Category Archives: Official Statements

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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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

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

Thanksgiving Message from the National President

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Brothers:

Thankfulness and gratitude are virtues seen very little in our world today. Many people do not recognize those around them, and they live in a space dedicated only to self-interest and ego. But as brothers of Kappa Kappa Psi, we understand the power of gratitude and its impact on our relationships and our service. As brothers, we are called to believe in one another, show respect to one another, and make our values known to all.

President John F. Kennedy said, “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” Be mindful of others and seek to foster a spirit of brotherly love each day by saying ‘thank you’ and showing care for others. Don’t pay lip service to our values. Live them each and every day.

Have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving! My best to each of you for wonderful memories with friends and family!

AEA,
Evan

2017-2019 Kappa Kappa Psi Alumni Association Board of Directors

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Dear Brothers,

The Kappa Kappa Psi Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the 2017-2019 Kappa Kappa Psi Alumni Association Board of Directors. They are as follows:

Daniel Miller, chair
Nicholas Bratcher
Brent Cannon
Erin Cooper
Kelly Nellis
Nic Rorrer
Jennifer Taylor
Bret Zawilski

Please join us in congratulating and thanking these brothers as they continue to build on the great work done by the current AABOD. Also, join us in expressing our appreciation to the 2015-2017 AABOD for their service to our fraternity. The Kappa Kappa Psi Alumni Association is in a very good place and it is exciting see what the future holds for our Alumni brothers.

AEA
Rod Chesnutt, Chair
Kappa Kappa Psi Board of Trustees

Call For Nominations 2017

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The National Committee on Nominations invites interested and qualified individuals to submit their name and qualifications for the following positions for the 2017-2019 Biennium: National Vice President for Colonization and Membership, National Vice President for Programs, National Vice President for Student Affairs, and the Board of Trustees (3 at-large seats).

(This process is detailed in the Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity National Constitution.)

INTERESTED INDIVIDUALS SHOULD MEET THE FOLLOWING BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Be at least twenty-five (25) years of age. (for every office except Vice President for Student Affairs)

• Completed at least four (4) years of college work.

• Possess outstanding business or professional ability.

• Capable of representing the Fraternity under all ordinary conditions.

• Willing and able to devote the necessary time to the execution of the duties imposed by the office.

• Attendance at National Convention.

Specific officer or trustee responsibilities may be obtained by contacting the National Headquarters of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity at (405) 372-2333.

INTERESTED INDIVIDUALS MUST SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION NO LATER THAN JANUARY 15, 2017:

• Letter of intent which identifies the position being sought, why it is being sought, what contributions you can make in that office, and information detailing how you meet the above basic qualifications. Highlight band and fraternity experience.

• Resume/Vita.

• Candidates should make it clear in their letter of intent whether they would be available to be nominated into a position other than the primary one indicated by their letter of intent.

• Three letters of recommendation, one of which should be within the applicant’s profession.

• A campaign statement and biographical profile for publication on the web site as the Election Newsletter to be available at the 2017 District Conventions and to individual chapters. A sample statement and biographical profile from a prior Election Newsletter can be obtained from the National Headquarters.

• One photograph, suitable for publication.

QUESTIONS MAY BE ADDRESSED TO THE NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS AT:

(405) 372-2333 or kkytbs@kkytbs.org.

SUBMIT MATERIALS (NOT LATER THAN JANUARY 15, 2017) TO:

Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity
Committee on Nominations
Post Office Box 849
Stillwater, OK 74076-0849

or electronically to kkytbs@kkytbs.org

Statement on Situation at The Ohio State University

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Brothers,

Like many of you, the National Leadership Team of Kappa Kappa Psi has been monitoring the situation at The Ohio State University.  We want to extend our deepest thoughts and well wishes to the Eta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi, the Chi chapter of Tau Beta Sigma, and The Ohio State University community.

