Kappa Kappa Psi is excited to formally launch our leadership development program The Founders’ Circle. This program includes written lessons and resources developed by Past National President Dr. Kirk Randazzo, guided questions, and in person presentations at our District and National Conventions. You can go to www.kkpsi.org/founderscircle to access these materials (the password for accessing these materials is the Fraternity password. Once you complete a level of The Founders’ Circle, let us know HERE and we’ll recognize you for your achievement! We are currently working on a process for applying to be a presenter for The Founders’ Circle, so stay tuned for more information!
Category Archives: Official Statements
Founders’ Day Message 2021
|
Brothers,
What does it mean to celebrate Founders’ Day?
This is a moment to truly celebrate! For 102 years, our organization has withstood the test of time. Our values are the same as they were when 10 bandsmen came together and created an organization in the image of their director. We celebrate the opportunity to serve college bands with honor, integrity, respect, and loyalty. We celebrate our relationship and our shared mission with Tau Beta Sigma. We celebrate our chapters, our Brothers, our connection and the spirit of servant leadership. We celebrate the precious gift of music, and the magic it brings when we join together in harmony. This is also a moment of reflection. I think of how far we have come in 102 years. Certainly – I would not be here as your National President. Throughout the years, we have grown and adapted as an organization. Our acknowledgement, inclusion, and acceptance of people of color, women, and the LGBTQIA community demonstrates our growth as an organization that cares about the people who serve in it. But at the same time, we must also acknowledge that we haven’t always gotten it right, and that when we reflect on our successes, we must also reflect on the moments that we could have done better and done more. I hope that this sentiment continues to drive us forward as a better Kappa Kappa Psi. Finally, this is a moment of gratitude. I’m thankful for my home chapter at Lock Haven, for the amazing experience playing in the LHU Band, and that seven people saw something in me to offer me an invitation for membership in Kappa Kappa Psi. I’m thankful for the many Brothers I have met over the years, at conventions, over zoom, and from countless chapters across the country who have touched my life. I’m thankful for the opportunity to serve all of you as your National President. I’m especially thankful for the ability to play music with one another, to have a shared experience that connects and brings joy, love, and light to all.  In the March 1923 Baton, Grand President Scott Squyres wrote an article about the greater fraternity. In it he says, “The entire success of the fraternity depends on your individual continued cooperation. You only get out of a thing what you put into it. HAVE YOU PUT ALL YOU CAN INTO KAPPA KAPPA PSI?” In July, I asked you if you were with me – to help reCHARGE Kappa Kappa Psi. Ask yourself – are you truly putting all you can into Kappa Kappa Psi? Are you working to serve your college or university band? Are you striving to live our values, as we make bands, and the world at large, a better place? Are you working to reCHARGE Kappa Kappa Psi through your actions as a Brother, as a chapter, as an alumnus?Brothers, on this day, our Founders’ Day, take a moment – to celebrate, to reflect, and to give thanks. Thank a Brother, a Sister, a band director, a fellow musician – someone who has touched your life and made it better because of your connection to music and Kappa Kappa Psi. Reflect on your commitment to musicianship, leadership, and service as we strive for college bands. And most importantly, celebrate the moment! Here’s a toast to Kappa Kappa Psi and 102 years of service to college bands! Striving with you, Jessica Lee |
|
Northeast District Governor Appointment
Brothers,
I wanted to announce the appointment of a Governor to complete the term of office of Sarah Fitzgerald, following her passing. Our attention throughout her hospitalization was on her, her family, and the many Brothers whose lives were made better by her love and her spirit. Numerous Brothers stepped up to fill the void, volunteer their time and talents, and lend a shoulder to those of us (myself included) who struggled to manage the emotional load. To each and every one of those Brothers who showed their love for others in this moment of difficulty – thank you for your humanity and your heart.
It is fitting that the Brother who was chosen to complete this term of office at such a difficult and critical time is someone who embodies humanity and heart.
Marcia “Marci” Jones was initiated into the Northeast District of Kappa Kappa Psi at the University of Connecticut in Spring 2005, during the Northeast District Convention. A native of Miami, Florida, she was originally initiated into the Gamma Epsilon Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma at the University of Miami in the Fall of 1989. She is an honorary brother of the Eta Phi Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi at Syracuse University as well as an honorary sister at the following chapters of Tau Beta Sigma; Eta Delta (Howard University), Epsilon Epsilon (Kutztown University), and Gamma Kappa (University of Connecticut). As a founding board member of the former, National Alumni Association for Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma she served as Vice President.
Mrs. Jones’ service extends beyond Kappa Kappa Psi to the greater Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Marci was appointed by the Mayor of Washington, D.C. as a Community Liaison to the Mayor’s Office for the Columbia Heights/Shaw Collaborative. She is a certified Community Trainer in Washington, D.C. since 1998. Marci has facilitated numerous workshops with a focus on the issues of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Conflict Resolution, and various community issues and topics. Marci has more than 20 years of experience with government agencies and non-profit organizations implementing process improvement strategies. Ms. Jones has served in several areas professionally from membership coordination and recruiting to administrative operations and personnel security policy. Marci is a Life Member of Tau Beta Sigma. Her other interests include reading, baking, traveling, and a fan of her children’s youth sports (football, basketball, and volleyball). Marci has been married to her husband Ernest C. Jones, II for 23 years and currently resides in Fredericksburg, VA with their 13-year-old son, Trey, and 10-year-old niece, Sofia.
