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M a c y 's T h a n k s g i v i n g D ay Pa r a d e | Ho n d a B at t l e o f t h e B a n d s | R o se B o w l Pa r a d e
The PODIUM
CALENDAR OF EVENTS December 1 • Online deadline for Fall Activity Reports • Deadline for articles to be submitted to the Spring 2021 issue of The PODIUM
STAFF Publisher/National Executive Director HQ Office Manager & National Accountant HQ Membership Services Coordinator Chapter & Colony Education Coordinator Alumni, Historical, & Development Coordinator Publications Manager & Multimedia Designer National Events Coordinator Kappa Kappa Psi Chapter Field Representative Kappa Kappa Psi Chapter Field Representative
Steve Nelson Di Spiva Debbie Morris TJ Tooley Aaron Moore Robert Bratcher Lisa Croston Justin Jensen Nicole Brooks
nelson@kkytbs.org hqna@kkytbs.org hqsec@kkytbs.org hqedu@kkytbs.org hqacc@kkytbs.org podium@kkytbs.org events@kkytbs.org cfrkky@kkpsi.org kkycfr@kkpsi.org
MAILING ADDRESS
March 19 - 21 • Southeast District Convention Callaway Gardens Pine Mountain, GA March 26 - 28 • Southwest District Convention Lubbock, TX April 8 - 11 • North Central District Convention Cleveland, OH
The PODIUM National Headquarters Kappa Kappa Psi/Tau Beta Sigma P.O. Box 849 Stillwater, OK 74076-0849 (405) 372-2333 www.kkytbs.org e-mail: podium@kkytbs.org
April 15 - 19 • Western District Convention Seattle, WA April 15 • Deadline for submitting auditions for the National Intercollegiate Band
ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS Articles must be prepared using common word processing software or submitted by e-mail. Photographs must have captions attached with all individuals identified. Detailed author’s guidelines can be found on the NHQ web site at:
May 1 • Online deadline for articles being submitted to the Fall 2021 issue of The PODIUM • Submission & postmark deadline for ΤΒΣ National Scholarship applications
podium.kkytbs.org
DEADLINES Fall issue Spring issue
March 19 - 21 • Midwest District Convention Lincoln, NE
June 1 • On-time deadline for Chapter Summary Reports
May 1 December 1
July 1 • KKΨ Awards Deadline
The PODIUM is produced at the National Headquarters of Kappa Kappa Psi & Tau Beta Sigma in Stillwater, Okla., and printed and mailed by Modern Litho-Print, Jefferson City, Mo.
July 13 • National Intercollegiate Band concert, premiering a piece composed by Alex Shapiro
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On the Cover: The cover of this issue, an original illustration by our Publications Manager & Multimedia Designer Robert Bratcher, represents the diversity of our membership and the conversations were are having through video conferencing platforms due to social distancing.
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July 13-17 • ΚΚΨ & ΤΒΣ National Convention Amway Grand Plaza Hotel Grand Rapids, MI
Fall 2020
12
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what'sINSIDE 4 From The Executive Director 5 Expansion & Membership 29 National Leadership 38 In Loving Memory 6
Serving Sweet Sixteen Paul Hopson & Justina James
18 Arts Administration and
Our National Organization Cory Schuman
8
Alumni Organizing Even in the Face of Great Trial Chris Foster
Chair, ΤΒΣ Alumni Association
10 AEA -No, not that one. The other one! Brent Cannon
Traditions & Recognition Director ΚΚΨ Alumni Association
11 “Quarantivities” Paula Kyser
12 Cowboys in Canada Braeden Weyhrich
14 Eta Omicron takes on Band-O-Rama
Emily Pace, Katie Doherty, Jacob Reeves, and Lachlan Kerr
22 Janet West Miller
Karon (Miller) Hammond
25 Doris Ragsdale Kochanek 26 The Annex
Steve Nelson, Danny George, and Carolyn McCambridge
28 Skipping The Bobby Pins Shalyn Nystrom
29 2020: Living Life as the World Turns
Daniel George, CPA
Chair, ΚΚΨ Board of Trustees
22 30 MLITB, in the Time of Covid-19
Siobhan Wilkes National VPSP, ΤΒΣ
32 Fortitude in the Journey Ahead Adrienne Rall
National President, ΤΒΣ
34 To Be or Not To Be “TBSential?” Erika Pope
National VPCM, ΤΒΣ
35 With Fortitude: 2021
Chapter Leadership Award Leslie Gartin
National VPCR, ΤΒΣ
36 COVID-19(19): Creating Opportunities: Virtual, In-Person, Dynamic Mike Napolitano National VPP, ΚΚΨ
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The PODIUM
FROM THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Writers Wanted!
The National Headquarters accepts the Podium submissions via e-mail at podium@kkytbs.org and online at podium.kkytbs.org. In order to make processing of articles easier please use the following format: Remember that articles must be received by May 1 for the fall issue and December 1 for the spring issue. Within the subject line include "Podium Article for (your) Chapter." Feature articles should be 1-2 pages, not including photos. You can figure 600 words per page, so a 2-page article would be about 1,200 words. Try to keep your article to a multiple of 300 words, with a 600 word/1-page minimum. Fraternity/sorority-wide news items should be one-half page/300-word minimum, not including photo(s). Chapter news items should be one-quarter page/150-word minimum, not including photo(s). Articles may be submitted as an attachment to an e-mail message; save the article as either a Microsoft® Word document or in Rich Text Format. Be sure to send photos illustrating your story. Photos must be 300dpi or higher and attached separately from the article, not embedded. We assume that the writer of the article has full rights to the photos and grants a license to us for publication purposes. Submissions containing photographs will receive priority for publication. Every photo must have a caption! Be sure to include the photo captions within the e-mail for the article you send and be sure you identify everyone in the photo. Original photos are preferred, either color or blackand-white.
Helpful Hints
- Make your article interesting and exciting to read. - Focus on one or two topics and expand upon it. - Try not to write a chapter summary report for your article. - We like to hear about extraordinary things such as successful fundraisers, unique socials, or service projects.
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As I sit down to write this introductory article for this issue of the PODIUM, I find it difficult to gather my thoughts. So much has happened since our last issue. I don’t have to tell you how all of our lives have been changed by the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve had to confront our fears of being infected, of infecting others, and worrying about the health of our friends and families. So much of what we did BC – before COVID – has been disrupted, canceled or changed. The very ability of our college and university bands to make music has been affected to the extent that many ensembles are prevented from meeting or performing at all. As a society, our nation has been confronted with the many inequalities, especially racial inequality, that have plagued us for centuries. Even the fraternity and sorority have been forced to shine new lights into the very natures of our existence. We’ve suffered losses too. Tau Beta Sigma most notably had to say goodbye to Doris Ragsdale Kochanek, 1st National President, and our dear friend Janet West Miller, 6th National President and Honorary Member of the Board of Trustees for Life. I especially mourn Janet, who I knew for more than 30 years. I cherish my last chance to speak with her in February. We’ve lost many others too, who you will see remembered on pages 36-39 of this issue. But we persevere! During this time of upheaval, the national organizations have looked to not only navigating the present circumstances with new ways of virtual chapter operations, membership education and rituals; but they’ve also looked to the future by expanding national headquarters’ office space with the purchase of our new Annex building. The National Headquarters has also hired Lisa Croston as our first Events Coordinator, so we can plan for the events of the future, whatever they look like PC – post COVID. With fortitude, we are learning new things about the very essences of our organizations. We are seeing how our active and alumni memberships are coalescing around new ideas for service to music and to band programs when our usual way of operating is thwarted. We are seeing so many active members recommitting themselves to the sisterhood and brotherhood when their chapters have few opportunities for outright service to their bands and it’s easy to question the value of their membership. I am very thankful to everyone who is pitching in, from the National Headquarters staff to all the various levels of our organizations, to see us through this time of uncertainty with all the hopes of the future. Keep making music (safely, of course) and supporting your band programs. We will persevere!
Fall 2020
EXPANSION& MEMBERSHIP
NEWS
APRIL 25, 2020
APRIL 25, 2020
Jackson State University Jackson, Mississippi
Miles College Fairfield, Alabama
Eta Eta (ΚΚΨ)
Kappa Kappa (ΚΚΨ)
MAY 8, 2020
MAY 15, 2020
Chicago State University Chicago, Illinois
Chicago State University Chicago, Illinois
Nu Psi (ΚΚΨ)
Iota Omega (ΤΒΣ)
C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S PODIUM.KKYTBS.ORG - 5
The PODIUM
Alumni ARTICLES
Serving Sweet Sixteen by Paul Hopson (Iota Tau - KKPsiAA) & Justina James (Zeta Mu - TBSAA)
Atlanta Alumni Association
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he Atlanta Alumni Association of Kappa Kappa Psi & Tau Beta Sigma (AAA) was chartered on July 24, 2004, by 41 members. AAA serves as a tool to provide an avenue for members of the Fraternity and Sorority in good standing to continue the fraternal affiliation beyond graduation. The members of the Atlanta Alumni Association are alumni and honorary members of Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma located in the metropolitan area of Atlanta, Georgia. The members of AAA work together to exemplify the principles of integrity, leadership, and commitment, while providing service and support to the band programs in the Atlanta area and beyond. We also encourage the advancement of education and leadership development to the students in the area in which we serve. AAA members work diligently to foster a strong bond with the local undergraduate chapters in the Atlanta area, and to give the membership valid and wholesome experiences in organization, leadership, and social contact. This year marks the ‘Sweet’ 16th year anniversary of our continued service to the local music programs and community. It has been such an amazing journey thus far; we thought it was necessary to highlight some of our major milestones since AAA’s inception. Our Golden Baton Scholarship Initiative (GBSI) is a two-year program geared towards Metro Atlanta high school students in their junior year, who are interested in participating in a collegiate band program. GBSI participants are taken through a series of
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workshops that prepare them for college and participation in a collegiate band. Workshop series are conducted on college preparation (SAT/ACT, applications, financial aid, housing, scholarships), leadership, professional development (writing, oration, interviews), musicality (private lessons, recital preparation, arranging, music theory), and college life. Additionally, participants are taken on a college tour to assist in the college decision process. Participants work with mentors to ensure maximum success throughout the program. Each student presents an oratory piece and a musical selection at the GBSI Gala which is held at the conclusion of the program during the participants’ senior year. Upon completion of the program and acceptance into college, each participant is awarded a
general scholarship in amounts ranging from $1000-$1500 per recipient. Former GBSI participant and current band director, Brandon Heater (Eta KappaKKPsiAA), stated during his years in the program," The GBSI program has shown me different skills that I need to succeed in my adulthood. I truly appreciate all of the love and trust that my GBSI/AAA family has expressed to me." Band director, Kelley Johnson (Theta Rho-TBSigma), also a former GBSI participant, credited GBSI with helping her with “meeting new people, making connections, and being exposed to different environments." Over the years, the GBSI Program has become a major enterprise awarding more than 20 students with a grand total of over $30,000 in scholarships and electronic devices.
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This past year in January, we celebrated our 12th Annual ‘Bowl and Stroll.’ This major event, which serves as a Fraternity and Sorority family reunion, occurs the Friday evening before the Annual ‘Honda Battle of the Bands’ (HBOB); a three-hour showcase of 8-10 traditional-style marching bands from Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU). Every year, thousands of our brothers and sisters travel from across the nation to the City of Atlanta reuniting and fellowshipping with one another, as we show pride in our alma maters. The many activities that occur during the ‘Bowl & Stroll’ include: bowling, vendor purchasing, membership recruiting, laser tagging, and other fun games. The most anticipated activity of them all is the ‘Stroll Off’ competition. Active chapters in good standing are eligible to enter the contest and the winning chapters from each organization are awarded up to $500. Through the past 12 years, AAA has donated nearly $20,000 to more than a dozen undergraduate chapters and two collegiate music programs. We also sponsored a total of three KKPsi and TBSigma chapter delegates to attend the 2019 National Convention by covering the cost of the delegates’ registration and lodging for all of the business days of convention. In addition to our major events, we have also served bands in our community by volunteering with various organizations which include: Metropolitan Atlanta Community Band, Clark Atlanta University Mighty Marching Panthers’ ‘Band Brawl’, ‘Viewer’s Choice’ Battle of the Bands, Metro Atlanta Band Jamboree, and the HBCU Band Directors’ Consortium. Our most collaborative service project is that AAA members along with our GBSI
participants perform for local senior-living residents as a band ensemble. Aside from the dedicated work of our service projects, we also host a great number of social events throughout the year which include: Both (KKPsi & TBSigma) Founders’ Day socials, an annual holiday party, MEAC/SWAC Challenge tailgate, and other social gatherings to encourage fellowship amongst active and prospective members. By networking with our fellow musicians, educators, and other professionals, we create a greater environment for members to impact the communities around us. AAA proposes to reach even greater heights in the years to come. AAA President, Jermaine White (Iota Zeta-KKPsiAA), states, “Our goal for the next biennium is to increase community involvement and membership recruitment.” One of our first major initiatives is to reestablish the Atlanta ‘ITB’ Takeover weekend. We are pleased to announce that over the past 16 years, three of AAA members have been selected to be a part of national leadership: Mrs. Cenobia Hilton (Eta Delta, Life Member), former Chapter Visitation Assistant of Tau Beta Sigma, Mrs. Jennifer Ryder (Epsilon Chi, Life Member), current SED Chapter Visitation Assistant of Tau Beta Sigma, and Dr. Ovura (Thea) Murphy (Theta Kappa, Life Member), current Membership Director of the Tau
Beta Sigma Alumni Association Executive Council. We encourage you to become an active member of AAA! Our website is www.aaakkpsitbs.com. Alumni members in good standing can join, regardless of place of residence. If you have any additional questions, comments, or concerns, please reach out to us via email at atlalumni191946@gmail.com. Be sure to also follow us on our Facebook page: Kappa Kappa Psi/ Tau Beta Sigma Atlanta Alumni Association; Instagram: @aaakkpsitbsigma; and Twitter: @ aaakkytbs. Here is a toast to sixteen years of unconditional dedicated service to our local communities through our bond and love of music! #AAASTILLSERVING
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The PODIUM
Alumni ARTICLES
Alumni Organizing Even in the Face of Great Trial by Chris Foster TBΣ Alumni Association Executive Council, Chair
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here’s a running theme on social media that 2020 has turned out to be a year that hasn’t exactly exuded positivity and optimism. The memes and gifs speak for themselves. One thing that the pandemic has afforded us is an opportunity to reflect on the Qualities and Factors that make up the ideals of Tau Beta Sigma. If we have ever been ‘in the face of great trial’ or had to work 'under all conditions', this is it! This is a prime time to seek Lofty Spiritual Ideals to overcome the obstacles we are facing during the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite these challenges, this is actually a great opportunity for alumni members to come together and reconnect. We’re told to practice social distancing to help keep the virus from spreading. However, I prefer to think of that practice as physical distancing, as we can and do continue to be social. After graduation, our members scatter across the country to start their professional lives. It helps to have a group of other alumni in your new city with which to connect and to lean on. That sense of instant family can be an essential early social outlet in your new life and contribute to overall well-being. This is the perfect time to join or form a local alumni association (LAA) in your area. LAAs introduce you to Sisters and Brothers from various age groups and professional backgrounds. You have immediate social and professional networking opportunities. During this pandemic, you also have additional outlets to stay in touch with people, and reduce that feeling of isolation and loneliness. I am continually impressed by the work that our local alumni associations (LAAs) are doing to keep their members in touch and overcoming our physical distance. There have been great events organized by our LAAs, including online game nights, happy hours, and movie nights, as well as responsibly-distanced picnics and other outdoor events. If you’re interested in getting in touch with an LAA in your area, or if you have the Fortitude and Courage to start one, please reach out to us at tbsaa@tbsigma.org. We would be happy to put you in touch with other alumni association members in your area and guide you through the LAA formation process. These groups serve as a prime example of the enhanced alumni experience we are working toward in Tau Beta Sigma and would love to help you follow it wherever it may lead you.
