Category Archives: HQ Announcements

Official Notice of KKΨ National Convention

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In accordance with Section 3.403 of the Kappa Kappa Psi National Constitution, official notice is hereby given that,

The National Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi will meet in National Convention

July 18-22, 2017
Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace
1900 E. Buena Vista Drive
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

In preparation for our upcoming National Convention this summer in Orlando, Florida, the fraternity’s constitution requires that the National Executive Director and the National Vice President for Student Affairs publish any relevant information that our membership needs to be informed about the upcoming meeting. Below you will find a short summary of both an initial agenda and topics that will be discussed.

As with all national conventions, the commissioning of a new piece of band literature through the joint effort of the National Intercollegiate Band with Tau Beta Sigma, the review of our national constitution, the passing of a budget, and the election of officers are key priorities. As you know, the election process was changed in 2015 at our last national convention in Lexington, Kentucky. This will be the first implementation of that new process and a review will be done of its efficacy. In addition, many guest speakers and leadership development sessions are planned for the continuing education of all members in attendance.

At this national convention, the 10-year moratorium on changes to our Ritual expires. As has been mentioned for the past several months, this does not mean that the ritual will be rewritten. Instead, the focus of the Ritual and Regalia committee will be to ensure that any necessary updates are made with respect to changes made to our guiding documents (constitution, policies, and various statements).

There is also a goal to enhance the performance aspects of the ritual by providing better guidance within our ritual book itself. The Ritual Performance and Education committee was created this biennium to propose changes to the instructions and preparation pages of the ritual. This committee will be on hand throughout the district convention season to chat with brothers about their ongoing efforts. If you’d like to reach out to the committee, you can do so by sending an email to RitualEducation@kkpsi.org.

We will also discuss the implementation of a national curriculum, entitled “The Road to Wisdom,” that is the product of a multi-biennial effort to provide our chapters with a framework for educating new members. There will be plenty of room for chapters to retain their individual identities, the curriculum being proposed is focused on providing more structure to the overall process. It will do so by setting benchmarks on bringing in new brothers to the fraternity, with the focus more on what it takes to be a successful and productive active member. Members of the curriculum committee will be available throughout the district convention season to answer questions and have conversations on their ongoing work. If you would like to reach out to the committee, you can do so by sending an email to Curriculum@kkpsi.org.

Several constitutional changes will be reviewed.  One such constitutional amend would create an appointed member to the Kappa Kapp Psi Board of Trustees.  This additional voting member would fill a gap in expertise or experience as deemed needed.  Additional constitutional changes may be recommended as we approach national convention.  These will be published on the national convention website.

National Convention is taking place in the Buena Vista Palace hotel in Orlando, Florida. Registration for the convention is $140. If you have questions or need more information regarding the upcoming National Convention, please visit the convention website here: http://natcon.kkytbsonline.com/. You can also contact our National Headquarters with any questions you have by calling (405)372-2333 or email our National Executive Director Steve Nelson at nelson@kkytbs.org.

A short outline of the daily agenda for the convention itself follows:

  • July 18 – Opening Joint and Separate Sessions, Seating of Delegates, NIB Concert
  • July 19 – Committee Meetings and Workshops
  • July 20 – Free Day for Orlando parks
  • July 21 – Separate Session, Committee Meetings and Workshops
  • July 22 – Closing Separate and Joint Sessions, National Elections, Convention Banquet

If you have specific questions for your National Council, there are a couple ways to get in touch. You can visit https://www.kkpsi.org/vpsa/ and click on the button at the bottom that mentions leaving feedback and questions for the National Council. You can also send an email to any or all of the National Council:

President:  Jack Lee – lee.jack.d@gmail.com

Vice President for Colonization and Membership:  Evan Thompson – evan@kkpsi.org

Vice President for Programs:  Marco Krcatovich – mkrcatovich@gmail.com

Vice President for Student Affairs:  Zac Humphrey – zac@kkpsi.org

Vice President for Professional Relations:  Douglas Stotter – dstotter@uta.edu

Immediate Past National President:  Christine Beason – beasonchristine@kkpsi.org

Chair for the Board of Trustees:  Rod Chesnutt – rchesnutt@fgcu.edu

Vice Chair for the Board of Trustees:  Adam Cantley – adamcantley@kkpsi.org

Chair for the KKΨ Alumni Association BOD:  Alison Beidler – alison@kkpsi.org

Thank you for taking the time to read this and we look forward to seeing you this July in Orlando, Florida!

The opening Joint Session with Tau Beta Sigma is expected to begin on July 18th at 2pm.  The seating of delegates will follow.

