Summer 2014

the

Accent

 

Summer Edition

Letter from the Publisher Greetings, Westside!

Table of Contents

Theta’s 50th Anniversary Banquet……… 3 In Memoriam …………………………….……. 7 WDJAA……………………………………….…. 9 West Goes Camping ………………………… 10 Special News Announcement ……………. 13

This has been quite a busy start to the 2014-2015 academic school year for the Western District. However, even though news about the Accent has been slow, that doesn’t been that news has completely stopped in the District! The majority of the stories located within this addition are from the summer. Over the course of the rest of the year, more editions of the Accent will be released once worked on the new and exciting website has progressed.

Don’t know what I’m talking about? Be sure to read the last page of this edition to learn about the new changes coming to the Accent.

I hope as you read through the articles in this edition, you become inspired to write for the Accent. The Accent is a great resource for you to use when sharing your experiences with Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma.

And now, without further ado, I present to you the first edition of the Accent for the 2014-2015 school year.

In the Bond, Arthur Aguilera Publisher Iota Kappa | Kappa Kappa Psi Boise State University wdpub@kkpsi.org

Celebrating 50 Years of Service THETA’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY BANQUET By: Stephen Marshall

Since I was +irst initiated a Brother of Kappa Kappa Psi I have been astounded by the people and relationships I have formed and in turn been transformed by.

Brothers and Sisters of these incredible organizations, though far apart, are all united by the same goals and enchanted by the power of music and bands. We are all witnesses of the potential for music to change lives. We serve diligently those programs of which we are a part, and in doing so we are united by our common cause. On June 1st, the Theta Chapter at Oregon State University, my home Chapter, got to celebrate our 50th year of active service with friends, family, brothers, and sisters.

The entire weekend was a time of c e l e b r a t i o n , m u s i c , s e r v i c e , collaboration, and re+lection. From teaming up with our Brothers of MuPi at the University of Oregon on Saturday to the close of our Banquet in our University’s Ballroom on Sunday night, I quickly realized that in addition to celebrating the contributions of our past, the event itself was a testament and celebration of the gifts, leadership, and compassion of my Brothers here in Corvallis, OR. I am forever changed and blessed by the gifts they have given me, and beyond impressed by the incredible weekend they created for us to share.

One year ago, I was elected President

of the Theta Chapter and knew what an incredible opportunity I had in front of me. The Chapter was in a state of accelerated growth. We had new youthful energy, greater numbers, capable leaders, and +inally had the sort of foundation in place that we had been working toward since being rechartered in 2009. I saw in the members of this Chapter an opportunity to have a very

special year and like most new leaders, I was excited to get to work and to push for our Chapter to realize our potential.

So when Bob Schapper, an Alumni Member of Theta from the 1960s contacted me to talk about our Annual End of Year/ Alumni Banquet, I was excited to speak with him. Bob is the head of both our Chapter and Band Program Alumni Organizations and an avid historian of our Musical Activities.

Bob said that if you were to count all of our years of having Active Status as a Chapter, this was our 50th, and asked if we could try to do something extra special beyond the usual potluck and recognition of Graduating Seniors. And that is when my imagination went crazy.

I have always loved district events, and I was determined to give Bob the kind of celebration he and this Chapter deserved. But more than that, this was a chance to test how much our group really had grown. The year started and things were going very well. We were getting ready to put through our outstanding Theta Class, service and fundraising were at an all time high, district participation was up, and we were showing all signs of being ready to take things to the next level. For me, I always had a vision of the STEPHEN MARSHALL IS AWARDED THE FIRST BRADLEY end result for the celebration TOWNSEND LEADERSHIP AWARD. THE AWARD IS NAMED AFTER PAST WD GOVERNOR, BRAD TOWNSEND weekend, and though it took some time for everyone to buy into that vision, I always had an

image pretty similar to how things turned out in the back of my mind.