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TBSAA National Scholarship for Graduate Studies Recipients
Debra Samuel Eta Delta
Master's Degree
Industrial-Organizational Psychology The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Kat Grant Rho
Law Degree
Indiana University Maurer School of Law
Fall 2020
Tau Beta Sigma Alumni Association 2019-2020 Gold Star Club Members The TBSAA Executive Council would like to express our gratitude to the dedicated alumni who generously give to the Alumni Association through their membership in the Gold Star Club. As we continue to grow, we will continue to evolve our membership benefits and opportunities. You can learn more about our GOLD STAR CLUB and join the TBSAA at www.tbsalumni.org.
David Alexander Marissa Archuleta Yslette Arispe Debbie Baker Peggy Banks Kwinton Baylor Valerie Beerbower Pamela Bennett Oria Berkley Justin Brady Samantha Brandeberry Beth Bronk Mary Lu Brooks Lucianna Brown Sue Carr Morine Carroll Renee Cartee Jasmine Causey Angela Chin Lance Coochyouma Debra Crawford Lisa Croston Tamarah Davis Amanda Dickson Emily Donovan Jason Dornbush Kanoshia Duncan Baisha Dunn Kelly Eidson Harmona Epps HaShawn Epps Dawn Farmer Anissa Fell Sarah Fitzgerald
Chris Foster Willie Mae Frazier Leslie Gartin Kathy Godwin Samantha Hall David Hammond Karon Hammond Alan Harriet Alysha Harvey Tamara Henry Valeria Hicks Demetria Jackson Evelyn Jones Chris Joyce Kathryn Kelly Randy Kitchens Marco Krcatovich Katie Langley Jada Lee Allison Leemann Kymberly Littlejohn Joshua Lott Christopher Lukasik Rene Mark Jonathan Markowski Catherine Marner Heather Marshall Malinda Matney Theodore McCadden Carolyn McCambridge Scott McCambridge Wendy McCann Leslie McClure Rosalyn McDonald
Verinda McGee Javonni McGlaurin Heather McGowan Melanie Meehan Cathy Miles Brianna Mitchell Dana Mitchell Monika Monk Jasmine Moore Ivania Morales Caleb Morris Tundra Morris Eric Morson Ovura (Thea) Murphy Bridget Myers Jean Newman Cassandra Nicholson Stephani Noar Robin Oegerle Maisha Paggett Tamisha Palmer Salli-Tymna Parker Theresa Powell Adrienne Rall Chelsea Rasing Linnetta Ratliff Kelsey Reilly Mary Rhodes Michael Scheidegger Amber Scott Jennifer Scott Scott Sergeant Carly Shields Kimbi Sigle
Kerry Simon Marlena Simoneau Zara Simpson Deena Smith Jessica Smith Meghan Smith Brandy Stallworth David Stookey Jessica Stookey Amanda Sutfin Rebekah Tarplin Catrina Thomas Julia Tordo Leisa Tucker Alana Urbano Hayley Voorhees Deami Watson Kathy Webster Janet West Miller Terri White Jennifer Williams Lashann Williams La'Tyra Willis Jenna Woodward Marcus Wyche Tyra Yiare
TBSALUMNI.ORG
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The PODIUM
Alumni ARTICLES
AEA -No, not that one. The other one! r
A
s an older brother, I sometimes get asked why I joined Kappa Kappa Psi. You might think that thirty-seven years later, I might have a different answer now than what originally sparked my interest. Certainly, after all this time, my thought process would have evolved and be more enlightened now than back in the Fall of 1983 when I first encountered the Gamma Phi Chapter at Stephen F. Austin State University. While it might be so regarding some areas in my life, not so much when it comes to that specific question. Before I reveal my personal reason, think about your own. Why did you join? Go ahead, give it some thought. I’ve got time since covid is keeping me at home!! As you were thinking about your reason, did the thought ever cross your mind that you first had to be invited to join? You did not apply, you were invited. When you realize that, then you can start to understand a phrase we so often say: It is an honor to be selected to serve! So, you were asked which should mean that you had already exhibited brotherly characteristics that are stressed and cherished by the fraternity. But why did you say yes when asked? Why did I say yes? Mine might be different than yours, and that’s ok! I agreed to go through the candidacy period. STOP! I was no candidate. I was Kappa Kappa Psi Pledge Brent Curtis Cannon and proud to announce it to the world whenever I answered the phone, introduced myself, etc….there were times when it was permissible to not answer that way….. carry my pledge book everywhere with merits and demerits, my fraternity test scores, lists of active and pledge information, names of TBS actives and
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my pledge sisters, special signatures, our pledge song that we wrote, special signature tasks, turnabout day, and the extensive interview section. Makes me grin and laugh just thinking about all of that! Ok, ok, ok. Before I get into trouble, I must say that all of this was well before the fraternity’s various risk management policies. National and state laws, as well as minimum ages for certain things, was 18, not 21. By the time I was District VI President several years later, the laws and general public attitudes were gradually changing resulting in the initial drafts of the alcohol and hazing policies. Over the years these policies have evolved to their current form. Without these, it is highly likely that the fraternity might not exist today. Hey, that sounds like a possible topic for a future article. Stay tuned! Oh yeah, I was explaining why I said yes. I agreed to go through all of that because I saw a group of people, all male at that time, serving the band and having a bunch of fun while doing it. Pretty simple! Due to my dad’s calling, we moved around quite a bit when I was at home. Every couple of years I was making a new set of friends, knowing that I would soon have to say good-bye, probably forever, since there was no email, cell phones or social media. This taught me to be selective with regards to whom I invested my time and energy, as well as who might welcome me as a friend. I knew that the brothers of Gamma Phi and the sisters of Beta Zeta were the kind with whom I wanted to associate, even if only for a relatively short time. Little did I know that it would be longer than I imagined! So, that is why I joined when asked. Why am I still around a bit more than the
r
by Brent Cannon ΚΚΨ Alumni Association Board of Directors Traditions and Recognition Director
ou
ou
average brother my age? The reasons are still the same: Because I was eventually asked to do so by people that seemed to still be having fun. Specifically, by National President Melvin Miles, to be a SWD Governor as the fraternity started to change the role of that specific office. As there was no Kappa Kappa Psi Alumni Association in which all brothers can now participate, most brothers had few options for continued service, especially away from their home chapter and I am so grateful for being offered that opportunity. So, if you’ve read this far, thanks for that btw, you might be wondering: Brent, what’s your point? It goes back to why did you join when asked to serve? It may have changed some, quite a bit or not at all. Perhaps a better question to ask and point to make would be: How can you continue, or why are you not continuing, to participate once you are no longer an active member? Alumni no longer must wait to be asked to do so since the Kappa Kappa Psi Alumni Association offers multiple avenues of interaction via Local Alumni Associations (LAA’s) either at the chapter, regional or district level. Brothers, I have been fortunate to be associated with and serve Kappa Kappa Psi at the chapter, district, and national levels either as an active or alumni. While some positions were elected, others were appointed. Like you, I moved chairs and stands, loaded and unloaded equipment, toted water, grilled burgers, and other similar projects. Like some of you, I travelled many miles across
Fall 2020
my home district visiting brothers and attending numerous events. It has been so rewarding to work with and to get to know brothers from different areas of the country with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. While I may not know exactly how I will serve Kappa Kappa Psi in the coming years, I do know that it is still an honor to be selected to serve even though the fraternity has changed quite a bit since I was that
pledge mentioned above. Could that be another future article starting to brew? Once again, stay tuned! I encourage all brothers to AEA by truly realizing that you are an alumnus longer than you are an active. Whatever your reason for accepting the membership invitation, I would bet that serving, helping, socializing, leadership, friendship, family would be some commonly expressed. Get involved with
or start a LAA. Consider this my invitation to you to join the Kappa Kappa Psi Alumni Association. Information can be found respectively at: https://kkpsiaa.kkytbsonline. com/laa_directory/ or https://kkpsiaa. kkytbsonline.com/starting-an-laa/ Perhaps another way of looking at AEA could be: Active Eventually Alumni. Keep on striving, my brothers!
“Quarantivities”
Activities to do during the Quarantine by Paula Kyser North Central District Alumni Association Chair
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ountry music star, Thomas Rhett, recently wrote a song “Be A Light” with the lyrics “In a time full of doubt, just believe, in a world of hate, be a light.” This Spring has been an unreal time with the effects of Covid-19. It has taken its toll on Brothers mentally, physically, and emotionally. The NCDAA wanted to “Be A Light” in “a world full of hate” for our Brothers. Our Social Committee was tasked with creating a variety of “Quarantivities”, which are social activities to do together during the quarantine. Our first round of “Quarantivities” took place during the month of April. We had a variety of activities ranging from a pet meet-and-greet, to a Kahoot trivia night, and even focusing on our physical and mental wellbeing with a yoga session. Each member of our Social Committee took a turn hosting an event that was meaningful to them. Iota Lambda alumnae, Amber Burtt, hosted an event where we made greeting cards for adults with developmental disabilities. Amber works at a facility that houses twenty-seven adults with developmental disabilities ranging from Autism to Cerebral Palsy to Traumatic Brain Injuries. She said her favorite part of this event was “getting to bring joy and hope back to her clients. I loved being able to show them that we are all in this together and offering them some positivity and love.” While Beta Rho alumni, Abby Douglas said “The ‘Quarantivities’ were such a great
way to connect with some of my favorite people and over something just as simple as yoga or seeing everyone's pets! Even in these crazy times, through the activities, I was able to bond and learn about my brothers in a new and exciting way that you sometimes do not get to experience. And I think that is the best thing ever!” With the success of our first round of “Quarantivities”, and most states stayat-home orders being extended into the month of May, our Social Committee and the NCDAA decided to expand and go for round two of our “Quarantivities”. This time, we switched up some of the activities and added new ones. Some of the new events included a “Zoom Dinner Party'' by Zeta Epsilon alumnae, Abigail Johnson, where we grabbed our groceries and a favorite recipe and cooked dinner alongside NCDAA brothers virtually! Another new event was “Week of Welcome'' hosted by Iota Lambda alumnae and NCDAA Membership Director, Michelle Banis. This was held in conjunction as a recruitment week to encourage graduating seniors to join the NCDAA. Those events included “Move it Monday - a Zumba night” held by Iota Lambda alumnae and NCDAA Chair,
Paula Kyser, “Team Spirit Tuesday'' (a social media campaign), “Webchat Wednesday”, “Throwback Thursday”(a social media campaign), “Happy Hour Friday” and “Senior Spotlights” featured on that following Saturday and Sunday on social media. This was a great combination of recruiting efforts and encouraging some engagement. Spring was a crazy and unreal time for many of our Brothers. Some were laid off from jobs, others working from home, and some Brothers served on the frontlines and braved the dangers of Covid-19. It was extremely difficult having many events in our lives canceled, including ones that we’ve all looked forward to for so long. Creating these “Quarantivities” helped give us all something familiar and entertaining to look forward to and gave us a way to interact with our Brothers. We are grateful for those who helped host an event and all of those who attended and helped make this a huge success.
