Expanding Our Boundaries by Deb Eakins

Expanding Our Boundaries

by Deb Eakins Northeast District Governor Life Member, Kappa Kappa Psi

As we move into the 21st Century I note that Kappa Kappa Psi is growing in leaps and bounds. Not only are our membership numbers larger, but also the number of chapters and colonies we have is on a significant increase. In the Northeast District alone we now have four colonies and several other institutions interested in hearing more about Kappa Kappa Psi and what it can do for the band programs and the band students in terms of leadership opportunities and growth.

I’ve always said that the best way to get colonization started is for our students to talk to students that you may know on campuses where Kappa Kappa Psi does not exist. Obviously not everyone from your high school band went to the same college or university. There are many contact points that you have at a variety of campuses. Take some time to find out where your old rank buddies are, track them down and talk to them about what a great experience Kappa Kappa Psi can be for them. Or simply get some folks together to “stop by” a band rehearsal at another institution. Wear your letters and, when the band has a break or finishes rehearsal, strike up a conversation about the tunes they are playing or the drill they are running. Let them know that you are in the band at Wherever University and that some of the Kappa Kappa Psi brothers just wanted to check out their rehearsal or their performance. You may end up at a local burger joint with your new-found friends and can discuss what Kappa Kappa Psi is about.

The other nifty boundaries that are expanding are the ones that involve individuals in our organization. It is great to see so many students these days who are not afraid to be affiliated with someone who does not look and act exactly like themselves. We are seeing more and more chapters that have a diverse membership which truly reflects the makeup of the band, in honoring the best bandmembers. Chapters are no longer the “all white, male” chapters of the 1960s, but rather reflect the diversity of the band programs with brothers of all races, national origins, religions, both genders, a variety of handicaps, ages, and sexual orientation.

In a discussion with one of my close brothers, Marie Burleigh, who also was in my membership class as an undergrad, Marie made the following observance about the way children and young adults are growing up these days. “Our generation can have a huge impact on civil rights and social justice without marching a single step. It’s *so* important to teach our children to be accepting of people who are different, rather than fearing them simply *because* they’re different. Nobody’s going to like *everyone* and that’s okay, as long as you’ve taken the time to get close enough to have a *reason* not to like that *individual*. But what’s not okayis to judge from afar based on outward characteristics.”

I tend to agree wholeheartedly. Unfortunately, we are still in an era where there are hate crimes and folks are afraid of those they don’t know, or make gut judgements about others without getting to know someone. It is good to note that the Brothers of Kappa Kappa Psi, who have the true spirit of brotherhood, and who devote their time and energies to our five purposes, will take the time to get to know every person in the band. Then, and only then, will they make the decisions on whom to extend the offer of membership. This decision, based on the five purposes of Kappa Kappa Psi, in regard to an individual’s leadership potential, their musicianship, their love of college bands, and not only what they can bring to the brotherhood, but how the brotherhood can impact the individual, is what can make a strong chapter and strong brotherhood.

Kappa Kappa Psi isn’t for everyone. Each chapter’s evolving personality isn’t for everyone. No chapter remains the same year after year lest it become stagnant.

Take the opportunity to reach beyond your boundaries, both intellectually, socially, and physically to encompass more outstanding band members in our wonderful fraternity. By doing so you will undoubtedly be enriched by the experience.

The PODIUMís Contributing Authors Program

The National Headquarters of Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma is accepting special feature articles for publication in The PODIUM. The purpose of the Contributing Authors Program is to increase the quality and volume of articles that we have to consider for publication.

To be selected as a contributing author, submit a letter of application to Lt. Col. Alan Bonner, National Executive Director. Your letter should indicate your reasons for wanting to participate, a proposed article for publication, and a brief resume outlining qualifications. Articles will be judged on the basis of topic, quality of the writing and the significance of its relationship to Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma.

Your proposal should be a 1-to-2 page article on a subject related to Kappa Kappa Psi and/or Tau Beta Sigma. Within this perameter, the focus of your article can be wide-ranging; the choice is yours. Please try to observe the established deadlines of May 1 for the fall issue and November 1 for the spring issue. However, we will accept applications and proposed articles on an on-going basis.

We reserve the right to select and edit articles submitted and strongly encourage the use of photographs to accompany your article. Contact the National Headquarters for further details.