Author Archive: podium

Spring 2021 Colony Announcement

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Brothers,

I hope that everyone is safe and healthy as you start your Spring 2021 semester!  I am excited to announce three colonies for this spring!

Livingstone College – Theta Chi Recolonization – Southeast District

Kalem Graham (Life Member, Zeta Psi & SED Governor) will serve as lead colony advisor, and Kadeem Sabari (Alumnus, Zeta Chi & SED Alumni Association Chair), Jessica Needham (Alumnus, Eta Sigma and former SED VPP), and Danielle Francis Marzen (Alumnus, Lambda Tau and former NCD President) will serve on the colony advising team.

The Livingstone College Band program is growing under the direction of Director of Bands, Mr. Anthony Jones.  The band program offers a variety of ensembles for students and community members to participate in including Concert Band, Jazz Band, Jazz Combo, Basketball Band, and the Marching Blue Thunder Marching Band.  The band has participated in the Palmetto Bowl Classic and the Heritage Bowl Classic over the last several years.  Notably, Mr. Jones, Director of Bands, also serves as the Director of the 369th Experience, a band which in its original form, consisted of 65 African American and Puerto Rican gentlemen who charmed the hearts and minds of Americans and Europeans during WWI.  The ensembles recreates the famous Harlem Hell Fighters regimental band’s spirited arrangements of ragtime, jazz and blues first introduced European audiences to the novel sounds of this American music with students chosen from Historically Black Colleges and Universities across the country.  We are excited to welcome back Livingstone College to Kappa Kappa Psi!  You may send notes of congratulations to Director of Bands, Prof. Anthony Jones (antjones@livingstone.edu) or to Colony President Tyvaun James (tyvaunjames@gmail.com).

Shepherd University – New Colonization – Northeast District

Sarah Fitzgerald (Life Member, Iota Delta and Northeast District Governor) will serve as lead colony advisor. Kelly Nellis (Life Member, Kappa Alpha and former National Vice President for Student Affairs), Lamoth Haynie (Life Member, Eta Gamma), Mike Napolitano (Life Member, Kappa Upsilon, National Vice President for Programs, and former NED Governor) have been appointed as the Colony Advising Team.

The Shepherd University Band Program is under the direction of Dr. Scott Hippensteel.  The music program has several ensembles in the department, including Wind Ensemble, Marching “Ram Band”, Jazz Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and Community Orchestra.  The Ram Band is one of the highlights of Shepherd University. Known for their strong commitment to musical excellence and exciting shows, the Ram Band is in great demand throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.  The Ram Band is an active recruiting ensemble that performs in exhibition at high
school marching band festivals in our four-state region (West Virginia, Virginia,Pennsylvania, and Maryland). The Ram Band also performs every year at the Collegiate Marching Band Festival in Allentown, PA.  The Shepherd University Wind Ensemble is the premier wind group of Shepherd University and each year the auditions become more competitive. Over the last 20 years, the ensemble has performed in Carnegie Hall, Ireland, Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Spain, France, Italy, and Portugal.  We are excited to welcome Shepherd University to Kappa Kappa Psi!  Notes of congratulations may be sent to Director of Bands and Chapter Sponsor, Dr. Scott Hippensteel (shippens@shepherd.edu) and Colony President, Ian Walton (ipwalton594@gmail.com).

University of North Texas – New Colonization – Southwest District

Andy Melvin (Life Member, Delta, Southwest District Governor, and former CFR) will serve as lead colony advisor, and Jason Filer (Alumnus, Alpha Zeta & former NCD President), Teddy Howell (Alumnus, Kappa Lambda), and Atia Aroonsakulwongse (Life Member, Theta Theta and former SED Secretary/Treasurer) will serve on the colony advising team.