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The PODIUM
Student NEWS
Cowboys in Canada by Braeden Weyhrich Alpha - TBΣ Oklahoma State University
I
n February, the Oklahoma State University Symphony Orchestra (OSUSO) made the international trek to Vancouver, Canada as one of only two college orchestras invited to perform at the 2020 College Orchestra Directors Association (CODA) National Conference. This was the first time the OSUSO had been honored with a performance of this caliber. As if that wasn’t exciting enough, two active sisters and two membership candidates from the Alpha Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma were able to be a part of this experience, and promoted women and minorities in music while doing it. The OSUSO learned of their CODA selection at the first rehearsal of the fall 2019 semester. Dr. Thomas Dickey, Director of Orchestral Studies at OSU and conductor of the OSUSO, announced the trip with an extreme sense of pride and excitement. He was very honored to bring
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Alpha sisters promote minorities in music on an international stage the orchestra from where it started when he joined the OSU faculty in 2016 to a prestigious international stage. Throughout the fall, the orchestra performed three concerts from which the Canada pieces were selected. The final CODA program included Festival Overture by Emma Lou Diemer, Bandanna Sketches by Clarence Cameron White, African Dance by Samuel Coleridge Taylor, and Alice Mary Smith’s Symphony No. 1 in C minor. Each of these pieces was written by an underrepresented composer, and some have existed for over 100 years but are infrequently performed or recorded because they are overshadowed by the works of better-known white male
composers of their respective eras. Alpha sister and OSUSO flute Kassie Lindamood shared her thoughts on the CODA repertoire: “Dr. Dickey decided to program underrepresented female and minority composers and made that the focus of our concert. I am proud to be able to perform in an organization that is on the right side of music history and is advocating for change in the orchestra world!” Personally, this was my first time performing orchestral music written by a woman, and my first time performing ANY piece of music written by an AfricanAmerican. I share a similar sentiment with Kassie in that I am so proud to be a member of an ensemble that promotes
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diversity, and likewise, the ideals of Tau Beta Sigma. After months of hard work, the OSUSO loaded buses at 3am on February 5 to head for the Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City. This bus ride, slowed down by Oklahoma’s only snow storm of the winter, was just the first of many travel fiascos that occurred. The orchestra was split onto two flights out of OKC, and while the first flight group made it successfully from OKC to Denver to Vancouver with few issues, the second flight group endured some major airport debacles. In an adventure for the ages, they ended up sitting on the OKC runway for hours before taking off to San Francisco, missing flights, being rebooked to Seattle, and then, after hours of tiring and stressful negotiations with the airlines, flying on a tiny propeller plane to Vancouver. Ten hours later than they were originally scheduled, the second flight group finally arrived fully intact, with all their luggage. The first full day in Canada was spent
exploring the city. I was able to visit Stanley Park and Granville Island with Alpha sister Kassie, candidate Tito, and some of our other orchestra friends. We took pictures, experienced traditional Vancouver weather (rain and clouds), and had the opportunity to try locallysourced traditional Canadian food. One of my favorite things to do in new cities is explore, and it was really cool to experience the multicultural and ecofriendly elements of Vancouver that differ from a lot of American cities. Friday, February 7 was concert day! We all enjoyed brunch at our hotel before making our way to the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts at the University of British Columbia. We were greeted by students and faculty of the UBC School of Music who guided us to the concert hall in the Chan Centre for our sound check. We ran through sections of our music and took copious amounts of pictures before a short break followed by our big performance. We celebrated afterwards
with a full orchestra dinner before loading buses at 3am to venture back to Oklahoma. “I never imagined that my first time being in an orchestra, I’d go to Canada! This experience is a memory I will never forget. I am thankful that I not only represented Oklahoma State, but TBS as well,” shared Alpha candidate and OSUSO horn Tito Alfaro. All of the sisters of Alpha who participated in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity are so proud to have shared this performance and the ideals of Tau Beta Sigma on an international stage!
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Student NEWS
Eta Omicron takes on Band-O-Rama
by Emily Pace, Katie Doherty, Jacob Reeves, and Lachlan Kerr Eta Omicron - ΚΚΨ James Madison University
O
n February 29th, 2020, the culmination of 500+ hours of planning, scheduling, advocating, and preparing resulted in one of the largest community outreach events the Eta Omicron chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi has ever tackled. Band-O-Rama was established in 2013, but has not occurred since 2015 because of various scheduling issues and conflicts. The event is intended to provide an honor band experience for all levels of high school music students and the opportunity to perform in a professional collegiate setting. This year, the chapter’s Music Director, Jacob Reeves, was excited to take on the challenge left by his predecessors. From contacting guest conductors, to reserving performance facilities, advertising to as many high schools as possible, and many more, Reeves quickly realized this was an event for the whole chapter. Brothers volunteered to advertise at local District Band concerts and the Parade of Champions, a marching band competition hosted by the Marching Royal Dukes. They also helped with logistics and technicalities of reserving space on James Madison University’s campus, and worked endlessly putting music folders and information packets together over the course of the 6 months leading up to the event. Reeves found himself working from scratch to prepare the event and decided to think back to his high school days and what kind of event he would have wanted. He hit the ground running with emails, phone calls, and meetings with the brothers, directors, JMU Music Office and Band Office staff, and high school band directors across Virginia. The brothers
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Brother Jacob Reeves working on his pieces with students of Eta Omicron worked with Reeves tirelessly to create job lists, itineraries, campus maps and information packets, room reservations, t-shirt designs, and a budget for the event. Some of the hardest parts of planning stemmed from details like percussion equipment delivery and performance space reservation, but Reeves took every step with grace. In the words of guest director Amy Birdsong, Jacob “left no ‘i’ undotted or ‘t’ uncrossed”. Even with hours of preparation, the morning of February 29th started with many unsuspected complications. We were missing percussion equipment, mouth pieces were forgotten, and almost 30 participants were missing. On top of this, our outdoor ice breakers were literally broken because of frigid temperatures barely above freezing. Luckily, all hands were on deck and brothers pitched in to
JMU Band-O-Rama logo designed by local designer Allyson Griffin make the event appear to run effortlessly. Brothers Claire Fumai, Lauren Weaver, and Katie Doherty, along with Music Education Student Nick Burzamato, Noah Johnson from the James Madison University Phi Mu Alpha chapter and Summer Davis from the Eta Rho chapter of Tau Beta Sigma, willingly jumped in to cover score parts. In another room, brothers Emily Pace, Sofia Carromba, Lachlan Kerr, and Josh Marant called every missing participant and worked to get them there.
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Brother Ben Nesbit leading a group of students on a tour of JMU’s campus Brothers Lauren Weaver and Claire Fumai quickly put a Kahoot ice breaker together to get the students excited and watched a bond form as they argued over trivial questions like “is a hot dog a sandwich”. All of this happened without missing a single beat in rehearsal with our FANtastic guest directors. Nearly 80 students from 30 different high schools from across Virginia worked tirelessly through 5 rehearsal blocks with 3 guest conductors, a tour of JMU’s campus and lunch at JMU’s nationally ranked “Best Campus Food” D-Hall dining facility. Following the lunch break, students participated in numerous group activities, sectional rehearsals led by JMU music students and brothers, and finished the day with a concert in the iconic Wilson Hall auditorium. Students worked closely with the 3 directors; Amy Birdsong, JMU Assistant Director of Bands and JMU Pep Band Director, Michelle Taylor, renowned band director and current principal at James Madison High School in Vienna, VA and Eta Omicron Alum, and Eta Omicron’s very own Jacob Reeves, music director for the 2019-2020 school year and music education student. The directors put together both a challenging and musically enriching program for the students. The concert featured JMU Alum Brian Balmages’ “Rhythm and Riffs”, “Beautiful River (Shall We Gather At The River)” by Carol Brittin Chambers, “Presidential Suite” by Michael Oare, “The Cave You Fear” by Michale Markowski, and “As Summer Was Just Beginning” by Larry
Our 3 guest directors, Michelle Taylor (left), Jacob Reeves (middle), and Amy Birdsong (right)
Duke Dog making a guest appearance at the final concert in Wilson Hall auditorium Daehn. The closing piece was the brothers’ personal favorite,“To the Summit” by Robert W. Smith, which features the hymn of Kappa Kappa Psi, which gave many of us goosebumps. The students performed a concert that made a lasting impact on themselves, brothers, and patrons alike. Band-O-Rama was the biggest event Eta Omicron has put on in recent years. Despite the hours of preparation and the obstacles faced, brothers were inspired by the students' accomplishments throughout the day. Brother Claire Fumai noted, “my favorite part of the day was seeing how the power of making music can bring people from such different
backgrounds together and the amazing bond it can form in such a small time frame.” All brothers alike were amazed by the ease and comfort of all the students right off the bat. Watching students make bonds through musical participation reminded many of us of the reasons we joined Kappa Kappa Psi in the first place. We hope the students involved were as inspired by the events of the day as we were. Moving beyond our college band program provided a service greater than we could have imagined and a reward no one expected. We look forward to continuing to strive for the highest as we plan Band-O-Rama 2021!
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K appa K appa Psi Lifetime Donors
Kappa Kappa Psi would not be the fraternity it is today without the leadership, vision, and loyal support of our alumni and friends. Please accept our sincere thanks for your ongoing and loyal support. We want to make you aware that the donation lists you will see below are based on the last 15 years of computerized records. We value your contributions to the Fraternity and wish to have you recognized here accurately. If you have additions or corrections to this list, please contact Aaron Moore at hqacc@kkytbs.org. Strive For The Highest Society $50,000-$150,000
Kenneth Corbett The Bohumil Makovsky Guiding Spirit Society $20,000- $49,999
Derrick Mills Max & Susan Mitchell Al & Gladys Wright The Crown Pearl Society $10,000- $19,999
Brent Cannon Adam Cantley & Joe Panzer Rod Chesnutt Danny George The Buell J. Staton Charitable Trust The Kerr Foundation, Inc. The Founder's Circle $5,000-$9,999 James Alexander, Jr. Sarah Casias Lance Coochyouma John Finocchiaro Matthew Grieco Eric Morson Andrew S. Mullin Steven C. Nelson Michelle Turenne
The President's Circle $1,000-$4,999 Northeast District Alumni Association Tau Beta Sigma Alumni Association Christine Beason Alison Beidler Michael Blander Greg Boike Mark & Rose Bradbourne Robert Bratcher Marie Burleigh Samuel Cavaliere Adam Connolly Jen Costello Matthew Cotton Lisa Croston Gayl Doster Key Bank Foundation Isaac Frank
Brian Green Alan Harriet Chris Haughee Michael Henderson Michael & Dawn Huskey Dave Justin Wendell Kimbrough Marco Krcatovich, II Jack & Jessica Lee Noah Leininger Jerry Lewis Michael Lindsay Marc Martinez Malinda Matney Craig McClure Melvin & Cathy Miles Morgan Mirtes Jason Mlady Bruce Moss Rebecca Myers Michael Napolitano Kelly Nellis David Oakley Maxy O'Connor Mike Osborn Elaine Ostrander John D. & Jessica L. Pasquale Nate Pickett Alan Pine Chris Pratt Preston Ramsey Tammi Ramsey Kirk Randazzo Benjamin Rebeske Dan Reisinger Charlene Ronne Nic Rorrer Ed Savoy Doug Stotter Daniel Strinkoski Frank Stubbs & Tom Lee Evan Thompson Samuel Viggiano Richard Worthington Chris Young National Alumni Association
The Director's Club $500-$999 Rick Albani Nick Annan Debbie & Glenn Baker Stephen Barrett Nicholas Bratcher Steven Brink Kyle Chaulk Kevin Diana Jen DiBenedetto Harold Eason Veronica Graves Tim Greenwell
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Amy & Doug Heavilin Henry Kellogg Molly Kuchan Kasey Lewis Victoria Liu Hannah May Andy Melvin Daniel Miller Kelly Miller Peter Murray Nick Nickodemus Joseph Oblick Tom Ostrander Denali Pearce-Alt Laura Pike Linda Rae Kate Rohrich Alan Rollow Phil Rubin Franklin Russell, Jr. Kadeem Sabari William Sandy Al Sergel Maria Singer Di Spiva Nichole Taylor Nick Verbanic Bill Welch Daniel Wingard, Jr. Kiesha Yelverton Dennis Yu
The Blue and White Club $250-$499
The Garage Lexi Adams Kimberly Ahokas Jacque Alston Omicron Alumni Association Southeast District Alumni Association Southwest District Alumni Association Western District Alumni Association Zeta Chi Alumni Association Larry Beeby Tom Billings Kenneth Brodhead Byron Bryson Robert Bylski Burt Daigle Paul Droste Bill & Kelly Eidson Daniel Everard Ben Friedman Deb Friedman Michael Golemo Arupa Gopal Corey Herron
Edwin Hornbrook Larry Hubbard Chris Joyce Ashley Keller Kevin Lindow Linda Matney Scott & Carolyn McCambridge Wendy McCann Mark McCarthy Jeffrey Meador Grant Miller Erik Oliva Jason Ortiz Michael Osborn Catherine Oster Gary Overstreet Brian Parker Brian Paster Nathan Pruitt Jeffrey Raff Robert Rahn, Jr. Josh Ratliff Clarence Revelle Eugene Rhemann O. Andrew Rhodes Eric Rowsey William Salluzzo Norman Sanford Walter Schilling, Jr. Dan Schweichler Tom Sirridge Darren Smith Joshua Spaulding Scott Stowell Hailey Sult Jennifer Taylor Krista Tetrick Dave Tyler Bruce Vanderhoof Marcus Wyche Bret Zawilski Burton Zipser
Friend of Kappa Kappa Psi Up to $249 Qdoba The Hideaway Mallory Adams Blakeney Adlam Patsy Adlam Carter Adler Ashley Ahr Dominic Alati, Jr. Frank Albers Renard Alexander Christopher Alsip Midwest District Alumni Association Austin Ambrose Bruce Amsel