In January, we decided this needed to be open to the District and we needed to get participation from Alumni from before the 2009 recharter. I started to share ideas with the Chapter and thinking about the event in chapter meetings. The +irst step for planning was getting some help and making sure to give myself someone to work with and bounce ideas off of, and who could learn about what goes into planning a major event who was younger than myself. I felt the most appropriate person for something like this would be our Alumni Secretary Brett Moffatt, who thankfully willingly agreed to being a major part of this event. Next I had to book the venue, and was barely able to coordinate a June 1st date with the University to get the Ballroom when we started negotiations in late January.

Next Brett and I sat down with Bob, as this was his idea in the +irst place. We got together and shared with Bob our vision for the event and asked for his. At +irst, Bob wasn’t sure about sharing with the entire West, but the more he thought about it, the more excited he got and eventually he embraced the idea. We d e c i d e d w e w a n t e d a n a l u m n i performance, a reading band, a formal dinner, awards, a campus tour, and a few other ideas. We also knew we would want a history presentation (which Bob would be in charge of) and a physical display. The next day I created a web form and started making sure to think about what information we would need so we could get started with preparation for the details.

Brett then took over discussion with the chapter, +iguring out what we wanted the reading band to look like (which was delegated to our Music Chair Ryan Auerbach), how the campus tour would work (delegated to our social chair Sarah Massey), and asking chapter members who would be able to house

MARK TARASAWA, JON SODERBERG-CHASE, CHARLENE RONNE, AND KEVIN NUNO WERE INITIATED AS HONORARY MEMBERS OF THE THETA CHAPTER

others and what menu items we wanted to serve from catering. I personally started spreading the idea around in the district, hoping that the earlier we got buzz going, the bigger turnout we would get. I announced the event at DLC in Washington in February, and shortly thereafter it was time to really start getting into the details. Our Theta Class decided they wanted to design T-­‐shirts for the event as their fundraising project.

At this point, I was touched by the way Brothers in our Chapter were starting to buy into the vision of what this could be.

I don’t think they yet realized just how much of an event they were committing themselves to, but I had always been prepared to personally ensure that this event would work if it came to it (which it fortunately didn’t). I was pleased and humbled that others took ownership of this event and we were able to s t re n g t h e n o u r s e r v i c e t h ro u g h brotherhood, and not just for this event but also in all our activities, which is really what Kappa Kappa Psi is about after all.

It was at WDC that I had the idea of adding an honorary degree, which really got me thinking about what we could do t o i n c l u d e a n d re c o g n i z e m o re individuals. Honorary Degree was meant to symbolize three different kinds of contributions to the Theta Chapter. The +irst was to symbolize current service to both our Chapter and our Music Program (this was intended to be through the initiation of our Director of B a n d s C h r i s C h a p m a n , w h o unfortunately ultimately couldn’t make the honorary degree scheduled time).

The second type of recognition was to +ind individuals who should have been able to be recognized Brothers of our chapter during their time at OSU, but couldn’t due to the Chapter’s long string of years as inactive (Jon Soderberg-­‐ Chase and Mark Tarasawa). Jon is an amazing teacher of music and was and is an avid supporter of OSU music and one of the +irst people to start the discussions about reinstallation. Mark started our Gymnastics’ band as an alumnus, and continues to come and play and support every year. He also is remembered as one of the most service-­‐ oriented students to ever come through

event, and Amanda was immediately so excited to head up the design for our p hy s i c a l h i s t o r y display.

In March, Brett and I began toying with the idea of making this event an entire w e e k e n d , a s opposed to just a d a y . W e k n e w Brothers and Sisters would be coming SARAH COX, PAST TBS WD PRESIDENT RECEIVES A VASE OF ROSES FROM THE THETA CHAPTER. SARAH WAS THE ONLY SISTER IN from quite far away, ATTENDANCE. and wanted to make the trip worth their the band program. The third and +inal while. However, we were worried about g r o u p w e w a n t e d s y m b o l i c a l l y adding too much to our planning with so recognized, was a Brother outside our little time left before registration would Chapter who has contributed to our go out, and had the idea of including Chapter’s success and who had through MuPi. This would both help us, and give their fellowship and work made them an opportunity to reach out and themselves an unof+icial honorary show how much growth they have had member (Kevin Nuno and Charlene to the District. I contacted Kate, their Ronne). When I +irst thought of Kevin new Chapter President, and she and the and Charlene, I knew it would be a very Chapter immediately latched onto the irregular honorary installation, and idea and starting making plans for maybe even a controversial one. But to Saturday, May 31st. In March, Brett, us they very much represented that Stephen, and I met with the Memorial third category and we were also excited Union staff to go over plans for the at the gesture of offering a home to two banquet and put together detailed plans very involved individuals who no longer for the event night itself (this is when had an active Chapter in the Western the dance portion got thrown in).

