On the Road To Pasadena

by Timia Williams Beta Phi - TBΣ Florida A&M University On the Road To Pasadena: An Unforgettable Trip

Have you ever dreamt of visiting California? Whether it’s to be an aspiring entertainer or to visit the pulchritudinous twenty feettall palm trees, many people visit California every year to witness the iconic landmarks and the vibrant cultural scenery. The everlasting memories shared amongst the “Marching 100” band members and the love that was spread amongst my sisters of the Beta Phi Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma is something that is so unique and special that the experience would have been completely different if it had not been with those people.

This exciting news was first introduced to the FAMU Marching 100 band back in the fall of 2017 by the Director of Bands, Dr. Shelby Chipman. When I first heard the great news, I could not believe it. This trip would be the first time I visit California in addition to riding on a plane. He informed us that we would be traveling to California in December of 2018 to march in the 2019 Tournament of Roses Parade. When the fall approached, I became very excited because I was very determined to make the semester great, so I would be rewarded with this one in a lifetime trip with the band. However, while focusing on the academics along with the band seasonal festivities, I began to forget about the band

trip. It was until I was watching a video on CNN (a worldwide news television network) and I came across an interview with my fellow Soror, Cori Bostic, and a female news anchor. She was speaking to Cori about her newly appointed role as Famu’s first female drum major. After Cori concluded her interview, the anchor invited Cori to the studio to meet the crew and watch exclusive recordings at the CNN headquarters. I was very excited for Cori and her upcoming opportunities. More importantly, it meant a lot to me to see my school making the headlines on such a big news television show. After seeing this I began to do my research on the Rose bowl parade. I learned that we would be viewed by millions of fans on the television screen and seen by thousands of people that will a cheering along the street. The thought of being the center of attention worldwide was mind-blowing.

Overall the trip to California was amazing! I was able to ride on a plane for the first time. This was also the case for Soror Winneshia as she says, “This was my first-time riding on a plane and I could not stop looking out the window. The turbulence also made me giggle.” The excitement and the first-timer experience did not stop there. The night we arrived, the band performed at LA live right outside the staples center! We were greeted by Bernard and Shirley

Kinsey whom created a Kinsey Collection Museum that exhibits African American art and history dating back to the early 1600s. This collection can be found at a museum in Washington, DC that has been viewed by over 3 million visitors. They have been supporting the “Marching 100” for years by donating over $100,000 to the band program. This inspired me to give back to the band once I am active in my career as well as other organizations such as TBS that has motivated me to continue my success and future endeavors. The 5-mile parade was very fun. When we first arrived, it was cold and at first, I did not know how I was going to play because my hands were very stiff. The parade was very tiring because we did not get any breaks from playing. However, I pushed myself because I knew that I had to push through fatigue that was overlooked by the thousands of people that were recording and cheering for us. They wanted to see a show, so it was our job to play and dance our hearts out until the end.

As a member of Tau Beta Sigma, our efforts and fundraising contributed to the Pasadena, California trip. Whenever the band checks into hotels, we were the ones responsible for organizing and dispersing the keys to the band members. Also, we helped with loading and unloading the luggage from the “Marching 100” trailer making sure everyone had everything they needed. Comprehensively, we set the standard of what a fellow bandsman should be doing which is demonstrating Spring 2020

leadership, promoting team work, and exhibiting friendliness to those who comes across us. Soror Myrcele Neal-Scott, formally band president and now an alumna to the chapter, describes her experience as mind blowing and humbling. She says, “Being granted this opportunity was like no other. I spoke on behalf of the band program to larger crowds which was something I was not used to doing before. Speaking at the interviews helped expand my vocabulary and social skills that allowed me network with other students who were invited to participate in the Pasadena Tournament of Roses parade”. She also expressed that being in TBS made her experience a little more special because she was able to meet Sorors from Alabama State University as well as bonding more with her current sisters.