Jacob Ankrum Jay Arnold Ema Carpenter Thomas Avery Mattie J. Awtrey Clif Banner Anne Barrios Darryl Barrios Adam Bates Crystal Bays Heather Belcher Kerry Belton Nicole Benedict Carly Bergstein Lemuel Berry, Jr. Karl Bevins Charles Billingsley Anthony Billy Eric Black Laura Blake Casey Blankenship James Bleil Jacob Boesch Anita Bohn Carl Bolte, Jr. Robert Bonar Eugene Bonos Raymond Borrell Teresa Bracken Timothy Bracken Justin Brady Meredith Braselman Harold Bray Alex Brock Beth Bronk Caryl Brown Erwin Brown James Brown Robert Brown William Brown, Jr. Joseph Bryant Kelly Buchalski Trevor Buchan Michael Buckstein Sky Buffington Jordan Burgin Kaylee Burrrell Javan Burrier Deborah Cantley Dino Cardenas Beth Carr Sue Robash Carr Joseph Carr, II Nathan Carreon Andrew Carroll Sarah Carten Bill Cartus Dani Case Toni Castle Gabrielle Cellante Ronnie Chalmers, Jr. Darran Champs Cassandra Chenoweth Dr. C. Ron Clodfelter Bang Co Caileen Collins
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Visit www.kkpsi.org/give or www.kkpsi.org/alumni-giving-program to make your gift today. Shana Collins Dominador Coloyan Christopher Colvin Christa Cook Matthew Cope Mike Coppola Rebecca Coughlin William Cring Cheryl Crump Arthur Crutcher Mike Cullen Sean Damon Jack Davenport Jeff Davis William Davis Gerilee Davison Thomas Deacy Aaron Dean Sara DeDona Brian Del Signore MaryJo Desprez Edie DeVine Scott DeVine William Dick Mike Dill Samuel Dinkins, III Facebook Donations Emily Donovan Keith Dougerty Townes Douglas Mary Doyle Robert Dubois Blake Dye Micah Easty Andrew Eden Tracy Edwards Eric Eisert Robert Eley Johnnie Eller Erin Engle Gerald Evans William Ewan Chad Eyer Dana Facchine Curtis Falany Tony Falcone Casey Fariss Paul Faulkner Angela Finamore Angela Finamore Jeffrey Fink David Finkel Kerri Fitzgerald Sarah Fitzgerald John Fitzgibbon Daniel Flores Ross Fondren Danielle Francis Cathy Frank Gerald Frank Rebekah Franolich Bryan G. Frazier Jared Friedl Daniel Fulmer Andrew Fuls Donald Galyean Sidney Gatch Jordan Gilbertson Michael Gillespie Paypal Giving Fund Howard Gluckman Benjamin Godfrey George Godfrey, III Alan Goeringer
Network for Good Griffin Goodman Steve Gowans, Jr. James Graber Jesse Granados Doice Grant Christopher Grapis JP Gravitt William Green Nicholas Greeson Patty Griffin Jaydee Griffith Jacqueline Grim Adrian Guess Sara Guse Jim Haden David Hahn Jerome Hall Wilbur Hall Bradley Hammett Denise Hampton Gregg Hankins Robert Hardin Ann Harrington Mariamne Harrington Noelle Harris Michael hart Nick Hartley Holli Hartman Shawna Hatten Amy Hayes Nichole Hazelwood Danielle Hebel Suzanne Hemond Hiram Henry Vincent Hercules Allyson Heslop Nathan Hicks Eduardo Higareda David Hinman Raymond Holley Mark Hollis Ralph Holloway Donald Hondrum Joseph Horvath Evan Hoskin Jamie House Paul Howard, Jr. Alexis Howell Jason Huesman Lloyd Hughes Edward Hunter Tron Hunter Sean Hunter Karel Husa William Ingraffia Rob Izzo Daniel Jackson David Jackson Eldon Janzen Meg Jarrell Donta Joe Abigail Johnson Roy Arnold Johnson, Life Member, Gamma Pi Vanessa Johnson Kenny Johnson, II Herman Jung John Karandisevsky Alex Keck Phillip Kelly, III Tom Kelman Austin Kelso Raymond Kim
Laura Kimberly Bert King Andrew Kinsey Charles Kinzer, Jr. Jean Kloker Arnold Kummerow Eric Ladish Sean LaFollette Brian Lamb Ernest Lambert Kat Lambino Jerry Lane Gary Lanman Ryan Largent Kenneth Lastowka Esther Lee Nancy Lee Robert Lee Allison Leeman Christian Leichenauer Kelsey LeRoy Chuck Lester Michelle Letendre Deborah Lewis Kaana Lewis Tim Liebrock John Lipphardt Michael Livingston Michael Logan Ryback Cyzr Lomboy Kent Love-Ramirez Blake Loy Christopher Lukasik Rebeccah Lutz Alex MacDonald Preston Mahr Meghan Major Jonathan Markowski Darin Martin Thomas Martin, Jr. Peter Marvin, Jr. Frank Marzen Salesforce.org Matching Grant Glenn Mathews James May John Mazarek John McCann Robert McChain Leslie McClure Brandon McCormick John McDaniel Kelli McDoulett Keegan McGill Harold McHail Sheila McKinney Emily McPeake Joyce McPhail Dean McVay Sarah Meisinger Ian Merkel John W. Middleton Mitch Mikuchonis Lauren Milbourn Garland Milford, Jr. Justin Millana Megan Miller Terry Miller Gary Mills Jacob Mitchell Kyle Mitchell Trevor Mitchell Leon Moll Mark Money Aaron Moore
Matthew & Holly Moore Roderick Moore Kristen Moreno Kathy Morgan Debbie Morris Jason Morris Len Morse Brent Morton Eric Moser Dixie Mosier-Greene Tom Mullen Betsy Murtola Crystal Nadi Stacey Nagle Alyssa Neel Eric Newsome Jude Ngo James Nuechterlein Katie O'Flaherty Patricio Olivarez, III Rachel Olsen Dollie O'Neill James Orlando Nate Page Joseph Pearson Adam Peterson Laura Phillips Andy Pickett Andrew Pickett Bill Piel Christopher Pike Lizzi Pineiro Walter Pittman Heather Pragel Kim Pretzer William Price, Sr. James Prince Chad Proudfoot Phillip Pugh Eddie Raber Linda Rae & Andrew Hertz Jeffrey R. Raff Penny Ragatz Tenaya Ramey Zack Rebarchek Michael Rich Payton Rielly Cat Robbins Joseph Roberts Kevin Rob-Ford Jake Rocco James Rocke Richard Rodean Charles Rogol Chuck Rogol Tony Roscoe Ryan Rottman Shelley Rowan Marcus Rowden Donald Rubottom, II Lisa Ruffcorn Franklin T. Russell Seth Sacher Randy Scheid Rosemary Schick Walter Schilling Carol Schmidt Kathleen Schoelwer James Schrader Steven Schriver Joseph Sciarrino Michael Sciarrino Franco Scinicariello Kirk Scott
Tyrone Scott Lauren Seiler Alejandro Selgas Christopher Senior Matthew Shaffer Bryce Shelton Kayla Shortnacy Will Shropshire Davis Shullenberger Zara Simpson Garth Slack Timothy Slater Brian Smith Darren Smith, Life Member, Gamma Chi Chapter Frederick Smith Jonathan Smith Justin Smith Derrick Snead Gerald Solomon David & Marilyn Solomon Sharon Soma Nick Sondag Joshua Spears Elizabeth Spirko LeMikkos Starks Joseph Stempien Zachary Stewart Zachary Stoddard Gail Stout John Stratton Eryn Streeter Brendan Sullivan Michelle Taam Barry Taff Tyrone Tarplin Jessie Tatum Aspen Taylor Akilah Thomas Kyle Thompson Laura Thompson Barbara Tucker Jacob Turnbow Thomas Ulrich, Jr. Michael Uttley Antwone Vass Stephan Vazquez Louis Vespoli Dawn Victor-Herring Anthony Vittore Leland Vliet Jeffrey Waldschmitt Sharon Walker Cheryl Wallace Jeff Wallace Dirk Washington Nick Wedler Michelle Wedster Christopher Wee Jacob Welper Nicole Wessell Leonardo White Lyle Whybrew Clinton Wieden Kerri Winkle Joe Williams Whitney Walterhouse Kelly Wills Matthew Wilson Antonio Wooden Douglas Woodruff Kaylah Wright-Soler Brent Wyrick
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Student NEWS
Arts Administration and Our National Organization by Cory Schuman Alpha Omega - TBΣ Florida State University
W
hen I started my membership candidacy for Tau Beta Sigma, I was a music education major. I planned on pursuing a career as a high school band director, eventually going back for a master’s degree and then maybe a doctorate. The College of Music at Florida State University was providing me with many world-class faculty members to help me reach these goals. However, I realized in my first semester of being a sister that I didn’t find fulfillment in teaching like my classmates did. I didn’t know what to do at that point. I knew I wanted to pursue music as a career in some way, but obviously being an educator wasn’t right for me. I didn’t see myself pursuing a degree in music performance or therapy either. It wasn’t until I fully immersed myself in all that Tau Beta Sigma has to offer that I realized that I wanted to pursue arts administration as a career. What spurred this interest in me was mainly how Tau Beta Sigma and Kappa Kappa Psi operate at the national level. How these organizations manifest at the chapter level are sororities and fraternities, but the national organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We have a primarily educational purpose, which is common to arts nonprofits. The organizational structure is typically divided by responsibilities such as governance of the organization, general administrative tasks, and carrying out programs. We see this in Tau Beta Sigma and Kappa Kappa Psi with the national councils, the headquarters staff, and individual chapters, respectively. After realizing that this was the path I wanted to go down, I tried to gain as much
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Sisters of Alpha Omega with Lori Elliott, 2019-2020 “Women in Music” Speaker and Development Director for Opening Nights Performing Arts at FSU.
Membership Candidate Yolanda St. Fleur demonstrating the flute for Boys and Girls Club of the Big Bend members.
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experience in and knowledge about Tau Beta Sigma as I could. Arts administration is essentially arts nonprofit management, so any and all of my experiences in the sorority would be valuable to me in the future. Other sisters in Alpha Omega have taken an interest to arts administration as well, which is very exciting for me to see. On an interview with a membership candidate, I explained Tau Beta Sigma from the nonprofit standpoint, and she told me that I had changed her perspective on the organization entirely. Something I am especially proud of Alpha Omega for doing—and I hope other chapters follow suit—is having an arts administrator be our “Women in Music” speaker for this past year. We invited Lori Elliott, Development Director for Opening Nights Performing Arts at Florida State University, to discuss corporate sponsorship and community engagement for nonprofit arts organizations. She previously served as Opening Nights’s Marketing Director and used that experience to speak to us about communication skills and marketing ourselves to future employers. This truly was a dream come true for me. My sisters finally saw what it was I wanted to do and understood the connections between organizations like Opening Nights and Tau Beta Sigma. I hope other chapters look to their communities to
100 Boys and Girls Club of the Big Bend members meeting sisters of Alpha Omega and other Marching Chiefs through an educational outreach program with Opening Nights Performing Arts at FSU. find similar speakers for their “Women in Music” speaker series events, because the information felt very applicable to our organization and inspired us to do better for our community. This change in mindset has some serious benefits for chapters. Thinking less in the sorority and fraternity mindset and more in the nonprofit mindset will allow
us to take bigger leaps with our national programs. Crescendo, Coda, and the “Women in Music” Speaker Series are very similar to educational outreach programs many major arts nonprofits already put on, and we as chapter members could learn from their example. I know this to be true because Alpha Omega has done just that.
Congratulations to the recipients! Outstanding Student Leaders Scholarship: Tyler Hern, Beta Nu Arkansas Tech University
Patsy Drury Hejl Scholarship for Outstanding Musical Achievement: Mary Longsdorf, Iota Epsilon Capital University
Wava Scholarship: Elisha Johnson, Gamma Tau University of Central Arkansas
Legacy Scholarship: Kaitlyn Foster, Rho Indiana University
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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. 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 Caleb Morris Chelsea Rasing Christina Dean Christina Uili Daniel George David & Karon Hammond David Alexander, Jr. Dawn Farmer Debbie & Glenn Baker Debra Crawford Dino Cardenas 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
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Marcos Alvarez Marisa Lunde Melanie Meehan Melvin & Cathy Miles Nicole Sanchez Rebekah Tarplin Rosalyn McDonald Scott & Carolyn McCambridge Shalyn Nystrom Shannon Lotti Sue Robash Carr Theodore McCadden, Jr. Zachary Rebarchek Zara Simpson
Century Club Members
Allison Leemann Christopher Lukasik David Stookey Debra Crawford Jennifer Scott Jessica Stookey Nwachukwu Oputa Olivia Stewart-Costa Rosalyn McDonald Sami Kinnison Tiffany Singleton Timothy Greenwell
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
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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 & Susan Mitchell
Crown Pearl Society $10,000 - $19,999 Debbie & Glenn Baker Wava Banes Henry
Golden Lyre Circle $5,000 - $9,999
Lisa Croston Bill & Kelly Eidson Kathryn Kelly Kelly Collaborative Medicine Melvin & Cathy Miles Jean Newman
Red Rose Circle $1,000 - $4999
Justin Brady Sue Robash Carr Lance Coochyouma Ken Corbett Emily Donovan Judith Krech Dulcich Dawn Farmer Chris Foster Leslie Gartin Danny George Kathy Godwin Network for Good Chris Gordon David & Karon Hammond Patsy Hejl Reese Henry Debbie Kaplan Jonathan Markowski Heather Marshall Marc Martinez 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 Zack Rebarchek Kathy T. Rider Carla Robinson Nicole Sanchez April Sansing Scott Sergeant Kimbi Sigle Jessica Smith Sandra Weese Janet West Miller Leeann Jones Wieser Kris Wright
White and Blue Circle $500 - $999 Marcos Alvarez Courtney Biagas Meredith Brazzell Beth Bronk Gretchen Buchen Sky Buffington Paula Crider Jen DiBenedetto Jason Dornbush Kevin Earnest Ed Elsea Paypal Giving Fund Tim Greenwell Lois Gribler Kim Hamilton Holli Hartman Carol Kruse Allison Leeman Marla Lewiski Christopher Lukasik Marisa Lunde Malinda Matney Ted McCadden Peter Murray Steven C. Nelson Maisha Paggett Norma Parrish Theresa Powell Linda Rae Connie Reishus Ashlyn Simmons Zara Simpson Tiffany Singleton
Kelly Sipko Mary Stuart Chelsea Zuniga
Sisterhood Circle $250 - $499
David Alexander, Jr. Lennie Ambelang Carrie Anthony Legacy Asset Management Joanna Bonner Tammy Carethers Renee Cartee Alison Clanton North Central District John Finocchiaro Gwyn Fox Stump Mary Gibson Mary Gradisher Sylvia Halbardier Georganne Hodges Jennifer Khasilev Sami Kinnison Brian Kubacak Katie Langley Jack & Jessica Lee Kellie Leitz Lueen Lindsay Susan Lodal Shannon Lotti Heather Mackey Rene Mark Suzanne Marques Kelli Brewer Caleb Morris Kaitlyn Musterman Stephani Noar Robin Oegerle Pauline Ottavanio Chris (Vanacore) Reed Kathy Rodeffer Marie Scilacci Jennifer Scott Meg Smith Sibyl Snyder Stacey Lynn Weaver Stenerson Jennifer Tracy Georgette Washington Terri White Siobhan Wilkes Julia Woodson Marcus Wyche
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In Loving Memory
Janet West Miller Sixth National President of Tau Beta Sigma
Honorary Member of the Board of Trustees for Life
October 14, 1928 – April 28, 2020
J
anet West Miller was called to the presence of the Lord peacefully at home in San Antonio, TX, April 28, 2020, at the age of 91. She was born on October 14, 1928, in San Antonio to J.A. and Zula (Bell) West.
Baylor University
Janet attended Baylor University in Waco, TX where she received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Music Education. She was a member of Baylor’s Golden Wave Band and was the only female in the percussion section during her time there. She was considered a highly accomplished rudimentary snare drummer and was Baylor’s first percussion graduate assistant. Janet was a lifelong fan of her Baylor Bears, attending Homecoming nearly every year and avidly following accomplishments of students and alumni on and off the field. She was on the steering committee that envisioned a Golden Wave Alumni Band and served as an officer for a few years after the organization was created.