Prof. Eugene Migliaro Corporon’s tenure as Director of Bands at UNT began in 1994. The UNT Wind Symphony under his direction, is internationally acknowledged as one of the premier ensembles of its kind. The North Texas Wind Symphony is selected from the most outstanding musicians attending the College of Music; the group has been highly acclaimed for “wonderful and artistically rendered performances which are elegant and polished,” and complimented for “terrific ensemble skills which embody a high degree of integrity and sensitivity.”  From first performing at a College Band Directors National Association Regional Convention in 1996, the group has since attended multiple CBDNA conventions, TMEA, TBA, WASBE, American Bandmasters Association, PASIC, Bands of America Concert Festivals, and the Midwest Clinic.  The University of Texas College of Music is the largest public university music program in the United States.  UNT offers more than 70 different musical ensembles for students to participate in, which include the 400-member Green Brigade Marching Band, the three-time Grammy nominated Wind Symphony under the direction of Eugene Corporon, the Wind Orchestra under the direction of Dr. Andrew Trachsel, the Wind Ensemble under the direction of Daniel Cook, the Brass Band under the direction of David Childs, the Symphonic and Concert bands directed by Masters and Doctoral candidates, and the Brass Choir.  The University of Texas is home to the nation’s first jazz degree program, and has more than a dozen vocal and instrumental jazz ensembles, including the seven-time Grammy nominated One O’Clock Lab Band, UNT Jazz Singers and 25 small groups each semester.  We are thrilled to welcome The University of North Texas to Kappa Kappa Psi!  Notes of congratulations may be sent to Director of Bands, Prof. Eugene Corporon (eugene.corporon@unt.edu), Chapter Sponsor, Dr. Daniel Cook (daniel.cook@unt.edu), or Colony President, Amrutha Murthy (AmruthaMurthy@my.unt.edu).

The Hampton University colony will also be continuing on this semester.  By the end of this biennium, we will have installed 9 colonies of Kappa Kappa Psi – 5 Historically Black Colleges and Universities, 3 Predominately White Institutions, and 1 minority serving institution.

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.

We are excited to welcome these three colonies to Kappa Kappa Psi during this unprecedented time.  Please join me in supporting and welcoming these colonists to the Brotherhood!

AEA,

Jessica Lee
National Vice President for Colonization & Membership
Life Member, Eta Alpha – Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania

Now Accepting 2021-23 CFR Applications

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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 2021 (target date of May 28, 2021) and is held for two years. With our current CFRs, Justin Jenson and Nicole Brooks, staying for an additional year due to COVID 19,  we will be searching for candidates who are interested in a 2 year CFR position (2021-2023), with the option to stay on an additional year (2023-2024).  We would like to thank Justin and Nicole for their incredible service to Kappa Kappa Psi during this unprecedented time!

Applicants 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: March 15, 2021 at 11:59 PM Central Time
Application Form:  https://www.kkpsi.org/cfr-2021-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

Kappa Kappa Psi Virtual Ritual Information

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Brothers: 

I hope that you are all doing well and are healthy as you begin your spring semester.  As noted in the PIVOT Guidance released January 8, 2021, all in-person performances of the three Degrees of the Ritual of Kappa Kappa Psi are prohibited. This order supersedes the authority of Directors of Bands in the conduct of the chapter on their campus, and is a requirement from our insurance company.

These Virtual Experiences are the Ritual Performance and Education Committee’s best option for offering a secure and secret Ritual experience while also keeping our members safe and socially distanced. 

Virtual Ritual Information

The Ritual Education and Performance Committee has taken the lead on virtual rituals this semester, in anticipation of the large number of chapters who will be taking membership classes.  Members of the National Leadership Team, Ritual Education and Performance Committee, National Curriculum Committee, and District Officers will facilitate the Ritual.  There will be no separate district performances of the Ritual in order to offer the most dates possible for our chapters.  We will have ONE registration form that all chapters will use to register for dates for all three Degrees of the Ritual.  

