The Orange Baton: 2018-2019, All-Year Edition

THETA CHAPTER

KAPPA KAPPA PSI presents...

. . . y b s e l c i t ar g n i r u t a e F

All-Year 2018-2019 The ORANGE BATON RELEASE 18 | BY THETA PUBLISHING

BY ALDER KOOL

STATES DAYS

KAPPA CLASS

This year, Theta Chapter had the amazing opportunity to host Wagon States Days! Wagon States Days is where the chapters from Washington, Oregon, and sometimes, Idaho comes to hang out and we get to know each other. This year we had a boo-boo band where we provided an ensemble for people to practice their conducting! People interested in conducting could come up to the front, conduct a piece, and receive pointers from Dr. Chapman and Mr. Hannum. We also participated in a campus tour, where we were able to show off our beautiful campus to our visiting brothers and sisters.

Being in charge of setting up states days gave me an eye-opening experience in hosting events, as well as the experience of having a lot of responsibility. With the help of my committee, we set up a great states days for our brothers and sisters. States days is such a great time because it is where brothers and sisters really connect socially. Because states days is so “chill� compared to DLC (District Leadership Conference) and WDC (Western District Convention), it gives us all a chance to relax and have fun. I am so happy we hosted states days this year, and that I had the opportunity to coordinate it.

ROLLIN’ W/ OLIN

SS A L C A | KAPP

This year marked the R E second Rollin’ with Olin social event; AU H C S a bike ride through the forests near Corvallis lead by AR W X E Oregon State Marching Band Director and avid biker Olin Hannum. It AL

all started in early 2018 as mainly a funny pun (and a rebranding after a Bowlin’ with Olin event was turned down by its namesake), but we soon realized it could actually be a successful event. In May 2018, Mr. Hannum lead the nine of us from Peavy Arboretum up through the McDonald-Dunn Forest to Lewisburg Saddle and back. We lost two people early on, and a third just past the halfway point due to a flat tire. It was easily the toughest bike ride I’d been on, but it was a good ride with some great views.

This year we began at the Oak Creek Dimple Hill Trailhead, the nine of us biked up to a summit as the halfway point for a slightly easier but still strenuous ride. On the way back, some of the riders (though not me on my very ill equipped road bike) took a smaller trail down part of the hill. Initially the event was considered for fundraising opportunities, but it has evolved into a fun social event for people in KKPsi, the band, or the community (Mr. Hannum’s wife Megan joined us this year). We also designed some shirts for the first year (all design credit to Iota Class member Colton Brooks) that you can see some people wearing in the photo. Hopefully this event will continue for years to come, changing in whatever way future Theta members see fit.

Four Years Fly By MARIA RIVERA KAPPA CLASS

During the 2018-2019 academic year, 17

ensemble you were in and no matter

else, is built off of what we already know.

Theta members graduated and claimed

what part you were playing, you were

In the spring, composer Dana Reason

the status of Alumni. We came from a

confident that each conductor’s chosen

exposes students to the modern side of

variety of majors including engineering,

repertoire and expectations were going

music and where music in our genera-

animal science, education, etc. I, Maria

to challenge you. These ensembles were

tion is heading. If you asked every single

Rivera, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts

an experience that you couldn’t get in

music student in the department, they

in music education with a minor in psy-

many other places. All groups consisted

would agree that all of our professors

chology. However, when I first arrived at

of a variety of majors, unlike other col-

play a vital role in our education and each

Oregon State University, I was originally

lege music departments, where the norm

one of them brings something special

an animal science major. Little did I know

is to have “music major” ensembles and

to the table and something that can’t be

that in the first four weeks of my first fall

“non music major” ensembles.When play-

learned from a textbook.

term, I would be changing my major to

ing their instruments, each musician was

music education. It seems like a lifetime

just as important as the part they were

ago that I went up to my animal science

playing, and it showed in the collabora-

advisor and requested a change of major.

tion and musicality of the groups. While

After that, I never looked back. My four

not all of these musicians were in Kappa

years in the music department has been

Kappa Psi, they all strived for the highest

filled with nothing but great music, en-

level of musical achievement.

riching and challenging curriculum, and friendships that will last a lifetime.

Over the years, I’ve met so many individuals from a variety of places. My closest friends are music majors and non music majors alike. Kappa Kappa Psi has played a pivotal role in my education and I’m glad that the freshman Maria joined, even if it was only considered a resume buffer

While the music department at OSU

at the time. As I grew, I gained friendships

may be small compared to others, it

that will hopefully last me a lifetime. I

Like many other brothers, I played in

definitely does not cut corners in terms

never really knew the true meaning of

the variety of ensembles that OSU has

of curriculum. Many of the professors

brotherhood and what it meant to have

to offer. I have played tuba in the Wind

here are of the highest quality and they

friends who will laugh with you, cry with

Symphony, the Wind Ensemble and the

are never afraid to push their students

you, stumble with you, and serve music

Tuba/Euphonium Ensemble. I played a

with high standards. Angela Carlson,

with you until I joined Kappa Kappa Psi.

