasks but also a diverse set of challenges and goals. We implement initiatives and programming, and set and adjust policies that drive our Fraternity forward. For example, our collaborative efforts throughout the biennium have been instrumental in redefining our operational and engagement strategies, ensuring that we remain relevant and impactful in an ever-changing landscape. This partnership is a cornerstone of my role, and it’s essential for maintaining our Fraternity’s relevance and vitality in the dynamic world of collegiate bands.

Enjoyment of the Position: One of the most fulfilling aspects of serving as National President is witnessing the fruition of our vision, strategies, and tactics, especially when they converge to enhance member engagement, recruitment, and the overall experience. It’s incredibly rewarding to see our chapters and members actively leveraging our national vision, programs, and initiatives to recruit and retain members. Observing these successful implementations in action confirms the effectiveness of our strategic direction and reinforces the impact of our collective efforts on the Fraternity’s vitality.

Constitutional Duties vs. Day-to-Day Responsibilities: The

constitutional duties of the National President are well-defined in our National Constitution, while day-to-day responsibilities vary based on the current National Council, the biennial vision, and personal skills. These daily tasks range from managing our volunteers to coordinating the National Council’s business, with frequent communication to keep our members and stakeholders engaged. This mix of high-level oversight and hands-on management makes the role both challenging and rewarding. For a deeper understanding of the specific roles and responsibilities, I encourage members to review our National Constitution.

Advice and Words of Encouragement: For those considering running for National President or any leadership position within

Kappa Kappa Psi, embrace the opportunity with courage, vision, and a people-centered framework. Leadership is not merely about steering the ship but also about listening, learning, and lifting others as you climb. To be successful in the election process, it’s crucial to present a powerful vision that resonates with the desires of the future, a clear plan that invites others to join in the work, and maintain a curious mind and heart that actively seeks authentic feedback. Remember, your platform and ideas are not just about you—they are about the organization and the people you aim to serve. Approach this process by connecting with others, seeking their input, and believing in your vision. By bringing your unique perspectives and skills to the table, you will not only enrich our Fraternity but also enhance the experiences of all our members.

National Vice President for Membership & Expansion

Hello Friends! My name is Nic Rorrer, I use He/Him pronouns and I proudly serve as your National Vice President for Membership and Expansion (VPME). You may have seen me often introduced as “Dr. Rorrer,” but please just call me Nic. My Journey as a Brother started in the Fall of 2007 at Virginia Tech when one of my hallmates said to me “hey, lets go check out this Kappa Kappa Psi thing.” From there, I found a new family 1600 miles away from home and was initiated into the Eta Beta Chapter on November 29, 2007. Since that point, I have had the wonderful opportunity to serve the Fraternity in a wide variety of roles - from Chapter President, NED Secretary/Treasurer, Xi Chapter Sponsor, AABOD Chair, MWD Governor, and Founders Circle speaker - it has been a pleasure and a blessing to give back to the organization that has given me so much.

Importance of the Position. The VPME role is really two roles in one - the first is of Chapter Health and well-being while the second is that of President-Elect. For Chapter Health this ranges a whole spectrum from being the main lead of the Chapter Field Representative (CFR) program. However, the ‘Chapter Health’ portion of this job is not just limited to working with our CFRs to understand the health of our Fraternity, but it includes leading our expansion efforts, dealing with Chapter status changes, understanding our membership numbers, updating our educational resources, and developing new support for Chapters. The second part of the role is really the training portion of the President-elect. Our Fraternity only succeeds when it is committed to continued and sustainable growth, thus the VPME position is an opportunity to partner with the National President to learn the “in-and-outs” of Kappa Kappa Psi, but also ensure the continued success of our Fraternity and the College Band movement.

Specific Skills Required for the Position. A lot of the skills required for the National President are also required for the VPME position; however, if I had to boil it down to three main skills it would be a collaborative spirit, the ability to make connections, and the ability to form a vision for the future success of the Fraternity. It is imperative for a VPME to understand where our Fraternity is so they can understand where we need to go. We understand where the Fraternity is by making connections with our students, our alumni, and our volunteers and “Marching Shoulder to Shoulder” with them into our bright future.

Elevating the National Organization and Student Experience

During this biennium, the National Council has focused on ensuring that we are supporting Chapters through all the work we do. The work of Kappa Kappa Psi is done on the Chapter level, thus as VPME with the resources at my disposal, we have attempted to develop

new programming to support our Chapters for their success. This is done through training our alumni volunteers, working with our committees, engaging with our CFRs, and ultimately creating resources for our Chapters.

Collaboration with the National Council. The work of our Fraternity takes a Brotherhood - and a huge part of that Brotherhood is the National Council. The best example of this is when we decided to go to a new Chapter - that is a discussion of the entire Council to understand where we think Kappa Kappa Psi would benefit a college band program leveraging the expertise of those who are more “in tune” with college band programs.

Enjoyment of the Position. This position is hard but it has honestly been my favorite “job” in the Fraternity to date. I love working with our Chapters and our volunteer team to make sure we can support our Chapters best. This biennium we have tried to be more data driven in our approaches so we can understand what Chapters need help and outreach.

Biggest Learning Moments. Even being a Governor or Chair of the AABOD, I did not fully realize how much our headquarters staff does. They are the ones interacting with our Chapters on a daily basis to get things accomplished and done. While our volunteers work extensively on Convention planning and engagement with Chapters, our HQ keeps the machine running.

Constitutional Duties vs. Day-to-Day Responsibilities. First off, all National Officers serve without compensation - as stated in the National Constitution. This is something I have to periodically remind people of as it is a volunteer job. Second, the VPME has a unique clause in the constitution that the VPME “shall advance the purpose of the Fraternity as stated in the preamble to the constitution…” So really, everything Kappa Kappa Psi falls into the job description.

Advice and Words of Encouragement. This job seems scary because of all the requirements for the office and the six-year commitment. It is not a job to be taken lightly. That being said, I would say it is the second-best job in the Fraternity - the best job, of course, is just being a Brother. Most importantly, go for something where you think you have a skill set to enhance - whatever it is. That is how I decided to run for VPME - I wanted to work with Chapters and it seemed to be the best office for it. Maybe you want to expand the Fraternity’s philanthropic efforts - then run for the AABOD or BOT. Maybe you want to help Chapters on a smaller scale - reach out to be involved with our Friend and Advocate initiative or to advise petitioning groups. Find your passion and follow it!

National Vice President for Programs

Hello, Brothers of Kappa Kappa Psi! My name is Daniel Miller (he/ him/his), and I am currently serving as your National Vice President for Programs (“VPP”). First of all, thank you for reading this far and taking time to learn more about service as a National Officer of our Fraternity! I hope you find all of this information helpful – please don’t hesitate to reach out to me or any of your National Officers to discuss these Fraternity roles.

I was initiated as a Brother of Kappa Kappa Psi in the Spring of 1997 at the Omicron Chapter at West Virginia University. While an active member, I served as Chapter Parliamentarian, Northeast District Convention Host Chapter Chair, and Northeast District Secretary/ Treasurer. Since becoming a Life Member of Kappa Kappa Psi, I helped as an advisor to the bandmembers that formed the Nu Gamma Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi at Robert Morris University, and I worked for four years as a member of the Kappa Kappa Psi Alumni Association Board of Directors (“”AABOD”), with the last two years as its Chair. Beyond my service as a National Officer, I am currently the Sponsor of the Omicron Chapter.

Outside of the Fraternity, I am a practicing attorney with an in-house position at Coinbase, the cryptocurrency company. I am married to Kelly (Hooper) Miller (also a Life Member of the Omicron Chapter), and we are raising three kids in the Pittsburgh area.

