It's As Easy As A Thank You Note

by Ken Corbett, Past National President, ΚΚΨ & Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser, Vice President of Education for Conn-Selmer, Inc

We live in a fast paced world; it seems as though everything is moving at the speed of light. We rush from class to class, from one work duty to another, or we find ourselves scurrying frantically from music appreciation to a band rehearsal. Because of this Vivace tempo-of-living (and the pressure that goes with it,) it is easy to become hopelessly frustrated. Such an emotional state can easily translate into a desire to give-up and give-in. That is certainly not a pleasant diagnosis and yet we witness it day-in and day-out.

How do we avoid this downward spiral? What can we do to reset our minds, our hearts, our souls? While it seems simple-in-thought, let's step back from time to time and look at what we are grateful for. Gratitude is a certain antidote for shifting a person’s focus from negative to positive. What’s more, showing gratitude doesn’t have to be complicated, it is as simple as using two words: THANK YOU. When this sentiment is expressed sincerely, it can have a profound impact on someone else’s attitude as well as our own; it’s the ultimate WIN-WIN scenario.

May we suggest developing a daily habit of considering three things you are grateful for or seek the opportunity to express our gratitude uplifting another person. In doing so, you will train your brain to become more optimistic and more positive; it impacts your “state-of-mind.” Rather than dwelling on the downsides of your personal landscape, you can recalibrate your thinking to actively find the many benefits that continue to come your way. Since the mind leads us in the direction of its most dominant thoughts, the world around you takes on a new perspective.

Here are some easy and simple ways to begin your journey to being truly grateful:

Three Good Things – As you identify your three areas of gratefulness, write them down. The physical act of writing affords a deeper imprint on your personality. This is a true gift to yourself; as a result it is mirrored by all those around you.

Gratitude Jar – Anytime something good happens, jot it down on a piece of paper, fold it up and stuff it in your gratitude jar. It will serve as a powerful visual clue (and cue!). You will be astounded at how quickly your jar fills, moreover you will be reminded of the positivity you are experiencing each and every day.

A Gooney Message – Write a twominute email or text praising or thanking a different person each day. Keep it short. It can not only transform your own level of happiness, but it will expand your social connections as well. You will quickly sense the support it generates with the people around you.

The Old-fashioned Way - While a text or computerized emoji message works in today’s age of technology, it cannot be said how much stronger your gratitude is felt when it is delivered in a handwritten note, there *is* no substitute for such personalization. Sit down with pen-’n-paper and compose a handwritten note sharing your gratefulness; it is sincere gesture guaranteed to lift the spirits of its receiver and everyone else.

“Personally, I love the handwritten note or letter that shows someone took the time to sit down and write it, so this is my bias,” says Ken Corbett. “The younger fraternity brothers reading this may say, excuse me, handwritten notes in this age of computers, get with it. However, the feelings I have when receiving a note, reading it and knowing that the person took the time to sit down and write out how grateful they are, only strengthens my belief in brotherhood and how each and every one of us is grateful that we are part of a much stronger entity – ΚΚΨ.”

“Let me reinforce Ken's spot-on thoughts. Actually, the cyberspace world has increased the value of the handwritten message. We’re inundated with social media that short-chains us to our phones, so when someone stops-the-world to write a personal note, IT GETS ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY. It does not get lost in the flood of advertisements, requests and generic outreaches. You can bet the note will be read, and - most likely - saved!" says, Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser.

As for the content of your messages: “Short-and-sweet” will be your best guide. Spotlight the value of the receiver. It is a case where less-is-more. Keep it simple and sincere.

It’s the brief notes or heartfelt comments that create a sense of CARING. A thank you note expressing gratitude has the remarkable power to transform your state of mind and alter your emotions through a precious, soul-gratifying experience.

Start to think about those individuals you need to be grateful for in addition to your parents, your friends or that special someone; please consider your band director(s) who also fit into this very special category of recognition. Without them, you would have missed out on being part of a great band family; we well-know it is a brotherhood that lasts a lifetime. Take a minute or two to script that handwritten note to your band director(s). Both of you will be grateful and the sun will shine brighter on everyone…and, for that, we *can* be mighty grateful!

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

Tiffany Singleton Nwachukwu Oputa Debra Crawford Timothy Greenwell Olivia Stewart-Costa David Stookey Jessica Stookey Sami Kinnison Jennifer Scott

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

Scott & Carolyn McCambridge Bill & Kelly Eidson Lance Coochyouma Morgan Darling Thea Murphy Katie Rixon Amber Scott Dollie O'Neill Nicole Sanchez Lisa Croston Glenn & Debbie Baker Jonathan Markowski Melvin & Cathy Miles Zachary Rebarchek Kelsey Reilly Dawn Farmer Evan Thompson Debra Crawford David & Karon Hammond Leslie McClure Caleb Morris Chris Foster Melanie Meehan Katherine Godwin Emily Donovan Leslie Gartin Jean Newman Kathryn Kelly Chelsea Rasing Shalyn Nystrom Zara Simpson Jessica Smith Holli Hartman Maisha Paggett Sue Robash Carr Ted McCadden Erika Pope Kellie Leitz Daniel George Kimbi Sigle Tyra Yiare David Alexander, Jr. Adrienne Rall Mellinna P. Ridout

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

On November 30th, 2021 Tau Beta Sigma members, family, and friends celebrated #GivingTuesday, a global day of kindness and giving. Throughout the day alongside our giving efforts, we saw stories about the impact of Tau Beta Sigma on our band programs on our member’s lives, and to promote women in music.