We have been in contact with the chapter sponsor, and through him, some of the university band staff.  Thankfully, we have been informed that all chapter members are safe and well.

This will be a time of healing for Buckeyes around the world.  As a National Leadership Team, we offer support for our chapter, individual brothers, and The Ohio State University Bands as they finish this fall term.

AEA,

KKΨ National Leadership Team

Founder’s Day Message 2016

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KKPsi-Logo

Brothers and Friends of Kappa Kappa Psi,

Today marks 97 years since the founding of Kappa Kappa Psi. A Fraternity that started with 10 men, has expanded to where we are today: over 6000 active members from all walks of life, chapters and colonies on 217 college and university campuses, and thousands of alumni that to this day, honor their commitment to walk ever in the ways of Kappa Kappa Psi.

There is no doubt that today is a day that our Brothers and Friends should celebrate. However, it is also a day that we should remind ourselves of our ritualistic obligations and charge. As a chapter, I encourage you to review the ritual together. Make time during your chapter meetings to do so. As an individual member, I challenge you to hold true to our ritual and its lessons. Study it. Learn it. Live it.

In 1923, our then publication, The Baton, summarized the purpose of our founding:

“Kappa Kappa Psi was founded for a great and definite purpose. Believing that better music and better bands would be the result of such an organization, the Fraternity was organized to foster a close relationship and co-operation within the band, to co-operate with the direction in making a better band for the institution, to raise the standard of music in our American universities, to own an organization that bandmembers may stand together in a time of need and to organize university bandmembers from which professional band leaders may select musicians for their bands at any time in a systematic way.”

Since then, we have worked to fulfill that purpose through the initiation of men and women that have a desire to see the success of their college and university band programs. We have sought to fulfill the purposes of this great Fraternity for the betterment of our band programs, our universities, and our chapters. We have worked to support our Brothers of Kappa Kappa Psi and our Sisters of Tau Beta Sigma in ways that have created life-long friendships. We have stood together in times of difficulty as well as times of celebration.

Brothers, we have much to be thankful for!

Today, I challenge our Brothers and Friends to celebrate our founding by sharing with your Brothers, Sisters, friends, family, and colleagues why you are thankful for them and for Kappa Kappa Psi. Celebrate by sharing a message of gratitude and love. I am thankful that our Founders pushed their friendships to commitment and started this 97 year journey. I am thankful for where Kappa Kappa Psi stands today. I am thankful for each and every one of you. I am #ThankfulForKKPsi.

AEA,
Jack D. Lee
National President
Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity
www.kkpsi.org

Joint Statement on Military Bands

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To the Brothers and Sisters of Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma,

The National Leadership of Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma take great pride in the work our organizations do in service to college and university bands. We also take pride in the many members of our organizations who actively serve in the United States Military.

To that end, you may be aware of legislation making its way through the United States Congress regarding the funding of military service bands and their activities. An amendment attached to the version of the 2017 Defense Appropriations Act passed by the House of Representatives is currently awaiting action by the United States Senate. This legislation, if passed into law would severely reduce the permissible activities of said groups, removing parades, concerts, and other performances that do not directly support official ceremonial activities.

While our primary mission is the support of college and university bands, we as joint organizations feel it is important to inform our members when actions being taken impact the greater band community. If this is something that you feel very strongly about, we encourage you to reach out to your United States Senators and voice your support for bands of all kinds, including those that serve in the military capacity. If you are not sure how to contact your Senator (or do not know who that might be), please go here: http://www.senate.gov/senators/contact/. 

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Kathryn D. Kelly, M.D.
National President for Tau Beta Sigma
“We provide exceptional service to collegiate bands and promote equality and diversity, including empowering women in the band profession. We cultivate leadership, educational achievement, music appreciation and community development.” – Tau Beta Sigma Mission Statement

Jack Lee
National President for Kappa Kappa Psi
“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.” – Kappa Kappa Psi Mission Statement