Teacher & Band Director
She was first hired as an assistant band director of her high school alma mater, Harlandale, in San Antonio, becoming the first full-time female director of a large band program in Texas. Janet was among the first female members of the Texas Bandmasters Association. She started two school band programs in the 1950s and taught band for 13 years; then after marrying and starting a family, she returned to music education as an elementary music teacher in Harlandale. She retired in 1992 after teaching for 32 years and began volunteering at the Texas
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Music Educators Association’s annual clinic and convention. Janet enjoyed spending time with fellow retirees at the meetings of the Harlandale/South Bexar County Educational Retirees Association.
Tau Beta Sigma & Kappa Kappa Psi
She was a charter member of the Iota Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma, serving as Editor for the colony’s charter petition in 1947-48. The sorority became her life’s work and love as she went on to serve as National President and Trustee. Janet was also an honorary member of the Beta Sigma and National Chapters of Kappa Kappa Psi. She was proud to be a member of the Fraternity, especially as she credited her career to several Fraternity leaders of the 1950s and 60s, who took an interest in her professional development and helped open doors otherwise closed to women at the time. Janet served on the TBS National Council from 1953-1957. She was elected National President in 1955 at the convention held at The Ohio State University. Janet’s term as National President coincided with Donald I. Moore’s term as Grand President of the Fraternity. Mr. Moore was Janet’s college band director, mentor, friend, and partner in many endeavors and adventures. Ten new chapters joined the Sorority during her administration, which naturally featured a closer cooperation with the Fraternity in joint ventures. This cooperation was emphasized by the inauguration of Fraternity-Sorority joint panel presentations during the Seventh Biennial Convention held at the University of Utah, over which she presided. Lt. Col. William F. Santelmann, conductor of the
United States Marine Band, served as guest conductor of the National Intercollegiate Band and the noted composerarranger, Robert Russell Bennett, was commissioned to write Symphonic Songs for Band, which soon became a standard piece in band literature. Her cherished memory from that NIB was playing in The Mormon Tabernacle. Years later at the 2009 convention in Phoenix, she would share memories of Santelmann with Colonel John R. Bourgeois. Janet was a member of the 1951, 1953, 1955, and 1957 NIBs, and was recalled for service in 1961 when Richard Franko Goldman requested a bass drummer who could play a passage with the technique he was requiring. Janet was for many years a living link to giants in the history of the Fraternity and Sorority as she enjoyed sharing stories humorous and poignant in her inimitable style. Following her term as National President, she was an elected member of the Board of Trustees throughout every biennium, except two, until alongside
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Founder Wava Banes Henry, she was named an Honorary Life Member of the Board in 1995; her service on the board continued until her passing from this earth. Janet participated in 31 National Conventions from 1951 to 2019 (all but four meetings in that span of time). She missed the 1963 convention because she was in her first trimester carrying Tau Beta Sigma’s 28th National President, Dorothy Karon Miller Hammond; they remain the Sorority’s only mother-daughter National Presidents. Janet served several times as Convention Parliamentarian and as a member of the panels or committees awarding The Grace & A. Frank Martin Chapter Leadership Award. Her dedication to National Convention attendance inspired her to establish in 1963 the Janet West Miller Delegate Distance Award, which is given to the delegate who has traveled the greatest distance to National Convention as the sole representative of their chapter. Sorority life, conventions, and summer meetings were a family affair, around which all the Millers would plan their travel and summer vacations. Janet’s husband DeWayne seemed to be almost as much a fixture at National Conventions as Janet, and Dorothy Karon and son Trey attended conventions from the time they were babes. Janet met her future son-in-law David at the 1999 convention. DeWayne, Reese Henry, and James Hejl were quite the trio, and DeWayne still enjoys hearing from and seeing his sorority and fraternity friends. In 1981, the third Wava Banes Turner award was conferred upon Janet for demonstrating outstanding and continued service to the Sorority. She was bestowed the Distinguished Service Award by the National Council in 2013. In 2012, the Southwest District renamed its chapter award for Outstanding Service to Music Education in honor of Janet. Janet treasured the bonds of sisterhood and brotherhood as she lived by the ideals of Tau Beta Sigma and Kappa Kappa Psi. Janet’s love, friendship, leadership, presence, and service are an enduring legacy to all sisters and brothers as her example echoes through generations of members.
her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and throughout her life was a member of several churches including Harlandale Baptist Church, Trinity Baptist Church – where she played in the orchestra and especially loved playing in Living Christmas Tree productions, Northeast Baptist Church, and First Baptist Church of San Antonio. Janet is survived by her husband of 57 years, DeWayne A. Miller, Jr., her daughter Dorothy Karon Miller Hammond and her husband David, her son DeWayne “Trey” A. Miller III and his wife Michelle, and her grandchildren James T. Miller, Nicole E. Miller, and Michael W. Miller. Janet was provided loving care by Celina Garcia for the last four years of her life, and medical care of Dr. Manuel Martinez, Dr. Gabriel Urrea-Botero, and the staff of Gonzaba Medical Group. Janet has now joined that great sorority in the sky, making music in heaven’s marching band, and flinging her green and gold afar to all of us from above. Sic ‘em Bears!
Arrangements
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Tau Beta Sigma Trust Fund (tbsigma.org/ donate - please remember to fill out the commemorative gift section of the form), ΤΒΣ National Headquarters, PO Box 849, Stillwater, OK 74076, the Baylor University Golden Wave Band Scholarship Fund, Office of University Advancement, One Bear Place #97026, Waco, Texas 76798-7026, or a charity of your choice.
Janet’s family and faith in Christ
Janet was a faithful servant of
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The PODIUM
In Loving Memory I have seen Janet West Miller at many SWD Conventions throughout my time in Tau Beta Sigma. It was clear that attending the SWD Convention annually was something that was incredibly important to her, and it was always a joy having her in attendance. I remember during my second term as the SWD VPM, myself and the Counselors made the plan to include Janet in our ritual. She was able to play a vital, and special role in the ritual, and it was an honor to lead alongside her. This is a memory I will cherish for years to come. I was lucky to have met Janet at the past two national conventions. The first convention was in Orlando where she was wearing her Minnie Mouse Hat! Then at Stillwater I was able to talk to her after our ritual ceremony. She was always smiling or laughing when talking to someone. Janet is an inspiration in Tau Beta Sigma.
Sydni Ziemke A few sisters from my chapter (Jared, Cana, Kelly, me) met Janet West Miller after the TBS ritual at the 2019 National convention. She was super nice and I’m glad to have gotten the honor to meet her.
Victoria R. Shephard
The last time I had the privilege of seeing Janet was at the Kappa Kappa Psi Centennial Celebration in Stillwater, OK. Once again, it was a joy to see her in attendance surrounded by her fellow sisters and brothers of KKY and TBS. She always had a smiling face and loved listening to active and alumni members of all ages. She paved the way for women in music, and her legacy is one that will stay with us forever. She has left a lasting imprint on the field of music and Tau Beta Sigma.
Ashlyn Simmons
National Convention 2015. I served as the WDVPM and had to find a way to Kentucky on a budget. The previous year I did drum corp so I thought, why not bus over to convention! It was a three day bus trip with lots of stops, none long enough to shower, and met a lot of strange people. I was a lone and scared half the time but, I made it! I received the Janet West Miller Delegate Distance Award for traveling alone and across the country. She was wheeled over to me to personally give me the award. She explained the importance of being recognized for traveling to be at convention. After sharing her story of having to travel by bus to convention in the past, when I told her that’s exactly what I did and how many days and busses it took, her eyes grew in shock. “You’re just as crazy as I was!”
I was fortunate to meet Janet West Miller at National Convention in Stillwater, OK. She was such a sweet soul and will be truly missed.
She laughed since she assumed I flew and asked if I’m flying back home. I explained yes since I was able to get a one way ticket back to California. She grabbed my arm and held it tight and thanked me for being there. She hoped I would have safe travels and remember that I have sisters wherever I go. It was a brief moment, but I appreciated it and was happy to share the laugh with her. I am forever thankful for her contribution to this organization and how she continued to inspire the younger sisters in the sorority.
Lashann Williams
Catalina Calderon-Power
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Fall 2020
Doris Ragsdale Kochanek First National President of Tau Beta Sigma
March 30, 1926 – April 15, 2020
D
oris was elected at the first National Convention of Tau Beta Sigma and worked alongside A. Frank Martin to lay the groundwork for the organization we know and love today. We are forever indebted to her and are so thankful for her contributions to our Sisterhood.
Doris Ragsdale Kochanek, loving daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother, died peacefully Wednesday, April 15, 2020 during her 94th year. A native of Lamesa, Doris was born March 30, 1926, the daughter of William Gus and Willie Mai Ragsdale. She graduated Lamesa High School in 1943, then attended Texas Technological College, graduating with a BA in Education in 1946. While at Tech, she played in the marching and jazz bands and was the first national president of Tau Beta Sigma band sorority. Education was her lifelong passion. She taught music in Roswell, New Mexico before going to Germany to teach for the Department of Defense. It was there that she met Major Zygmunt “Zyg” Karzimierz Kochanek and they married in Lamesa on August 11, 1953. Zyg was career Army Air Corp/U.S Air Force and his deployments took them to many postings. Their only child, Kim, was born while Zyg was stationed overseas. Following Zyg’s death in 1966, Doris earned a library certification at Baylor University and an MA in Early Childhood Education at Texas Women’s University. The family moved to Lubbock in 1971 where she served as a consultant at the Region 17 Education Service Center in Lubbock for 15 years. She also served as principal at VZ Rogers Elementary school in Lamesa ISD before completing her career at Levelland ISD. Doris was never idle. She traveled extensively throughout her life and upon retirement, became an avid bridge player, involved in several groups centered around the Lubbock Women’s Club. She cherished her friendships made at work, through bridge, Raider Ranch, and Lubbock’s First Christian Church and the Upper Room Sunday school class. In addition to her daughter and her husband, Kim Kochanek Klotzman and Jeff of Lubbock, Doris is survived by her grandsons, Zachary Nathan Klotzman and his wife Jennifer of New Orleans, and Ian Wesley Klotzman and his wife Tamara of Lubbock, and several nieces and cousins. Doris asked in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Lubbock Meals on Wheels at https://lubbockmealsonwheels.org/donate-info/ or the Shriners Hospitals for Children at https://donate. lovetotherescue.org/.
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The PODIUM
Announcements
The Annex
by Steve Nelson, Danny George, and Carolyn McCambridge
D
id you hear the news? The National Headquarters has added a new business annex! The Stillwater Station has been an amazing space for our national headquarters for the last 28 years. However, growth in both organizations also necessitated a growth in both staff and resources. We simply just outgrew the space available at the station. The national leadership teams recognized it was time to explore our options for a modern functioning National Headquarters workspace that would also meet the long-term needs of both Tau Beta Sigma and Kappa Kappa Psi. In the summer of 2018 a committee was formed to begin that process. Over the next year, the committee explored numerous options including leasing office space within Stillwater, purchasing land, building new office space on the current grounds of Stillwater Station, and extensive renovations to the Station itself. Each path came with inherent pros and cons and in the summer of 2019 the committee ultimately recommended new construction on the current grounds of the Station. The leadership teams of both Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma gave the green light to continue next
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steps with this recommendation. As those steps started coming to fruition, we learned of a commercial property just two blocks from Stillwater Station that would soon be coming on the market. After touring the building and seeing the possibilities it had for solving many of the needs of the organizations,
the idea of purchasing the building was brought to the leadership teams. A decision to purchase the Annex passed a vote by both Boards of Trustees and supported by both National Councils. The purchase was closed on April 1st, 2020 finalized on April 3, 2020. We are now the owners of both Stillwater Station and our new Annex! Current plans are for the staff to work in both the Annex and the Station. This will not only keep both buildings functioning but will also allow time to properly assess how both spaces can provide for the organizations’ current and future needs. The space provided by these properties allows us to move some yearly meetings to Stillwater, thus providing both organizations with some cost savings. Coincidentally, these two spaces also provide much needed physical distancing capabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are very excited to retain spaces that allow our members to gather in a place of fellowship but also provides a functional space for our National Headquarters staff. We look forward to the day when we can truly celebrate the acquisition of this property and welcome all to our new space.
Fall 2020
CONGRATULATIONS Julia Carey
Celeste Collette
Emily Copeland
Kristen Davis
Eta Rho
Alpha Chi
Epsilon Beta
Nu Gamma
Chloe Farrar
Antonio Fenton
Joshua Horn
Ryan Malburg
Theta Nu
Epsilon Pi
Nu Gamma
Zeta Epsilon
Marshall Mixon
Madeline Orenstein
Kiara Rayford
Demarques Daniels
Alpha Omicron
Nu Omicron
Nu Kappa
Eta Eta
Hayden Gizinski
Cameron May
Kayden Pintarelli
Matthew Szekely
Gamma
Nu Kappa
Nu Omicron
Beta Psi
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The PODIUM
District Articles
Fall 2018
Shalyn Nystrom - Midwest District Counselor - ΤΒΣ
Skipping The Bobby Pins
T
he Iowa State University Cyclone Football ‘Varsity’ Marching Band, ISUCF’V’MB for short, has over a century of history surrounding it. Like many college marching bands, women were not commonplace until Title IX put an end to sex discrimination in education in 1972. With that said, it was not uncommon for women to be found in marching bands across the nation during WWII, and Iowa State was no different. While women had previously participated as majorettes as early as 1928, the War created additional roles for women, especially as bell players in the front ensemble. Lorna Livingston, née Wilhelm, joined the Cyclone Marching Band as a bell player in 1944, one year before the end of WWII. In 1946 the men came back from war and the director at the time, Alvin R. Edgar, told the women that they were no longer needed, except for the two bell players, one of which was Lorna. During the Saturday morning rehearsal for the first home game of the Fall quarter, the two bell players stood directly
in front of the marching block. All were to remove their ‘Policemen Style’ hats as the band was introduced as, “Iowa State’s 120-piece ALL MALE Marching Band”. Clearly that just wasn’t true as Lorna and Helen were standing in front, playing the bells! Lorna suggested to Helen that they skip the bobby pins for the announcement at the game. When that announcement was made, their long dark hair fell to their shoulders for all to see. As you can imagine, Mr. Edgar was not amused and the two were released from their marching band duties. It wasn’t for long though, because no matter how much Edgar advertised and auditioned for the two bell players’ spots, he could find no men to transpose the Bb cornet music and memorize it in time to march for the next performance. Lorna and Helen were asked to come back permanently on one condition - that they wear white trousers, and march at the front of the block, before the twirlers. This way Edgar could still
A 1953 glockenspiel player takes the field. Even years after Lorna played in the band, bell players were still dressed in white drum major uniforms.