District (Lambda Alpha went inactive a few years ago, yet Kevin and Charlene We were also very excited that people have remained extremely involved). We beyond the Chapter were impressed and all agreed that this was a worthy use of willing to be of service for our 50th the distinction of honorary member, celebration. Our Associate Director of albeit an unusual one.

Bands and Chapter Sponsor Dana Biggs, and our Director of Music Education and We entered our last regular term of the Honorary Brother Jason Silveira agreed school year and at this time, the banquet to conduct the reading band, and our was becoming such a big deal and such a OSU Music Events Coordinator Erin large workload that a subcommittee for Sneller offered to rent us of+icial OSU the event started meeting weekly to event decorations free of charge on our work on details. From this Committee b e h a l f , a n d eve n o f fe re d to d o Stephen Nguyen and Amanda Barker photography and social media exposure b o t h s a w p o t e n t i a l l e a d e r s h i p on the night of the event. opportunities for themselves. Stephen wanted to use his skillset to organize We +inally posted the event registration decorations and social media for the

out to the Western District and friends of the Chapter, and from here, I cannot tell you exactly everything that happened between that time at the end of April and the event. This was the point when I was blown away by the dedication, diligence, vision, passion, and thoroughness Brothers of our Chapter and members of our community and Western District demonstrated in putting together the +inite details of the event. I am deeply moved by the way every single person in our group rose to this great challenge and turned this into something much bigger than just a weekend and a dinner party. The culture in our Chapter and among its members is changed, and I saw leadership brought out from some of the most unexpected people and places. I saw pride in the faces of every member who contributed.

I saw unity among my Brothers and a rededication to upholding the ideals of this Fraternity. I saw an unswerving loyalty to the service of the art of music.

The event itself will always be an incredible memory. Many others will

THETA ALUMNI, BOB SCHAPPER, RECEIVING THE SILVER BATON AWARD

recount I am sure their favorite moments or most cherished part of the night, but for me there are too many to transcribe them all. I am eternally indebted to all who came for giving me such an incredible gift. I will never forget June 1st, 2014.

begin to express how meaningful it was for me, and what a statement it was by the Theta Chapter. I have been touched by the continued positive responses and expressions of joy so many have shared with me about our 50th Celebration.

Members of Theta have served a common goal since our original

congratulate me on a wonderful event, a gesture that I appreciated but I couldn’t help but to express one thing he had said that night that I couldn’t shake: Stephen: “Without you none of this would ever have been possible. You mentioned last night a regret and guilt you felt over the Chapter going inactive, I hope you can +ind it in yourself to remove that guilt, you have and always will be a brother of Kappa Kappa Psi and a servant of music and the OSU Band P ro g ra m , p o l i t i c s a n d of+icial statuses of active and inactive be damned.

You really inspired a lot of people with everything you shared yesterday.