Importance of the Position. I feel that the role of VPP serves two key functions in our Fraternity. First, by taking minutes of the National Council meetings and notes of other National Leadership discussions, the VPP helps to serve as a form of institutional infrastructure to support the work of our National Leadership team. I love to make the most of the opportunity provided by the VPP role to support all of the work of the members of our National Leadership team! In keeping with this part of the VPP position, I am looking forward to expanding the support our National Council provides to our National Committees and to working with District Governors and Officers to find new ways to support their visions for next year’s District Conventions.

The other key function of the VPP role relates to the support and improvement of our Fraternity’s national programs. Last year, I developed a “program map” to see how well Kappa Kappa Psi’s current national programs align with our five purposes and four pillars. Working with the National Committee on Programs, we identified some ways that new programs could create stronger alignment with these purposes and pillars, and we developed a few new program proposals that will be piloted and adopted over the next year. I’m so excited to collaborate with active Brothers across the country as we implement and improve these new programs to elevate our service and brotherhood ever higher!

Specific Skills Required for the Position. I would highlight three specific skills that can help a Brother succeed as VPP.

• Devotion to Our Coordinated Endeavor. A National Council works more effectively when all of its members are unified in their vision and goals for the Fraternity. I’ve found a great deal of satisfaction in finding ways to help other National Officers work toward their objectives and to leverage our prior discussions and considerations in their planning and decision-making. So much of the role of VPP relies on an ability to support the success of other members of our National Leadership Team and all active, associate, and conditional Brothers as they take advantage of our Fraternity’s programs.

• Enthusiasm for Our National Programs. Too often, our Brothers may not completely understand all of Kappa Kappa Psi’s national programs and how they and their chapters can take advantage of them. A VPP has to be willing to discuss these programs comprehensively with audiences large and small and to advocate for their use throughout our Brotherhood. Personally, I love meeting Brothers at chapter events and District Conventions and then talking about how they can recognize an outstanding brother with a national award or make an activity on their campus possible through one of our three national grant programs.

• Focus on Our Five Purposes. In our work as a Fraternity and in our own lives, we can sometimes feel overwhelmed by all the opportunities before us. To succeed as a VPP, I think a Brother must continually refer back to our five purposes and remember to center their work on the initiatives that best pursue those purposes. With those purposes as the basis for our work and with our Fraternal values guiding how we undertake that work, a VPP (and each brother) can determine how to help our Fraternity strive for the highest without pursuing projects that, while often compelling and otherwise worthwhile, do not squarely fit with our purposes.

Elevating the National Organization and Student Experience

One of the most compelling parts of serving as VPP is the work to recognize outstanding members of our brotherhood and the broader band community through our national awards and scholarships. By highlighting the accomplishments of individuals through these recognitions, our fraternity calls attention to the diverse ways in which our highest values can be demonstrated. The excitement and surprise expressed by recipients of our national awards and scholarships is always heartfelt in nature and contagious in its energy.

Collaboration with the National Council. Over the course of the past year, I’ve been so impressed by the ability of our National Council to work together to address a number of urgent issues and complex considerations on behalf of our fraternity. When Brothers act as candidates for office, we each do so as individuals and share with other Brothers our initial ideas for how to advance the interests of Kappa Kappa Psi. It has been truly inspiring to see all the ways in which our initial ideas as candidates have been forged into a shared vision for our Brotherhood and its specific plans of action to realize that vision.

Enjoyment of the Position. My time thus far as VPP has been very enjoyable, primarily because of the opportunities to meet and talk with so many Brothers across the country. In particular, our District Conventions last year allowed so many brothers to interact in ways that were new to many and invigorating to all. Helping connect Brothers to new ideas, our national programs, and to each other is a truly rewarding experience.

Biggest Learning Moments. While I have been served on some of Kappa Kappa Psi’s national committees in the past, my time on the National Council has shown me how varied their work truly is and how important the outcomes of their efforts are to our Brotherhood. Over the course of this biennium, well over a hundred Brothers will contribute significantly of their time, skills, and attention to move our fraternity forward. Their work is so meaningful for Kappa Kappa Psi, so I want to thank each National Committee member again and again for all they are doing on their Brothers’ behalf.

Constitutional Duties vs. Day-to-Day Responsibilities

The duties of the VPP defined in the Kappa Kappa Psi National Constitution are fairly broad and wide-reaching, and I view them as directives to guide the administrative recordkeeping and programmatic direction of our fraternity in collaboration with the other members of the National Council, our National Leadership Team, and our entire fraternity. In order to fulfill these duties, I take a leading role in drafting meeting minutes and notes, following up with others regarding action items outlined in these meetings, and reviewing and providing feedback on our fraternity’s policies, programs, and documentation. I also work with the National Committee on Programs to develop and propose new national programs for Kappa Kappa Psi. In light of my background as an attorney, I often consult with other members of our National

Hello, my name is Arupa Gopal-Campbell (she/her) and I am truly excited to serve as the National Vice President for Student Affairs (VPSA). I am a Life Member from the Kappa Tau Chapter at the University of South Florida, initiated in Spring 2004. As an active member I served as Chapter President and Vice President of Membership, and as delegate at several District and National Conventions. I also participated in the National Intercollegiate Band in 2005 and 2007, along with the Centennial Alumni Band in 2019. From 2018 - 2024 I had the pleasure of serving as Southeast District Governor, where I learned a great deal about the national leadership of the organization, which in turn sparked my interest in contributing further. Currently, I work at USF in the School of Music and have been honored to serve as the Kappa Tau Chapter Sponsor since 2018.

Importance of the Position. The VPSA occupies a special place on the National Council, where its main focus is to seek out and represent the voice of the active membership to the national leadership team and headquarters. While all officers work with and for the student members, this position prioritizes listening to the student voice and proactively sharing important information with relevant national leaders. Having a position on the National Council dedicated to this task emphasizes the need to stay conscious of the active member experience and center the spaces where the work of the fraternity (service to college and university bands) is accomplished.

Specific Skills Required for the Position. Two very important skills needed for this position include transparency and visibility. In order to build trust with the active membership, this officer must provide opportunities, in several different ways, for students to make connections. Whether this be through social media, responding to requests via email, hosting webinars/workshops, it is important to be as approachable and reachable as possible. This also includes active communication with members to understand the platforms that are most used in the current moment, while knowing that this changes often. Additionally, having good time management, organizational, and verbal/written communication skills are a must.

Elevating the National Organization and Student Experience

The national organization is multi-faceted, and with having to coordinate chapters and active members across the nation, things can get complicated very quickly. This position provides a focal point for feedback and communication with students, which in turn serves to inform goals and actions taken at the national level. National actions have reverberating effects down to the chapter level, so it is

Leadership Team to provide a legal perspective on opportunities and obstacles encountered by our Brotherhood.

Advice and Words of Encouragement. When in doubt, give yourself enough grace to accommodate the possibility of error and give it your best try. So often, we allow the “perfect” to be the enemy of the “good” when it comes to whether we will make ourselves vulnerable and attempt something that seems out of reach. Each Brother has been selected to serve this amazing fraternity, which indicates the faith that our Brotherhood has placed in you, your abilities, and your limitless potential. If you have an interest in serving as a candidate for a National Office or any other role in Kappa Kappa Psi, please reach out to me or any of the other National Officers. We’d love to hear from you and support your leadership journeys!

National Vice President for Student Affairs

important these actions are well-informed regarding the current student experience.

Collaboration with the National Council. As a new addition to the current council, I have been warmly welcomed into a team that has been functioning together for a year now. Usually, as each person runs individually for each office, you can’t be sure who you might be serving with. You do know that everyone involved is passionate and dedicated to the betterment of the Fraternity, and you will develop the best team dynamic possible to complete your duties. That has been true of my time so far, as we have kept in regular communication about duties and tasks, and worked to embody a unified vision for the remaining year of the biennium.

