Author Archive: Bang Co

Ritual Performance & Education Committee Workshops & Info Sessions

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The Ritual Performance and Education Committee invites you and your chapter members to attend two days of workshops and information sessions about the fraternity’s new Ritual education resource, “The Inner Circle“. Please sign up for workshops using the link below, keeping in mind that these sessions are only for Brothers in good standing, and participants will have their membership status verified through the OMRS before being admitted to each session.

 
Tuesday the 28th
  • 4:00 CDT “Introduction to The Inner Circle“: Learn about Kappa Kappa Psi’s upcoming Ritual Education resource, The Inner Circle, what it is, and how having robust conversations about the Ritual can benefit your chapter. Intended for any active brother or membership candidate of Kappa Kappa Psi.
  • 5:00 CDT “Planning a Ritual Debrief”: This session will present best practices for talking about each Degree of the Ritual with your candidates and new brothers, and participants will leave with a better understanding of how to conduct these sometimes difficult conversations. This workshop is geared toward brothers who oversee membership education but is open to any Brother in good standing.
  • 6:00 CDT “How to Present The Inner Circle“: This training for potential facilitators will look in-depth at the components of The Inner Circle and how chapters can make use of this great new resource. This session is geared toward those who might facilitate activities from The Inner Circle with their chapter, whether that’s the VPM, Ritual chair, CMEP officer, or any Brother who wants to start a conversation about the Ritual.
Wednesday the 29th
  • 4:00 CDT “Introduction to The Inner Circle“: Learn about Kappa Kappa Psi’s upcoming Ritual Education resource, The Inner Circle, what it is, and how having robust conversations about the Ritual can benefit your chapter. Intended for any active brother or membership candidate of Kappa Kappa Psi.
  • 5:00 CDT “Planning a Ritual Debrief”: This session will present best practices for talking about each Degree of the Ritual with your candidates and new brothers, and participants will leave with a better understanding of how to conduct these sometimes difficult conversations. This workshop is geared toward brothers who oversee membership education but is open to any Brother in good standing.
  • 6:00 CDR “Attributes of a Successful Life”: Open only to Brothers in good standing, this workshop will explore lessons from 3rd Degree that contribute to a successful and fulfilling life, and how those lessons can be applied to each of our personal journeys.
Please reach out if you have any questions. We hope to see you there! Emails can be sent to ritualeducation@kkpsi.org.

Other Events

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TBSAA “For Greater Bands” 5K

April 25th | 7:00am – 11:30am EDT

The TBSAA sponsors a virtual 5K run program to raise money and support K-12 public school instrumental music programs.

REGISTER

KKPsiAA Graduating Senior Celebration

April 25th | 11:30am – 1:00pm EDT

This session will include an introduction to KKPsiAA, a discussion on transitioning to alumni status, and breakout room chats with district alumni associations.

EMAIL KKPSIAA

Women In Music Speaker

April 25th | 3:00pm – 4:00pm EDT

Featuring Dr. Tonya Mitchell-Spradlin

Dr. Tonya Mitchell-Spradlin is the Assistant Director of Bands and Associate Director of Athletic Bands at the University of South Carolina. There, she assists with the Carolina Band, directs the women’s basketball band, and conducts the University Band. Dr. Mitchell-Spradlin also teaches courses in the music education department and oversees student teachers. Prior to her appointment at USC, she served as interim Director of Athletic Bands at Valdosta State University in Valdosta, GA, and spent 4 years as band director at Chamblee Charter High School in Chamblee, GA.

Dr. Mitchell-Spradlin is a frequent adjudicator, clinician, and speaker. As a proponent of new music, she led the consortium and premiere of Aaron Perrine’s Beneath a Canvas of with the University of Kansas Wind Ensemble to complete her doctoral studies. Her research on Joan Tower’s Fanfares for the Uncommon Woman is published in the Alta Musica journal; she also presented this research at the International Society for the Promotion of Wind Band in Oberwölz, Austria. Additionally, Dr. Mitchell-Spradlin serves as New Music Editor for the Women Band Director’s International Journal. As a champion for women in music, she was honored to speak in the 2018 Tau Beta Sigma Women in Music series.

Dr. Mitchell-Spradlin received her Bachelor of Music Education degree with a minor in wind conducting from Indiana University where she was also drum major of the Marching Hundred. She holds a Master of Music Education degree from the University of Georgia, and a Doctor of Musical Arts in Wind Conducting degree from the University of Kansas.

