Category Archives: HQ Announcements

Retirement Announcement of Steve Nelson, National Executive Director of Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma

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Dear Members of Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma:

We hope this message finds you well. Today, it is our duty to announce the retirement of Steve Nelson from his position as National Executive Director of Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma. Steve’s dedicated service to our organizations has spanned nine years, leaving an indelible mark on both KKPsi and TBSigma.

Steve’s journey with Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma has been remarkable. His unwavering commitment to our shared values of leadership, musicianship, and service for greater bands has been an inspiration to us all. Before and throughout his tenure, he has played a pivotal role in advancing the missions of both organizations, ensuring their continued growth and success.

Under Steve’s leadership as National Executive Director, we have witnessed significant achievements and milestones that have strengthened our Fraternity and Sorority: celebrating the Centennial of Kappa Kappa Psi and the Diamond Anniversary of Tau Beta Sigma; expanding our National Headquarters property; purchasing a new facility to support our staff; and developing increasingly sophisticated technical tools to support members and leaders in their ongoing work. Steve’s passion for the arts and education has been a driving force behind numerous initiatives that have enhanced the collegiate band experience for students across the nation. His passion for honorary organizations such as ours led to his recent presidency of the Professional Fraternity Association. Steve’s legacy will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma, serving as a source of inspiration for generations to come. Steve himself will continue to be an important Brother and Sister, and he will cherish this opportunity to experience the organizations without the day-to-day responsibilities that our National Headquarters has.

Steve has shared these thoughts: “I have deep gratitude for my time as National Executive Director and I am very thankful for the many wonderful people that I met and worked with. Thank you for the opportunity to serve the organizations and I hope we can continue with the best spirits of brotherhood and sisterhood.”

Please join us in expressing our deepest gratitude to Steve Nelson for his leadership and service. We will be forever thankful for his passion, guidance, and commitment to our membership, and look forward to the ways that he will continue to contribute and be involved in the future. If you would like to send a personal message or share your thoughts with Steve as he embarks on this new chapter, please feel free to do so at nelson@kkytbs.org.

In the coming weeks, we will begin the search for a new National Executive Director who will build upon the important work of both organizations. We are committed to finding an individual who shares our values and dedication to the mission of our organizations.

Thank you, Steve, for your exceptional service, and we wish you a retirement filled with joy, fulfillment, and continued success in all your endeavors.

Sincerely,

Bang T. Co, Kappa Kappa Psi National President
Siobhan Wilkes Bratcher, Tau Beta Sigma National President
Dr. Malinda Matney, Kappa Kappa Psi Board of Trustees Chairperson
Rosalyn McDonald, Tau Beta Sigma Board of Trustees Chairperson

Announcing the 2021-23 Chapter Field Representatives

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Brothers:

I am excited to announce the hiring of our two new Chapter Field Representatives for the 2021-2023 biennium!

Jake January – Alpha, Oklahoma State University
Jake is a 2021 graduate of Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Ok. He graduated with a B.S. in Aerospace Administration and Operations with a dual concentrations in Aerospace Security and Airline Management. Jake was a member of the Cowboy Marching Band, Spirit Band, and Concert bands as a tenor saxophone player. He was initiated into the Alpha chapter in the spring of 2018. As an active member, Jake held the positions of Vice President for Programs and Chapter President. Jake has also served as the Administrative Assistant for the National Headquarters of Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma for the last two years.

You can send a note of congratulations to Jake at jake.january@okstate.edu.

 

 

Kennedy Struck – Mu Nu, Christopher Newport University
Kennedy Struck is a 2020 graduate of Christopher Newport University in Newport News, Virginia.  He graduated with a double major in Psychology and Sociology. Kennedy played trumpet in several ensembles, including the Marching Captains, Jazz band, University Band and other various small ensembles during his time in college.  As an active brother, he served as Vice President of Brotherhood and Chapter President. For the last year, Kennedy has worked as a university fellow in the office of Student Engagement at Christopher Newport University.