One highlight I will share was the unveiling of the Brad To w n s e n d A w a r d . B r a d Townsend or Doc really, was my boss and Director of Athletic Bands at OSU. I was determined that before I left OSU, his name needed to have a place in our Music Building forever. The Brad Townsend Award is supposed to be awarded by our DOB and Sponsor each year to an individual who like Doc, fosters leadership in others by I can’t say enough how example and inspiration, and m u c h I a p p r e c i a t e w h o m a k e s a l a s t i n g everything you have done, contribution to the long-­‐term there are more steps for us OSU DIRECTOR OF MUSIC EDUCATION, DR. JASON SILVERIA, CONDUCTS success of the music program at THE READING BAND. OSU. I knew that as the award was my idea, I didn’t feel I should be allowed to receive it. I never wanted installation nearly a century ago in to keep going in our active/alumni to have the integrity of the award 1923, and we will continue to stand relationship but things are only going to compromised by any stench of fowl play. united for our cause. If I have learned keep getting better. “ Our Sponsor and DOB elected to ignore anything, it is that no matter how much Bob: “Thanks for the kind words. In that request it seems, and I am the world has changed since then, Kappa January of 2009 when I turned over the overwhelmed and honored that my Kappa Psi has always stayed the same. records, I felt much relieved. Any slight name will be forever linked to the We are no different from our brothers feelings of guilt that may have lingered teacher that gave me so much; A teacher far away, either in distance or in years. since then completely disappeared who also had such an amazing reaction Sunday. It was a healing process for me.” to the award’s creation that I will prize Bob emailed me, following the event, forever. and our exchange I think summarizes W h i l e t h e T h e t a C h a p t e r 5 0 t h just how powerful a single moment, a Anniversary Celebration may only have In the aftermath of the event, I can say it meaningful celebration of life, can be. been a moment, I know it is a moment is still ringing in my ears, and I can’t Bob went out of his way to thank me and that I will never forget.

IN REMEMBRANCE On June 30, Brother Eric Humphrey of the Mu Pi chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi at the University of Oregon passed away after a 2.5 year battle with cancer.

Eric was initiated into the Mu Pi chapter in Spring 2011 as a member of the Delta class and Sherman family. He was a member of the Oregon Marching Band and Oregon Basketball Band for four years. He was also a trumpet section leader, a member of the Yellow Garter Band, and a member of the Oregon Band Council. In Spring 2014, Eric became a lifetime member of Kappa Kappa Psi.

During his years as an active, he brought enthusiasm and leadership skills to all meetings and projects. Eric always strove for the highest and did it with a giant goofy grin on his face. Even on his sickest days, he was at rehearsal ready to support his brothers and fellow band members. Eric was an inspiration to continue to work hard and perform at your highest level. Band was everything to Eric and he was with the OMB, serving the bands until the very end.

Eric’s last notes have been performed, but his song of friendship, love, and leadership carries on in the hearts of all that knew him. Here are some of the favorite memories of Eric from brothers of the Mu Pi Chapter.

“When I think about my memories of Eric there is not just one memory that sticks out. Instead, it is all the things I remember. I remember Eric on the practice =ield yelling, “BIG” from 15 yards away just because he thought it was funny. Or the time he made me help him shop for his trumpet gag gift at the most random and inappropriate stores saying, “this is a good bonding experience.” The thing I remember most about Eric was his presence. Everywhere he went, Eric brought those around him up. He made the most boring meetings fun and the funniest of practices even funnier. Eric was one of the best friends anyone could have had. Even on Eric’s worst day he supported all of his friends with everything he had. I’m so honored to be his Big. Eric will truly be missed in our family.” –Abbie Ortman

“The =irst memory I have of Eric and KKPsi was at the all-­‐ band meeting at the beginning of band camp my freshmen year. Eric and a few other actives go up to talk about KKPsi and brotherhood and all that and the =irst words out of Eric’s mouth were, “I love brotherhood, and brothers.” He said it with this grin that made everyone in the hall crack up. He was de=initely a deciding factor when I decided to go to the =irst recruitment event!” – Emma Kleck

“I remember the =irst time I talked to Eric was in the tunnel before we ran out onto the =ield for the pre-­‐game show. He told me I should join KKPsi and what do you know-­‐ he ended up being my Big! Also, Eric and I decided that our big/ little picture pose for KKPsi would be us looking angry at the camera. I would laugh every time but somehow the pictures always turned out =ierce. Eric was the big brother I never had. I am thankful for the example he has given me to never give up. Despite living everyday with the dif=iculties of cancer, he lived his life to the fullest until the very end, all while never failing to make everyone laugh. He has been and will continue to be an inspiration to me. I love you, Eric.” –Courtney Sams