Enjoyment of the Position. While being newly appointed has come with some stressful moments since I only have one year left in the term, I have truly enjoyed the collaborative environment and working with other national leaders on the best way forward. But most importantly, my interactions with students in various spaces so far have made me quite excited about the start of the academic year and getting to continue that development. Also, I’ve been able to expand my relationship with my network of leadership friends and work with them in new and different ways, which has been truly rewarding.

Biggest Learning Moments. Following being a Governor for six years, I knew there was still more to learn after taking this next step. That has proven true, and even as I was expecting it, I was happy to find myself in spaces where I could voice my opinions on topics outside of my current position. Serving at this level is more than a specific office, it is also participating in a wider discussion about the organization’s future. For me, I’m able to use my time and experience in the non-profit performing arts in a meaningful, impactful way. This has given me an important perspective and allowed me to develop thoughts about how I can keep contributing in the future.

Constitutional Duties vs. Day-to-Day Responsibilities

According to the Constitution, “The National Vice President for Student Affairs shall attend all National Council meetings, and be an able representative of the active and associate student members of the Fraternity at all times.” While this embodies the spirit of the position, it is not very specific on job duties. This means that the day-to-day depends on the vision of the person currently holding the position, and their intended execution of that vision. Over time, there have been some particular responsibilities that have been maintained

from officer to officer, including holding monthly Student Advisory Committee meetings with District Officers, and advising the fraternity Communications Committee. They may also be called upon to support the National Council with other duties, assisting with other areas of national leadership and/or headquarters.

Advice and Words of Encouragement. Throughout my time in leadership, I have continually told student members that each and every one of them has something to bring to the Brotherhood. No matter their band program, chapter, or personal situation, the

fraternity needs all of us to march forward together. For instance, although I came from a small chapter, didn’t participate in further District leadership, and often found myself in spaces where I didn’t see anyone like me, I had experiences that were helpful to the future of the organization. This is also true for anyone seeking national office. All experiences are valuable, provide lessons for growth, and can help us on our j(our)ney. Your story is vital to the future successes of our organization. Yes, you!

National Vice President for Professional Relations

The National Vice President for Professional Relations (NVPPR) plays a critical role in Kappa Kappa Psi, serving as a bridge between the Fraternity and the collegiate band teaching profession. As outlined by our National Constitution, the NVPPR is a voting member of the National Council and is appointed by the National President to serve a two-year term, with the possibility of reappointment for subsequent terms. This position requires the holder to be actively involved in the collegiate band profession, ensuring a direct and relevant connection to current educational practices and concerns within band programs.

In their capacity as a liaison, the NVPPR is tasked with fostering strong, supportive relationships between Kappa Kappa Psi and college band directors and programs. This role involves advising both the National President and the National Council on strategies to

The role of the Immediate Past National President (IPP) is vital to the governance structure of Kappa Kappa Psi. As defined by our National Constitution, the IPP serves as a voting member of the Board of Trustees, where they continue to influence the Fraternity’s strategic direction and uphold its values. Additionally, the IPP holds the position of an ex-officio, or non-voting, member of the National Council, where they provide guidance and perspective based on their prior experience as National President. Beyond these constitutional duties, the IPP acts as a crucial link between the past and current administrations, ensuring continuity and stability within the Fraternity’s leadership. This role is especially significant as it allows for the sharing of wisdom and insights, helping

Board of Trustees

I’m Malinda Matney, and I serve as Chair of the Board of Trustees. I’m writing about Trustee positions broadly, rather than my specific duties as Chair. When I’m not doing this, I serve as Managing Director for the Center for Research on Learning and Teaching at the University of Michigan. I’m also on the faculty of the Center for the Study of Higher and Postsecondary Education. I have the privilege of sponsoring the Nu Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi at Michigan. I have served in many capacities, including being the 41st National President. Kappa Kappa Psi and college bands are a special passion of mine.

Importance of the Position. The Board of Trustees is the “Corporation”. That means that we have a responsibility to oversee all matters of the Fraternity to make sure that we are on the right course. Sometimes that means we are doing the strategic planning to consider the course for the next ten years (or more).

best engage with and support these essential stakeholders. Their insights help shape the fraternity’s initiatives and policies related to collegiate bands, enhancing the fraternity’s support for band directors and their programs.

Additionally, the NVPPR collaborates closely with the Board of Trustees and National Headquarters on significant projects such as the execution of the National Intercollegiate Band (NIB). This includes pivotal tasks like selecting conductors and composers for future NIB events, which are central to promoting the fraternity’s musical and educational mission. Through these responsibilities, the NVPPR ensures that Kappa Kappa Psi remains at the forefront of advocacy and professional development within the band education community.

Immediate Past National President

to inform and support the initiatives of the current National President. The level of involvement of the IPP can vary and is largely dependent on the current National President’s vision and strategic goals for their term.

For instance, during this biennium, IPP Jessica Lee was appointed to serve as the Chairperson for the Founders’ Circle Leadership Development task force. This decision underscores the IPP’s role as a major advisor and supporter, leveraging their experience to spearhead key projects that align with our ongoing objectives. This flexible and adaptive approach ensures that the IPP remains an active and influential figure within our fraternity, contributing to our continuous growth and the achievement of our goals.

Sometimes, that means resolving conflict or controversy within the organization. We serve a step removed from the National Council to allow for a fresh hearing of much of the work of the Fraternity. Unlike National Council roles, we typically do not do a lot of work with students or with day-to-day business. Our work focuses more on alumni, strategy, finance, legal matters, and other sorts of structural issues for the Fraternity.

Specific Skills Required for the Position. Trustees come from a lot of professional backgrounds, and that combination serves the Fraternity well. Personally, I come from a background of educational administration where I’m navigating the challenges of universities every day. We have had other Trustees who come from financial, legal, fundraising, or musical/band backgrounds. We need a combination of backgrounds, since we draw from our collective

knowledge to anticipate next steps for the Fraternity.

Collaboration with the National Council. As the Chair, I’m an exofficio (non-voting) member of the Council. Most Board members are not connected to Council deliberations, though. So some ways we work with the Council is to provide advice, historical perspective, and cautions from our experience and knowledge. We actually interact more with the Alumni Association Board of Directors. (For those alumni who haven’t joined the Kappa Kappa Psi Alumni Association, what are you waiting for? Go for it!)

We do hear appeals of decisions of the National Council. When we do, we are not reexamining an issue, but we are checking to see if the National Council followed the correct procedures. Since we have that role, often the Council will ask us about procedural things, since they want to do their work well.

Enjoyment of the Position. This is not a glamorous role, but it can be deeply satisfying. Knowing that our knowledge is helping the Fraternity to create programming and vision to support the college band movement, we have a particular responsibility of understanding today’s challenges. We are a group that loves to think through problems and opportunities, and that is rewarding. As well, as a group of people, we get to know each other well, and I appreciate the relationships that we develop through our shared

Hi everyone! We are Marina Peña Guiot and Miranda Cook, the Chair and Vice Chair of the Kappa Kappa Psi Alumni Association. As Chair, Marina serves as ex-officio on the National Council and leads strategic planning initiatives. Miranda serves as Vice Chair/ Membership Director, where she supports the Chair in their duties as well as to promote membership within the Alumni Association. Our goal is to provide insight into what serving on the Board of Directors entails and give more information about the positions.

Importance of the Position. The Alumni Association Board of Directors helps administers the mission and vision of the Kappa Kappa Psi Alumni Association. We are dedicated to expanding the benefits and opportunities for alumni members to foster an inclusive environment to support and uplift each other as we continue our journey through a lifelong commitment. Specifically, we aim to support members by providing enhanced engagement, administer professional development programs, provide multiple avenues for continued participation with Kappa Kappa Psi, and ensure a thriving and stable Alumni Association, rooted in our traditions, for years to come.