D.C. al Coda Workshops

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Workshop Block #1 (April 25 | 2:00 - 3:00pm EDT)

Chapter Strategic Planning: What Can You Do To Advance Bands Right Now?

Presented by Dr. Malinda Matney

Description: Our campuses are navigating uncharted and unknowable circumstances, but our chapters can still provide a clear vision for our bands and campuses about what it is to be in the community. In this session, participants will discuss basic elements of strategic planning and how they apply to build community and leadership in our band programs right now.

How Breathing Makes Me A Better Human

Presented by Dr. Nic Rorrer

Description: In this workshop, we will be exploring breathing techniques to check in with yourself, and how by just breathing we can become better leaders.

Congrats, You’re VPM! What’s Next?

Presented by Jessica Lee

Description: Designed for new or aspiring Vice Presidents of Membership, this session will provide tips, support, and strategies for Chapter VPMs to successfully implement the Road to Wisdom.  Time will be left at the end of the session for Q&A discussion.

Dealing With Difficult People (And How To Bring Out The Best In Others)

Presented by Kate Rohrich

Description: Throughout life—in band, KKΨ, school, and professionally—we all deal with difficult people. This workshop will delve into insights around different personality types, examining ten different behaviors you are likely to encounter (or even exhibit yourself). We’ll discuss examples of each type, looking at how people think, what they fear, and why they act the way they do. Participants will then access their own behaviors to see which personality they identify with. Through understanding both sides of an interaction and the motivations behind our reactions, we can have the power to bring the best out of other people and achieve our own important goals.

Workshop Block #2 (April 25 | 4:00 - 5:00pm EDT)

Using Committees For Good, Not Evil

Presented by Marco Krcatovich

Description: Committee work is so essential to the operations of Kappa Kappa Psi and figuring out how to utilize committees can be the best way to dramatically expand your service and support for your college bands.

Hello, It’s Me: How to Put Your Awesome On Display!

Presented by Robert Bratcher

Description: This workshop will give brothers tips on how to present and promote themselves, their chapter, and their band in positive ways through social media and creative content.

These Forms Drive Me Bat $&*T Crazy: Understanding the OMRS

Presented by Aaron Moore

Description: What does the OMRS have to offer you as a Chapter Member, Chapter Officer, or District Officer? In this workshop, we will explore the various forms, reports, and tools available to each type of membership. For Chapter officers, we will also review the workflow for each form in the system and answer any questions you may have related to the OMRS.

Why Kappa Kappa Psi?

Presented by Adam Cantley

Description: In this workshop, participants will learn about finding “their why” as it relates to Kappa Kappa Psi. It will challenge them to think about our organization in a new way. Participants will walk away with a new to center their fraternal experience and the work that we do.

Workshop Block #3 (April 25 | 5:00 - 6:00pm EDT)

Connecting During COVID-19: Overcoming Chapter Isolation

Presented by Bang Co

Description: These are tough and difficult times as universities remain closed and students are forced to disconnect from their campuses and life. Social distancing is a must, but it’s not always easy to adapt to this “new normal”. In this workshop, we will look at the power of connection and how we can leverage technology, music, and KKPsi to rediscover our connection to each out.

Cinematic Hazing: Why It’s Still Wrong

Presented by Dr. Jack Lee

Description: This workshop aims to bring greater awareness of hazing and hazing prevention.  Using video clips from popular movies, we will explore what is considered hazing, why, and how to prevent it in our chapters.  This workshop/presentation will include a safe Q&A session at the conclusion to help answer any lingering questions attendees may have.

Committees: How Do We Get This Done?

Presented by Eric Morson

Description: What is a good committee member? How should committees organize and focus so the real work is done before presenting it at your Chapter meeting? We’ll talk about effective committee work, delegating tasks, the importance of accountability, and how not to do committee work at your Chapter meeting.

Diversity & Acceptance: In Life, Band, and KKPsi

Presented by Danny George

Description: A conversation about how understanding and respecting our differences makes us better people and leaders for what life may throw at us.  Although there are some similarities in all of us, it is important to learn about our diverse backgrounds.