To conclude, this experience is described by most as being an inevitable trip of a lifetime. This trip was a trip that allowed each band member to bond and grow with each other. Growing with each other consequently promotes cohesion, equivalates playing together as one unit, making history for future band members to recognize, and creates unforgettable memories. This experience strengthened the band’s horizons as far as displaying to California our existence showing them that we are an exceptional band. This spectacular trip allowed us to not only be noticed by the people in California but also the millions of people that were watching the parade. We are now being discovered by millions around the world which is a great recruitment tool for not only the band but the chapter as well. With performing at the 130th Tournament of Roses the sky is the limit for the Incorporable Marching 100. We must continue working hard to build on the foundation that was laid for us years ago and keep inspiring people across the globe.

Celebrating our 1946 Club and Century Club donors!

Being a monthly donor to the Tau Beta Sigma Trust Fund is one of the best ways to ensure the continued legacy and success of our organization.

The Century Club is aimed at helping individuals begin a monthly giving journey. With a $9 per month contribution, individuals will reach $100 total in contributions to Tau Beta Sigma within one calendar year.

Century Club Members Allison Leemann Christopher Lukasik David Stookey Jennifer Scott Jessica Stookey Olivia Stewart-Costa Samantha Kinnison Tiffany Singleton Timothy Greenwell

Through the 1946 Club, individuals contribute $19.46 monthly to sustain their support of the mission and ideals of Tau Beta Sigma.

1946 Club Members Adrienne Rall Bill & Kelly Eidson Carrie Anthony Chelsea Zuniga Christina Dean Daniel George David & Karon Hammond David Alexander, Jr. Dawn Farmer Debbie & Glenn Baker Dollie O'Neill Emily Donovan Erika Pope Holli Hartman Jean Newman Jessica Smith Jonathan Markowski Katherine Godwin Kathryn Kelly Kellie Leitz Kimbi Sigle Lance Coochyouma Leslie Gartin Leslie McClure Lisa Croston Maisha Paggett Marcos Alvarez Marisa Lunde Melanie Meehan Melvin & Cathy Miles Nicole Sanchez Rebekah Tarplin Scott & Carolyn McCambridge Shalyn Guthery Shannon Lotti Sue Robash Carr

Continue your Tau Beta Sigma journey by giving back as part of our monthly giving clubs.

To join the Century Club visit: www.tbsigma.org/centuryclub

To join the 1946 Club visit: www.tbsigma.org/1946club

#givingtuesday was December 2, 2019, people around the world will come together to celebrate generosity and make an impact. We are incredibly grateful to the following donors and their dedication to Tau Beta Sigma. They have helped to create and continue to ensure the legacy of our organization, the Trust, and the programs funded by the Tau Beta Sigma Board for Trustees for years to come!

Adrienne Rall Alan Grimes Alexis Weaver Alicia Cobleigh Alicia Simpson Allison Leemann Amanda Miller Sutfin Andrew Schneider April Sansing Beth Bronk Bob Dornbush Brandon Proffitt Breanna Thomas Brian Carrier Brian Kubacak Brian Weir Charlotte Manes Kadin Chelsea Rasing Chris Pratt Christina Dean Christina Uili Christopher Lukasik Daniel George David & Karon Hammond Dawn Farmer Debbie Baker Debbie Smith Deborah Andrews Deon Hill Dino Cardenas Dollie O'neill Edward Savoy Emily Donovan Eric Morson Erika Pope Erika Pope Evan Thompson Folarin Akinwekomi Gabrielle Duhamel Wright Grace Cooper Grace Tomeny Holli Hartman Indya Hairston James Razzo Jason Dornbush Jeanne Hejna Jennifer DiBenedetto Jennifer Scott Jennifer Villarreal Joanna Bonner Jodie Macdonald John Kuempel Jonathan Markowski Julie Bruns Kaitlyn Foster Karon Hammond Kathleen Hong Kathryn Kelly Kathryn Portillo Katie Langley Kelli Brewer Kelli Finch Eclavea Kelly Nellis Kimbi Sigle Kristen Collins Kyle Thompson Lai Simmons Lance Coochyouma LaShondra Simplis Laura Cooke Leslie Gartin Leslie Mcclure Lisa Croston Lizzy Raymond Malinda Matney Marcia Grant Marie Scilacci Marissa Archuleta Mary Godwin Mike Napolitano Monica Singh Monika Monk Nick Cohen Oliver Kochol Olivia Defilippo Parth Patel Peter Burke Renea Cartee Sam Johnson Sam Welch Sami Kinnison Sandra Weese Sarah Cunningham Scott & Carolyn McCambridge Shalyn Guthery Shalyn Guthery Shelli Ziemke Sherri Wade Shoshana Przybylinski Siobhan Wilkes Skylar Buffington Steve Nelson Sylvia Halbardier Tena Stoppel Tom Maganas Tyler Fritts Wendy Mccann Zachary Stoddard Zack Rebarchek Zara Augusta