Specific Skills Required. Each board member has a unique background, career, and skillsets that contributes to the Board of Directors. We have eight positions on the board, and each position is appointed by the Chair based on what the needs are for the biennium. These are the current positions we have this biennium:

• Communications

• Finance & Revenue

• Membership

• Programs/Professional Development

• Outreach

• Awards (currently vacant as of writing this article) At least one of the directors will also serve as Vice Chair. Collaboration with the National Council. The Chair serves as an ex-officio, a non-voting member, on the National Council. The Chair

work.

Biggest Learning Moments. Regardless of what your background is, you will learn a lot from others about their specialties. The learning I have had has ranged from legal precedents for fraternities to corporate finance to development to the state of elementary school music programs. All of those inform how we can predict and prepare for the challenges ahead.

Constitutional Duties vs. Day-to-Day Responsibilities. The language in the constitution speaks to our role as the original body; we are the backstop of the Fraternity, and in the worst case, the last component of the Fraternity that would remain standing if our organization met its demise. (The constitution does speak in stark terms about the Board.) But most of the time, we serve through our advice and guidance. Our goal is to make sure that the Fraternity is in excellent shape for the decades ahead.

Advice and Words of Encouragement. If you are well-established in your career and seek an interesting and professionally challenging way to serve Kappa Kappa Psi, we might be your route. We are not at the forefront of the programming and we aren’t typically in the front of the room, but our work supports our Fraternity and the college band movement in profound ways. Please feel free to ask any of us about the Board; we’d love to talk with you.

Board of Directors

serves as the representative for alumni and can provide insight and perspective during discussion. As all of the National Council members are alumni, it is a good opportunity to serve as the voice for alumni as the National Council focuses on the active brother experience. As the Board, we are invited to National Leadership Team (NLT) Meetings, which encapsulates the National Council, Board of Trustees, AABOD, and Governors. This provides updates to what each group is focusing on and how we can uplift each other.

Enjoyment of the Position. It is both a challenging and rewarding position serving on the Board of Directors. Serving as the voice of the Alumni Association is one of the best experiences; continuing our Kappa Kappa Psi journey hand-in-hand, empowering alumni in leadership positions and LAAs, recognizing outstanding achievements from alumni, meeting new Brothers and hearing their stories, providing the perspective of alumni, enriching the alumni experience, and so much more. Getting to collaborate with the AABOD with each speciality, background, and ideas is what continues us to strive for the highest within the fraternity.

Biggest Learning Moments. There are so many learning opportunities getting to serve in a position. Whether it be getting to learn more of the deeper inner workings of headquarters, how convention planning works, facing difficult situations, and even learning more about yourself, there is a lot to take to heart in these positions. Every brother has a unique perspective, their own challenges, and journey that helps shape the overall experience.

Constitutional Duties vs. Day-to-Day Responsibilities. In the National Constitution, Section 7.101, “The Kappa Kappa Psi Alumni Association functions as a component part of the Kappa Kappa Psi Fraternity…” and in Section 7.103, “Operations of the Kappa Kappa Psi Alumni Association are governed by the Alumni Association’s constitution, which is superseded by the National Constitution of Kappa Kappa Psi.” In the Alumni Association Constitution, Section 2.111, states that “the position of Chair and the duties and

KKΨAA

responsibilities for each member shall be assigned prior to the beginning of each biennium.” These duties and responsibilities can vary depending on the position, and one of the best parts of having the Board of Directors is that we will volunteer our time to help other directors. We are always there to support each other, and offer support when needed. For example, Miranda (Vice Chair) is helping with Marina’s (Chair) duties, and Greg (Programs & Professional Development Director) is helping with Brittany’s (LAA Director) duties, as both Marina and Brittany are on maternity leave.

Advice and Words of Encouragement. We highly recommend

As we continue to advance The Kappa Kappa Psi Journey, it’s imperative that we have Brothers who are both interested and qualified to embrace the challenges of our national offices. Leadership and service, core values of our Fraternity, call on each of us to step forward, even if we may not feel entirely “ready” or “prepared.” If you’re contemplating a run for national office but unsure about your readiness, I encourage

anyone who is interested to run for the AABOD! This is a great opportunity if you would like to be engaged at the national level and to represent the alumni of Kappa Kappa Psi. Every Brother plays a vital role in our organization, and we would love to have you be a part of the AABOD one day! Sometimes one can think, “but I’m in grad school, I have to focus on my career, I’m not sure I’m ready, etc.”, but it is something that we recommend anyone who has thought about serving to consider. There is a great learning opportunity, and taking that chance on yourself is worth it! If you are interested, please reach out to any of our Directors; we would love to have conversations with you and to uplift you in this part of your journey!

you to start the conversation. Often, faith in our own journey and the experiences we’ve accumulated along the way can surprise us with their depth and relevance.

If you believe you have a special gift to contribute to Kappa Kappa Psi, we warmly invite you to learn more about the National Election process. Should you have any questions or need further insights,

The Gift of Giving

Supporting the Lifelong Journey of Brothers

By Miranda Cook KKΨAA Board of Directors, Vice-Chair

Establishing a culture of giving honors the tradition of Kappa Kappa Psi, the future of college and university bands, and active and alumni Brothers who Strive for the Highest. The Kappa Kappa Psi Giving Program was created as a monthly contribution for the funds to go towards Fraternal and Alumni Association programs. The contributions can also build up to Life Member credits that one can use for themselves or give to others.

The Kappa Kappa Psi Alumni Association would like to recognize Michelle Turenne and Sarah Casias for their contributions, as the first two Brothers to gift ten Life Memberships through the Kappa Kappa Psi Giving Program. We would like to highlight their Kappa Kappa Psi Journey, the impact Kappa Kappa Psi has had on each of them, why they decided to participate in the Giving Program, and what advice they have for Brothers.

Michelle is a Life Member from the Eta Omicron Chapter at James Madison University and was initiated in Spring 1987. “I became a Life Member because there’s nothing like Band Family,” Michelle states. She was awarded the 2015 Scott Stowell Alumni Excellence Award.

Sarah is a Life Member of the Xi Chapter at the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colorado. She graduated from Mines in December with a BS in Economics and Business and a double minor in Mathematical Sciences and in Liberal Arts and International Studies. She has worked for the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) in partnership with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).. Sarah was a petitioning member of the chapter and graduated shortly after. Her first District Convention was in

please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at president@kkpsi.org. Remember, the growth and future of our Fraternity depend on the willingness of our members to lead and serve. Let’s step into this process with courage and a commitment to elevate Kappa Kappa Psi and advance the college and university band movement together!

2008 where she was welcomed by the Midwest District Alumni Association. She served as a MWDAA officer (2010-2013) and as an AABOD member (2013-2017), and continues to serve on different committees at the district and national level.

Both Michelle and Sarah’s are motivated to continue to be a part of Kappa Kappa Psi by lifelong friendships with the Brothers and Sisters from all over the country. Social media has been one of the ways to stay connected, but attending conventions is when she gets to meet younger alumni and active brothers from their home chapters. “Band people are band people, no matter where you go. If I wasn’t an active alumna – I never would have met people like Sue Carr, Ali Beidler, Adam Cantley, Scott Stowell, and many more,” Michelle reflects. “Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma are family,” Sarah says.

Sarah’s experience in Kappa Kappa Psi has influenced her as a person and a Brother. “As a young college student, I thought I had to do everything and no one else could do it, that everything had to be done a certain way or else it was wrong. But over the years, I have learned that there are many ways to do certain things and that I don’t have to be the one doing them. I have learned in my professional life that I can’t control everything, especially working with the Federal Government, and that I just have to go with the flow. There are things on my plate at work that only I do, but I am in the process of writing process manuals for other people to look

at just in case something does happen to me or if I have another project to work on. Back to the Fraternity, I was on National Leadership for 4 years as a member of the AABOD. I am now letting new brothers take over running the AABOD for me. I will be there to serve on committees. I will be there if they need someone to talk to.”