D.C. al Coda Weekend – Schedule of Events

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Schedule of Events

Saturday, April 25th

7:00am – 11:30am EDT | TBSAA “For Greater Bands” 5K

11:30am – 1:00pm EDT | KKPsiAA Graduating Senior Celebration

1:00pm – 2:00pm EDT | Colony & District Officer Installation

2:00pm – 3:00pm EDT | Workshop Block #1

3:00pm – 4:00pm EDT | Women In Music Speaker

4:00pm – 5:00pm EDT | Workshop Block #2

5:00pm – 6:00pm EDT | Workshop Block #3

6:00pm – 7:00pm EDT | Workshop on Singing the Hymn & Song

7:00pm – 7:19pm EDT | Presentation of National Awards

7:19pm EDT | Singing of the Hymn & Song

Sunday (April 26th) – Rest and Reset

Update from National Curriculum Committee

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Brothers –

To say that this is an unprecedented time in the history of our world would be an understatement.  The COVID-19 pandemic has had a tremendous effect on all of us, and we know that many of you have a lot of questions and uncertainties about all things associated with Kappa Kappa Psi, as well as with your daily lives.  The Curriculum Committee has been hard at work, coming up with solutions to help all of you navigate the rest of your semesters and ensure that your MCs become Active Brothers by the end of the semester.

You can complete lessons virtually and when they are finished, you should submit your initiation paperwork via the Initiate Registration Report. The actual Ritual can take place when you are allowed to meet in person, which may be in the fall. We recognize that these are extraordinary times and that this is unusual, but this is the best course of action.

The National Headquarters has posted some information on how to accomplish the tasks that need to be accomplished by the end of the semester; you can find it at https://www.kkpsi.org/covid19/.  Also, please know that membership classes CANNOT continue into the fall.  Plan to have your MCs finish the Road to Wisdom over the course of this semester and become Active Brothers by the end of the school year.

We encourage you to check out the Kappa Kappa Psi TV YouTube page, located at https://www.youtube.com/user/KKPsiTV; it has a few sample lessons taught by VPMs from across the country.  We are constantly working to update this, with the goal that eventually, all lessons will be available for you to watch and share with your MCs.  If this is not possible, or you need help figuring out how to get lessons taught virtually to your MCs, please reach out to the Curriculum Committee at curriculum@kkpsi.org, and we will help you get the resources that you need.  In addition, we are available to potentially teach some lessons for you, should that be a necessity.

Please know that all of us that are in leadership roles are here to help you.  We will all work together and get through this difficult time, and at the end of the day, ensure that all of you have what you need.  Do not hesitate to reach out at any time with any questions or concerns; all questions are appropriate at this time!  We love all of you and are on your side, as we continue to Strive For The Highest!!

Coping with Cancellations/Closures and Managing Your Wellness

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Dear Brothers,

These are confusing and tough times. As we adjust to this new normal of closures and cancellations, we want to assure you that your safety and health are our top priorities. The recent changes in our organization’s programming and across campuses throughout the nation are leaving many with strong emotions. We want you to know that it is ok to feel anxious and stressed. If you have been forced to unexpectedly leave your campus and to disengage from your community, then you may be experiencing fear and anger. It is ok to feel this way. Some of our graduating seniors may be feeling disheartended because they didn’t get to attend their last convention or concert – there’s no closure. It is ok to feel this way. These are natural reactions that we are all coping with. The important thing to note is that everyone reacts differently to change and uncertainty.

As many of our Active members are transitioning to online classes, we wanted to share with you some practices that can help you cope with these changes and manage your wellness. These suggestions were collected from several articles, including the NIH, NPR, and various wellness sites.

Build a Schedule and Routine

  • Going from in-person classes to all online courses can be difficult for some. You may experience restlessness and anxiety because it is different and not what your brain/body is used to. Some may be stressing out because they don’t have internet at home to even take online classes. Whatever it is that you have to do to adjust to these changes, try to build a schedule that reflects your normal routine. It may seem enticing to try to take all your classes in one sitting or to wait until later, but this could lead to burnout or further procrastination. One strategy is to time block all of your classes and set timers for each class.

Make Time to Unwind and Relax

  • Without the breaks and physical movement between classes, it is important that you make time to unwind and relax. This means something different for each person. It could mean take a quick nap, taking a walk, or listening to music. Whatever it is that helps you unwind, try to make time in your daily schedule to relax. You may feel the need to take more breaks as you adjust to your new environment and that is ok. Give yourself the time to adapt and learn. 

