Just a Couple of Roadies by John Bowen and Brian Dorn

Just a Couple of Roadies Just a Couple of Roadies Just a Couple of Roadies Just a Couple of Roadies Just a Couple of Roadies

by John Bowen and Brian Dorn Kappa Delta/Kappa Kappa Psi

During our many recent chapter visits there has been one undeniable truth: every chapter maintains a verbal history passed down through anecdotes. The most recent addition to “The Tales of Kappa Delta” originated from our annual Casino Night fundraiser. While collecting donations at the local Mr. Goodcents for this event, two brothers were prompted with the question, “How does Kappa Kappa Psi enhance music scholarship at Northwest Missouri State University?” A response followed outlining the service projects in which we are involved. The storeowner interrupted the elaborate description by saying, “So…you’re like the roadies.”

At first this humorous simile seems oversimplified; however, as brothers we can learn some important lessons from these supportive followers. Paralleled in Kappa Kappa Psi are the new hires and weathered veterans working together to ensure concerts go off without a hitch. In doing so, roadies form a tight knit family, analogous to our brotherhood. By examining the roadie lifestyle we hope to gain insight into our fraternal bonds. The life cycle of a roadie begins much as we would expect it to. An enthusiastic fan of music decides to devote his or her time to its promotion. Sound familiar? We too embark upon the path with these same ideals. What follows in both cases is a period of education centered on teaching the skills needed to be part of a well-oiled machine.

Often our membership education programs focus solely on the memorization of important facts and historical dates, much like the general education classes we all know and love. It is a disservice to neglect the significance of our teachings. Striving for a full understanding of where the fraternity has been will only better prepare us for what lies ahead. Great, but how do we accomplish this goal? For starters, we choose membership educators that have a strong passion for our lore and train them to be effective teachers. Then, shifting the paradigm from a class to an open discussion forum ensures that real learning occurs. Re-evaluation of our chapter’s enlightenment process nurtures individual ownership of our mutual past.

Of equal importance for a membership candidate is the development of brotherly bonds. How can chapters encourage this most rewarding aspect of our order? There are, of course, a plethora of answers to this question. Like many chapters, Kappa Delta facilitates becoming aquainted with actives through interviews. It is always a testament to the “small world” paradox when seemingly different people discover similarities during these first moments as brothers; however, for this to occur the term interview needs to be replaced with exchange to emphasize the two-way nature of this activity.

Returning to our roadie analysis, we jump ahead in the life cycle to the seasoned leader stage. At this point in our journey we have become a source of guidance for novices. Philosophies on leadership vary more than the ice cream flavors at Baskin Robins, but central to each is the development of caring, dependable, and loyal members. Whether head roadie, chapter president, or experienced active, the fundamental roles of a leader remain the same.

As current brothers we must aspire to become quality role models for our new and future colleagues. It should never be forgotten that the primary goal of our institution is to serve our university bands. The best way to stress the importance of this goal is to participate in the efforts of our local chapters; after all, we are not called “actives” for nothing. Unfortunately, it is easy to overlook brotherhood when concentrating on service. Finding the fulcrum of this seesaw is a challenge for everyone in Kappa Kappa Psi. On more than one occasion this year brothers of Kappa Delta have gone above and beyond the call of mere friendship. Through these demonstrations of support new members are led to a caring involvement in the chapter. Finally, we must not become lackadaisical in our academic pursuits. Ultimately as college students we desire to become alumni at some point.

It is also the privilege of the time-honored roadie to select the next generation. The best upcoming roadies are those who do not seem to notice the long hours despite their callused hands. Identifying participants in the band programs at our institutions who will fit this model is always an arduous task. An active recruitment style requires work up front to generate interest. Surprisingly, sometimes the passive actions of brothers are the most attracting to new leaders. For some bandmembers, simply seeing us in action ignites a personal desire to serve alongside us. The toil of recruitment is worthwhile in the end because it ensures the longevity and upholds the standards of our beloved organization.

After the show roadies tear down, pack up, and rest momentarily, only to begin again with the same conviction as the brothers of Kappa Kappa Psi. It is with this in mind that we “Strive for the Highest.” We begin our life cycle as probationary members, growing as individuals with the help of an entire chapter. Later, we serve and mold the future of our fraternity as leaders. When it comes time to move on from our chapters, we take comfort in knowing that there will always be brothers to take up our reins. The masterminds of Roadie.net describe their lifestyle as “a thankless job with long hard hours of grueling physical work, lightly mixed with some of the most rewarding moments a human being can ever experience.” U The PODIUM, Fall 2001—31