For Michelle, she is still Striving for the Highest in her life. “Leadership skills developed in the Brotherhood will continue to serve you and your community as an adult: how to speak in front of a crowd, how to build a consensus, how to work with others, the intrinsic value of service, etc. All life lessons,” she states. Careerwise, she serves as the Chief of Development at the American Thoracic Society in New York City, as well as serving on the Board of Directors of the JMU Alumni Association. “I always wanted to be a band director, but life didn’t work out that way,” Michelle reflects. One of the reasons Michelle contributes to the Kappa Kappa Psi Giving Program is to allow others to follow their dreams.

Sarah was inspired to contribute to the Kappa Kappa Psi Giving Program because it was affordable to her at the time. She became a Life Member when the fee was $250. She had only been an alumna for five months. “When I first started giving, I felt like I “needed” to give the Fraternity that $250, but I didn’t have the money as I had just started working. So, I started giving what I thought I could afford each month... And several years later, I have donated way more than the original $250 and I still continue to donate each month and add a couple bucks every once in a while.”

Michelle calls it the “small monthly set it and forget it” installments. She has been able to gift Life Membership to eleven people who have inspired her at JMU. These Brothers include Scott Rikkers (Director of the JMU Marching Royal Dukes), Tony Falcone (Director of the University of Nebraska Cornhusker Marching Band and former KKPsi Midwest District Governor and National Vice President of Professional Relations), Bill Posey (d. 2022; dedicated 35 years as the voice of the JMU MRDs), Earl Shaffer (founding father of Eta Omicron and Hall of Fame for High School Band Directors inductee in Virginia), Dr. Erin Cooper

(former AABOD member), and Dana Gillis (MRD Drum Major and JMU Alumni Association Board of Directors). There are four more Life Members that do not know they were gifted Life Membership yet. These Brothers are Summer Laila Khaswan (graduating this year and has served as VPM of HO and Parliamentarian for NED), Todd Brungard (longtime brother of Eta Omicron), Corey Koch (band director for thirty-three years), Kevin Stees (Professor of Tuba and Euphonium at JMU, and Director of the JMU Brass Band and Massanutten Brass Band), and Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser (world-renowned music educator and composer).

There are several reasons to who and why Sarah gave Life Memberships. “My first gift of Life Membership went to our lovely AABOD Chair Marina Peña Guiot. We met at National Convention in 2009 when we both needed rides from the airport to the hotel. She has been a great friend of mine since then, and when I had earned enough credits through the Kappa Kappa Psi Giving Program, I knew she had to be the first one to get the Life Membership,” Sarah reflects. “Since then, I have given Life Memberships to alumni from my chapter, I’ve asked Facebook friends for on who they think deserves one (Jensen Amens, 2019), alumni who I am close friends with who I know aren’t Life Members yet but want to be (Jordan (Burgin) Granados, Christina Campbell, Jose Chavez Jr, Spencer Bajcar). For my 10th Life Membership, I helped the MWDAA with their New Alumni Award for Kappa Kappa Psi and gifted it to Regan Hubbard. I have 1 more Life Membership to give at the moment and I have someone in

mind.”

Michelle’s advice to young alumni is taking time to focus on yourself as one moves into the real world. “Adulting is really hard sometimes, but the lessons we learn in our ritual and on the field are absolutely relevant. Find your lifelong friends and keep them close. Your band family will always be there.”

Sarah’s advice to young alumni is to go to conventions and meet people. “I know money may be tight when you first start working out of college, but save and reach out to us “older” alumni and we may help you get to Convention.”

We would like to thank both of them for their lifelong commitment to Kappa Kappa Psi. If you are interested in participating in the Giving Program, you can find more information here:

https://www.kkpsi.org/donations/givingprogram/

Michelle Turenne Eta Omicron, KKΨ

Sarah Casias Xi, KKΨ

NATIONAL LEADERSHIP TEAM POSITIONS

The National Committee on Nominations invites interested and quali ed individuals to submit their name and quali cations for the following positions for the 2025-2027 Biennium.

▪ National President

▪ National Vice President for Membership & Expansion (VPME)

▪ National Vice President for Programs (VPP)

▪ National Vice President for Student A airs (VPSA)

▪ Board of Trustees (BOT) [3 at-large seats]

This process is detailed in Sections 3.203, 3.707, and 3.708 of the National Constitution at https://www.kkpsi.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/KKPsiConstitution2023.pdf

INTERESTED INDIVIDUALS SHOULD MEET THE FOLLOWING BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

▪ Education:

◦ President, VPME, VPP, & BOT: Completed at least a baccalaureate degree

◦ VPSA: Completed at least two (2) years of college work.

▪ Possess outstanding business or professional ability.

▪ Capable of representing the Fraternity under all ordinary conditions.

▪ Willing and able to devote the necessary time to the execution of the duties imposed by the o ce.

▪ Attendance at National Convention.

▪ Meet the following age requirements at the time of election:

◦ President, VPME, & VPP: Be at least twenty- ve (25) years of age.

◦ VPSA: Be at least twenty-three (23) years of age.

◦ Board of Trustees: Be at least twenty-nine (29) years of age.

INTERESTED INDIVIDUALS MUST SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION NO LATER THAN JANUARY 15, 2025

▪ 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 fraternity experience. Candidates should make it clear in their letter of intent whether they would be available to be nominated into a position other than the primary one indicated by their letter of intent.

▪ Résumé / Vita.

▪ 3 letters of recommendation (maximum of 5), one of which should be within the applicant’s profession.

▪ A campaign statement and biographical pro le for publication on the web site and the Election Newsletter to be available at the 2025 District Conventions and to individual chapters. A sample statement and biographical pro le from a prior Election Newsletter can be obtained from the National Headquarters.

▪ One photograph, suitable for print publication.

Packets may be submitted online at natcon.kkytbsonline.com/25-kkpsi-nominations/

QUESTIONS MAY BE ADDRESSED TO BANG CO (National President), and ADAM CANTLEY (Nominations Committee Chairperson) AT NOMINATIONS@KKPSI.ORG

2025 NATIONAL INTERCOLLEGIATE BAND

Auditions are open to all qualified college musicians (undergraduate and graduate), and being a member of KKΨ or TBΣ is NOT a requirement. Please encourage your chapter members and non-KKΨ/TBΣ music peers to audition for this historical and high-level music making event. Specific audition instructions are posted on the National Intercollegiate Band webpage. The 2025 audition excerpts will be uploaded closer to the application open date.

Please visit the National Intercollegiate Band webpage (nib.kkytbsonline.com) for more information and follow our social media (@nationalintercollegiateband) to stay connected.

Are there grants, scholarships, or funds available to support NIB participants?

• Max Mitchell Grant Program- The Kappa Kappa Psi Alumni Association offers those that audition for the NIB to apply for the Max Mitchell Grant Program as part of their audition. Reimbursement grants in the amount of $250 are awarded to selected applicants.

• Student Travel Funding/Grant OpportunitiesConsider researching and asking about travel funds at your institution. Check with the following programs about funding opportunities: your college, school, or department of study, Office of Student Affairs, Office of Inclusion (may have a similar name), and the Honors College.

• Fundraising Ideas- Inquire if the current or alumni Kappa Kappa Psi or Tau Beta Sigma chapter(s) at your institution can sponsor you or help to raise funds for your travel. Self-fundraising is also an option.