Practice Healthy Habits and Self-Care Activities

  • More than likely, your environment will be different from what you are used to at college. It is important that you take the time to make a list of healthy habits and self-care activities you want to practice in your new space. Even if this is back at home or in your regular living space, being stuck inside and staring at one primary screen is difficult for most people. One important example of a healthy habit is maintaining a regular eating and sleeping schedule. 

Maintain Awareness of Safety Recommendations

  • Most of our student members are safe and healthy and we hope to keep it that way. It is extremely important that everyone maintain a healthy awareness of COVID-19 and preventative measures. You can visit the World Health Organization and the National Institute of Health to check out their safety recommendations. This generally includes practicing social distancing, consistent hand washing, and avoiding crowded areas. It is also important to point out that it is healthy to limit your exposure to general news coverage on COVID-19 and to double-check your sources.

Stay Connected and Engaged

  • Being removed from your community is never easy to cope with. Luckily, we have access to some pretty powerful tools that you can leverage. It is important for your health to practice interconnectedness. Utilize social media, video calls, and phone calls to stay connected and engaged with one another. We are social creatures and just because events/classes are canceled doesn’t mean that our relationships should be too. 

We recognize that for many college students campus is the only safe space they have. This makes life harder to adjust to when you don’t have the resources or space to take care of yourself. There are no easy solutions to these issues, but there are people out there that can help you. If you need help, please reach out to fellow Brothers and community members. At the end of the day, the most important concern for your National Council is your safety and health. We are here for you and we want to help.

If you need someone to talk to or help you get connected, please reach out to your National Vice President for Student Affairs, Bang Co. If you feel that you need to or would like to speak to a professional, there are several resources at your disposal. Here are a couple that you can try today:

Crisis Text Line – Text “HOME” to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor. Crisis Text Line serves anyone, in any type of crisis, providing access to free, 24/7 support and information via a medium people already use and trust: text.

SAMHSA HOTLINE – Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357), (also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service) or TTY: 1-800-487-4889. SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.

AEA

Bang T. Co

National Vice President for Student Affairs

(317) 370-6057

bangco@kkpsi.org

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Read more about Convention Cancellations.

Read more about Chapter Operations During COVID-19 Statement.

Spring 2020 Colonies

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Brothers,

I am excited to announce our colonies for the Spring 2020 semester!

Miles College – Kappa Kappa Recolonization – Southeast District

Kalem Graham (Life Member, Zeta Eta, Southeast District Governor) will serve as lead colony advisor, and James Washburn III (Alumni Association Member, Iota Zeta) and Marina Pena Guoit (Life Member, Nu Alpha) will serve on the colony advising team.

The Miles College band program has a tradition of success under the direction of Mr. Willie Snipes that includes performing at Honda Battle of the Bands, the UNCF Mayoral Ball, Tournament of Roses Parade, Queen City Battle of the Bands, and other high profile performances, including performing for Hillary Clinton.  In the past four years, Miles College has been named HBCU Band of the Year, ESPN Band of the Year, and HBCU Digest Band of the Year.  Miles College Band Program includes Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz band, pep band, and the Purple Marching Machine Marching Band. We are excited to welcome Miles College back to Kappa Kappa Psi!  Feel free to send notes of congratulation to Mr. Snipes at wsnipes@miles.edu or to Colony President, Undra Porter at undraporter@gmail.com.

Hampton University – New Colonization – Northeast District

Marie Burleigh (Life Member, Omicron – former Northeast District Governor) will serve as lead colony advisor, and Sarah Fitzgerald (Life Member, Iota Delta – Northeast District Governor) and Rassii Elliott (Alumni Association Member, Eta Omega) will serve on the colony advising team.

The Hampton University Band Program has grown and flourished under the direction of Dr. Thomas Jones.  The band has had a multitude of high profile performances, including the 2009 Presidential Inauguration, Honda Battle of the Bands 2018 & 2020, Tournament of Roses Parade 2019, Rome New Year’s Day Parade 2020, and will perform at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2020. The band program at Hampton University includes wind ensemble, concert band, jazz band, basketball band, and the Hampton University Marching Force Marching Band.  Dr. Jones is committed to the advancement of the music department at Hampton University, building the best band members both in music and in life.  We are excited to welcome Hampton University to Kappa Kappa Psi!  You may send notes of congratulation to Dr. Jones at Thomas.jones@hamptonu.edu or to Colony President Ayan Keller at ayank1999@gmail.com.

