Kappa Kappa Psi Silver Baton Award

RATIONALE: The National Council believes that we need to recognize and reward individual instrumental music educators and individuals who work in related fields that support instrumental music education and have demonstrated continuous service to bands in a local or regional setting. While we can offer honorary membership as a form of recognition, this is not a public or visible approach. As we want to promulgate our organization and continue to bring public awareness to Kappa Kappa Psi, recognizing individuals for long and continued service to local community and school bands in a public setting can be one opportunity. The Silver Baton is a national award presented at the chapter level recognizing individuals who have contributed significantly to their community and inspired, helped or supported many band members. Examples might be the outstanding school band director or local music store dealer. While these contributions do not qualify an individual for our DSMM or A. Frank Martin awards, our recognition of this valuable long-term commitment and service to bands and band members is an opportunity for Kappa Kappa Psi to acknowledge publicly those who have served our bands and educated our future college band members.

THE SILVER BATON AWARD is an award that recognizes individuals for their longevity and continuous quality service to bands. Chapters are able to present this award at local concerts, state music conventions, and or special public gatherings. The Silver Baton certificate is available for a minimal cost of $6.00 from our National Headquarters. Any chapter with the approval of their sponsor and Director of Bands may select and present the award. The Silver Baton is a National Award but does not require any approval from the National Council, National Headquarters, or district officers. The selection and presentation is a chapter (local) decision. Application forms were recently sent to all chapters.

GUIDELINES and CRITERIA for SELECTION: 1. The recipient has served 10 years or more at one institution or school system in instrumental music education or place of employment in support of instrumental music education in a related field. Examples: band director, music store dealer, composer, and/or supervisor of music. 2. The recipient has maintained a record of excellence and quality over a long period consistently striving for the highest in their work. 3. The recipient has demonstrated the key qualities and attributes in our Kappa Kappa Psi creed and purposes. 4. The recipient has made valuable contributions to bands on a regional and/or local level through involvement in professional organizations and community service.

SILVER BATON NOMINATION AND SELECTION PROCESS: 1. Any active chapter member, sponsor, or Director of Bands may nominate qualified individuals for the Silver

Baton. (It is recommended that, when individuals are nominated, a written biography be presented with their achievements and contributions to instrumental music education.) 2. All nominations should be brought to the chapter for approval. (It is recommended that the chapter sponsor and Director of Bands be informed of all nominations prior to the chapter vote.) Upon a majority vote of the active members, the application form should be completed (with all required signatures) and mailed to the

National Headquarters. 3. A date, time and place should be set to present the award. (It is recommended that this date be thirty days or more after the completed application form has been sent to National Headquarters.) 4. It is recommended that chapters offer one to two awards per semester.

Contact National Headquarters for an application form and presentation guidelines.