NOVEMBER 1, 2024 - MARCH 1, 2025 nib.kkytbsonline.com

Learning to Fail: My Journey in Tau Beta Sigma Leadership

By Caleb Morris Southeast District Counselor, TBΣ

Ever come across the Thomas Edison adage: “I did not fail 2,000 times to make a lightbulb. I just learned 2,000 ways not to make it work”? Linking failure and learning can seem paradoxical. Shouldn’t failure be avoided at all costs? Isn’t success all that matters? Currently, I am living my Tau Beta Sigma dreams: I have the honor to be selected to serve as a Southeast District Counselor and as DEIA Committee Chair. These successes are built on a bedrock of failures. Failure has been a part of my TBS journey since before I became a member of the Sorority and was a recurring theme in my active membership. A trifecta of tribulations as a student each taught me how to accept and grow from failure. While disheartening at the time, I can look back and realize that these frustrations were crucial to later success. I want to let you know the stories of my failures and what I learned from them, in hopes that you will feel more comfortable with failure in your own life and leadership.

Failure #1: Not getting a bid freshman year. I tried three times before I finally got a bid to join TBS. My freshman year, I went to all the recruitment activities, only to find out I did not get a bid through social media. The following semester, I went to recruitment again scared but hopeful, only to be told that the chapter decided not to have a class that term. Finally, my sophomore year, I got a bid, completed the membership education program, and was initiated! Throughout this time, I continually thought “why do I keep trying to join these people who keep telling me ‘no’?” I learned my first lesson on failure: find validation from within.

As a college educator, I find young people seeking external validation and tying that to their self-worth: getting perfect grades from professors, landing perfect internships from employers, or having the perfect college experience as judged by peers. Jennifer Wallace, the founder of the Mattering Movement, calls out toxic achievement culture and uplifts the construct of “mattering” as a healthy ideal. According to Wallace “because we are bombarded with messages on the importance of achievement, we need a safe

space to land, a place where our mattering is never in question.” I liken this place to Maya Angelou’s notion that true belonging is radical acceptance of oneself. If we find the courage to believe in ourselves and realize we matter, we can bounce back quicker when inevitable setbacks happen. Having a strong belief in the mission and values of Tau Beta Sigma and that I was worthy of the honor to be selected to serve, I had the fortitude to join the TBS train and commit to a lifetime of service. All that came from finding validation within.

Failure #2: Not completing Focus on Five. TBS continued to teach me failure during my active membership. I was quickly elected as Chapter Vice President of Special Projects and set ambitious goals for the chapter: I wanted us to increase our service productivity, complete the Focus on Five program for the first time in chapter history, and incorporate all aspects of our mission statement. We went on to earn all stripes and lyre pieces, except for Women in Music Speaker due to schedule conflicts. I learned my second lesson on failure: you must take the good with the bad. While I was disappointed we did not complete Focus on Five, I was proud of what we accomplished together: we expanded our service to the concert bands and local band programs, more than doubled our service hours, participated in national programs and awards for the first time including Crescendo, Coda, and the Academic Achievement Program, and engaged our community philanthropically. What troubled me most at the time was that my failure was public knowledge; thankfully, however, I had a safe space where my sisters supported me despite not leading us to our goals. Not everyone is that lucky.

Failure can breed shame. Tyler Hallmark of the Sloan Foundation writes that, for some students, saying “Failure is OK” is not actually okay. For our sisters who come from systems disadvantaged backgrounds–who are the first in their families to go to college, who carry marginalized racial, economic, gender, sexuality, and disability identities, failure manifests itself differently. Professionally, I help

My candidate class, VPM, and I moments after we were initiated.

Sisters and I participating in the Coda project during my VPSP term.

students discover their dreams and design plans to achieve them. One of the first questions I ask students is about their goals: some students readily share their goals, others are non-committal, and a handful of students feel anxious, unable to speak their goals for fear of failure. Jim Collins writes about creating “pockets of greatness” within our spheres of influence. Because failure is inevitable and necessary, yet can be traumatic, we must strive to create safe and brave spaces for people to feel seen, heard, accepted, and valued. Where people can feel vulnerable enough to be bold and have courage. Doing so can ease the pain of failure and make it easier to take the good with the bad. My sisters did that for me, and I strive to pay that forward for others.

Failure #3: Not being elected to District Office. I attended my first SED Convention three days after my initiation, and my first National Convention three months after my initiation. Inspired by the work we could accomplish collectively, as chapters, districts, and nationally, I dreamed of being on the District Council. Two years in a row, I ran for district office and was not elected either time, despite being slated. This devastated me, especially as those who won the elections went on to do amazing things and great work for the District. This was the toughest failure to endure, and I learned my third lesson on failure, your time will come, so keep moving. While I did not live my dream of being a district officer, I have enjoyed many

My

co-counselors, the Lead CVA, and I at SED Convention 2024

opportunities to serve the Sorority: I am an inaugural member of both the Curriculum and DEIA committees; have worked with two Petitioning Groups as Membership Educator and Advisor; have had two National Leadership Team appointments, first as a Chapter Visitation Associate and now as SED Counselor, and am a Distinguished Service Award recipient. My peers may not have seen me fit to serve as a District Officer as a student, but I worked to level up my skills and have enjoyed many roles in TBS as an alumni volunteer. Recognizing our time will come helps us strive for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s assertation that “whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.”

I hope my stories help you feel more comfortable with failure in your own life and leadership. When you encounter failure, no matter how big or small, reflect on it, think about what you can learn from it, seek your support system, and do not let it get you down. To quote the film Shakespeare in Love “Strangely enough, it all turns out well. How? I don’t know. It’s a mystery.

National Scholarship Recipients

Patsy Drury Hejl

Outstanding Musical Achievement Scholarship

Simone Van Pletzen

Iota Psi

Wava Scholarship

Beatrice Aldrich Theta

Outstanding Student Leaders Scholarship

Beyond the Band

Tau Beta Sigma Alumni Continue to Serve and Inspire

By Jessica Smith TBΣAA Executive Council, LAA Relations Director

When the Tau Beta Sigma Alumni Association (TBSAA) was created, one of the challenges was continuing to serve the band after our collegiate careers. Another challenge was finding ways to support our members in their lives outside of the band. While we are active student members of our chapters for anywhere from 1 to 5 years on average, we spend the rest of our lives embodying the mission and purpose of Tau Beta Sigma through our daily actions.

Over time, the TBSAA has developed various ways to celebrate the large and small wins of our members. This includes Alumni Notes announcements to share engagements, marriages, births, and special accomplishments in our careers.

The TBSAA Grant Program was started in 2015 to provide financial assistance for projects that impact the community in the areas of sorority service, professional development, or music programs. Our 2023 recipient is Catrina Sally Thomas, an alumna from the Epsilon Omega chapter at Morgan State University. Catrina used the funds to support Cross Country Elementary Middle School, enabling students to attend their first Music in the Parks festival. This grant helped students see that band extends beyond their school and fostered a love of music. Applications for the grant program are due on October 1 each year.

In 2019, the National Scholarship for Graduate Studies was created to honor members advancing their personal and professional development through graduate, doctoral, and certificate programs. We are pleased to announce our 2024 recipients: Janae McCloud and Lisa Turk! Janae, an alumna from the Iota Omicron chapter at Benedict College, will be returning to school at Duke University as a first-year Ph.D. student focusing on Developmental and Stem Cell

Biology. Lisa, an alumna from the Beta Xi chapter at the University of Florida, has previously earned a double major and a master’s degree. She will now pursue a medical degree at the Florida State University College of Medicine. Janae and Lisa are poised to make significant contributions in their respective fields. Applications for this scholarship are due on May 1 each year.