Chicago State University – New Colonization – North Central District

Marc Renaud (Life Member, Zeta Epsilon – North Central District Governor) will serve as lead colony advisor, and Akilah Thomas (Life Member, Beta Kappa) and Emily Durie (Alumni Association Member, Nu) will serve on the colony advising team.

The Chicago State University Band program has been thriving under the direction of Roxanne Stevenson for the last 28 years.  During her tenure, she has built the CSU Community Concert Band, CSU Jazz Band, CSU Gospel Ensemble, and other chamber groups.  Most recently, Ms. Stevenson has started the CSU Marching Band, the first in Chicago State University history.  Ms. Stevenson has had ensembles perform at Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic and the Jazz Education Network Conference.  We are thrilled to welcome Chicago State University to Kappa Kappa Psi!  You may send notes of congratulation to Ms. Stevenson at roxannestevenson@sbcglobal.net or to Colony President Laurente Oby at obywanmusic@gmail.com.

Thank you to those Brothers who will be serving on the colony advising teams.  Each team will assist the colony during the colonization process, and will then follow the colony through a full year of reporting to ensure a strong foundation of support and success.  Please join me in welcoming these three colonies to the Brotherhood!

AEA,

Jessica Lee

Life Member, Eta Alpha Chapter, Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania

Kappa Kappa Psi National Vice President for Colonization & Membership

VPSA Chat #4: Applying for Chapter Field Representative

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We are excited to host our fourth “VPSA Chat” for the 2019-2021 biennium! This will be taking place on Tuesday, January 21, 2020 from 8:00-9:00 p.m. CT. Register using the form below and join our panel of current Chapter Field Representatives, Nicole Brooks and Justin Jensen, and Vice President for Colonization & Membership, Jessica Lee. If you are interested or even curious, this will be a very helpful session for you.

Use the link below to register. Thank you and AEA!

REGISTER

Apply for Kappa Kappa Psi Chapter Field Representative

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Brothers:

Kappa Kappa Psi, National Honorary Band Fraternity, is hiring two talented and dedicated brothers for the position of Chapter Field Representative (CFR).  This position gives brothers a meaningful opportunity to give back to our organization as an official representative of the Fraternity and a staff member of our National Headquarters.  Over a two-year period, our CFRs will visit dozens of chapters, travel thousands of miles across the country, and work with thousands of brothers and their college bands from coast to coast.  The CFR position is supervised by National Executive Director, Steve Nelson, and National Vice President for Colonization & Membership, Jessica Lee.

The position starts in early summer 2020 (target date of May 29, 2020) and is held for two years.  Applicant must be an Alumnus or Life Member of Kappa Kappa Psi in good standing on or before the first day of employment.  At that time, the applicant must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education.  Applicants must be able to obtain an Oklahoma driver’s license if hired.  Applicants must possess a good driving record and are subject to a check of their driving record, criminal background, and credit.  New-hire drug screening may also be required.

Applications are submitted via the online submission form only.  Paper applications will not be accepted.

Application Deadline: February 9, 2020 at 11:59 PM Central Time

Application Form:  https://www.kkpsi.org/cfr-2020-app/

Questions?  Email cfrsearch@kkytbsonline.com

Please consider serving the fraternity in this unique way!

AEA,

 

Jessica Lee

National Vice President for Colonization & Membership

 

Steve Nelson

National Executive Director

Update on Road to Wisdom 2.0 Release

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Hello brothers!

As we get ready for the Road to Wisdom 2.0 release on Wednesday, January 15, 2020, we wanted to remind you to submit your Calendars to the National Curriculum Committee through JotForm on www.kkpsi.org!

If you are not sure what a great calendar looks like, we wanted to show you a couple of amazing examples done by a couple of chapters.  The first is from the Lambda Chapter at the University of Arkansas and the second is from the Lambda Xi Chapter at Southeastern Louisiana University!  Both do an outstanding job of being clear with the events of their chapters, as well as making sure that all of the events follow the guidelines of what chapters should be doing with regards to their Membership Education process.

Feel free to use these as templates, or use your own that follows these ideas!  You can find them at the following links:

Lambda: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1uflGibwEkz8V1oSEp1lbRkFSdicl51ig

Lambda Xi: https://drive.google.com/open?id=174fHyrTJiBQeKCI9VinjQW360LjlLuau

As always, feel free to reach out to the committee, curriculum@kkpsi.org, if you have any questions or concerns!