  • In order to best meet the needs of our members, degree dates will be offered beginning Thursday, January 28, 2021 and will run through Sunday, May 9, 2021.  
  • Degrees will take place via zoom on Thursdays at 7:00 pm Central, Fridays at 8:00 pm Central, and Sundays at 6:00 pm Central.
  • Chapter Vice Presidents’ of Membership (VPM) will complete the registration form for their chapter.  The form requires Chapter VPMs to list the membership candidates, honorary members, chapter members, Director of Bands, or Chapter Sponsor who will be attending the virtual ritual so that these names can be vetted in the OMRS prior to the degree.  In order to keep zoom seats open for these individuals, alumni will not be permitted to attend degrees.  If you have questions regarding the scheduling of degrees, please email ritualeducation@kkpsi.org.   
  • If members still need to be initiated from Fall 2020, they can participate in Spring 2021 degrees.  As a reminder, chapters have 30 days from initiation to complete the Initiate Registration form in the OMRS to avoid late fees.  If you have questions about late or potentially late paperwork, please contact our National Headquarters (kkytbs@kkytbs.org) and they can help you and address any issues you or your chapter are facing, particularly at this challenging time.
  • We recognize that dates may not be ideal for chapters.  Currently, due to the pandemic, the Membership Candidate Orientation meeting begins the membership education process, and the membership candidate registration form should be completed then.  There may be a lesson(s) that take place before the First Degree of the Ritual and there may be time after the last lesson before the Third Degree of the Ritual can be completed.  As with all semesters, chapters must submit a membership education calendar and receive approval prior to starting the recruitment process. For questions regarding this, please contact the National Curriculum Committee at curriculum@kkpsi.org. 
  • Here is the link to the registration form: Kappa Kappa Psi Virtual Ritual Experience Sign-Up.  The link can also be found in the PIVOT document under the ritual section.

It should be reiterated that participating in this virtual alternative is your chapter’s ONLY option to provide candidates and/or new initiates with a Ritual experience for the Spring 2021 semester.  Chapters cannot perform the Ritual online or in any format on their own.  We will be providing all three Degrees of the Ritual when we are able to meet in person again, so that chapters can see and participate in a quality Ritual experience.  For questions regarding Virtual Ritual, please email the Ritual Education and Performance Committee at ritualeducation@kkpsi.org. 

Membership Education Support

In addition to virtual rituals, I will be providing support for membership education by offering the following virtual workshops:

As chapters have questions, more workshops and development opportunities will be made available and each of your district conventions will feature workshops and resources to help you and your chapter continue to meet our present challenges.

Brothers, I know this is not an ideal situation, but now is the time for us to stand shoulder-to-shoulder together as we continue to navigate the impact of the pandemic on our chapters and band programs.  We are here to support you throughout the membership process as we look forward to the brighter horizon ahead of us.

AEA,

Jessica Lee
National Vice President for Colonization & Membership
Member, Ritual Education & Performance Committee and National Curriculum Committee
Life Member, Eta Alpha Chapter
Email: jessicalee@kkpsi.org

PIVOT Guidance UPDATE (January 8, 2021)

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January 8, 2020

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

As we begin the new year and our 2021 terms, the National Councils of Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma wanted to provide you with updated guidance regarding chapter operations and the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 is continuing to affect our lives, our campuses, and our band programs, and we once again ask that all of our chapters follow the advice of public health experts and the guidance given to you at the campus, local, state, and federal levels, just as you have over the last several months. We recognize that it has not been easy to operate a chapter under such conditions, and we truly appreciate all that you have done to continue to live out our missions and ideals during the pandemic. We are continually inspired by each chapter’s ingenuity, resolve, compassion, and positive presence in the face of great trial. You inspire us! 