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 support our Women in Music Speaker Series, our Scholarships, the National Intercollegiate Band, and many of our long-term goals.

Adam Cantley & Joe Panzer Adrienne Rall Allison Leemann Audrey W. Frazier Brooke Lee Carolyn Alford Chelsea Rasing Christopher Lukasik Christy McKinney Ciara Gibbs David Alexander, Jr. Dawn Farmer Dollie O'Neill Donald Twite Ed Savoy Emily Donovan Erika Pope Francis Slazyk Hannah May Heather Marshall Holli Hartman Jared Finkel Jason Dornbush Jen DiBenedetto Joanna M. Bonner Jon Leeper Katherine Godwin Kathleen Hong Kathryn Kelly Katie Langley Katie Rixon Kelli Jones Kelsey Reilly Ken Corbett Kimbi Sigle Krysel'l Jordan Kyler Ratcliff Lance Coochyouma Leslie Gartin Lisa Croston Mali Glaister Marissa Archuleta Marsha Reiber Mary Godwin Mary Jo Papich Mellinna P. Ridout Mikaela Rhodes Misty Lovejoy Nicholas Rorrer Portia Boyce Rosalyn McDonald Sami Kinnison Shalyn Nystrom Southwest District Alumni Association Stacy Bell Thea Murphy Tina East Zachary Rebarchek

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

Glenn & Debbie Baker Wava Banes Henry Kelly Collaborative Medicine

Golden Lyre Circle $5,000 - $9,999

Lisa Croston Bill & Kelly Eidson Kathryn Kelly Melvin & Cathy Miles Jean Newman Christopher Miller

Red Rose Circle $1,000 - $4,999

Justin Brady Gretchen Buchen Sue Robash Carr Alpha Delta Chapter Beta Chapter Beta Gamma Chapter Eta Rho Chapter Eta Sigma Chapter National Chapter (KKΨ) National Chapter (TBΣ) Theta Xi Chapter Zeta Delta Chapter Lance Coochyouma Ken Corbett Jen DiBenedetto North Central District Northeast District Southeast District Southwest District Western District Emily Donovan Judith Dulcich Dawn Farmer Chris Foster Leslie Gartin Daniel George Katherine Godwin Christina Gordon David & Karon Hammond Holli Hartman Patsy Hejl Reese Henry Debbie Kaplan Samantha Kinnison Allison Leemann Christopher Lukasik Jonathan Markowski Heather Marshall Marc Martinez Ted McCadden Scott & Carolyn McCambridge Wendy McCann Leslie McClure Donna McCormick Rosalyn McDonald Melanie Meehan Shalyn Nystrom David Oakley Dollie O'Neill Catherine Oster Elaine Ostrander Erika Pope Adrienne Rall Zachary Rebarchek Kathy Rider Carla A. Robinson Nicole Sanchez April Sansing Scott Sergeant Kimbi Sigle Zara Simpson Jessica Smith Frank Stubbs & Tom Lee Sandra Weese Janet West Miller Leeann Wieser Kristin Wright

White and Blue Circle $500 - $999

David Alexander, Jr. Marcos Alvarez Lennie Ambelang Courtney Biagas Meredith Brazzell Beth Bronk Renee Cartee Omega Chapter Debra Crawford Paula Crider Susie DePinto

Jason Dornbush Kevin Earnest Edward Elsea, III Paypal Giving Fund Timothy Greenwell, Jr. Lois Gribler Kim Hamilton Carol Kruse Katie Langley Kellie Leitz Marla Lewiski Marisa Lunde Malinda Matney Kelli Jones Caleb Morris Peter Murray Steven Nelson Maisha Paggett Norma Parrish Theresa Powell Linda Rae Chelsea Rasing Constance Reishus Ashlyn Simmons Tiffany Singleton Kelly Sipko Mary Stuart Evan Thompson Chelsea Zuniga Network for Good Katie Rixon Jennifer Scott

Sisterhood Circle $250 - $499

Trudy Adler Legacy Asset Management Birkofer Joanna M. Bonner Skylar Buffington Tammy Carethers Convention Attendees Alpha Omega Chapter Alpha Theta Chapter Gamma Nu Chapter Theta Mu Chapter Zeta Omega Chapter Zeta Psi Chapter Alison Clanton Morgan Darling John Finocchiaro Gwyn Fox Stump RJ Gammon Mary Gibson Mary Gradisher Sylvia Halbardier Georganne Hodges Jennifer Khasilev Brian Kubacak Jack & Jessica Lee Lueen Lindsay Susan Lodal Shannon Lotti Heather Mackey Rene Mark Suzanne Marques Monika Monk Thea Murphy Kaitlyn Musterman Stephani Noar Robin Oegerle Pauline Ottaviano Christina Reed Katherine Rodeffer Nicholas Rorrer Marie Scilacci Amber Scott Meghan Smith Sibyl Snyder Stacey Stenerson Olivia Stewart-Costa David Stookey Jessica Stookey Jennifer Tracy Christina Uili Georgette Washington Terri White Siobhan Wilkes Julia Woodson Marcus Wyche Tyra Yiare Sales Force.org Match Intel Matching Grant Program