You can send a note of congratulations to Kennedy at kennedy.struck.16@cnu.edu.

Jake and Kennedy will begin their CFR terms May 28, 2021. Nicole Brooks and Justin Jensen will continue to serve as CFRs through the end of July, and all 4 of these individuals will be present at National Convention this summer in Grand Rapids, Michigan. We are thankful to Nicole and Justin for their incredible service to Kappa Kappa Psi as the longest serving CFRs in the history of the program, and we look forward to the great work of our newest CFRs.
Congratulations, Kennedy and Jake!
AEA,
Jessica Lee
National Vice President for Colonization & Membership
Life Member, Eta Alpha Chapter

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

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

2019 Month of Musicianship

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Month of Musicianship

I hope you’ve all had the chance to see the launch video of this year’s Month of Musicianship campaign, celebrating our personal connections to music. Many thanks to National VPSA Bang Co and the National Communications team for bringing this year’s vision to life.

During this Month of Musicianship, we are charging brothers to take some time and reflect on our personal relationship with music. Remember, while service to college and university bands unites us, it is the art of music that unifies us. So throughout this Month of Musicianship, not only do we want to actively showcase the best of what our brothers do for advancing music in our lives, but we want us all to take an inside look about what connects us to music in the first place.

Ask yourself: Band is our bond, but what does music mean to me? If I could find one word that summed up how important music is to me, what would it be?

Once you’ve uncovered your word, print out the attached template, write it out, snap a picture or a video, and post it up on social media using the hashtags #BandIsOurBond and #MonthofMusicianship. Take some time to share your story – celebrate how meaningful music is to you.

This can be an amazing conversation starter within your chapter, and an amazing opportunity to make connections with brothers across the country. Expand the conversation – we aren’t the only musicians in our bands. Ask our sisters in Tau Beta Sigma and other band members what music means to them. Because once we start to look at the broader meaning of music in our lives, music is no longer a broad concept, but something that holds true meaning in our identity.

Continue to share all of the amazing activities that you and your chapters are doing to hone the craft of music, but also share the stories of what music means to you.

If you have any questions about this year’s Month of Musicianship, or any of Kappa Kappa Psi’s national programs, please do not hesitate to contact me at mnapolitano@kkpsi.org.

If you have not yet had a chance to watch the Month of Musicianship launch video, find it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9nBjj5Zn_I

To share and print out the template, visit: http://bit.ly/KKPsiMoM19

 

AEA,

Mike Napolitano
National Vice President for Programs, 2019-2021
Kappa Kappa Psi
National Honorary Band Fraternity
Pronouns: he, him, his

Fall Activity Report Due December 1st

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Brothers:

The Fall Activity Report is due by December 1, 2018. Please make every effort to submit this report on-time. Reports are considered late after December 1st. If you have any questions, please contact the National Headquarters. 405-372-2333 or kkytbs@kkytbs.org.

AEA,

Evan L. Thompson
National President
2017-2019

2018-2020 Chapter Field Representatives

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Brothers,

The National Chapter Field Representative Program began in 1992 to provide a vital link between Active Members and the National Fraternity.  For the last two years we have had two inspirational and transformational leaders serving on our staff and traveling to more than 200 chapters across the country.  Please join me in sharing thanks and congratulations to Justin Chesak and Alaina Peters.  Their work has been exceptional and the Fraternity is strengthened because of what they accomplished these last two years.

Kappa Kappa Psi solicited applications for their successors this spring and the responses back were incredible.  Trying to cut down to finalists and ultimately those selected was incredibly difficult work and I thank all of the brothers who applied.  Last weekend we interviewed five finalists in Stillwater, Oklahoma.  It is my honor to formally introduce our two newest Chapter Field Representatives who will be joining our staff at National Headquarters and serving the Fraternity through spring of 2020.