Moving into the 2021 terms, please note that the following updates have been made to our PIVOT! Chapter Operations Guide:

  • Some chapters may now be able to host in-person activities/events: Chapters should only host in-person social, service, membership, or fundraising activities/events (with the exception of the Ritual which is still prohibited) during the Spring 2021 Term if the following criteria are in place:
    • Your campus activities office, Dean of Students, Office of Greek Life, or other authorizing body is permitting your chapter to host in-person activities/events on your campus.
    • Your chapter activity/event has been approved by your Director of Bands in writing
    • Your chapter follows all campus, local, state, and federal health and safety guidance.
    • Your chapter does not penalize members who feel uncomfortable attending these activities/events.
  • The waiver for band participation has been extended until July for active members and membership candidates. However, members must still be enrolled in coursework at their college or university in good standing with their university or college.
  • Additional guidance has been added for the Chapter Summary Report. 
  • Additional information has been provided for 2021 District Events.

The National Councils of both Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma know that each campus has its own unique procedure in place for this pandemic, and it is our hope that the information outlined in PIVOT! is easily adaptable to every chapter’s situation. However, we want to emphasize that we are here to assist your chapter and your chapter members. If, after reading the changes above or the full PIVOT! guide you still have questions or concerns, please reach out to your District Counselors/Governors or send us an email at healthandsafety@tbsigma.org or healthandsafety@kkpsi.org. 

As we continue to navigate through the weeks and months ahead, please know that your National Leadership Teams and your National Headquarters Staff are at your service. Our main goal for the rest of the biennium is to help our chapters be successful in our missions and ideals, even though the ways in which we serve may be different for now. If at any point you or your chapter need assistance with anything at all, please contact us. We promise to work with you as you continue to strive for the highest for greater bands.

MLITB,

Marco, Adrienne, and The National Leadership Teams of Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma

Cancellation of 2020 District Conventions

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Dear Brothers and Sisters,

As we continue to monitor the evolving COVID-19 pandemic, the National Councils and Boards of Trustees of Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma have made the difficult decision to cancel all six in-person District Conventions. We understand that this may be extremely disappointing to our members, especially to those of you who spent many long hours planning these events. Please know that we have made the decision to cancel conventions with the best of intentions, as the health and safety of our active, alumni, and life members and their loved ones is of the utmost importance.

This pandemic is an unprecedented situation for our organizations, and we thank you for your flexibility and patience as we all navigate it together. Below you can find information relating to next steps for chapters and for those who were registered for these conventions.

VIRTUAL CONVENTIONS

The joint national councils have created a task force to assist us with the preparations needed to host virtual conventions for all districts affected by cancellations. Virtual conventions for District business will take place on the Saturday and Sunday of the originally planned in-person conventions:

  • Northeast District: Saturday, March 21 – Sunday, March 22
  • Midwest District: Saturday, March 21 – Sunday, March 22
  • Western District: Saturday, March 28 – Sunday, March 29
  • North Central District: Saturday, April 4 – Sunday, April 5
  • Southeast District Convention: Saturday, April 4 – Sunday, April 5
  • Southwest District Convention: Saturday, April 18 – Sunday, April 19

In addition to the virtual conventions for District business, the task force is also assisting us in planning a larger nation-wide virtual event in late April. All chapter members will be invited to participate in this weekend of workshops, collaboration, and celebration of our organizations.

Chapters should plan to have chapter members attend both the virtual District business convention and the nation-wide virtual event. More guidance, as well as schedules and activities for all events, will be released soon.

REFUNDS OF DISTRICT CONVENTION REGISTRATIONS

Our National Headquarters staff will work to issue refunds to all District Convention registrants affected by these cancellations. All registrants will receive a direct email from a National Headquarters Staff member with more information regarding their refund(s). It may take some time to issue all refunds, so we appreciate your patience as they are processed.

CANCELLING HOTEL RESERVATIONS

Please remember to cancel your hotel reservations as soon as possible, as this is not something that anyone can manage for you. If you booked within the reserved hotel block for a convention, those cancellations will need to be made at least three days prior to the date of check-in.

ALUMNI CONVENTION PARTICIPANTS

The District-based Local Alumni Associations will also have virtual conventions concurrent with the active members on the weekend of the originally planned in-person conventions.  The ΚΚΨAA Board of Directors and the ΤΒΣAA Executive Council will be sending out information to their members, as well as coordinating with the District-based LAAs to develop virtual conventions in which they can conduct their necessary business, connect with graduating seniors, and provide development opportunities for their district alumni.