variety of instruments in the Campus

along with Bob Brudvig, teach the theory

Now, as I prepare to move on to my next

Band including trumpet, percussion, and

courses and they build the foundation for

stage in the pursuance of my Master of

french horn. I played sousaphone and

students as they move on to their upper

Arts in Music Education, I feel well pre-

trumpet in the OSU Marching Band and

division courses. For many students, the

pared by Oregon State and well support-

Basketball Band. I also took private tuba

composition projects in theory may be

ed by my friends and family. I can’t wait

lessons with the conductors of the Tuba/

the first and only time they compose a

to see where our next adventures will

Euphonium Ensemble, JáTtik Clark and

piece of music. This is where many of our

take all of us.

Isaac Andrew.

student composers begin and it’s the

Each of the conductors that I had in my different ensembles (Dr. Chris Chapman,

help of Angela and Bob that make that a possibility for some students.

Mr. Olin Hannum, Dr. Jason Gossett, and

Kimery Fick, our ethnomusicologist on

Dr. Wesley Brewer) pushed the ensemble

staff, teaches every student the impor-

to their highest limits. No matter what

tance of history. Music, like anything

GARRETT ROSE IN RECITAL GARRETT ROSE KAPPA CLASS

Garrett Rose held his second recital in order to ful-

On the day of his recital, Rose played an hour worth of music

fill the requirements of the music performance de-

from a range of ethnic composers. In an interview, he said:

gree. He told you he’d be back to play a concerto!

Garrett has been a percussionist since day one; but, he officially started in 6th grade. He grew up playing with a toy marching drum that he still owns to remember how his passion for percussion began.

Rose has always wanted to be a percussionist. His passion for marching band began in high school. He became section leader starting his sophomore year and quickly changed how everyone perceived the drumline at his school. He took on the role of teaching his friends and found how fun instruction could be.

He graduated high school in 2014 and was ready to take on OSU and its music education program. Five years later, Rose had many memorable moments while participating in OSU band with friends that he can now call family. Along with these experiences, he has found that his passion is taking him down a road where music will always be a huge part of his life. His future goals are now fixed on becoming an athletic band director for a college or university for the rest of his life.

I really enjoyed being able to play another recital here at OSU because of the support I have had in my time here. I knew I would be here for one more year, and figured it’d be fun to stretch my idea on what percussion music really is. That means understanding and learning about it from different composers with backgrounds from different regions or cultures. It really reminded me how much fun percussion is all over again.

Kappa Kappa Psi - A Family BRIAN JOHNSTONE KAPPA CLASS

When people describe Kappa Kappa Psi, the most common word used is “family”. Everyone talks about how everyone is best friends with each other and everything is always perfect, and that is what makes it a family. And as someone who grew up in a family of five and has been in the chapter for the last four years, I can tell you one thing about that: it is completely wrong.

Let me explain. And please, bear with me. Let’s start with the first part. Not everything has been perfect. In the last four years, the chapter has had a bumpy ride at times. A decrease in membership retention after a few very large classes, numerous new music department faculty and expanding the role of the chapter in all aspects of music in the Oregon State and Corvallis band communities, just to name a few. These have been stressful for all of us, and at times we have let this get to us. These challenges, along with our variety of stresses, backgrounds, experiences, and values, have caused tensions to run high and disagreements to arise.

Sometimes, these disagreements were handled well, and problems were solved then and there by the group working together. However, there were certainly times when the disagreements got out of hand, and even today they have not been figured out. To call things messy would be an understatement.

But now let’s talk about the second part. A family is not a family because everything is always perfect. Looking back on my childhood, I cannot keep track of the number of times I argued with my siblings or my parents. And if you include my extended family, things can get even messier. Fights between different members have caused rifts that have prevented some of them from seeing my siblings and me. But despite all that, I love each and every one of them. Even through rough patches and fights, the moments I spend with them are worth more than anything in the world. And like with my family, spending time with my brothers means the world to me. I have had my share of disagreements

with other members of the chapter, and I could be on better terms with some at the moment. At times, Kappa Kappa Psi was the most stress-inducing aspect of my life (especially when I held elected positions). But at every point along the way, my brothers were at my side. Through every gavel rap, equipment setup, agenda, concert, discussion, festival, election, hymn, and “Go Beavs”, there was at least one brother by my side.

Kappa Kappa Psi is a family. It is messy, even broken at times. But it also has a bond that can bring us together through the roughest patches and nastiest arguments. It pulls us closer when everything else wants to push us apart. So when someone asks you what Kappa Kappa Psi is, tell them it is a family. Not a group that is perfect, but a group that will love each other through difficult and trying times, working together to serve the band community that means so much to each of us.