In January 2023, the TBSAA awarded its first LAA Reimbursable Grant. The Greater OKC TBS Alumni Association organized a “Stuff the Bus” event to provide 250 snack bags to the Langston Marching Pride Marching Band, which had been accepted into the 2022 Honda Battle of the Bands. In January 2024, we announced that the Midwest District Alumni Association had been awarded the grant to commission a piece by Katherine Bergman. We are now pleased to announce two additional grants to the Iota Pi Alumni Association and the Southern University Alumni Association! The Iota Pi Alumni Association hosted a Band Splash event, connecting middle and high school students with members of the Lincoln University Orange Crush band program, raising awareness of future collegiate band opportunities. The Southern University TBS Alumni Association will continue supporting students attending the Bayou Classic game over Thanksgiving who cannot be with their families by providing over 300 hot Thanksgiving meals, fostering a sense of family, community, and love during the holiday season. Deadlines for this grant are January 1 and July 1 each year

The Tau Beta Sigma Alumni Association celebrates all the service, support, and community that our members and LAAs provide throughout the year.

Remembering and Honoring Samantha Toback

By Leslie Gartin National President, TBΣ

In Tau Beta Sigma and Kappa Kappa Psi, you have and will meet a multitude of amazing people, from all places and opportunities. In my over twenty years through the organizations, I have met thousands of Sisters and Brothers who have impacted me in such different ways, and the friendships are my favorite facet of the organizations. I can say without question that Sam Toback was a one of a kind Sister.

On June 27 of this year, Sam’s family announced that she had passed away from cancer. I was, and continue to be, devastated with the news. I would like to take the opportunity to share Sam’s sorority journey with the readers of the Podium, to honor her memory.

Sam was born October 21, 1992 in San Antonio, Texas, where she graduated from Alamo Heights High School in 2011. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Sam Houston State University, and after college worked at the Witte Museum, San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, and for the state of Texas Parks and Wildlife. Sam will be remembered for her upbeat personality and love of family and friends.

Samantha Toback was initiated into the Alpha Omicron chapter of Tau Beta Sigma at Sam Houston State University on November 6, 2011. From her initiation, Sam was a powerful presence to both Alpha Omicron and the Southwest District, serving a variety of roles, including chapter president. She was a recipient of the Baton, our highest honor bestowed to Active students, in 2014. After graduation, Sam continued to serve on an Alumni level, being elected as Communications chair of the Southwest District Alumni Association from 2017-2019.

While these words mean a lot, to meet and know Sam was truly something special. I first met her at the 2013 National Convention in Springfield, Massachusetts, where she served as delegate for her chapter, and I was the Finance chair for the Tau Beta Sigma Alumni Association at that time. I cannot for the life of me remember why we met at that convention, but I just remember this student with this incredible aura come bouncing up to me to introduce herself. Her smile was infectious, and I always looked forward to randomly seeing her at District and National Conventions. She had the definition of a bubbly spirit, and the world is a darker place without her. Sam bravely shared with the world via social media her throat cancer diagnosis a year ago, and the struggles associated with her treatment day in and day out. Throughout her painful struggles, her aura shone through those posts, and continued to provide a beacon of light to those who knew her. What a remarkable feat!

miscalculate what people will have the most impact on our souls. Sam’s loss has affected so many of us deeply, and it is our duty to honor her memory every day.

Sam has taught us many things, but the thing I think of most is her motto of “Live life big.” No matter what you do, put your heart and soul into it. Believe in it. Make it count. Make everyday count. Cancer took Samantha way too soon from this earth, but her lessons will live on within me and many of our Sisters and Brothers.

As I look back on over two decades being involved in Tau Beta Sigma, it is no surprise that it’s relationships with people that I treasure most from my time. We always try and fail to accurately plan our paths in the organization, and in the same way we

Samantha Toback 10/21/92-6/22/24

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Dr. Robert “Coach” Fleming

by Ken Corbett Past National President, KKΨ

Dr. Robert. C Fleming passed away June 9, 2024 at his Tempe, AZ home with his wife, Brenda, of 58 years by his side.

Robert was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and grew up with his brother Thomas Allen Fleming in Aspinwall, PA. Fleming attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania where he received a BFA in Music Education and Flute performance and then Carnegie Mellon University where he received his MFA in music. He then attended Southern Illinois University where he received his PhD in secondary education. While completing his master’s degree, he played flute professionally with the Wheeling West Virginia Symphony. It was at this time he discovered that his true calling was in teaching music.

Robert Clair Fleming was recognized nationwide as an elite educator and Band Director. After being the marching band director at Midland High School, he started his college career as the Director of Bands at the University of Tennessee at Martin from 1967-1974 and finished his career as the Associate Director of Bands/Marching Band Director at Arizona State University (1974-2002) where he was affectionately called “Coach”. He found true joy in making music, entertaining crowds and creating a band family within the Sun Devil Marching Band.

One of the many career highlights for Coach while working at ASU was being awarded the Sudler Trophy in 1991.This award is presented to the marching band that is considered to have the best marching band program in the country. Perhaps an even greater honor, was to be among the first 10 schools to receive this award and the first Pac-10 school to ever receive the Sudler trophy. It is voted on by industry peers and is the highest honor a marching band program can ever receive. Coach was so honored that the students and staff earned this under his leadership.

Dr. Fleming served as National President of Kappa Kappa Psi Fraternity from 1987-1989. During his six years as a member of the National Council, Dr. Fleming placed great emphasis on internal expansion and fiscal responsibility. He initiated the 15% convention travel account and encouraged alumni to become sustaining members. Other programs during his tenure included the interview and selection of a new Executive Director and the adoption of

alcohol awareness and hazing policies. During his presidential biennium, all districts implemented annual conventions. Dr. Fleming presented the Distinguished Service to Music Medal to John Paynter, Colonel John Bourgeois, Ray Cramer, Dr. Fisher Tull, and Claude T. Smith. The A. Frank Martin Award was presented to Victor Zajec. The 35th Biennial Convention was held at the birthplace of Kappa Kappa Psi, Oklahoma State University in Stillwater in 1989. For the first time, compositions were commissioned for both National Intercollegiate Bands. David Holsinger’s commissioned work for the symphonic band, Symphonic Canticle, and Anne McGinty’s commissioned work for the concert band, Athenian Festival, received their premiere performances by the NIB. Conductors for the National Intercollegiate Band were John Paynter and Joseph Missal.

On a personal level, Bob and I served on the Kappa Kappa Psi National Council from 1983-1991 and the Board through 2003. I was only 25 years old and Bob was my mentor and great friend. We selected a new Executive Director together, David Solomon. I worked with Bob on many projects for the Fraternity and was so happy he was a great teacher, friend and leader. I clearly remember the council meeting we had in his home in Tempe, AZ. Brenda was such a great host, and we had a really productive time together. Coach, your legacy will remain part of the Arizona State University Band program and Kappa Kappa Psi Fraternity.

After retirement, Coach was chosen to be the Conductor of the Coastal Communities Concert Band in San Diego from 2008-2013. His time with this group is something he treasured and upon his departure as the conductor he became their Conductor Emeritus.

Some of his personal awards received:

• 1981 Selection to the American Bandmasters Association

• 1984 Director of the Olympic Band

• 1993 Bohumil Makovsky Memorial Award for the Outstanding College Band Director

• 1996 O.M. Hatsell Excellence in Teaching Award from the AZ Music Educators Association

• 2001 Distinguished Service to Music Medal Kappa Kappa Psi

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Dr. Lemuel Berry, Jr.

by Ken Corbett Past National President, KKΨ

Dr. Lemuel Berry, Jr. who served as the 29th National President of Kappa Kappa Psi, from 1983-1985 passed away on June 2, 2024.

Born October 11, 1946, in Oneonta, NY, Dr. Berry grew up in Burlington, NJ before attending college. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education from Livingstone College and Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Music Education from the University of Iowa.

His expansive academic career as a professor and administrator included positions as Dean, College of Humanities & Social Sciences, at Virginia State University; Dean of Humanities & Fine Arts, Mercy College; Dean, Caudill College of Humanities, Morehead State University; and finally, Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs at the University of New England.