If you have any concerns surrounding the conventions or chapter operations as we move forward, please continue to reach out to the following email addresses for assistance: healthandsafety@kkpsi.org or healthandsafety@tbsigma.org. Your email will be directed to the appropriate person or persons!

The National Leadership Teams of Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma are committed to walking hand-in-hand with you during these uncertain times. We will continue to send updates to our membership as we work through questions about chapter operations and provide more details for the virtual conventions and the nation-wide virtual event. We ask that you continue to check our websites and social media for these updates.

As we continue on into uncharted territory, we want to thank each of you for the remarkable flexibility, understanding, and strength you have shown so far. Band members, current and former, know how to adapt on the fly and how to make the best of any given situation, so that is what we intend to do.

Statement on COVID-19: Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma Basic Chapter Operations

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Dear Sisters and Brothers,

We are writing to you today to provide guidance on chapter operations for those chapters experiencing campus closures or restrictions on face-to-face interactions due to COVID-19. Please note that a separate message regarding district conventions is forthcoming.

The National Councils of both Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma recognize that each campus has its own unique procedure in place for this pandemic, and it is our hope that the information outlined below is easily adaptable to every chapter’s situation. However, we want to emphasize that we are here to assist your chapter and your chapter members through this difficult and unprecedented time. If, after reading the guidance below, you still have questions or concerns, please reach out to your District Counselors/Governors or send us an email at healthandsafety@tbsigma.org or healthandsafety@kkpsi.org. 

Membership Education Classes and/or Membership Intake

We are aware that there are chapters who were in the middle of conducting Membership Education Classes and/or Membership Intake on campuses that have cancelled face-to-face classes as a health and safety precaution. We are committed to assisting chapters in completing their Membership Education Classes and have therefore developed the following guidelines:

  • Online Membership Education Classes – All chapters are encouraged to continue the educational components of the Membership Education process via online meetings and sessions. This can be accomplished by using a number of online tools such as Google Hangout Meet, Google Classroom, Zoom Video Conferencing, etc. The curriculum committee for both organizations, as well as the National Councils are here to serve as resources, so please do not hesitate to reach out should your chapter require assistance in implementing an online educational experience for your Membership Candidates.

    •  

  • Initiate Registration and Fees – Initiate Registrations Forms do not require face-to-face interactions for completion, therefore all chapters who will be continuing their intake process during this time, should still plan to fill out the Initiate Registration Form, to collect all Initiate Fees, and to send both the form and fees into our National Headquarters for processing. This should occur upon the completion of the online Membership Education Classes. For the initiation date, please put the date in which you intend or intended to have your 3rd Degree. If chapters require assistance in getting electronic signatures on the Initiate Signature Page, please let us know as we have a system in place. A very important note: All initiate forms and fees must be sent into National Headquarters, no later than Friday, May 15, 2020.

    •  

  • Rituals – While not ideal, until face-to-face classes are back in session on your campus, performing the Rituals for your Membership Candidates will need to be postponed. Once your institution says that it is safe for students to return to campus, we ask that you consult your Sponsor and/or Director of Bands as you work to schedule a date for initiation. This could be as soon as you are allowed back on your campus, sometime during the summer months, or even right at the very beginning of the Fall 2020 semester.

Chapter Officer Elections

Some campuses have been instructed to close for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year and this effectively ends most, if not all chapter business for this year. However, chapters that traditionally elect officers during the Spring Semester should plan to carry out this crucial item of business, regardless of not being able to meet in person. The National Councils will provide guidance to all chapters on how this task can be completed remotely using online election software very soon.

National Paperwork

  • Graduating Senior Report – Even if your campus is not able to host in-person commencement ceremonies, chapters should still fill out the Graduating Senior Report in the Online Membership Reporting System (OMRS), so that graduating seniors can be appropriately moved to Alumni Status.