I want to share my thanks to Marci and every Brother who steps up to lead when times are tough. We are fortunate to continue to have strong leadership and role models in the Northeast District and across our organization.
AEA
—
Marco A. Krcatovich II
National President, 2019-2021
mkrcatov@kkpsi.org
Congratulations to Tau Beta Sigma on their 75th Anniversary!
Brothers,
Today we celebrate one of the most important moments in the college band movement, the founding of our sister organization: Tau Beta Sigma. On this date in 1946, a charter was granted for Tau Beta Sigma in the State of Oklahoma and the Alpha Chapter was founded at Oklahoma State University. Today, Tau Beta Sigma thrives from coast to coast and Kappa Kappa Psi is better thanks to our partnership and the special and lifelong bond we share with our Sisters.
For some of us, myself included, we were fortunate enough to work on a campus with a chapter of Tau Beta Sigma and see their work firsthand in shaping the future of college bands and elevating its ensembles, particularly their dedication toward empowering women in the band profession. If you have Sisters in your life, this is a moment to celebrate with them, to thank them, and to share your love for them and for what they do for our college and university bands. We are better because of Tau Beta Sigma. If you do not work with the Sorority or are not lucky enough to have a Sister you can lean on, reach out to a member of the Sorority today and start building that friendship and bond by congratulating them on this incredible anniversary and on all the transformative work they have done for college bands.
To my Sisters, we are proud to be your partners for seventy-five years and look forward to centuries of great progress ahead. Thank you, congratulations on this incredible moment, and we can’t wait to celebrate in person this summer at the conclusion of our National Convention in Grand Rapids, Michigan. And to my close friend and partner, Adrienne Rall, thank you for what you do to elevate Kappa Kappa Psi while you continue to take Tau Beta Sigma to new heights and ensure a bright future for the Sorority.
AEA and Much Love In The Bond,
Marco A. Krcatovich II
Honored to be Tau Beta Sigma Life Member # 3,512
Kappa Kappa Psi National President, 2019-2021
mkrcatov@kkpsi.org
Kappa Kappa Psi National President, 2019-2021
mkrcatov@kkpsi.org
PIVOT Guidance UPDATE (January 8, 2021)
January 8, 2020
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
As we begin the new year and our 2021 terms, the National Councils of Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma wanted to provide you with updated guidance regarding chapter operations and the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 is continuing to affect our lives, our campuses, and our band programs, and we once again ask that all of our chapters follow the advice of public health experts and the guidance given to you at the campus, local, state, and federal levels, just as you have over the last several months. We recognize that it has not been easy to operate a chapter under such conditions, and we truly appreciate all that you have done to continue to live out our missions and ideals during the pandemic. We are continually inspired by each chapter’s ingenuity, resolve, compassion, and positive presence in the face of great trial. You inspire us!
Moving into the 2021 terms, please note that the following updates have been made to our PIVOT! Chapter Operations Guide:
- Some chapters may now be able to host in-person activities/events: Chapters should only host in-person social, service, membership, or fundraising activities/events (with the exception of the Ritual which is still prohibited) during the Spring 2021 Term if the following criteria are in place:
- Your campus activities office, Dean of Students, Office of Greek Life, or other authorizing body is permitting your chapter to host in-person activities/events on your campus.
- Your chapter activity/event has been approved by your Director of Bands in writing
- Your chapter follows all campus, local, state, and federal health and safety guidance.
- Your chapter does not penalize members who feel uncomfortable attending these activities/events.
- The waiver for band participation has been extended until July for active members and membership candidates. However, members must still be enrolled in coursework at their college or university in good standing with their university or college.
- Additional guidance has been added for the Chapter Summary Report.
- Additional information has been provided for 2021 District Events.
The National Councils of both Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma know that each campus has its own unique procedure in place for this pandemic, and it is our hope that the information outlined in PIVOT! 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. If, after reading the changes above or the full PIVOT! guide 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.
As we continue to navigate through the weeks and months ahead, please know that your National Leadership Teams and your National Headquarters Staff are at your service. Our main goal for the rest of the biennium is to help our chapters be successful in our missions and ideals, even though the ways in which we serve may be different for now. If at any point you or your chapter need assistance with anything at all, please contact us. We promise to work with you as you continue to strive for the highest for greater bands.
MLITB,
Marco, Adrienne, and The National Leadership Teams of Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma
Update from National Curriculum Committee
Brothers –
To say that this is an unprecedented time in the history of our world would be an understatement. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a tremendous effect on all of us, and we know that many of you have a lot of questions and uncertainties about all things associated with Kappa Kappa Psi, as well as with your daily lives. The Curriculum Committee has been hard at work, coming up with solutions to help all of you navigate the rest of your semesters and ensure that your MCs become Active Brothers by the end of the semester.