Dr. Berry was initiated into the Delta Alpha Chapter at Langston University in 1977 while serving on faculty there. He served four years on the National Council, being elected Vice President in 1981, and advancing to the Presidency at the 32nd Biennial Convention at Texas Tech University, the first African-American to serve on the National Council. During his term on the National Council of Kappa Kappa Psi, he oversaw the installation of seven new chapters of the Fraternity. 1981-1985 saw significant strides for the Fraternity including the establishment of the A. Frank Martin Award, modernization of the National Headquarters with the purchase of its first IBM XT personal computer, and the development of a

Coach is survived by his wife Brenda of 58 years, son Brian, wife Leah Johnson Fleming and their children Leigh, Christina and Jolynn, his daughter Michele Fleming Holyoak, her husband David Holyoak and their children Peyton and McKay.

Before retiring, Coach established the Robert “Coach” Fleming scholarship endowment through the ASU Foundation. He wanted to financially assist 3rd and 4th year SDMB members and reward their loyalty and hard work. Every year, multiple recipients are selected to receive monetary scholarships.

Coach’s contributions to the music education world have been

model Membership Education Program. Dr. Berry presided over the 33rd Biennial Convention at the University of Kansas which featured the premiere of “Chorale Prelude: ‘Mein junges Leben hat ein End’, Op 61” by James Barnes and a performance of the National Intercollegiate Band under the baton of Dr. William P. Foster.

In 1992, with a group of faculty members at Virginia State, he founded, and served as Executive Director of, the National Association of African American Studies, an organization that supports continuous growth, respect for global community, professional development and an overarching goal of providing faculty and students an opportunity to engage in scholarly endeavors.

He wrote more than 200 articles on music, education, and many topics in between and published books on Black musical artists, including Great African American Musicians from Marian Anderson to Stevie Wonder in 2010. The Phoenix Settlement – A National Heritage Site is scheduled for publication in 2024 followed by the 2025 publication of the Encyclopedia of Who’s Who in Black Gospel Music.

On a personal level I remember the many Stillwater meetings and trips to Oklahoma City for dinner with KKPs Psi Board of Trustees members Hugh McMillen, David Oakley and Don Stanley. A very learning moment for me at my young fraternity age.

tremendous. His passion for leading young people and sharing the art of music is unparalleled. His greatest loves were his wife, children, grandchildren, extended family and dear life-long friendships that he made as a result of his career.

I was able to visit with Bob and Brenda in Tempe, AZ on Saturday. June 1, 2024. He was suffering from organ failure and was on hospice care. We had a great visit talking about his family, Arizona State and Kappa Kappa Psi.

“Coach” has left the band field for the last time.

In Loving Memory

DON WILCOX

NU (ΚΚΨ) UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN MAY 27, 2024

Wilcox led “the Pride of West Virginia” from 1971 to 1997. During his time as director, women began to be admitted into the band, and its size more than tripled from 88 members to more than 325.

The program’s growth under Wilcox culminated in 1997 when the band was awarded with the Sudler Trophy, an award presented to the “nation’s most outstanding collegiate marching band” each year. That same year, Wilcox was awarded Kappa Kappa Psi’s Distinguished Service to Music Medal in the field of Concert Band. In 2001, he was again recognized by Kappa Kappa Psi with the Bohumil Makovsky Award which honors outstanding conductors in college bands.

Wilcox stepped down as director of “the Pride of West Virginia” in 1998 and served as the Director of Bands at WVU until 2005. Following his retirement, Wilcox was honored with the title of WVU Director of Bands Emeritus.

President Bang Co bangco@kkpsi.org

Vice President for Membership & Expansion

Dr. Nicholas Rorrer nic@kkpsi.org

Vice President for Programs Daniel Miller daniel.miller@kkpsi.org

Vice President for Student Affairs

Arupa Gopal-Campbell arupa@kkpsi.org

Vice President for Professional Relations

Dr. William L. Lake, Jr. wlake@gmu.edu

KKΨ Alumni Association Board of Directors Chair Marina Peña Guiot marina@kkpsi.org

Immediate Past President Jessica Lee jessicalee@kkpsi.org

Board of Trustees

Dr. Malinda Matney, Chair; Evan Thompson, Vice Chair; Dr. Kevin James; Franklin “Frankie” Johnson-Norwood, Eric B. Morson; Jessica Lee, Immediate Past President; Bang Co (ex-officio)

The official publication of Kappa Kappa Psi & Tau Beta Sigma

President Leslie Gartin lesler@tbsigma.org

Vice President for Membership & Expansion Allison Leemann allison@tbsigma.org

Vice President for Professional Relations Dr. LaToya Webb latoya.webb@tbsigma.org

Vice President for Special Projects

Katie Dukes katie@tbsigma.org

Vice President for Communication & Recognition Kelsey Reilly kelsey@tbsigma.org

TBΣ Alumni Association Executive Council Chair Dr. Ovura “Thea” Murphy tbsaa-chair@tbsigma.org

Immediate Past President

Erika Pope erikapope@tbsigma.org

Board of Trustees

Rosalyn McDonald, Chair; Adrienne Rall, Vice Chair; Kris Wright, Jason Dornbush; Jonathan Markowski; Zachary T. Rebarchek; Erika Pope, Immediate Past President; Leslie Gartin (ex-officio)

Midwest

Việt Nguyễn vietnguyen@kkpsi.org

Denali D. Pearce-Alt denali@kkpsi.org

Dr. Anthony Walker walker@kkpsi.org

North Central

Michelle Banis mbanis@kkpsi.org

Marc D. Renaud mrenaud@kkpsi.org

Akilah Thomas akilahthomas@kkpsi.org

Northeast

Rassii A. Elliott rassii.elliott@gmail.com

Marcia “Marci” Jones marci@kkpsi.org

Matthew Parent mattparentNED@gmail.com

Southeast Justyn “JP” Davis jpdavis@kkpsi.org

Kalem Graham kalem.graham@gmail.com

Dani Wade dani@kkpsi.org

Southwest Andy Melvin andy@kkpsi.org

Elizabeth Pineiro

lizzi@kkpsi.org

Kadeem Sabari kadeemsabari@kkpsi.org

Western Lance Coochyouma lance@kkpsi.org

Karissa Longo longokar@gmail.com

Brian Parker bcparker@kkpsi.org

Midwest

Abby Rogish Bodin abby@tbsigma.org

Sara Remoy sara_remoy@tbsigma.org

North Central Katie Langley katielangley@tbsigma.org

Jenny Hirt Renaud jrenaud@tbsigma.org

Northeast

Indya Hairston indyahairston@tbsigma.org

Dr. Christopher Lukasik christopher@tbsigma.org

Southeast

Nikki Lyons nikki@tbsigma.org

Caleb Morris caleb@tbsigma.org

Amber Scott amberscott@tbsigma.org

Southwest Ciara Gibbs ciara@tbsigma.org

Chelsea Rasing rasingcr@tbsigma.org

Linnetta Ratliff linnetta@tbsigma.org

Western

Camille Dhennin camilled@tbsigma.org

Loren Ksiazek loren@tbsigma.org

PODIUM & BATON INDEXING PROJECT

The Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma history and archives teams are excited to announce a project to index the joint publication of our organizations, The Podium. The Baton is the early year’s publication for Kappa Kappa Psi and is included in this indexing project.

The history of our organizations comes alive when you look back at older editions of the publications. As part of the process to document the history of Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma, we are embarking on this project now so that by 2019 we will be in the position to provide a documented history of our organizations.

If you would like to assist in this project, please contact Aaron Moore at hqacc@kkytbs.org. You will be able to do this indexing on your on time and schedule.

You will be asked what edition of the Podium or Baton you would like to index (possibly the years you were an active member). We will send you that edition as a PDF document, along with an Excel file to document the issue, instructions, and an example issue.

Thank you for supporting Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma. We hope you will see the value in this project and commit to indexing one or more issues. JULY 15-18, 2025