 

  • Chapter Summary Report – The annual Chapter Summary Report is still due on June 1st. Since this is a yearly national requirement that does not require that a chapter meet in person in order to get it completed, there should not be any issues in completing this report on time.  Remember to start this report as soon as possible and give your Director of Bands (and Sponsor, if applicable) extra time to review your report and approve it before the deadline.  

 

Tau Beta Sigma Chapter Visitation Program

The COVID-19 pandemic will affect Tau Beta Sigma’s Chapter Visitation Program Chapter, as some chapters will no longer be on campus, some chapters will have limitations on face-to-face meetings, and some Chapter Visitation Assistants (CVAs) may feel uncomfortable traveling. In order to address each situation appropriately, CVAs have been instructed to reach out to chapters affected by closures or restrictions on face-to-face meetings to discuss transitioning to one of the following options: 1) Hosting a Virtual Visit, or 2) Rescheduling the visit to the 2020-2021 academic year. Please help us ensure this outreach is successful by checking in with your chapter president on the status of your visit.

Kappa Kappa Psi Chapter Field Representatives

Chapter Field Representative Visits are cancelled for the month of March and we are evaluating visits scheduled for April. We may conduct some visits virtually but the CFRs will contact chapters to discuss the best method to conduct these visits. Kappa Kappa Psi has also postponed the interviews for 2020-2022 CFRs until April. If you have questions about an upcoming CFR visit, please contact our CFRs at kkytbs@kkytbs.org.

Closure of Iota Nu Chapter

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Brothers:

We are writing to inform you of a vote of the National Council.

The Council has unanimously voted to revoke the charter of the Iota Nu chapter from Alabama A & M University.  All active members have been expelled and the chapter alumni will not be allowed to form any Local Alumni Association that supports the band program at Alabama A& M University.  Given the nature of their offenses, the National Council has placed a 20 year moratorium on any future colonization on this campus.

This situation is the result of hazing related to their New Member Presentation Show, which violated both University and Kappa Kappa Psi policies.

Brothers, any chapter or individuals found responsible for hazing will be held accountable.  That means the National Council will consider dropping the chapter and expulsion for the individual members. Any chapter or individual brother that is found responsible for hazing will be held accountable.  Passively watching as hazing occurs in your chapter is not a defense; you are still responsible and will be held accountable.  If you do nothing, you are choosing to allow something to happen that is a violation of our policies.  Do not presume that any level of hazing is acceptable. Hazing never honors the name of Kappa Kappa Psi. It in no way is in the spirit of Striving for the Highest.

Brothers, I know you find these types of actions as intolerable as we do.  Individuals that choose to willingly violate our Fraternity Policies and sacred Ritualistic Vows and harm others through hazing have no place in Kappa Kappa Psi.  They tarnish the organization that we love.

In no way does this conduct honor our purposes or advance bands. In no way do such actions demonstrate strength or love for your fellow brother.

Each one of us, each and every chapter, and every individual member and membership candidate has a responsibility to uphold the values of our Fraternity.

The only way that Kappa Kappa Psi can continue to exist is with an appropriate stewardship of our values and policies through our active and alumni members.  When we ignore that responsibility and choose to look the other way or to participate in a violation of policies, we endanger the future of the organization, we ignore our oath, and we turn our backs on our fellow brothers.  We are better than this.

Since the 2019 National Convention, we have had 3 investigations that have resulted in violations of our Risk Management Policies.

  • Cost of Investigations: Estimated at $6,000
  • Legal Costs: Estimated at $4,400

These expenses are necessary for the security and future of our organization, but it is not how we want to spend fraternity money.  Each brother, each chapter should stop and take a moment to reflect on your chapter activities.  Is that activity or tradition worth your membership in Kappa Kappa Psi?  Your chapters’ charter?  Our fraternity?  These risks are real, each time Brothers choose to ignore and willingly violate our policies.

