Category Archives: Fraternity News

Chapter Development Grant Award Announced

Posted on by

Brothers,

As National Vice President for Programs, it is my duty to work with the National Council to not only bolster our current programs and initiatives, but to develop new programs that will help our chapters thrive, flourish, and renew. After the 2018 Winter Council Meeting held in San Diego, California, the National Council has approved the Chapter Development Grant. This award, the first of its type, was created to promote leadership and chapter operations training for the brothers and band programs where chapters of Kappa Kappa Psi are located. This promotes the mission of the Fraternity by providing funds to bring one or more presenters to appropriate chapter events.

Chapter Development Grants can be used for topics inclusive of, but not limited to:

  • Fiscal Operations (i.e. Budgeting, Managing Finances, Long and Short Range Planning, etc.)
  • Officer Development Training (i.e. OMRS, Chapter Paperwork, etc.)
  • Chapter and Membership Development (i.e. Brotherhood and Chapter Bonding, Meeting Etiquette, Building Relationships with Directors and Sponsors, Small Chapter Issues and Solutions, etc.)
  • Membership (i.e. Recruitment and Retention, “Road to Wisdom”, Post Membership Education)

Another key component of the award is the reach and inclusion of chapters. The grants are awarded to events that utilize multiple chapter attendance from nearby areas in order to make the most of resources. For example, a chapter requesting a grant will need to make every effort to invite other nearby chapters (i.e. 150-mile radius) to attend. Each grant can be awarded for an amount equaling up to $1000.

It is our hope that chapters will take advantage of this grant in order to strengthen their foundations, bolster networking within their surrounding areas, and reinvigorate their membership. Please check the Kappa Kappa Psi website at www.kkpsi.org after March 15, 2018 for the application and more information under the PROGRAMS tab.

AEA,

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

New Kappa Kappa Psi Colony Announcement

Posted on by

Brothers,

I am proud to announce the beginning of colonization efforts at the following campuses.  This is an exciting moment for these campuses and our Fraternity as we continue to grow and diversify the campuses we serve.  Please welcome these colonists at upcoming District events and congratulate our Colony Advisors that will be assisting them through the process.  Please contact Marco Krcatovich II, National VPCM (mkrcatov@kkpsi.org) with any questions or for more information.

Ball State University (Indiana – North Central)

Advisor: Dee Hibbard

Fayetteville State University (North Carolina – Southeast)

Advisor: Ed Savoy

High Point University (North Carolina – Southeast)

Advisor: Chris Carpenter


AEA

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

Posted on by

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.

Julie Giroux awarded the DSMM

Posted on by

Congratulations to Julie Giroux on receiving The Distinguished Service to Music Medal in the area of Composition! Julie has been exceptional in her field, and that work has had a positive impact on Kappa Kappa Psi and the college band movement. The National Council presented this award at our annual reception at The Midwest Clinic in Chicago, IL. Dr. Nicholas Bratcher, National Vice President for Programs, organized and presented the award on behalf of the National Chapter.

The Distinguished Service to Music Medal is the highest honor awarded by Kappa Kappa Psi. The award, founded at the 1963 National Convention, recognizes those who have contributed “above and beyond” of themselves and their talents to help bands and band music grow in both performance and purpose. Past recipients include Morton Gould, W. Francis McBeth, William Revelli, and Stanley G Finck. The National Council is pleased to recognize Julie Giroux for her contributions and leadership in the band field.

KKPsi-Logo

Kappa Kappa Psi National Communications Team Application

Posted on by

Brothers of Kappa Kappa Psi:

This is a reminder of the application deadline for the Kappa Kappa Psi National Communications Team.  Applications are due via the Jotform by Friday, December 1, 2017!  Please apply to be a part of this wonderful opportunity to promote and support Kappa Kappa Psi!

___________________________________________________________________

At the 2017 National Convention, past Vice President for Student Affairs Zac Humphrey proposed the creation of a National Communications Team to facilitate the sustainability and growth of all communication tools at the disposal of the fraternity on a national level.  This team of Brothers would support the Vice President for Student Affairs (VPSA) officer on the National Council of Kappa Kappa Psi and National Publications Manager and Multimedia Designer (Publications Manager) staff member of National Headquarters of Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma.

Members of the National Communications Team would utilize all forms of communication the fraternity utilizes to reach brothers, whether they are active, alumni, honorary, or life. To this end, they would help fill out social media gaps with posts on a year-round basis, maintain and update the national fraternity’s google calendar with deadlines, as well as district and national event dates, generate content for the national website and The Podium, support the ongoing efforts relating to the fraternity’s podcast, Kappa Kappa Psi Presents, and any other responsibilities as required or deemed necessary by the National Council.   Members of the National Communications Team would be willing to commit 2-10 hours a week of active participation in creating materials as a volunteer on behalf of the fraternity.