Lorna Livingston, ready to play in the Share the Warmth concert put on by the Eden Prairie Community Band on December 8, 2019. Photo credit: Dan Akins
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Shalyn Nystrom and Lorna Livingston taking in the 2019 Iowa State Homecoming atmosphere before taking the field to march their halftime performance. Photo credit: Shalyn Nystrom boast an “all male” marching band. 34 years later, in 1980, Lorna made it back to Iowa State for the first alumni marching band reunion. The director at the time noticed that her name tag said she had been in the band 1944-1948 and questioned how that was possible since there were no women in the band at that time. She was quick to correct him and told him her story. Finally he understood why every time new uniforms were purchased for the band that the bell players always had to have white drum major pants. Lorna continues to remain active in music. In addition to playing in multiple community bands around her home in Minnesota, she has been one of only eight to make it to all 39 Iowa State Alumni Band reunions. At the young age of 93, she has marched at each halftime performance. She is also the newest Honorary Member of the Theta Xi Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma, at Iowa State University. I can’t help but draw parallels between Lorna and Wava’s time in their college marching bands. The two were states apart, but both did so much to advance the ideals of women in marching bands at the time. Lorna’s story truly shows how women in music started emerging all over the country during World War II. The Alpha Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma was installed March 25, 1946 and it was just one semester later that Lorna said no to her bobby pins.
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Fall 2020
Daniel George, CPA Board of Trustees, Chair - ΚΚΨ
National Articles
2020: Living life as the world turns
A
s with most everyone for over half of 2020, I have lived my life inside my own personal bubble. Working remotely and attending meetings and various conferences virtually has become the 2020 “new norm”. From the Board of Trustees’ perspective hosting and providing virtual experiences for the fraternity was a vital part of keeping the brotherhood together. Watching the National Council working with the District leadership and various active and alumni brothers to pull together 8 professional conferences through the Spring and Summer was quite an amazing site. In additional to the amazing work that the Kappa Kapa Psi National Leadership Team has done, Tau Beta Sigma had the same success in the same time frame. Covid-19 has surely thrown its fair share of challenges our way as an organization and as individuals. The pause that was created by forcing us to be more conscientious regarding our personal health and protection allowed the world to recognize and realize that there is a different and often times unfair way that black people are treated in our society, specifically the United States of America. As a black male in the National Leadership, I have spent many, many hours evaluating where I am in my career, my role in the fraternity, my responsibilities to church, family, brothers and friends. I have found these to be trying times and am continuing to search for my role to play in helping to actualize and realize this opportunity to change our world. This is a huge task and we can get there even if it is one person at a time. As Kappa Kappa Psi continues to offer opportunities to learn and understand more about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, it is also our opportunity to find out how we, each one of us, can recognize, examine and own our individual unconscious biases to move to a better place of acceptance for and understanding of each other and the world around us. I do realize that we will always have
flaws; however, we will forever have the space and capability to be better as human beings. Knowing and understanding ourselves and how we have implicit thoughts about others and their behavior is a great first step. Some of these items are introduced from the environments in which we were raised. These can be our homes, our neighborhood or our elementary and high school settings. Some are related to direct personal experiences and how we have processed those events when they occur in our lives. Others may be from watching family members and friends in a variety of situations and scenarios. Even still others are one that we learn or develop and we move into adulthood and begin to live our professional lives. Some of those instances should be pulled apart and examined for validity to detect if there is any existing bias. What assumptions are being made about a certain group, or groups, of people and their behavior? Would these be considered stereotypes or generalities about that particular group of people and are we applying that to everyone who falls in to that category? Is this a fair way to interact with an individual just because from the outside they appear to fit into that group? As we find ourselves answering “no” to the last question, we have an excellent opportunity to change how we view each other. We can begin to find ways to educate ourselves to break down our biases. We can invite others into our friend groups and expand our relationship with different people not only to understand them better, but to understand our differences from various perspectives. As we open ourselves to understanding we become examples for others around us to do the same. We can learn to challenge our thoughts around the assumptions and biases that we have accumulated over time. We owe it to ourselves. We owe it to each other and we owe it to our future brothers and sisters. AEA
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The PODIUM
National Articles
Siobhan Wilkes, Vice President For Special Projects - TBΣ
MLITB, in the Time of Covid-19 5… 4….3….2….1… Happy New Year!!
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Me: “2020 is going to be the best year ever!” 2020: “Haha! If you say so…”
eginning April 4th, 2020 through September, I was furloughed by my company, along with hundreds of thousands of other individuals in the United States. It was heartbreaking, scary, and I felt defeated every day that I was unable to do something that I loved. The Covid-19 Pandemic has changed all of our lives in many ways and continues to threaten the lives and livelihoods of millions of humans around the world. While the thought of that makes my stomach ache, I have to remind myself to:
“Focus on the things you can control, and let go of the things you cannot.” ~ Adrienne Rall, TBSigma National President It all seems easier than you think, but Tau Beta Sigma and my service to our members has made the past few months more bearable and has given me purpose through this depressing time. From day one of my furlough, I allowed myself to be transparent with my vulnerabilities and fears and shared my true feelings with my Sisters. They have shared their stories with me, and through these common ties, the bonds that I have with many have grown stronger. Continuing through the summer, it became clearer and clearer that I truly have friends in all of my Sisters. Who would have thought that a pandemic that forces us to stay away from people, has brought me closer to many? 2020 has been a record-breaking year for Tau Beta Sigma. For the first time since WWII, our organizations had to make the difficult decision to cancel our in-person District Conventions and
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opted for Virtual District Conventions. These conventions are an important part of District operations, and many chapters make this their big trip each year. I know that our District Officers and Chapter members were disappointed with the loss of this special event, but we knew that in order for our organization to continue to strive, we had to protect our members from the threats of the world.
of discrimination within the Sorority, and my heart was broken for their negative experiences. Many Black members, specifically at HBCU’s, feel tolerated, do not feel valued, and many do not trust TBSigma Leadership. As an organization that stands for diversity, inclusion, and the empowerment of our members we should not treat our members in any way that contradicts our mission and values.
Along with the district conventions, I had the pleasure to coordinate D.C. al Coda, our first nation-wide workshop weekend hosted April 24-26th. We selected workshops that were slated to be hosted at our six district conventions and shared these experiences for a full weekend of learning and sisterhood. I was thrilled to see the number of Sisters from coast-to-coast participating in our workshops, social events, and especially our two Women in Music Speaking events. D.C. al Coda gave us the opportunity to share workshops and features of one convention with all of our members, and this sharing of information is integral in the continued success of our organization.
As a Black woman leading this organization, it was hurtful when members messaged or emailed the National Council things that called us out of our own names, and diminished us to robots or like the Wizard of Oz. The grace and understanding that we are all humans, and 3 of the 5 humans on the National Council are Black Women, was non-existent, and drove me to doubt. Grace (in the biblical sense) is getting what you do not deserve. While the actions of others may not deserve grace, I hoped each day that our members would try to show us grace as we processed our emotions, and made thoughtful movements as we continue to lead this organization. Sometimes being a leader is difficult, and you may get knocked down. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start it all over again.
At the end of May, our country had to bear witness to the murder of George Floyd, which brought about rioting, mourning, and demands for companies, organizations, and our country to change policy and procedure in regards to the treatment of Black Americans and People of Color. Fear grabbed ahold of me and while I grieved for George, Breonna, and the other men and women who have died unnecessarily; I feared for my own life and that of my loved ones. Many of our members passionately took to Facebook to share their stories
In June I met with Sisters across the country to discuss their experiences, and the Black women in leadership met to decompress and offer advice to how we can take steps to make Tau Beta Sigma a values-based organization for ALL peoples. I never doubted the power of our members, and I am hopeful that as we continue with creating a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, our organization will move with Fortitude as
Fall 2020
a leader within the music community. I made a personal commitment when I was elected in 2017 that I would be an advocate for our members and chapters, and in the past three years, my commitment has not faltered. I recognize that I cannot change the past, but I can ensure that the experience and lives of our Sisters present and to come will be one that they will look back on fondly and that our values will be integral parts of their lives. “Much Love in the Bond, in the Time of Covid-19” means that through all of the fear, sadness, and anger that I have faced this year- There is Much Love in the Tau Beta Sigma Bond! As I feared my job security, I was able to find solace in the social interactions I have with my Sisters. When I was afraid and sad during the George Floyd riots, Sisters from across the country contacted me, and I have never felt as supported in my life, then I did during those weeks. I have had the opportunity to collaborate with our District VPSP’s, District Counselors, and CVA’s on projects this summer, and we are so LUCKY as an organization to have these Sisters volunteering their time and talents to us. As your chapter heads into the 2020-2021 school year, you will be challenged and forced to move forward with Fortitude as a student and leader within your band program. If I can leave you with anything it is this: Be bold, and do things differently. Be transparent with your Sisters. Make an effort to spend time with your Sisters or other members of your band. If all that we have is time, try to give some to the people that are around you. Lastly, have grace for the people around you because your grace can lead them to change. With Fortitude, Siobhan Wilkes
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The PODIUM
National Articles
Adrienne Rall, National President - ΤΒΣ
Fortitude in the Journey Ahead
O
ne year ago, no one could have predicted the current state of our world. Enjoying marching band, attending football games, and reminiscing about the wonderful time we had in Stillwater, OK, for the 2019 National Convention, we were blissfully unaware of the challenges and trials 2020 would bring to our colleges and universities, to our homes and communities, and to our Sorority. Now, however, it is hard to imagine anything different from our “new normal.” COVID-19 is only one of these challenges, and it has permeated every aspect of our lives. Attending classes is different; going to work is different; socializing with our friends and families is different. Participating in band is different; participating in Tau Beta Sigma is different. It is overwhelming and sometimes even paralyzing. Much of my work this fall as National President has involved figuring out how to operate in the time of a global pandemic, and some of my most rewarding work has been assisting our chapters and Districts in navigating the 2020-2021 academic year under the cloud of COVID-19. In all of my conversations with our members, I have asked them to begin by identifying all of the things happening in and around them that they cannot control. Most of the responses I have received are universal: the virus, campus COVID response plans, band programs’ ability to operate in-person, and one’s feelings and emotions about the current state of the world. I have found that asking this question is powerful because it allows us to specifically identify frustrations, fears, and anxiety-causing pieces of our lives. When we name these things out loud and say they are out of our control it allows us to move on from them and to begin to focus on the things that we CAN control, places where we can make a mark. So what can we control right now when the world seems to be so uncertain? And how can we possibly begin to move forward? We need look no further than the purposes and ideals of our beautiful organization because they are our roadmap for daily conduct. Let’s first take a look at some of our Purposes, as they give us large goals for which to strive: We, as members of Tau Beta Sigma can still promote the existence and welfare of collegiate bands. After all, bands need that promotion now more than ever, and social media and virtual platforms are great tools! Our chapters can still honor band members through privilege of membership in Tau Beta Sigma, and many of our chapters are having great success with virtual recruitment opportunities. This is the time for us to be innovative in recruitment and membership education, and Overture, our national membership education
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program, provides many ways for chapters to interact with membership candidates in virtual settings. Chapter members can still participate in and/or support their band programs, even if bands look different right now: we can choose to be engaged and excited for band in whatever capacity it is being offered, to be cooperative with directors and fellow bandsmen, and to promote musicianship through practice initiatives and innovative performance opportunities. Next, we can take a look at some our Ideals, as they provide all of us with reminders for our every day conduct. While each is important, a few stand out as exceptionally applicable right now: •Demonstrated loyalty and dependability to those persons and institutions deserving of it. Our band programs need members of Tau Beta Sigma to be dependable bandsmen. We must be supportive and ready to serve if needed. •Tolerance, tempered with kindness and a consideration for the needs of others. Under normal conditions our band programs, our campuses and communities, and our Sisters and Brothers need us to extend compassion and grace, but right now it is even more imperative to be kind as every one deals with their own personal struggles amid our collective community and world struggles. • A Cheerfulness at all times and under all circumstances, even in the face of great trial. Cultivation and maintenance of your emotional poise under all conditions. These two pair well together, as we need to remember that when we are confronted with hardships and uncertain times that we can choose how we react to situations. We can choose to stand tall, take a few deep breaths, and move forward with a cheerfulness, kindness, and honesty in our hearts. Throughout the last several months, the one ideal that I have reflected on the most – the one that has kept the National Council going – is: Fortitude and courage to see an ideal, to seize upon it, and to follow it wherever it may lead you in Tau Beta Sigma. Tau Beta Sigma was founded with Fortitude. Fortitude is our story, our legacy. And, while I am sure that our founders were not envisioning a global pandemic when they made fortitude one of the Eight Essential Factors, I like to think that they knew we would need a reminder of how strong and capable we are. When darkness falls around us we must have the courage to rise up and to keep moving forward for Tau Beta Sigma. So, as we trek through this uncertain year, let us lean on the foundation and example set forth by those who created Tau Beta Sigma and those who, throughout our Sorority’s rich history, had the courage to push our organization to the next level even when it seemed impossible. This is our time to add to their legacy.
Tau Beta Sigma F o r G r e at e r B a n d s
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS The National Leadership Team would like to solicit interested and qualified parties to submit their name and qualifications for election to the National Council, Board of Trustees, or TBSAA Executive Council for the 2021-2023 Biennium. NATIONAL COUNCIL
Interested individuals running for the National Council should meet the following basic qualifications: • Life Member of the Sorority in good standing and at least 25 years of age at the time of election. • Completed an undergraduate degree program. • Shall possess outstanding business ability and be capable of representing the Sorority under all ordinary conditions. • Able and willing to serve a two-year term once elected. • Will interview with Nominations Committee at National Convention & elected by the National Chapter.
More info of this process can be found in 3.202, 3.203 & 3.204 in the National Constitution.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Interested individuals running for the Board of Trustees should meet the following basic qualifications: • Life Member of the Sorority in good standing and at least 30 years of age at the time of election. • Shall possess outstanding business or professional ability and shall be capable representing the Corporation and Sorority under all circumstances. • Able and willing to serve a four-year term once elected. • Will interview with the National Council (Nominations Committee for the Board of Trustees) & elected by the Life Members of the Sorority.
More info of this process can be found in 2.105, 2.106 & 2.107 in the National Constitution.