This National Council is very invested in the future of Kappa Kappa Psi, and Brothers everywhere are encouraged to join us in eradicating hazing and any other violations of our risk management policies.  All of our Risk Management policies can be found on the national website here: https://www.kkpsi.org/resources/policies/

If you see something in your chapter or another that is questionable, contact your Director of Bands, Chapter Sponsor, your District Governors, National Headquarters staff, or the National Council. Concerns may also reported anonymously using our national website: https://www.kkpsi.org/resources/report-a-problem/

Please feel free to contact Marco Krcatovich, National President, at mkrcatov@kkpsi.org, or Jessica Lee, National Vice President for Colonization & Membership, at jessicalee@kkpsi.org if you have any questions.

AEA,

The 2019-2021 National Council of Kappa Kappa Psi

Marco Krcatovich, National President

Jessica Lee, National Vice President for Colonization & Membership

Mike Napolitano, National Vice President for Programs

Bang Co, National Vice President for Student Affairs

Tony Falcone, National Vice President for Professional Relations

Evan Thompson, Immediate Past National President

Dr. Nicholas A. Rorrer, Chair, Alumni Association Board of Directors

Daniel George, Chair, Board of Trustees

Eric Morson, Vice Chair, Board of Trustees

Newly Appointed District Governors for the 2019-2021 Biennium

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Brothers,

Following our 2019 National Convention in Stillwater, Oklahoma we were left with two vacancies for District Governors and two positions were replaced due to election/appointment.

In the Midwest District, Tony Falcone (Life – Eta Omicron) has been appointed our 2019-2021 National Vice President for Professional Relations after twelve years as a District Governor.  This vacancy was filled by Jennifer Pitts-Taylor (Life – Gamma Theta).  Jennifer was recently a member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors and helped build the model we use for alumni-centered programming at our District Conventions.  She also served on our National Curriculum Committee and brings that work and her background as a leader in Chi Omega Sorority to the role.

In the Northeast District, Marie Burleigh (Life – Omicron) has been the longest-serving District Governor in our Fraternity’s history and began in that role on July 1, 2000.  Marie will be cycling off this year as she helps mentor the new Governors in the District.  In her place, Sarah Fitzgerald (Life – Iota Delta) was appointed this July.  A long-time leader in the Northeast District Alumni Association, she has been involved in the work of our alumni association for more than a decade and last biennium she served as a Curriculum Advisor as well.  This July, Sarah was awarded the Scott Stowell Alumni Excellence Award for her work in the Northeast District.

Following his election to the office of National Vice President for Programs, Michael Napolitano (Life – Kappa Upsilon), will no longer serve as a District Governor in the Northeast District.  After a long search I am pleased to appoint Dr. Brad Townsend (Alpha Epsilon) to the position of Northeast District Governor.  Brad is the Director of Bands at the University of Pittsburgh and has worked with the chapters there since 2013.  Prior to that, he was the Sponsor of the Theta chapter and for five years (2008-2013) served as Western District Governor.

A short time after the close of the 2019 National Convention, Latrondrick Hunter (Life – Zeta Eta) decided to step down as Southeast District Governor.  We know the decision was not easy and we are honored by his work and passion for our organization.  Following a long process where I was able to talk to an incredible slate of alumni leaders in the district, I have appointed Kalem Graham (Life – Zeta Psi) to serve as Southeast District Governor.  Kalem is the Director of Bands at Dudley High School in Greensboro, North Carolina, and was previously Assistant Director of Bands at Langston University.  From 2015 to 2018, Kalem served as a Southwest District Governor and during that time served on our National Nominations Committee.

We will be updating our National Website soon with their contact information as we continue our transition into the new biennium.  Please join me in welcoming and celebrating these new members of our National Leadership Team and thanking the four incredible individuals who served as District Governors last biennium and continue to serve the organization and model our values.