Interested brothers that possess skill sets that would contribute positively towards the mission of this team should submit an application providing a clear picture of why they want to participate and what they have to offer, including any example work. Examples could be in the areas of social media, reporting, editing, podcasting, video and/or sound editing, layout and design, or other areas.  Formal experience is not required to apply!

Applicants will complete the application requirements and submit using the JotForm link: (https://tinyurl.com/kkpsicommteam). All requirements must be included in order to submit a completed application. Applications and materials should be submitted by Friday, December 1, 2017 via JotForm.

Applicant Requirements:

  • Must be an Active, Life, Alumni, or Honorary member of Kappa Kappa Psi in good standing
  • Experience in communications, public relations, broadcasting, media, pod casting, journalism, graphic design, or other related fields.
  • Letter of Intent which outlines what contributions you feel you can make to the team, as well as ideas for ways to increase or improve communication within the fraternity.
  • Resume/Vita
  • Two Letters of Recommendation
  • At least one example of multimedia work

Please submit completed applications via JotForm by Friday, December 1, 2017. If you have any questions, please contact National Vice President for Student Affairs, Jessica Lee at (jessicalee@kkpsi.org).

AEA,

Jessica Lee
National Vice President for Student Affairs

Founders Day Message 2017

Posted on by

Brothers:

November 27, 1919 will live forever in our history as the beginning of an organization that has become the standard for musicianship, leadership, and service within college and university bands. Our existence is defined by the bonds of friendship that we share, and our commitment to building an inclusive community that builds its members up to be outstanding leaders, brothers, and human beings. As John Philip Sousa believed, we are the ones who will carry on the work started and continue to promote music and appreciate its performance. We will also carry on the example of our Founders by dedicating ourselves to excellence in all we do for our chapters and band programs.

Our Founder, William A. Scroggs said, “No organization on the campus should be more sought after for membership, no honor should be more appreciated by the fortunate few than by those affiliated with Kappa Kappa Psi.” He believed that what you get out of your membership in Kappa Kappa Psi is determined by what you put into it. Our band programs depend on our leadership and selfless service. We should all dedicate ourselves to this ideal and live up to the trust placed in us as Brothers.

During this holiday season, reflect on all that matters to you and be grateful for all that you have. Seize on opportunities to serve and give back to your community, university, and bands. Promote fellowship and kindness within your circles, and be mindful of those who are struggling.

Kappa Kappa Psi is fortunate to have each of you affiliated with our work as an active member, director, sponsor, alumni, life, honorary, or friend. The Founders’ Spirit that was brought to life 98 years ago, lives on in our dedication to leadership, fellowship, and better music. Embrace this spirit and dedicate yourselves to its positive example.

I wish you all a Happy Founders’ Day!

AEA,

Evan L. Thompson
National President
Kappa Kappa Psi

INSTALLATION OF NU SIGMA CHAPTER AT CAL POLY STATE – POMONA

Posted on by

Brothers:

I am pleased to announce the installation of the Nu Sigma Chapter (#330) at California Polytechnic State University – Pomona in Pomona, California. This is the first installation of the biennium, and 15th Chapter in the Western District!

Brothers from Mu Phi at Fullerton College served as the ritual chapter, and brothers from Theta Beta, Iota Alpha, Iota Pi, and Psi were present. Western District Governor, Charlene Ronne, and Western District Secretary-Treasurer, Micki Welther were also in attendance. Dr. Nicholas Bratcher, National Vice President for Programs, served as the Installing Officer.

Please send notes of congratulations to the Chapter President Nicole Gage at nicole_gage12@yahoo.com.

Congratulations to Nu Sigma! Welcome to the brotherhood!

AEA,

—

Marco A. Krcatovich II

National Vice President for Colonization and Membership

mkrcatov@kkpsi.org

November is the Month of Musicianship

Posted on by

Greetings Brothers,

Our Month of Musicianship is almost here, and I cannot wait to see how you will collaborate and celebrate one of our Fraternity’s primary initiatives! One of the ways that we, as Brothers of Kappa Kappa Psi, are connected is through our love of music. Music is our universal language, and our Fraternity is connected by a set of ideals and values that extends throughout all of our membership. Perhaps the most prominent of these ideals, are the five purposes of Kappa Kappa Psi.

This November, I challenge all of us…active, associate, conditional, honorary, life, and alumni brothers, to find and implement creative and supportive ways to advocate for our greatest art and reconnect the Month of Musicianship to our purposes.