TBSAA EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
Interested individuals running for the Executive Council should meet the following basic qualifications: • Life Member of the Sorority & current TBSAA member in good standing, and at least 25 years of age at the time of election. • Hold an undergraduate college degree. • Shall demonstrate outstanding business skills and shall be capable representing the TBSAA under all circumstances. • Able and willing to serve a four-year term once elected. • Elected by the current members of the TBSAA (at the Standard membership level or higher)..
More info of this process can be found in 3.202 & 3.203 in the TBSAA Constitution.
Interested Individuals May Submit Their Information No Later Than March 1, 2021 MATERIALS REQUESTED:
• Letter of intent which identifies the position being sought, why it is being sought, what contributions you can make in that office, and information detailing how you meet the above basic qualifications. Highlight band and Sorority experience. Limit: 1 page. • Résumé/Vita, inclusive of both Sorority and professional experiences. Limit: one 2-page document or two 1-page documents that separate the two categories. • Three letters of recommendation, one of which should be within the applicant’s profession. • One photograph, suitable for publication.
Questions may be addressed to:
• National President Adrienne Rall, adrienne@tbsigma.org • Trustees Chair Carolyn McCambridge, carolyn@tbsigma.org • TBSAA Chair Chris Foster, bandchris@tbsigma.org
The PODIUM
National Articles
Erika Pope, Vice President For Colonization & Membership - TBΣ
To Be or Not To Be“TBSential?” ...Should not be a question, but we’ll get to that further down.
I
love a good pun, I really do. Especially now when we could all use any reason to crack a smile after the very weird, very challenging year that we’ve had. As Sisters, when we hear the word “essential,” most likely our thoughts will be understandably drawn to the Eight Essential Factors of the Sorority. It has probably been one of the words that has been uttered the most since the start of the pandemic last Spring. To say that it has been trending, would be the understatement of...well...the century. From the viewpoint of current events, workers who are deemed essential, are those individuals who work in jobs and industries that cannot just shut down, even in the middle of a global health crisis. They are relied upon to show up and do the work that their job requires of them, sometimes needing to course correct at a moments notice to achieve the most acceptable outcomes. In Tau Beta Sigma, being essential has kind of been our thing for almost 75 years and right here, right now, maintaining that role within our band programs has never been more important. Our essential will look different, but comes with the territory of being a premier music service organization. So what does it take to be essential? It means that it will be even more important for chapters to operate from a place of intentionality. Here are some of the ways that this can be achieved:
knowing your role.
This means understanding what your responsibilities were prior to when challenges have arisen and acknowledging how it will change as a result of those challenges. In every
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way, this task will prove to be the most important to being essential.
Bring your best self.
What strengths and skills do you possess that can help keep the chapter moving forward? Is there something that you are almost intrinsically good at, to the point that your internal self says “self, no one does xyz better than you?” The quick answer to this is, yes, everyone has this something and now is the time to identify what that is so you can bring it to the mix of things. I have the privilege of working on a wonderful team of women, your National Council, who bring their best selves into all that they do, but particularly when it has mattered the most. Allow me to gush on them just a little: • Adrienne brings her best “goal setting, proactive operating, guidance providing, and empathetic” self. • Siobhan brings her best “thirst for knowledge, comes with a plan, and cheers you across the finish line” self. • Tonya brings her best “calm under pressure, broad view thinking, and put me in where you need me” self. • Leslie brings her best “teamwork driven, how can I help you succeed, and willing to meet you where you are” self. What version of your best self will you be bringing?
Embrace collaboration.
To be intentionally essential, it’s important for everyone to understand
that we will always be better together. Change is inevitable, so communication and the sharing of ideas, talent, and energies are crucial to our continued success. Find ways to do this not only within your own chapter, but with other chapters and Sisters across the country.
Allow for flexibility.
This will need to be applied both in the collaborative efforts mentioned previously, but also in what can actually be accomplished. From the collaborative standpoint, having a diverse set of opinions leads to optimal solution establishment. In relation to making operational plans, for officers, this may mean evaluating previously set goals and figuring out what is still achievable, and what may need to be tabled for a later date. For members, it’s about knowing how best to support your leaders as they work to keep the chapter moving, even if in a different direction than previously planned.
Knowledge is power.
This will never not be true. The more you know, the more you grow. While we figure out what our new normal will be, it will most likely be a requirement that you learn how to do new things that you never thought would be necessary or useful to anything that you’ve got going on in life. Intentionally make yourself essential to our operation, by continuing to learn new things. This could be about reaching out to your National Leadership to ask questions, to attending educational skill building webinars, to taking part in as many District and/or Nationally hosted online events as possible.
Fall 2020
Leslie Gartin, Vice President For Communication & Recognition - TBΣ
With Fortitude
2021 Chapter Leadership Award
A
s you are all completely aware, 2020 has been quite a year. We are all experiencing some turmoil as we experience events together that not many of us would have been able to foreshadow. Our mental capacities have been strained to the limit, and we are all wincing at whatever the world is preparing to throw at us next. Students, I commend you for your emotional poise during this time. I am inspired by your intelligence and fortitude to trust your National Leadership as we lead through these unprecedented times. As we do our best and focus on the things we can control, I personally find comfort in the things you can control as exemplary chapters in our organization. One of those is your participation in the 2021 Grace and A. Frank Martin Chapter Leadership Award.
Plan optimistically and future-focused.
The concept of having to be socially distanced on the regular is a challenge. But we cannot afford to take the “kick the can down the road” approach, hoping that things might go back to normal in a few months. That’s too much of a gamble to take on this almost 75 year old establishment. This is not the first crisis our organization has endured and you can bet it will not be the last. The present is the time to think about what the future could look like and not be afraid to view it with an optimistic lens. Being intentional in planning is a strong symptom of staying essential. So...who’s ready to put on their super hero cape and keep being essential to their band programs? In wrapping up this article, I want to take a moment to reflect back on the world’s essential workers. We appreciate them and we look up to them, but make no mistake in what it means for them to be essential. Is it hard? Yes. Are there frustrations? You bet. Does it take a lot out of them? Absolutely. Are they scared? Probably. These are all feelings that many of you may be feeling and rightfully so. But to be essential, it also requires us to recognize how crucial our role is to the broader view of our mission. Find strength in who we are, in why we exist, and in each other. Be “TBSential!”
The Tau Beta Sigma Chapter Leadership Award was first presented at the 1963 National Convention and is designed to honor the outstanding chapter in the nation during the biennium. The Award was renamed the Grace and A. Frank Martin Chapter Leadership Award at the 1999 National Convention. Each biennium, a group of outstanding chapters are selected by the National Council of Tau Beta Sigma as Chapter Leadership Award Finalists. The recipient of the Grace and A. Frank Martin Chapter Leadership Award is selected by a committee at National Convention who carefully screens the contributions made by each of the Chapter Leadership Award Finalists. One thing the National Council expects from our members is to keep doing amazing things to qualify for this award. While those tasks will not look the same virtually, we are excited to see what innovative things you are doing with your smart brains! Here are some qualifications to be a finalist that have stayed the same: -All paperwork for the 2019-2021 Biennium must be completed on time. -Participation in the National Programs of Tau Beta Sigma, including but not limited to: Focus on 5, Crescendo, and Coda. -Participation in District Events, such as Chapter Leadership Conferences, District Days, etc.
-Exemplary completion of the Fall Activity Reports and Chapter Summary Reports for the 2019-2021 Biennium. -Chapter member participation on District Leadership. As I stated previously, we have seen some amazing ideas come out of chapters in regards to thinking outside the box and adjusting as we have moved to a virtual society. There have been many brainstorming sessions between chapter and district leadership as you all come up with ideas that are beyond innovation, and makes me excited to what you will all come up with next. Keep going. Your work is not unnoticed. The ideals of this organization express that we are there to get the work done, most likely behind the scenes. People don’t notice that work being done, but that sense of satisfaction that one gets is worth it. The chapter leadership award goes one step further and gives recognition to the chapters that are doing amazing things. Around the beginning of the year, I will meet with the District Counselors and solicit their recommendations for this award. We will meet as a National Council and read through the paperwork and select a handful of chapters that set themselves apart from the others. Twelvethirteen chapters will be announced as finalists for the award during the 2021 District Convention season, and the award recipient will be announced at the 2021 National Convention in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Iota chapter at Baylor University was the first recipient of the Chapter Leadership Award in 1963. The Beta Nu chapter at Arkansas Tech University received the award in 2019. Will your chapter be next?
PODIUM.KKYTBS.ORG - 35
The PODIUM
National Articles
Mike Napolitano, Vice President for Programs - ΚΚΨ
COVID-19(19): Creating Opportunities: Virtual, In-Person, Dynamic
T
hroughout the course of the pandemic, we have been looking internally to find how, as individuals, we navigate this strange, new world. Less than a year ago, we were celebrating the beginning of the second century of our fraternity, and just a few months later, we stood at the precipice of having it all go away. COVID has taken many things from us – fellowship gatherings, ensemble participation, graduation ceremonies, rituals, expanding our family to welcome new brothers into the fold. We sat in our bands, where the biggest challenges may have been tackling a difficult passage, or a seat challenge. Now many of us don’t have a band to sit in. The one thing that brings us together – band - has been deemed unsafe. I currently work on a campus that views the outdoor activity of a non-music marching band rehearsal too high-risk. I have read studies and researched programs for months, creating proposals that read like term papers. As we continue to learn more about this virus, it seems like that term paper will never get a passing grade. I cannot imagine that I am the only music educator or arts administrator that lives this reality. I cannot imagine that my students are the only students living with this void. This is a shared pain. So, what do we do? What do you do when the one thing we all love, brings the risk of harming our fellow musicians and brothers?
Overthrow the Crown.
In Latin, corona means crown. The coronavirus has regal roots, not from its ability create a reign of terror, but because under a microscope the virus appears to look like a crown. Today, as we sit at around 6,000,000 infections
36 - Kappa Kappa Psi & Tau Beta Sigma
nationally – it seems like we have given into this reign of terror. But in order to overthrow the crown and safely return to making music, we must become empowered by the guidance given to us by our local institutions and make the personal pledge to keep each other safe. Follow the protective measures adopted by your colleges and universities and follow updated CDC guidance. Continue physical distancing measures, ensure that you are washing and sanitizing your hands frequently, and wear face coverings as recommended. This containment guidance is just the minimum we can do to ensure that we are doing our part to stop the spread of the virus. As brothers, it is engrained in us to do more. Brothers, we are the innovators. We are the creators. When it comes to potentially losing our ability to make music, it is our responsibility to become the advocates for a safe return to music. We have all heard the advice telling us that we can only control certain things in our lives, and those things we cannot control shouldn’t live rent-free in our minds. So, while we cannot control the policies our institutions have mandated to keep us all safe, as the creators and innovators – now is the time to change the face of what our bands can do to keep these corps alive and relevant. Here are a few suggestions on things our chapters can do during COVID to create opportunities, whether virtually or in-person, to be dynamic forces on our campuses. • Take stock. Know that right now, its ok to not be ok. Lean on your brothers as a support system as you need. Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to share how you are coping with pandemic stress. Chances are, you are not alone. If you find yourself struggling, please reach out to a mental health professional. Many campuses offer
counseling as part of their health and wellness services. • Let technology be your friend. If the virus has silenced your program for the foreseeable future, take advantage of technology. You can work with your Admissions Offices and Program directors to host information sessions for prospective students. Over the past several months, we have all adjusted to a remote operating lifestyle. Take what we have learned about virtual meetings and use them to our favor. This is also a great time to highlight your brothers and other band members on your social media platforms - think of creative ways to recognize each other. Host listening parties of your ensembles music and past performances, or create playlists to celebrate a variety of music. • Prepare for the future. Although we are uncertain when things may return to “normal,” we have a unique opportunity to start critical planning for longerterm fundraising and service programs. Thorough planning now may lead to incredible successes down the road. • Take care of the administrative stuff. Has your music library become a colossal mess? Are your chapter records in order? If the mess exists, and you’re in a place to take care of it, put that on your punch list. This is an incredible time to ensure that your officer transition materials or chapter records are digitized and organized in the cloud. • Forge a stronger relationship with your Director/Sponsor. We often look to our Directors and Sponsors for advice. But, believe me, there was no training on how to get your band through a global pandemic. If you have always had a strong relationship with your Director or Sponsor, continue to assist where they need you. If your relationship was
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BAND2021 strained, lean in. Let them know that you are there to aid where you can, and that as a team your chapter and band will emerge intact, if not stronger. • Engage in the difficult discussions. Not only do we have a global pandemic on our hands, but we are at a crucial moment in history where issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion, are more prominent and visible than ever. Reach out to your campus officials that are trained to facilitate discussions on these issues. Ask if they can provide allyship training. Take these discussion points and apply them to our bands. As chapters, how can we promote diversity in our programs? How do we celebrate diversity in our music? What can we do to ensure equity and accessibility of our band programs and their impacts to our campuses and communities? • Seek out the assistance of the Curriculum and Ritual Performance & Education Committees. There’s no doubt about it – intake, education, and ritual performance are different. If you are able to take in a membership class, more than likely, the education sessions will be virtual. Regardless of your ability to
meet in-person, there will be no in-person ritual performance for our chapters for the foreseeable future. Please be in contact with the Curriculum Committee (curriculum@kkpsi.org), to notify them of your intake plans for the Fall, or assistance in coordinating an education plan for the Fall. Additionally, while the Inner Circle ritual education program will be sent to your Directors this Fall, many chapters may not be near ritual books and are still looking for guidance on how to teach our newest members the ritual. The Ritual Performance & Education Committee has been working to deliver workshops for chapters to teach the ritual, while not being able to perform. To learn more about scheduling workshops, please contact your District VPMs or reach out to ritualperformance@kkpsi.org. • Be sharp. Don’t let musicianship fall flat. This is important, especially if your band is not permitted to rehearse or perform, or if your campus is working remotely. If your campus is open, use your university guidance and keep playing safely. Utilize practice rooms, dorms, outdoor spaces – wherever your campus deems safe for keeping music alive. If
you are remote, drive your families and roommates crazy with the amount of music you will be performing and practicing at home. Music is more than a craft to so many of us – it is a passion, a love, and a coping mechanism during difficult times. Let that drive you to continue the frequent practice of music safely. This is a time in our history that will be defined by who worked to overthrow the crown. During this critical time, our service is vital to ensuring that Kappa Kappa Psi lives through the second century and beyond. What we do now, determines the course of the future of college and university bands, and the posterity of our organization. Keep our Health & Safety Team updated with your campus operating plans by emailing your details to healthandsafety@kkpsi. org. Please make sure to follow our PIVOT Guidance carefully, as it is updated as conditions related to COVID change. Remember, our bands are resilient – they may bend, but we won’t let them break.