“This is the one story I totally forgot about Eric. I posted on Facebook that I had just watched Paranormal Activity and how bad of an idea that was. So of course, Eric posts a video on my status, telling me it’s going to make me feel better. It was titled the Harlem Shook (I should have known not to watch it). So I watch it, and hands down, it was the loudest jump scar video I’ve ever watched. I screamed bloody murder; I’ve never screamed so loud in my life. I almost threw my computer off my bed it scared me so bad! I fell off my bed, and was hyperventilating on my =loor. I wok up the girls on my =loor and some of them came running to my room. Once I =inally calmed down, Eisa was laughing so hard I thought she was going to pee. For the next month after that, every time I would run into Eric, he’d give me a snide little smile and

“Eric was the brother who taught me the First Purpose and the longer I knew him the more he taught me. I remember being very shy and nervous for the =irst perspective member education study session, especially knowing that my Big could not make it. But, the minute I walked in, Eric called out to me to join Courtney and him in learning the First Purpose and the Greek letters. He was so patient with us and when we were struggling to remember a section, he would pause a moment, crack a joke to make us laugh, and then =ind a new way to help us memorize. There was never a dull moment with Eric and I always knew if I needed a good laugh or a friend to talk, he would be there. Eric taught me to love life and not to take a single day for granted. I will always love my Eric.” –Hannah Giardina

“I have two younger brothers that I have known all my life. They're great and I love them, and they'll probably make fun of me for saying so on a social media site. But I was always the oldest brother...until I got to high school. There, I was given the older brother that I never had growing up. He would look out for me in band, teach me stuff, let me hang out with his older friends, everything. He was even my section leader, twice! I owe him more than I can ever realize, and I hope that I will be able to pass on all of the strength, leadership, and lessons that he has given me over the years to others that need it. I would not be the man I am today without his guidance and friendship. You will always be loved and missed dude. Thank you so much Eric.” –Chase Imai

“Although I didn't know Eric very well, we were in OMB and KKPsi together, I couldn't help but notice how happy and funny he was. I'm glad to have called him a brother and happy that he can =inally rest from his battle with cancer. He seemed to always know what to say to make everyone laugh. I wish the best to all of his friends and family and just know that I'm sure he is somewhere better now giving others the happiness and laughter he seemed to leave with all those he touched here on earth. RIP Eric.” –Sarah Konakis

ERIC HUMPHREY 1992-2014

“Eric was the one person I remember getting up and talking about brother hood to the whole band and the person I remember that introduced my class to KKPsi my =irst day of my freshman year. Throughout my years that I knew him in OMB and KKPsi he was always someone who had a smile on his face and would jump up to help or be there as support. When I think of Eric, a speci=ic memory doesn’t immediately come to mind, but more of a feeling. We were always laughing when Eric was around and we were always having fun—goo=ing around in YGB, playing games and talking in our hotel rooms on trips, or serving the bands and being with brothers in KKPsi.” –Kate Rohrich.

The Oregon Marching Band has made a webpage remembering Eric and has set up a Memorial Fund in tribute: http://omb.uoregon.edu/erichumphrey/

#IlovemyEric

Western District Alumni Association The Best Are (Still Alive and Kicking) in the West

By: Stephen Barrett and Jake Thompson

Purposes 1) To provide an avenue for members of Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma in good standing to continue their fraternal affiliation past university involvement.

2) To provide a meaningful social experience for alumni of the Western District.

3) To provide quality service to the bands on a wider scale than the chapter level.

4) To provide continuing leadership opportunities for members outside of college and university life.

5) To provide professional, organizational, and financial assistance to the National Organizations of Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma, college and university band programs, and music education issues through activities deemed appropriate by the Western District Alumni Association.

How was the process of starting the alumni association? Challenges? Success?

The process of starting this association was long. Before even becoming official, we had to set up an interim board that was responsible for turning in paperwork, planning activities and getting things ready for when we do become official. On that board was Rachel Bickford (Goldman), myself, Janet Tenpas, Kevin Calvin, Katie Segura, Philip Rubino, and Lucas Stidham.

We all had our duties to do before becoming official. There was a lot of emails from Rachel and me to Headquarters asking them questions and making sure we were on the right track to becoming a valid association, Janet and Kevin planned service projects during that time. Philip and Katie planned activities at WDC, and Lucas got the bank account set up. Our main goal as the interim board, was

becoming an active association before WDC because we wanted to let everyone know we are here and ready.