Sincerely,

Zac Humphrey
National Vice President for Student Affairs

Steven C. Nelson
National Executive Director
Kappa Kappa Psi & Tau Beta Sigma

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Zachary T. Humphrey
National Vice President for Student Affairs
Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity
zac@kkpsi.org

Steve Nelson
National Executive Director
Kappa Kappa Psi / Tau Beta Sigma National Headquarters
PO Box 849, Stillwater, OK 74076
ph: 405-372-2333 / fax: 405-372-2363
www.kkpsi.org / www.tbsigma.org / www.kkytbs.org
2017 National Convention / July 18 – 22 / Orlando, Florida

Boh’s Birthday Bash Announcement

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Brothers,

Tomorrow would have been the 138th birthday of the Guiding Spirit of Kappa Kappa Psi, Bohumil Makovsky.  Help us celebrate the guidance and support that Boh provided to our founding fathers and the fraternity as a whole through his service as a band director, National Council member and member of the Board of Trustees by purchasing a Life Membership in his honor. To recognize this special day, Kappa Kappa Psi is reducing the cost of our Life Membership by 20% for one day only. Benefits of Life Membership include:

  • 1.       Access to Kappa Kappa Psi Events and Conventions
  • 2.       Free Annual Membership in the Kappa Kappa Psi Alumni Association
  • 3.       A subscription to the Podium
  • 4.       Your personal life membership number, card, shingle, and pin

Through your purchase of life membership, you are also donating to the Kappa Kappa Psi Trust Fund. This fund ensures the success of programs such as our National Intercollegiate Band. Any Alumni in good standing or Honorary member is eligible to receive Life Membership. Seniors in their last year of active membership may also purchase Life Membership. Already have a life Membership?  Life Membership can also be purchased as gift for another eligible brother.

To purchase your life membership please visit http://www.kkpsi.org/life-membership-2/ tomorrow.

This reduced price will only be available from midnight to midnight (Central Daylight Time) on September 23rd, and can only be purchased online. Paper forms will not be eligible for the reduced price. If you have questions, please contact our National Headquarters at 1-800-543-6505.

Melbern Nixon, past National President and former student of Boh’s recalls the influence Boh had on his students and in having higher goals, “… I think this is partly where Kappa Kappa Psi comes in.  As these members observed him morning after morning in band rehearsal, they began to grasp that these things, all put together, formed a philosophy, and that philosophy of Boh’s became Kappa Kappa Psi.  It is very evident in the initiation ceremony…That’s why people like A. Frank Martin, Scroggs, and others grasped Boh’s philosophies and put them together in the form of an organization.”  Show that you share a commitment to Boh’s philosophies by becoming a Life Member of Kappa Kappa Psi.

Happy Birthday Boh and AEA,
Kappa Kappa Psi Leadership

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Founded in 1919 at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma, Kappa Kappa Psi is the leading fraternity solely dedicated to supporting and developing college and university band programs. Kappa Kappa Psi has affiliation with over 210 college and university campuses across the United States of America. Guided by our values, mission and ritual, Kappa Kappa Psi is purposefully working towards our vision; With a dedicated spirit of unity and cooperation, we are unequivocally committed to become the world standard of excellence for band fraternal organizations. Collectively, Kappa Kappa Psi members are inspiring one another and all college band members to Strive for the Highest.

2016-2018 Chapter Field Representatives Announcement

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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. We have been served the past two years by two outstanding brothers. I would like to extend my thanks and congratulations to Andy Melvin and Chris Young for their service to Kappa Kappa Psi. The fraternity is better because of their leadership and service.

Kappa Kappa Psi has recently completed the interview process for the National Chapter Field Representative Position. I cannot begin to detail the level of the applications that were received throughout the most recent months. This is an indication of the leadership abilities that are being developed in chapters throughout the country. Our selection committee interviewed four outstanding finalists this past weekend in Stillwater, OK.

It is my honor to introduce our two newest CFRs who will be joining our Professional Staff:

Alaina Peters (alainarpeters@gmail.com) is from Arizona State University and was initiated into the Beta Omicron chapter in the Spring of 2013. She will graduate this spring with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education. She is enrolled in the Honors College at ASU and recently presented her thesis More Than Teachers: A Study of How Band Directors Handle Student Grief. She has served Beta Omicron in a variety of positions including Secretary and President. In addition, she has served as a presenter and committee chair for Western District Leadership Conference and Convention. The Western District recognized her with the Ideal Active Achievement Award in 2014. She is currently completing her student teaching at Desert Ridge High School in Mesa, AZ.

Justin Chesak (jchesak@unm.edu) is from the University of New Mexico and was initiated into the Gamma Iota chapter in the Fall of 2011. He will graduate this spring with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Psychology. Justin served two terms as his chapter’s Vice President of Membership and is the current President. He served as Vice President of the Southwest District for the 2015-2016 school year and chaired the Colonization & Membership Committee at the 2015 National Convention in Lexington, Kentucky. Justin has also served as a campus tour guide and equipment manager for the Spirit of New Mexico Marching Band.

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 Jack Lee, National Executive Director Steve Nelson, National Office Manager Di Spiva, Chapter & Colony Education Coordinator Yvonne Daye and our entire National Headquarters Staff for all their work this past weekend in Stillwater.