A Brother’s Journey ROBIN WATSON KAPPA CLASS

When I decided to go to my first ice cream social recruitment event, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had been in various service organizations growing up and knew I wanted to continue serving others while in college. The best thing about Kappa Kappa Psi is that you get to not only serve others, but specifically those who enjoy music and band. Ever since childhood I’ve been a relatively quiet person and so I wasn’t quite sure what my role would be as a member of KKPsi. It wasn’t until my first District Leadership Conference freshman year at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, that I learned that everyone has a place in each chapter. I learned that all personalities make up a cohesive and successful group of brothers. Yes, there are outgoing individuals who help delegate and lead instruction, but there are also those who like to help wherever they are needed. A leader does not need a title, they are someone who exemplifies some of the qualities we look for in brothers. Integrity, loyalty, dedication, responsibility, and positivity are all things that can make up an incredible individual and brother.

With all of this in mind, it is important to remember that each new class brings unique individuals, and no one can perfectly replace someone else. Change can be a good thing at times, and perfection is not always something to look towards. Striving for the highest will always be a part of my life motto, because what is the highest?

It means something different to everyone. It could be something that is so out of reach that a person may not see their goal as realistic, but if they work hard enough and have trust in what they believe in, they can keep climbing higher and higher. Once you fulfill a goal or dream, you can always make a new one, to always strive for the highest.

I wonder what my undergraduate experience might have been like without band and KKPsi. I realize how blessed I am to have met so many lovely individuals that I have the privilege to call my brothers. The sense of brotherhood made me come back every time, even when things were difficult. Some of my brothers reminded me of why I joined and what made me so passionate about the fraternity; service and friendship. As the chapter grows and shrinks with each incoming class, it’s important to remember exactly why each person is there. What they want from the chapter? What they will provide?

From a fellow brother, thank you. Thank you for helping provide a home for a quiet clarinet player to grow and flourish. Positivity, drive, empathy, and love will carry the weight for brothers to thrive. So, keep thriving my friends.

AEA, MLITB, and Go Beavs!

Your fellow Brother, Robin Linn Watson Kappa Class, Kappa Kappa Psi OSU Class of 2019

S S A L C U N A T THE 2018-2019

YER E M E D E R B M IA L IL

BY W

S T A T S U N A T THE

*Word cloud generated based on cities listed by Nu class memebers

2018-2019

S T A T S U N A T THE

?

R A E Y WHAT

FUN FACT: Oddly enough, there aren't any third year initiates in the Nu class. What's nice is that we have a roughly even spread of members. This is actually good for the chapter!

2018-2019

S T A T S U N A T THE

?

M O R F A Y E R WHE WA | 1

OR | 7

CA | 1

TX | 1

STATE STATS: In the Nu class, there were 10 initiates: 7 came from OREGON 3 came from CALIFORNIA, WASHINTON, and TEXAS.

?

Y D U T S A Y T WHA

2018-2019

S T A T S U N A T THE

WHAT DO WE KNOW? Many of the Nu class seems to be studying Chemical Engineering as their major. Music Ed (although not visibly shown) is another hot study!

Regardless of major, KKPsi welcomes all fields of study!

R E T P A H C A T E H T HE T Y B T R O F F E E V I T A COLLEC

2018-2019

K O O B P A R C S A THET

NU CLASS 3 DEGREE RD

3.2.19

From left to right: Lia Swan, paige sedgwick, Teresa Valdez, Kohlby Liles, Kyle Ramirez, John Hackethorn III, Callan Farci, Josh Milhoan

R E T P A H C A T E H T HE T Y B T R O F F E E V I T A COLLEC

2018-2019

K O O B P A R C S A THET

GARRETT ROSE'S RECITAL 4.11.19

Garrett had his recital in the spring of 2019. Garrett is a oneof-a-kind musician who's life-long passion is in percussion performance.

R E T P A H C A T E H T HE T Y B T R O F F E E V I T A COLLEC

2018-2019

K O O B P A R C S A THET

Camping trip 5.24.19

R E T P A H C A T E H T HE T Y B T R O F F E E V I T A COLLEC

2018-2019

K O O B P A R C S A THET

Camping trip 5.24.19

R E T P A H C A T E H T HE T Y B T R O F F E E V I T A COLLEC

2018-2019

K O O B P A R C S A THET

Camping trip 5.24.19

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R E T P A H C A T E H T HE T Y B T R O F F E E V I T A COLLEC

2018-2019

K O O B P A R C S A THET

Camping trip 5.24.19

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R E T P A H C A T E H T HE T Y B T R O F F E E V I T A COLLEC

2018-2019

K O O B P A R C S A THET

Camping trip 5.24.19

Another moment of Brotherly bonding

And that is all!

BE LOOKING FORWARD FOR FALL 2019!

KAPPA KAPPA PSI - THETA CHAPTER 200 Community Hall 1650 SW Pioneer Place Corvallis, OR 97331 E: osukkpsi@gmail.com https://kkpsitheta.org

DONATE TO THE CHAPTER! @ kkpsitheta.org/donate