You can complete lessons virtually and when they are finished, you should submit your initiation paperwork via the Initiate Registration Report. The actual Ritual can take place when you are allowed to meet in person, which may be in the fall. We recognize that these are extraordinary times and that this is unusual, but this is the best course of action.
The National Headquarters has posted some information on how to accomplish the tasks that need to be accomplished by the end of the semester; you can find it at https://www.kkpsi.org/covid19/. Also, please know that membership classes CANNOT continue into the fall. Plan to have your MCs finish the Road to Wisdom over the course of this semester and become Active Brothers by the end of the school year.
We encourage you to check out the Kappa Kappa Psi TV YouTube page, located at https://www.youtube.com/user/KKPsiTV; it has a few sample lessons taught by VPMs from across the country. We are constantly working to update this, with the goal that eventually, all lessons will be available for you to watch and share with your MCs. If this is not possible, or you need help figuring out how to get lessons taught virtually to your MCs, please reach out to the Curriculum Committee at curriculum@kkpsi.org, and we will help you get the resources that you need. In addition, we are available to potentially teach some lessons for you, should that be a necessity.
Please know that all of us that are in leadership roles are here to help you. We will all work together and get through this difficult time, and at the end of the day, ensure that all of you have what you need. Do not hesitate to reach out at any time with any questions or concerns; all questions are appropriate at this time! We love all of you and are on your side, as we continue to Strive For The Highest!!
Cancellation of 2020 District Conventions
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
As we continue to monitor the evolving COVID-19 pandemic, the National Councils and Boards of Trustees of Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma have made the difficult decision to cancel all six in-person District Conventions. We understand that this may be extremely disappointing to our members, especially to those of you who spent many long hours planning these events. Please know that we have made the decision to cancel conventions with the best of intentions, as the health and safety of our active, alumni, and life members and their loved ones is of the utmost importance.
This pandemic is an unprecedented situation for our organizations, and we thank you for your flexibility and patience as we all navigate it together. Below you can find information relating to next steps for chapters and for those who were registered for these conventions.
VIRTUAL CONVENTIONS
The joint national councils have created a task force to assist us with the preparations needed to host virtual conventions for all districts affected by cancellations. Virtual conventions for District business will take place on the Saturday and Sunday of the originally planned in-person conventions:
- Northeast District: Saturday, March 21 – Sunday, March 22
- Midwest District: Saturday, March 21 – Sunday, March 22
- Western District: Saturday, March 28 – Sunday, March 29
- North Central District: Saturday, April 4 – Sunday, April 5
- Southeast District Convention: Saturday, April 4 – Sunday, April 5
- Southwest District Convention: Saturday, April 18 – Sunday, April 19
In addition to the virtual conventions for District business, the task force is also assisting us in planning a larger nation-wide virtual event in late April. All chapter members will be invited to participate in this weekend of workshops, collaboration, and celebration of our organizations.
Chapters should plan to have chapter members attend both the virtual District business convention and the nation-wide virtual event. More guidance, as well as schedules and activities for all events, will be released soon.
REFUNDS OF DISTRICT CONVENTION REGISTRATIONS
Our National Headquarters staff will work to issue refunds to all District Convention registrants affected by these cancellations. All registrants will receive a direct email from a National Headquarters Staff member with more information regarding their refund(s). It may take some time to issue all refunds, so we appreciate your patience as they are processed.
CANCELLING HOTEL RESERVATIONS
Please remember to cancel your hotel reservations as soon as possible, as this is not something that anyone can manage for you. If you booked within the reserved hotel block for a convention, those cancellations will need to be made at least three days prior to the date of check-in.
ALUMNI CONVENTION PARTICIPANTS
The District-based Local Alumni Associations will also have virtual conventions concurrent with the active members on the weekend of the originally planned in-person conventions. The ΚΚΨAA Board of Directors and the ΤΒΣAA Executive Council will be sending out information to their members, as well as coordinating with the District-based LAAs to develop virtual conventions in which they can conduct their necessary business, connect with graduating seniors, and provide development opportunities for their district alumni.
If you have any concerns surrounding the conventions or chapter operations as we move forward, please continue to reach out to the following email addresses for assistance: healthandsafety@kkpsi.org or healthandsafety@tbsigma.org. Your email will be directed to the appropriate person or persons!
The National Leadership Teams of Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma are committed to walking hand-in-hand with you during these uncertain times. We will continue to send updates to our membership as we work through questions about chapter operations and provide more details for the virtual conventions and the nation-wide virtual event. We ask that you continue to check our websites and social media for these updates.
As we continue on into uncharted territory, we want to thank each of you for the remarkable flexibility, understanding, and strength you have shown so far. Band members, current and former, know how to adapt on the fly and how to make the best of any given situation, so that is what we intend to do.
Statement on COVID-19: Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma Basic Chapter Operations
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.
- 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.
- 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
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