PODIUM.KKYTBS.ORG - 37
The PODIUM
In Loving Memory
JENNIFER PROCTOR
WILLIAM GARY WERGOWSKE UPSILON (ΚΚΨ) UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI January 24, 2020
ZETA UPSILON (ΚΚΨ) + EPSILON XI (ΤΒΣ) TROY UNIVERSITY February 24, 2020
MARGARET ANN CHISHAM
THOMAS ALFRED NEUMANN
GEROME ANTHONY HUDSON
MICHAEL WESTBROOK
DR. DENNIS ZEISLER
MICHAEL ALEXANDER VALDEZ
ETA ALPHA (ΤΒΣ) SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY January 23, 2020
ALPHA MU (TBΣ) WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY March 4, 2020
GAMMA ZETA (ΚΚΨ) LAMAR UNIVERSITY March 26, 2020
38 - Kappa Kappa Psi & Tau Beta Sigma
BETA SIGMA (ΚΚΨ) UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON March 6, 2020
NU RHO (ΚΚΨ) OLD DOMINION UNIVERSITY March 30, 2020
DR. JOHN MALOY LONG
EPSILON CHI (ΚΚΨ) UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS PINE BLUFF March 11, 2020
MU TAU (ΚΚΨ) UT - SAN ANTONIO March 29, 2020
Fall 2020
ALISON LYNN LAMBDIN
ELLIOTT O'SHEA ASHLEY
DR. OLIN GLENN SMITH
DR FREDERICK C. TILLIS
DR. JOHN PAUL ZDECHLIK
DR. JOHN PRETZ BOYD
OMICRON (ΚΚΨ) WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY April 3, 2020
EPSILON NU (ΚΚΨ) & DELTA DELTA (TBΣ) UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS May 4, 2020
BRYANT ALEXANDER POOLE EPSILON LAMBDA (ΚΚΨ) WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY May 16, 2020
ΙΟΤΑ ΒΕΤΑ (ΚΚΨ) ΑLCORN STATE UNIVERSITY April 7, 2020
GAMMA PI / GAMMA ALPHA (ΚΚΨ) ALPHA EPSILON (TBΣ) May 22, 2020
JOHN THADDEUS GARNER ZETA CHI (ΚΚΨ) UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA June 12, 2020
SIGMA (ΚΚΨ) OHIO NORTHERN UNIVERSITY April 24, 2020
BETA TAU (ΚΚΨ) May 22, 2020
MELISSA LYNN WILLIAMSON DELTA UPSILON (ΚΚΨ) EASTERN UNIVERSITY June 26, 2020
PODIUM.KKYTBS.ORG - 39
The PODIUM
In Loving Memory
JOHN MEREDITH WILSON
DANITA MICHELLE MARTIN
BEV SUTHERLAND
CLIFFORD TERRELL ALLEN
BETA DELTA (ΚΚΨ) SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY June 19, 2020
ZETA KAPPA (ΤΒΣ) ALBANY STATE UNIVERSITY July 9, 2020
DELTA CHI (TBΣ) UNIVERSITY OF TAMPA August 6, 2020
IOTA UPSILON (ΚΚΨ) MCNEESE STATE UNIVERSITY August 15, 2020
EBBA M. JOHNSON
ALPHA (TBΣ) OKLAHOMA A&M COLLEGE August 17, 2020
EMMYLOU SARSOZO
JOHN WALTER KISSACK SR
OMAR VILLALOBOS CAVAZOS
RUSSELL BOONE SR
ALPHA IOTA (ΚΚΨ) UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO August 29, 2020
40 - Kappa Kappa Psi & Tau Beta Sigma
EPSILON THETA (ΚΚΨ) UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA AT MONROE July 31, 2020
DELTA KAPPA(ΤΒΣ) KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY August 24, 2020
DELTA PI (ΚΚΨ) MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY September 10, 2020
Fall 2020
DR. AL G. WRIGHT GAMMA PI (ΚΚΨ) | PURDUE UNIVERSITY June 23, 1916 - September 5, 2020
A
lfred George James Wright was born in London, England on June 23rd, 1916, to Alfred Francis Wright and Elizabeth Tilley Chapman Wright. After he finished the first grade his family immigrated to America on the Mauretania and settled in Pontiac, Michigan. The family stayed with Al's Uncle, George Wright, for six weeks before buying a small house. His father started working for the Pontiac Motor Company as a tool and machinist while his mother was a professional seamstress. The local band director, Dale Harris, who was also the founder of the American School Band Directors Association (ASBDA), visited Al's parents and recruited him to play okay Horn in the high school band. After graduation from Pontiac High School, Dr. Wright earned a full music scholarship to the University of Miami in Florida where he earned both a bachelor's degree (1937) and a master's degree (1947). He taught band and orchestra at Miami Senior High School from 1938-1954, where Dr. Wright led the program to national prominence. The Miami Senior High Band performed at the prestigious Midwest Clinic in Chicago in 1951. In 1954, Al Wright was named Director of Bands at Purdue University, a position he held until his retirement in 1981. Upon retirement, he was named Director of Bands Emeritus. While at Purdue, Dr. Wright was credited with introducing a "show band" style to Purdue University with intricate drill formations, picture shows, and a flashy high step style of marching. During his time at Purdue, Dr. Wright added positions to the marching band including the Golden Girl, the Girl in Black, the Silver Twins, the Flag Corps, and the Golduster Dance Team. It was Wright who also started the stirring patriotic tradition of I Am An American. He brought guest conductors to Purdue including Arthur Fiedler from the Boston Pops, Henry Fillmore, Edwin Franko Goldman, Karl King, Ferde Grofe,
Sir Vivian Dunn, and Paul LaValle. Dr. Wright's Purdue Bands traveled around the world including performances in Colombia, Venezuela, Japan, Canada, Holland, and other destinations in Europe. Under Wright's leadership, members of Purdue's marching band also appeared in four separate productions at Radio City Music Hall for a total of 664 performances. In 1971, Dr. Wright started the Purdue orchestra program. He is credited with literally putting the Purdue Band program on the map. Al Wright was considered a pioneer in the band profession, having served as President of numerous professional organizations. In 1961, he founded the National Band Association (NBA), serving as its founding president, secretarytreasurer, and Honorary Life President. He was eventually inducted into the the NBA Hall of Fame of Distinguished Band Conductors at Troy University. He served as the President, CEO, and Chairman of the Board of the John Philip Sousa Foundation and founded the United States Collegiate Wind Bands. He was inducted into the prestigious American Bandmasters Association in 1949, served as ABA President in 1981, and Honorary Life President until his death. He held memberships in the Big Ten Band Directors Association, the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA), the Music Educator's National Association (MENC), and was a 4-year member of the Jury for World Music Festivals in Kerkrade, Holland. Dr. Wright also served as President of the Florida Bandmasters Association, the Florida Orchestra Association, and the Florida Music Educators Association. He was also inducted into the Florida Bandmasters Hall of Fame and the University of Miami Band Hall of Fame. Numerous organizations honored Al Wright with honorary memberships including Kappa Kappa Psi, Phi Beta Mu, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. He was elected to the Academy of Winds and Percussive
Arts and received the Star of the Order of Merit from the Sousa Foundation. Kappa Kappa Psi presented him with their Distinguished Service Medal and in 1982, Purdue University awarded him the Distinguished Alumnus Award. In addition, he was the recipient of an honorary LLD degree from Troy University. In 2016, both Al and Gladys Stone Wright were awarded the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award by the Midwest Clinic. Both Al and Gladys were also awarded Lifetime Achievement Award by the international band fraternity, Phi Beta Mu and ASBDA. Wright served as guest conductor, lecturer, and adjudicator in most of the 50 states, in five Canadian provinces, Japan, Europe, and England. He is listed in Marquis' Who's Who in America and Who's Who in the World. In 2003, Dr. Wright was honored by Purdue Band Alumni when a bust of his likeness was placed outside the Purdue Bands entrance at the Elliott Hall of Music. The Purdue Bands & Orchestras department chair position bears his name. The largest rehearsal hall in the new Purdue Bands & Orchestras facility will be named for Al G. Wright. Al married Gladys Stone Wright in 1953. They were married for 67 years. Al and Gladys traveled the world together and she was the love of his life. She survives. Gladys Wright's family includes a brother Murvel Stone Jr. and a sister Carole Stone Willavage, 13 nephews and nieces and over 25 great nephews and nieces. Gladys Wright asks that friends consider donations to Purdue Bands & Orchestras (giving.purdue.edu/bands) in memory of Dr. Wright to support the Hagle Hall building project. You may sign the guest book and leave memories at www.soller-baker.com
PODIUM.KKYTBS.ORG - 41
The official publication of Kappa Kappa Psi & Tau Beta Sigma
KAPPA KAPPA PSI NATIONAL OFFICERS
TAU BETA SIGMA NATIONAL OFFICERS
President Marco Krcatovich, II mkrcatov@kkpsi.org
President Adrienne Rall adrienne@tbsigma.org
Vice President for Colonization & Membership Jessica Lee jessicalee@kkpsi.org
Vice President for Colonization & Membership Erika Pope erikapope@tbsigma.org
Vice President for Programs Michael Napolitano mnapolitano@kkpsi.org
Vice President for Special Projects Siobhan Wilkes siobhan@tbsigma.org
Vice President for Student Affairs Bang Co bangco@kkpsi.org
Vice President for Communications & Recognition Leslie Gartin lesler@tbsigma.org
Vice President for Professional Relations Anthony M. Falcone afalcone2@unl.edu
Vice President for Professional Relations Dr. Tonya Mitchell-Spradlin tonya@tbsigma.org
KKΨ Alumni Association Board of Directors Chair Dr. Nicholas Rorrer nrorrer@gmail.com
TBÎŁ Alumni Association Executive Council Chair Chris Foster bandchris@tbsigma.org
Immediate Past President Evan L. Thompson evan@kkpsi.org
Immediate Past President Jonathan L. Markowski jonathanmarkowski@tbsigma.org
Board of Trustees Danny A. George, Chair; Eric B. Morson, Vice Chair; Adam Cantley; Jack D. Lee; Edward Savoy; Evan Thompson, Immediate Past President; Marco Krcatovich, II (ex-officio)
Board of Trustees Carolyn McCambridge, Chair; Dr. Dawn Farmer, Vice Chair; Kathy Godwin; Rosalyn McDonald; Holli Hartman; Jason Dornbush; Jonathan Markowski, Immediate Past President; Janet West Miller (Life); Adrienne Rall (ex-officio)
KAPPA KAPPA PSI DISTRICT GOVERNORS
TAU BETA SIGMA DISTRICT COUNSELORS
Midwest Denali D. Pearce-Alt denali529@sbcglobal.net Jennifer Pitts-Taylor pittstaylor@kkpsi.org
Midwest Shalyn Guthery shalyn@tbsigma.org Zack T. Rebarchek zrebarchek@gmail.com
North Central Marc D. Renaud mrenaud@kkpsi.org Tammi J. Ramsey tammi@kkpsi.org
North Central Carrie M. Webster carrielund2344@gmail.com Kellie M. Leitz kellie.leitz@gmail.com
Northeast Sarah Fitzgerald Fitzlamb@kkpsi.org Dr. Brad Townsend btownsend@athletics.pitt.edu Rassii Elliott rassii.elliott@gmail.com
Northeast Dr. Ted McCadden tedmccadden@tbsigma.org Allison M. Leemann allisonleemann@gmail.com
Southeast Arupa Gopal agopal@kkpsi.org Kalem Graham kalem.graham@gmail.com Dr. Craig Aarhus caarhus@colled.msstate.edu Southwest Toni Castle tonicastle@kkpsi.org Andy Melvin andy@kkpsi.org Clinton J. Wieden wieden@kkpsi.org Western Charlene A. Ronne charleneronne@kkpsi.org Erik Marrs erikmarrs@kkpsi.org
Southeast Neil Bleiweiss neilbleiweiss@tbsigma.org Kelsey E. Reilly kelsey@tbsigma.org Amber Scott amberscott_tbs@yahoo.com Southwest Ashlyn Simmons ashlyn@tbsigma.org Kathy Webster kat5525@yahoo.com Katie Rixon katierixon@tbsigma.org Western Alexis Holladay alexis@tbsigma.org Sarah Cox sarahcox@tbsigma.org
ATTENTION TAU BETA SIGMA
LIFE MEMBERS! The 2019 Naaonal Convennon Delegaaon voted to change how candidates are elected to the Board of Trustees. Life members now comprise the voting body for Trustee elections. This new process will be communicated to all current life members via the contact informaaon listed in the Online Membership Reporrng System. take a moment to double check that this contact Please ta information is current by visiting online.kkytbs.org, calling National Headquarters at (405) 372-2333, or sending an email to tbs@tbsigma.org.
Moving?
Don’t forget to notify the PODIUM of your new address
National Headquarters Kappa Kappa Psi Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Fraternity/Sorority P.O. Box 849 Stillwater, OK 74076-0849
Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Jefferson City, MO PERMIT NO. 210
Change Service Requested
Name Address City
State
ZIP
Complete above and return with old address label to: Kappa Kappa Psi/Tau Beta Sigma P.O. Box 849, Stillwater, OK 74076-0849
PODIUM & BATON INDEXING PROJECT The Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma history and archives teams are excited to announce a project to index the joint publication of our organizations, The Podium. The Baton is the early year’s publication for Kappa Kappa Psi and is included in this indexing project. The history of our organizations comes alive when you look back at older editions of the publications. As part of the process to document the history of Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma, we are embarking on this project now so that by 2019 we will be in the position to provide a documented history of our organizations. If you would like to assist in this project, please contact Aaron Moore at hqacc@kkytbs.org. You will be able to do this indexing on your on time and schedule. You will be asked what edition of the Podium or Baton you would like to index (possibly the years you were an active member). We will send you that edition as a PDF document, along with an Excel file to document the issue, instructions, and an example issue.
STRENGTH IN THEThank ART OF BANDS you for supporting Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta
JULY 13-17, 2021
Sigma. We hope you will see the value in this project and commit to indexing one or more issues.