 

AEA

Marco A. Krcatovich II

National President, 2019-2021

president@kkpsi.org

2019 Gold Star Memorial Recognition Nominations Open

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Brothers,

In 1947, at the National Convention in Stillwater, Oklahoma, the National Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi recognized brothers who were killed in action while serving our country during World War II. They created a memorial recognition knows as the Gold Star.

Prior to the 2007 National Convention, the National Council was approached by Danielle Adams-Davis, a brother from the Zeta Sigma and Kappa Epsilon chapters.  Danielle asked the National Council what could be done to recognize current Brothers and band members serving in the military. At that time, the National Council felt the National Convention in Orlando would be an appropriate time to recognize members of Kappa Kappa Psi and our band family who have served our country. The National Council used the Gold Star recognition ceremony from 1947 to serve as inspiration to recognize brothers and band members that were current military members or who had previously served their country.

As part of our centennial year celebration, the National Council continues this honored tradition during the 2019 National Convention. Brothers will be recognized in the following manner:

  • Gold Star Memorial for Brothers who have passed while serving our country.

 

  • Blue Star Recognition for Brothers who are currently serving our country or are veterans.

 

  • Silver Star Memorial for Band members who have passed while serving our country.

 

  • White Star Recognition for Band members who are currently serving our country or are veterans.

Certificates for the Blue Star Recognition and White Star Recognition will be issued to the Brother’s home chapter following National Convention. The home chapter will then be responsible for issuing those certificates to the individual Brothers. All categories of recognition will be memorialized by the Brothers’ respective District Presidents during the 2019 National Convention in Stillwater, Oklahoma and recorded in a memorial resolution in the convention minutes.

If you have names you would like to submit to be recognized this summer at National Convention in Stillwater, OK, please complete the form here.

 

AEA,

Dr. Nicholas Bratcher
National Vice President for Programs
Kappa Kappa Psi

Call for 2019-2021 Biennium National Volunteers

Posted on by

Brothers,

As we prepare for our 2019 National Convention and Centennial Celebration, we are also preparing our Fraternity for another 100 years of serving college and university bands.  There are so many ways to give back to Kappa Kappa Psi and help us collectively serve as “Founders” for our next century.   I invite you to register for National Convention and the Centennial Celebration, check out the history of the Fraternity and what a century of service looks like, and I strongly encourage you to support our student Brothers and Sisters financially to make sure they can be part of this truly once-in-a-lifetime moment for Kappa Kappa Psi.  I know I will be sending money back to my home chapters to help support the active Brothers and Sisters who wish to attend National Convention and the Centennial Celebration.

Our National President, Evan Thompson, often talks about the incredible importance and life-changing power of giving back to support others.  The Servant Leader.   I wanted to extend an opportunity to each of you to give back to Kappa Kappa Psi.

As part of this national call for volunteers, below is an application for those interested in serving.   We will be looking for brothers interested in serving as District Governors, National Committee Members, Colony Advisors, Curriculum Advisors, Speakers, and more.   I will start reaching out to brothers in June who are interested in volunteering as we work to fill these responsibilities for the coming biennium.   Most of these roles do not involve a significant time commitment and you’ll see information on what kind of commitment these roles require, whether traveling may be involved, and our volunteer expectations.  We want to support you personally by respecting the fact that you may have other obligations and responsibilities, and you’ll see plain information on the commitment you would be making by serving.  We don’t want to place a Brother in a position where they shirk their duties and responsibilities.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/19-21Volunteers

This biennium we were surrounded by the “Founder’s Spirit” and the history and great work of our organization as we approach a century of service.   Now we have the responsibility of doing whatever we can to build the foundation for the next one hundred years.  I hope you will look at ways you can donate your time, your talents, your treasure, your enthusiasm, and your support for our mission.   Every collective contribution moves the Brotherhood forward.  I am excited to see so many of you in July and beyond as we all Strive for the Highest.

 

Your Brother,

Marco.

—

Marco A. Krcatovich II

National Vice President for Colonization and Membership

mkrcatov@kkpsi.org