Some of the challenges we faced was close to the very end, right before WDC. We had a couple of bumps in the road when turning in our charter paperwork. Rachel and I managed to get that cleared up but it was cutting it close to WDC. The success? The success was at WDC. We had 30+ alumni in attendance at WDC with 34 paying members. That to us, felt like we exceeded our goal.

Where do you see the association currently? What are your long-term goals for the association?

Right now, the officers are planning get togethers for the summer and fall. We have a couple of hiking trips, a Vegas trip, and Fantasy Football Tournament in the works. We know that the district is large and are geographically far apart from each other but we hope that some of our activities and events will still keep people bonded.

Our primary long term goals are to keep this association running for more than 5 years and to give back to our district in any way. As officers, it is our responsibility to have traction and retention in our membership by providing meaningful activities. We plan on doing small fundraisers that will help us give back to the district by providing something at WDC or at another district event. We are here as a resource to the actives. In the future, we may even consider doing a scholarship or travel grant for deserving active members.

Why is being involved with an alumni association (especially maybe a Joint one) important?

Being involved in any type of alumni association is important if you have been a part of that organization for a long period of time. Being in an alumni association means you don’t have to feel left out or reminiscent of the good old days. By being a part of this alumni association you never have to leave the bond. The Western District is a special group of Brothers and Sisters. We are a close knit family. We get along with each other. We help each other. The Western District Alumni Association wants to be an open and effective resource to the active membership while having programs and events for the alumni.

Are you accepting more members right now?

We are! We are always accepting new members who are interested in joining us. Dues are $20 per year. If you’re interested in joining, contact Lucas Stidham How can we reach you?

You can reach us by email or Facebook.

WDAA KKPsi President - Stephen Barrett, 208-830-6398, stephen@kkpsi.org WDAA TBSigma President - Jake Thompson, 915-253-1085, jakethomp11@tbsigma.org WDAA KKPsi Activities Chair - Alexis Howell, 714-856-5840, bandochica@gmail.com WDAA TBSigma Activities Chair - Janet Tenpas, 559-577-3735, coffeegirl9@gmail.com WDAA Secretary - Theresa Chidester, 928-310-2996, chidester.theresa@gmail.com WDAA Treasurer - Lucas Stidham, 520-235-9068, nocturne79@gmail.com

THE WEST GOES CAMPING! Iota Pi’s Summer Retreat Kayla Pedrani, Alumni Secretary

Over Memorial Day Weekend, the brothers of Iota Pi took a road trip for our annual Spring Retreat. Due to the holiday weekend and last minute planning, we had to overcome a few obstacles to get there. Every group campsite within a three-hour radius of San Luis Obispo seemed to be either way overpriced or booked for the weekend. Finally, we came across Lake Isabella, one of our last options, so we booked it.

Early on Saturday morning, about thirty brothers piled in cars and headed towards Bakersfield, California. Our first impression of the town left us questioning where we were when we found road kill, an angry man on the freeway and a car on fire all within a mile. Despite everything we had seen so far, we found a Taco Bell and realized it felt like home again. After getting our last minute Baja Blasts, we headed up the windy road for Lake Isabella.

As soon as we arrived, we had a few hours of free time to adventure around the campground. We all ended up driving to the lake since the water was so low and swimming out to an isolated tree in the water. After making our way back to shore, everyone quickly jumped out of the freezing water and soaked up the warm sun.

Once we got back to our campsite, we then began brotherhood-bonding activities put on by a few of the committees. The members of the music committee broke us up into groups where we got to draw a few songs, genres and styles and put them together, such as singing Thrift Shop Blues style. The brotherhood committee then made us dinner while we played card games, witnessed magic tricks or listened to others play the bagpipes. After dinner we made a bonfire and the Ritual and Education committee put together an activity to help us better understand why we do rituals. Lastly, the brotherhood committee had a few activities to improve our role as brothers and role models within the band program. The first activity was done by a phrase being read aloud followed by each of the brothers picking a side of strongly agree, strongly disagree or anything inbetween. The last activity of the night was the Enya Project where several tears were shed and hugs were exchanged.