(1) To promote the existence and welfare of the college and university bands and to cultivate at large a wholesome respect for their activities and achievements.
• Find musical activities that promote your college band program. This could be an information display table on your college band and their upcoming activities in the student union; display a history of your band program (including prominent performances and accolades) in your school and/or local paper.
• Volunteer to usher at a university concert (band or otherwise), or help supplement a section for a college concert band by sitting in on your instrument.
• Reach out to support local schools and build bridges of recruitment into your alma mater.

(2) To honor outstanding bandmembers through privilege of membership extended as a reward for technical achievement and appreciation for the best in music.
• Host a music recital and invite your most outstanding bandsmen to perform with your Chapter brothers.
• Set up a lab band for conducting students to practice conducting.

(3) To stimulate campus leadership and promulgate an uncompromising respect through the medium of the college band for gracious conduct, good taste and unswerving loyalty.
• Invite other campus students and leaders to celebrate Month of Musicianship with your Chapter.
• Work with your band director and put on a “Conduct-Us” event. This involves having non-band members to conduct a university band in public performance in order to promote and advocate for leadership and music education.

(4) To foster a close relationship between college bands and promote a high average of attainment by the performance of good music and selection of worthwhile projects.
• Promote music off campus by performing good and worthwhile musical projects.
• Take a small combo to a nursing home; elementary school; or preschool.
• Provide master classes at an area middle school or high school. Make sure you get the director’s permission.
• Join a community band in your area (or start your own)!

(5) To provide a pleasant and helpful social experience for all engaged in college band work and to cooperate with other musical organizations in any manner consistent with the purposes of the institution at which chapters are located.
• The Month of Musicianship is important, yes. But, it’s also important to have fun!
• Host a karaoke night in your band room; perhaps with a live combo providing the music.
• If applicable, work with other organizations on your campus…like our wonderful Sisters in Tau Beta Sigma, or our other musical relatives (i.e. Phi Mu Alpha and Sigma Alpha Iota).

While this list has many ideas to implement, there are countless other ways that our brotherhood can celebrate and bring the love of bands and music to others. As always, we encourage you to take photos and post them to your Chapter’s social media and other platforms. Also, submit them to our online PODIUM at podium@kkytbs.org so that we can post them the Kappa Kappa Psi social media outlets as well.

Finally, be sure to use the OFFICIAL hashtag #MusicCharmsNovember, created by the Month of Musicianship Hashtag Contest Winner, Emily Durie, from the Nu chapter at the University of Michigan. Congratulations Emily!

Good luck y’all, and keep striving!

Nicholas Bratcher, Ed.D.
National Vice President for Programs
Kappa Kappa Psi

MONTH OF MUSICIANSHIP HASHTAG CONTEST

Posted on by

Greetings Brothers!

I can’t believe we are halfway through October. This means that next month is our Month of Musicianship! The Month of Musicianship is very near and dear to me, not only because of Kappa Kappa Psi, but because of my profession as a college band director. That being said, your National Council is working on new and exciting ways for your chapters to promote and advocate music in the coming weeks.

One of the ways we’d like to do this is giving our brotherhood a chance to make their mark on our Month of Musicianship through our first ever MONTH OF MUSICIANSHIP HASHTAG CONTEST! From now until October 18th, we want our brothers to post their idea for a Month of Musicianship hashtag. The National Council will select an idea to be the official hashtag for the Month of Musicianship! THE WINNING PERSON’S POST WILL GET THEIR DISTRICT CONVENTION REGISTRATION FEE PAID FOR THIS YEAR!

Get creative! We can’t wait to see the ideas you come up with! I will announce the winner, as well as post goals I’d like to see Chapters strive to achieve during our Month of Musicianship on our Facebook page shortly after October 18th. Good Luck to everyone!

AEA,

Nicholas Bratcher, Ed.D.
National Vice President for Programs
Kappa Kappa Psi

Last Council Update before National Convention 2017!

Posted on by

Happy Friday!

We are T-11 days until the opening session of the 2017 National Convention of Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma. Because we are now under two weeks away, the national leadership felt it was a good time to post some reminders about business to be discussed and about the logistics of the event itself. As always, if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Alright, let’s get down to brass tacks, this year’s convention has a few big ticket items in terms of business, the national curriculum framework proposal, The Road to Wisdom, national officer elections, and the fraternity ritual being off its ten-year moratorium. But there are also a lot of other, more general reminders relating to national convention and the work of the national council. So let’s get started:

The Road to Wisdom

First up, the national curriculum proposal, The Road to Wisdom. The framework that the Curriculum committee has been working on this biennium will be presented to the Colonization and Membership committee during convention where it will then be debated and discussed.

