From the President’s Corner by Kirk Randazzo ΚΚΨ National President
I
t is almost hard to believe that six months have passed since our National Convention in Corpus Christi, Texas. This article is simply an update about certain events and activities that have occurred since convention. In September, the National Council and Board of Trustees met in Pittsburgh for a strategic planning session. The main purpose of this meeting was to review the materials produced by the strategic committees during convention. Let me tell you that the materials from these committees are truly fantastic. Everyone who participated in Corpus Christi should be commended for thinking “out-of-the-box” and developing several long-term ideas for the Fraternity. At the end of the September session, the Council developed an idea for a program entitled the Service Showcase. The idea began in one of the strategic committees to replace our service certificates. Hopefully, you have already heard about the new program. The Service Showcase allows the district leadership to chose the best service project in their district for the previous year. These projects will then be highlighted in a special newsletter so that everyone can learn about new and exciting ideas. Additionally, the National Council will donate $200 to the band programs of each winner in the name of that chapter. You can read about the details of this project on our website. I wanted to simply explain how this idea came from strategic thinking during the National Convention, and to thank everyone for helping develop the long-term direction of Kappa Kappa Psi. In December, the representatives from the National Council traveled to Chicago to attend the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic. At our exhibit booth, we met numerous band directors, alumni and active members, and discussed all aspects of the Fraternity. The Council presented two Distinguished Service to Music Medals at our reception. One award went to James Cochrane in the area of Industrial Research and Progress and the other award went to Frederick L. Hemke in the area of Artist Performer. Both gentlemen were extremely honored to receive these awards. During the Midwest Clinic I also had the opportunity to meet with Dr. Darhyl Ramsey, National President of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. Dr. Ramsey had attended our National Convention, where he spoke during a separate session, and later was
14 – The PODIUM, Spring 2002
made an Honorary Member. Representatives from Phi Mu Alpha, including Dr. Ramsey, attended our reception and extended an invitation to the Council to attend their reception, which we graciously accepted. Darhyl and I also had an opportunity to speak privately, where he expressed his gratitude for the Honorary Membership, while we continued a conversation about increasing and improving the relationship between Kappa Kappa Psi and Phi Mu Alpha. I believe these discussions will positively impact both organizations, and I thank Darhyl for his commitment to music and bands. Finally, the Council is extremely excited about this year’s district conventions. The district officers and governors have worked diligently to introduce strategic planning to the conventions. Given the overwhelmingly positive response from Corpus Christi, and the impact these ideas have already had at the national level, I can only imagine the tremendous work that will be accomplished at the district conventions. I hope you all have the opportunity to attend and personally witness these events. Thinking strategically has already influenced the direction of Kappa Kappa Psi. Don’t miss this opportunity to lend your ideas to the long-term goals of the Fraternity. }
2001 NIB CD
Mour
ning D
ances
Kapp a Kap pa Psi 2001 N & Tau ationa Beta S l Inter igm collegi ate Ba a Relive the 2001 nd
NIB Concert with your very own copy on Compact Disc! Available for only $10 from the National Headquarters. Order using the Supply Order Form in the Chapter Operations Handbook or call National Headquarters at 1-800-543-6505.
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