Nicole Brooks (nicole.brooks1919@gmail.com) is an alumnus of the University of Central Florida and was initiated into the Eta Sigma chapter in the fall of 2011.  During her active membership she served as chapter Vice President and Projects Committee co-chair.  In Spring of 2015 she became an honorary member of Tau Beta Sigma at the University of Central Florida (Zeta Psi chapter) after her graduation.  She earned a bachelor’s degree in Art with a minor in Art History where she graduated Cum Laude and she recently earned her Master of Arts degree in Religious Studies from the American University of Rome in Rome, Italy.

Justin Jensen (jjensen@bgsu.edu) is finishing up his active career from Bowling Green State University as a member of Beta Kappa chapter, initiated Spring of 2014.  As an active member he served as Chapter Parliamentarian and 2015 National Convention Delegate and was the 2016-17 NCD Vice President for Programs.  An Eagle Scout and currently working at WGBU-TV, Justin is graduating this spring with a Bachelors in Film Production with a minor in Popular Culture.

Please feel free to send these individuals congratulatory messages. As they make their transition to Stillwater and become a part of the National Headquarters Professional Staff, more information will be shared regarding their upcoming chapter visits. A special thank you to National President Evan Thompson, National Executive Director Steve Nelson, National Accountant and Office Manager Di Spiva, the National Council of Kappa Kappa Psi, and our entire National Headquarters Staff for all their work throughout the interview process.

Thank you Justin and Alaina and Congratulations Nicole and Justin!

AEA

—

Marco A. Krcatovich II
National Vice President for Colonization and Membership
mkrcatov@kkpsi.org

Kappa Kappa Psi Chapter Field Representatives, 2018-2020 (2 positions)

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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 position starts in early summer 2018 (target date of May 30, 2018) 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.

APPLICATION WEBSITE

Questions? Email cfrsearch@kkytbsonline.com.

2017 Month of Musicianship & Fall Activity Report

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Dear Chapter Presidents and Sponsors,

Happy Month of Musicianship! Throughout the month of November, we work to both highlight and celebrate the musicianship of college and university band programs, chapters, and individual brothers. As a chapter it is my hope that each of you will take this responsibility seriously, and work to support music and ultimately college and university band programs! Be sure to use the OFFICIAL hashtag #MusicCharmsNovember to share your Month of Musicianship activities on social media so all of our Brothers can share in your advocacy of our greatest art.

Another responsibility of the chapter that is quickly approaching is the chapter submission of the Fall Activity Report. The Fall Activity Report (FAR) is required of each chapter and must be approved by your Sponsor & DOB in the OMRS no later than December 1 each year. While colonies are not required to submit this form (unless installed prior to December 1), colonies should take the time to familiarize themselves with the form. The Online Membership & Reporting System (OMRS) can be accessed at https://online.kkytbs.org. If you have questions about the OMRS, review the OMRS Guidebook which is available here.

In addition to your Fall Activity Report, make sure you submit a Graduating Senior Report (GSR) if you had any Active/Conditional/Associate members graduate during the Fall Semester. The GSR is functionally the membership form for their complimentary year of membership in the Kappa Kappa Psi Alumni Association. Please ask your graduating seniors (and all Active members) to login to the OMRS and make sure that we have the correct contact information for them. We highly recommend that our graduates use their professional email address, and not the student email address established by the college or university.

As you are working on the FAR & GSR, please review any pending forms that your chapter may have in the OMRS to see if HQ is missing anything. There are still several chapters with incomplete Chapter Personnel Reports and Initiate Registrations.

As with all forms in the OMRS, we encourage you to visit with your Sponsor & DOB about the forms; including letting them know that the form is ready for approval. Do not rely solely on the email notifications that are sent out by the OMRS.

As always, if you have any questions pertaining to the Fall Activity Report or the OMRS, please do not hesitate to contact National Headquarters. Our Headquarters staff is always willing to assist with anything that you may need.