Many of you have been asking to see more materials relating to this curriculum, and you’re in luck! The committee, working with our National Publications Manager, Robert Bratcher, has uploaded PDFs of the Vice President Teach Manual and the MC Guidebook on the national convention website here. These are up to date as of today, July 7, 2017.

In addition to those amazing resources, there are other documents for your perusal, such as a Rationale Statement and planning guides for the Spring and Fall semesters. I would also steer you to the fraternity’s podcast, Kappa Kappa Psi Presents, as we have devoted a number of episodes to the curriculum over the past six months. Specifically, I recommend the following episodes: 24, 26, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 38, 52, and 52a. I would especially suggest you listen to both 52 and 52a as they are the most recent and 52a is filled with brothers from the pilot chapters who actually used the curriculum this year as part of the membership education process. You can find all those and more here.

And if all that still isn’t enough, you can always reach out to the committee itself by sending an email to curriculum@kkpsi.org.

Kappa Kappa Psi Officer Elections

As you know, the election process was changed at the last national convention, in Lexington, Kentucky. As such, the slate of candidates has already been announced by the nominations committee. You can find their report here. You can find a list of all of the candidates along with introduction video clips here. Episode 39 of the podcast also features the audio content of the introduction videos, you can find that here.

Kappa Kappa Psi Ritual

Next, the Kappa Kappa Psi ritual! As many are aware, National President Jack Lee and National Vice President for Colonization and Membership Evan Thompson created the Ritual Performance and Education committee this biennium. They asked me, your National Vice President for Student Affairs, to serve as chair. We were charged with reviewing the entire ritual book and compiling a list of updates with respect to the performance and preparation language. The committee submitted its convention report to Jack earlier this week, and I can say we were very thorough.

It was an humbling experience and I am excited to see the conversations that take place within the Ritual and Regalia committee in a few days. Due to the secrecy of the ritual, I cannot provide even an overview of the suggested changes on this platform, but know that our committee did not make any recommendations that altered content within the ritual–our work was about the performance of the ritual so that the lessons and values it teaches can be articulated in the best way possible!

Also, I want to get  everyone excited for all of the ritual related content that will be presented at national convention. There were be a number of workshops centered on our ritual and I am excited to see the conversations that take place!

National Council Feedback

I also would like to remind everyone that the council has their summer meeting directly in front of national convention. So if there is something you want to be sure we discuss, please don’t hesitate to submit your feedback here.

Other Reminders and Updates

With the big items out of the way, here are some other reminders:

National Convention is happening July 18th-22nd at the Buena Vista Palace resort in Orlando, Florida. You can find more information regarding registration, schedules and workshop descriptions, along with any other information you’d need here.

Be sure to use promo code ZKDZP when booking your SuperShuttle to the Buena Vista Palace for NatCon and save 10% on your trip! For more information click here.

Remember that as this is an official fraternity event, our attendance policy will be in full effect. Please refer here for more information on what to bring to verify your status as a brother in good standing.

I am excited to also share the following information with you! This afternoon, our National Executive Director, Steve Nelson received confirmation from the hotel of the following:

– All attendees will now receive complimentary parking.
– Attendees will receive a 15% discount off food purchases in the hotel’s restaurants
– Complimentary wifi will be available in meeting rooms (for light use, not for streaming or downloading of large files/videos)

If you are interested in spending the free day on Thursday at a theme park, there are also discounts available to us through the national convention website. Click on the attraction tickets menu and follow the directions for whichever parks you are interested in visiting. Deadlines for those discounts are fast approaching.

Also, remember to plan for the weather! It will be the middle to end of July in Florida! It will be hot, humid, and will probably storm in the afternoons. And while your packing, make sure to include not only your swimsuit for the awesome lazy river. But also be sure to pack your coolest letters and your best school spirit gear (for the fight song competition after banquet on Saturday).

Also, for situational awareness purposes, I wanted to share the closest non-Disney Springs/Hotel food and grocery options. There is a shopping center just off I-4 and just outside the resort property where you can find a Gooding’s (grocery store), McDonalds, Taco Bell, Waffle House, Chevy’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, TGI Fridays, Sweet Tomatoes, and more. This is about a 2 mile or 30 minute walk, which I have done it before when I stayed at another hotel around the corner from the Buena Vista Palace. Directions/google map of the area can be found here.

Be sure to add the fraternity and sorority’s google calendar that is being updated with national convention events with date/time/room locations here.

If you have any other questions between now and then, please don’t hesitate to reach out! You can either send an email to myself at zac@kkpsi.org or you can call national headquarters at (405)372-2333.

Keep striving and seen you real soon!

Zachary T. Humphrey
National Vice President for Student Affairs