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 Banes Founder Society $20,000 - $49,000 Alan Harriet Max Mitchell

Crown Pearl Society $10,000 - $19,999 Debbie & Glenn Baker Wava Henry

Golden Lyre Circle $5,000 - $9,999 Lisa Croston Kathryn Kelly Kelly Collaborative Medicine Melvin & Cathy Miles Jean Newman

Red Rose Circle $1,000 - $4999 Bill & Kelly Eidson Christopher Miller Jonathan Markowski Dollie O'Neill Donna McCormick National Chapter (KKPsi) Deborah Kaplan Wendy McCann Melanie Meehan Sandra Weese Kathy Rider Scott & Carolyn McCambridge Dawn Farmer Marc Martinez Kimbi Sigle North Central District Elaine Ostrander Reese Henry Leslie McClure Janet West Miller Katherine Godwin Sue Robash Carr Nicole Sanchez Beta Chapter Catherine Oster Patsy Hejl Lance Coochyouma Emily Donovan Leeann Wieser David & Karon Hammond Justin Brady Kristin Wright April Sansing Leslie Gartin Daniel George Judith Dulcich Northeast District Heather Marshall Kenneth Corbett Western District Gretchen Buchen Jessica Smith Christina Gordon Christopher Foster Scott Sergeant Zeta Delta Chapter Carla Robinson National Chapter (TBS) Southeast District Alpha Delta Chapter Beta Gamma Chapter Eta Rho Chapter Eta Sigma Chapter Theta Xi Chapter Southwest District David Oakley

White and Blue Circle $500 - $999 Erika Pope Adrienne Rall Steven Nelson Paula Crider Beth Bronk Jennifer DiBenedetto Shalyn Guthery Theresa Powell Marla Lewiski Marisa Lunde Zara Simpson Allison Leemann Kevin Earnest Zachary Rebarchek Peter Murray Network for Good Convention Attendees Omega Chapter Carol Kruse Norma Parrish Linda Rae Theodore McCadden, Jr. Mary Stuart Kelly Sipko Christopher Lukasik Jason Dornbush Ashlyn Simmons Edward Elsea, III Malinda Matney Timothy Greenwell, Jr. Constance Reishus Meredith Brazzell Courtney Biagas Chelsea Zuniga Lois Gribler Kim Hamilton Kelli McDoulett

Sisterhood Circle $250 - $499 Gwyn Fox Stump Tiffany Singleton Theta Mu Chapter Maisha Paggett Skylar Buffington Georgette Washington Suzanne Marques Sales Force.org Match Siobhan Wilkes Holli Hartman Marcos Alvarez Lennie Ambelang Sibyl Snyder Intel Matching Grant Program Renee Cartee Julia Woodson Katherine Rodeffer Terri White Stephani Noar Christina Reed Susan Lodal Legacy Asset Management Birkofer Joanna Bonner Zeta Psi Chapter Mary Gibson Robin Oegerle Brian Kubacak Marcus Wyche Meghan Smith Jack & Jessica Lee Zeta Omega Chapter Samantha Kinnison Heather Mackey Gamma Nu Chapter