AEA,

Evan L. Thompson
National President
Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity
evan@kkpsi.org

Our Mission:
Kappa Kappa Psi is a co-educational fraternal organization that advances college and university bands for the benefit of its members and society through dedicated service and support to bands, encouragement of musical growth, lifelong educational experiences, leadership opportunities, and recognition.

Have you reported your 2016-2017 Graduating Seniors?

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Dear Brother President,

Before the end of the semester completely takes over your remaining available brain cells, I wanted to make sure that you were up to speed with what the Fraternity and the KKPsi Alumni Association (KKPsiAA) needs from you in regards to your end of year reporting of Graduating Seniors.

First off, each Graduating Senior MUST log into the OMRS and confirm that the contact information in their profile is accurate.  Combined with the Graduating Senior Report, this update is what is functionally the membership form for their complimentary year of KKPsiAA Membership.  No paper form is needed.  We highly recommend that Brothers use their professional email address, and not the student email address established by the college or university. We need to be able to contact you for years to come.  A school based email address isn’t reliable, and may be shut down by the school with no notice to the Alumni.

Next, I want to review which forms to use for reporting status changes to Alumni.

Each chapter with Graduating Seniors MUST complete the Graduating Seniors Report (GSR) at least twice an academic year. Submit as many of the GSRs in an academic year as you need to!  For Spring and Summer 2017 graduates, please submit the GSRs immediately.  If you have not submitted a GSR reflecting your Fall 2016 and Winter 2017 graduates, please do so ASAP!  If any of your Graduating Seniors are currently listed as officers in the OMRS, you will need to complete an Officer & Chapter Update before the GSR can be processed.

If a member terminates their affiliation with the College/University without graduating, please submit a Chapter Personnel Update (CPU) to report status changes to Alumni status.  Per the National Constitution, Alumni members of the Fraternity shall be those Active, Associate or Conditional members of the Fraternity who have completed their education or who have terminated their affiliation with their college or university. This report can also be submitted as often as necessary throughout the year.

If a Brother currently holds Inactive status, they cannot be submitted for Alumni status on either form.  There is a separate process for Inactive Reinstatement that is not associated with these forms.

From reviewing all of the reported Alumni to-date in the 2016-17 KKPsiAA membership year, we have 25% of those Brothers with the strong likelihood of having been incorrectly reported in the OMRS.  Almost 300 Brothers have potentially missed out on their complimentary first year membership in the KKPsiAA because the Graduating Seniors Report was not used.

One last point – get the Graduating Seniors Report under the noses of your Sponsor and/or Director of Bands at least two weeks BEFORE finals week.  If they have no reason to be on campus but for a final or two, checking their campus email account may be the least of their priorities. Don’t get your report stuck in approval limbo until late August!  The longer it takes for the report to clear all the necessary approvals, the longer it is until your future Alumni are marked correctly in the OMRS.  If they aren’t listed as Alumni, they are not granted membership in the KKPsiAA, are not permitted to join any Local Alumni Associations, and may not be eligible to become Life Members.  Also, incomplete Graduating Seniors Reports can affect the Annual Reports that each Local Alumni Association completes in the Spring. It isn’t fair to your Alumni to neglect or delay the submission of this report!

Thank you very much for tending to these important tasks this week.  Your Brothers deserve it.

Fraternally yours,

 

Alison M. S. Beidler
Chair/Membership Director
Kappa Kappa Psi Alumni Association
alison@kkpsi.org

—

KKΨAA Board of Directors

alumni@kkpsi.org

https://kkpsiaa.kkytbsonline.com

 

The Kappa Kappa Psi Alumni Association is dedicated to supporting the Fraternity. Recognizing that the college band experience should continue after graduation, the Kappa Kappa Psi Alumni Association will focus its efforts on connecting and enriching members from the past, present, and future of college and university bands; promoting lifelong involvement with band; and enhancing the long-term growth and financial viability of Kappa Kappa Psi.