Category Archives: Fraternity News

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

Installation of Nu Tau Chapter at High Point University

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Brothers:

I am pleased to announce the installation of the Nu Tau Chapter (#331) at High Point University in High Point, North Carolina. This is the second installation of the biennium and the brothers at Nu Tau join a growing Southeast District of our Fraternity!

Brothers from Kappa Zeta at Wake Forest University and Iota Omicron at Appalachian State University served as the ritual chapters, and brothers from Kappa Zeta, Iota Zeta, Iota Omicron, Omicron, and Zeta Eta were present. Southeast District Governor Latrondrick Hunter served as the Installing Officer and Chris Carpenter served as our Colony Advisor and will continue to work with the chapter for the coming first year as a part of our Brotherhood.

Please send notes of congratulations to the Chapter President Carolina Hull at chull@highpoint.edu.

Congratulations to Nu Tau! Welcome to the brotherhood!

AEA,
Marco A. Krcatovich II
National Vice President for Colonization and Membership

Chapter Development Grant Award Announced

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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

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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)

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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.

Julie Giroux awarded the DSMM

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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