After the activities were completed, we were free for the night to entertain ourselves. No camping trip is complete without making s’mores or playing the guitar around the campfire, especially for band students.

Andrew took over the talent show by creating his own version of Wayfaring Stranger and getting everyone to sing and laugh around the campfire. As the night came to an end, I went into my four-person tent to find six people already in it. We all packed in the tent like sardines and became closer then ever within the short twenty-four hours.

Omicron Summer Retreat Natalie Kimura, President

I’m not the type who enjoys nature where you hike in the sun and camp outside. Dear lord, I’m from a valley where the flatlands are your friends and mountains are scary, even mythical monsters who are almost able to eat you alive, especially when you plan to spend several hours on top of them. So for the summer when Omicron decided to go on a little camping trip to a mountain, I was a little hesitant. Not only that, it was to be located near some Utah mountains and then be organized by a little California native (and yours truly). I was a little overwhelmed.

Anyways, a small but mighty four-person excursion was organized for a weekend trip. Originally, it was planned to be bigger but other events and various excuses narrowed it to just little Omicron. But I would never regret it. It was a beautiful trip. With no cell phone reception and very little to do except enjoy the company of your sisters in your presence, we were hiking trails in secret caverns and dusty wastelands in Southern Utah.

We observed thousands year old petroglyphs drawn on cliffs, had late night pillow talks interrupted by giggling fits, board games, ate hobo dinners roasted underneath the coals of a fire while an unmistakeable sunset waves goodbye, leaving the sky to become an endless map to the stars.

The most significant part of the trip for me was when I took a moment to stare into the night sky. I have lived in the suburbs my whole life, surrounded by light pollution, always focused on the ground. But the night the four of us went outside, I saw constellations clearer and brighter than before. Who knew in the middle of nowhere you could draw upon something as old and majestic and beautiful and dying as the stars? Being able to see within our own universe, our own solar system and knowing we’re observing places far, far away was an experience that really makes you realize you aren’t alone entirely. At least, it occurred to me now.

It’s very similar to reach out for that connection where we feel lost and or alone. Staring into the sky was looking into something hopeful, kind of like how we do it everyday with our brothers and sisters. A certain brother or sister could say the right thing for you to try something new. Every opportunity changes you, taking a bid or connecting with someone at Convention turns into a lifelong experience, especially when you have a moment to realize you are a part of something on a grander scale than we can comprehend. Not only is it rewarding, you have a moment of clarity with something bigger with yourself and grab onto something you will remember for life, which for TBS, personally, has done for me.

For me, this camping trip was one of them and makes me appreciate the hope we have for each other.

If you haven’t had a moment for a camping trip, take a moment to look into the sky. You never know what epiphany will smack you in the face because I know that that was the reason why I still participate within this organization and still have enthusiasm for every moment it exists.

COMING SOON! MULITMEDIA CENTER FOR THE ACCENT Over the past year, I have seen the Western District become more creative in the way information has been passed around. We as a District have gone from traditional newsletter formats to creating videos, blogging, and utilizing social media. In an effort to truly capture all the different ways the District shares information, the Accent will yet again go through another transformation on the district website.

One of the many changes are outlined as follows: 1. Place the Accent on its own webpage allowing more flexibility in its design and usability.

2. Search capabilities so information on the website can be found more easily.

3. New interface that incorporates social media, the blog-style, and an archive of all newsletter editions.

All of these changes are sure to not only increase the amount of information the Accent is capable of creating, but also allows multiple venues for Brothers and Sisters to both submit and read information in any style of their choosing. The inspiration for the layout and look comes from multiple media centers online, including the current online set-up for the Podium, the national publication for the nation.

2014-2015 District Webmaster, David Casuga, has been given complete creative control over the new look of the Accent. While the Accent is about to transform into a new look, there are bound to be questions from the Active members in our district. Over the course of the next few months, both David and I will be hosting public forums for active members to get the latest and where we are in the project, as well as provide feedback to make the transition better.

David and I have put in a lot of thought into the future sustainable of the Accent and we are both confident that this project is worthwhile.

In the Bond, Arthur Aguilera Publisher David Casuga Webmaster