AEA,

Evan L. Thompson
National Vice President for Colonization & Membership
Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity
evan@kkpsi.org

Notification of Dues Increase

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Just a few short weeks ago, the National Chapters met at the 2015 National Convention to participate in numerous leadership development activities, elect our new National Council and Board of Trustees members, and to attend to other business of the Fraternity/Sorority.  Over the next month, you will receive further updates about the changes to come out of convention, but we wanted to call your attention to one change that will begin to affect members immediately.

The 2015-2017 biennial budget for each organization was reviewed and approved by the Ways & Means Committee and then adopted by the majority of the National Chapter in attendance in Lexington.  After a period of six years with no dues increase, both organizations have voted to raise dues and initiate fees by $15 effective for the 2015-2016 school year.  This increase is to cover the growth of the organization, allow for increased development of our programs, and to support several capital improvement projects at our National Headquarters properties.  The following table lists all chapter and membership fees for the 2015-17 biennium:

Active, Conditional, Associate Membership Dues

$100.00 (On-Time)

$125.00 (Late)

Initiate Fees

$110.00 (On-Time)

$137.50 (Late)

Chapter Fee

$75.00 (On-Time)

$93.75 (Late)

Honorary Initiation Fees

$50.00 (On-Time)

$62.50 (Late)

It is important that all chapter officers check to see if they have any pending forms in the OMRS.  These fee changes will go into effect on Friday 8/14.  Once the fees are updated in the OMRS, all pending forms with a balance due will be updated to the current fee structure listed above.

Kappa Kappa Psi & Tau Beta Sigma Announce Search for National Executive Director

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A copy of the following announcement may be found here.

Kappa Kappa Psi & Tau Beta Sigma – National Executive Director: Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma seek a dynamic, innovative, and accomplished administrator to fill the role of National Executive Director. The ideal candidate possesses skills in both office and non-profit management, with significant experience in strategic planning, budget administration, and finance. The National Executive Director manages the National Headquarter Staff and must have established knowledge of Greek lettered organizations. Due to the nature of the organization and the position, familiarity with the collegiate band world is essential. The National Executive Director must be able to organize events such as, but not limited to, conventions, conferences, strategic meetings, financial planning sessions, and musical and special events. The National Executive Director represents both Kappa Kappa Psi & Tau Beta Sigma at professional conferences. Therefore, the candidate should be willing to travel, interact with the student and alumni membership, work with collegiate faculty and administrators, and promote our organizations to colleges and universities. The position reports to the national presidents & board chairs of both organizations.

Qualifications: Applicants need a graduate degree (preferred), though candidates with a bachelor’s degree may be considered with equivalent professional experience. Applicants should possess substantial administration experience in either Greek lettered organizations and/or music administration and demonstrate effective leadership. Candidates must have strong communication skills along with staffing experience including hiring and management. Applicants should have experience promoting organizations, groups and/or institutions as well as in development and financial planning. Applicants must submit a letter of intent, resume or curriculum vitae, and at least three professional references. Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. A copy of the applicant’s transcript from the institution where the highest degree was earned is also required.

Submit Applications Materials: Applications are due on April 15, 2014, and may be sent electronically to nedsearch@kkytbsonline.com or via USPS. Both PDF files and Word attachments will be accepted. USPS applications should be mailed to: ATTN: NED Job Search, Kappa Kappa Psi/Tau Beta Sigma National Headquarters, P.O. Box 849, Stillwater, OK 74076. Applications will be reviewed beginning April 15, and the position will remain open until filled. Preferred start date is June 1 in Stillwater, OK. Relocation to Stillwater, OK is required. Kappa Kappa Psi & Tau Beta Sigma is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Chartered in 1919, the Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity promotes the advancement of college and university bands through dedicated service and support to bands; comprehensive education; leadership opportunities; and recognition; for the benefit of its members and society.

Established in 1946, the Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority provides service to collegiate bands, encourages the advancement of women in the band profession, and promotes and enriches an appreciation of band music through recognition, leadership development, and education of its members.
We remain committed to the advancement of college bands, and our thousands of members at more than 200 colleges and universities who will continue to strive for the highest and work for greater bands on their own campuses and nationwide

Headquarters Announcement

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Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma learned on Friday, Nov. 8, 2013 that Alan Bonner, Lt. Col. USAF (Ret.), National Executive Director, has been arrested in a larger action by the Stillwater Police Department. Effective immediately, both organizations have placed Col. Bonner on paid leave as we allow the legal process to take its course, and expect to cooperate fully with all aspects of any upcoming investigations.

The organizations are committed to take actions that are in congruence with our personnel policies, and look forward to the resolution of the issues at hand.

The organizations have appointed Diana Spiva, a longtime member of the National Headquarters staff, Interim Executive Director pending the outcome of these investigations.

Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma are each committed to the advancement of college bands, and our work on behalf of students and directors continues fully.

For further information, please contact the National President of Kappa Kappa Psi, Mrs. Christine Beason, or the National President of Tau Beta Sigma, Dr. Nicole Sanchez.

Fraternally yours,

Christine Beason
Kappa Kappa Psi
National President