Brothers –
Our journey together continues as we turn the page on January and set our sights on the month of February. After an eventful start to the new year and a productive Winter Council Meeting, I am excited to bring you insights into the strides we made back in January and what you can expect from us this month.
As we step into February, it’s important to recognize the significance of the time that we are in. This month marks Black History Month, serving as an important reminder for us to delve into our complete history, recognizing that understanding our past is key to shaping our future. This month, as we honor Black History Month within the framework of our fraternity, let’s pay homage to the profound history, legacy, and influence of our Black Brothers throughout our 104-year journey. Thanks to the leadership and contributions of numerous Black Brothers, sponsors, and directors, our fraternity stands stronger and more vibrant today. In addition, it’s crucial to acknowledge that the music and band community we cherish owes its existence not only to the well-known icons who we celebrate but also to the countless Black and African American artists, music educators, and community members who have spread the joy of music across generations.
In recognition of this significant celebration of our shared experiences and diversity, the National Council designates February as our Month of Leadership. As one of the fundamental pillars of Kappa Kappa Psi, we have intentionally set aside this time for all Brothers to continue their “Leadership Journey” of (un)learning, (re)discovery, and growth. Reflecting on the journey of Kappa Kappa Psi and the profound impact of numerous Black Brothers on our fraternity, such as L. Allen Pyke, Marshall M. Penn, Dr. Lemuel Berry, Jr., Dr. Melvin Miles, Derrick Mills, Danny George, Dr. Nicholas Bratcher, and countless others, I am inspired to carry forward their fraternal legacy by empowering our members to become better leaders and strengthening our service to college and university bands.
In the spirit of leadership and celebration of Black History Month, I encourage each and every one of you to fully engage with our updates and programming this month. Through active participation and thoughtful consideration of the opportunities presented to us, we have the opportunity to amplify our collective impact as leaders and fortify the bonds of brotherhood and service that bind us together.
FEBRUARY UPDATES
Update #1: Share Your Kappa Kappa Psi Journey Story
Over the years, the National Committee on Communications has been dedicated to showcasing both current and historical members and moments in honor of Black History Month. While we aim to elevate these invaluable narratives, we also understand the importance of providing platforms for Brothers to share their own stories in their own voices. In line with the biennium’s theme of The Kappa Kappa Psi Journey, we extend an invitation to Brothers to share their fraternal journey story and their experiences as Black Brothers of Kappa Kappa Psi. We recognize the power of these personal accounts in connecting us to our values and seeing how they manifest in everyday actions. Here are some prompts to help you get started:
- What is your KKPsi Journey? How did you get started in KKPsi?
- Why is KKPsi special to you? Was there a special moment that sticks out to you?
- Why are you still involved? How does it align with your KKWhy?
- What would you tell someone questioning their KKPsi Journey (Active or Alumni) or unsure that they should join KKPsi? What words of advice or affirmation can you share?
Submit Your Story to be Highlighted
We encourage Brothers to share their Kappa Kappa Psi Journey stories with us in various formats, whether written, visual (such as images), or through video or audio clips. These submissions can be made using the link above. Questions or concerns can be emailed to the National Committee on Communications at communications@kkpsi.org.
Update #2: Month of Leadership Engagement Opportunities
Since its inception in 2019, The Founders’ Circle has remained one of the Fraternity’s best-kept secrets! While attendees of district or national conventions in recent years may have caught wind of its purpose, for the majority of our members, it remains just another name and logo. As someone deeply passionate about this program, I am committed to reintroducing its value as a leadership development initiative to our students. Leadership stands as a cornerstone of our organization, defining the essence of what we bring to our programs and communities. However, leadership isn’t innate; it’s a skill we must cultivate, practice, and refine as we delve deeper into our understanding of ourselves and each other.
To mark the beginning of our Month of Leadership, we’re thrilled to announce a series of virtual panel discussions and workshops scheduled throughout February. Stay tuned for further details, but for now, here’s a glimpse of what’s in store:
- Panel Discussion on The Founders’ Circle (Wednesday, February 7, 2024)
- Founders’ Circle Discussion with Molly Kuchan (Thursday, February 15, 2024)
- Founders’ Circle Discussion with Dr. Rorrer (Tuesday, February 20, 2024)
- Founders’ Circle Discussion with Jessica Lee (Wednesday, February 28, 2024)
To ensure accessibility, these sessions will be streamed live on our Facebook page and subsequently shared on our LinkedIn and Instagram accounts for those who may have missed them. Additionally, I’m pleased to announce that Immediate Past President Jessica Lee has been appointed as the Chair, with Molly Kuchan serving as the Vice Chair of the task force dedicated to relaunching The Founders’ Circle. Their expertise and dedication will undoubtedly steer us toward success in this endeavor. Should you have any inquiries about the program or wish to learn more, please don’t hesitate to reach out to founderscircle@kkpsi.org. Your engagement and support are integral to the success of this initiative. Let’s embark on this journey of leadership together!
Update #3: Call for Applications for National Vice President for Student Affairs
After a vacancy in the position of National Vice President for Student Affairs spanning several months, the National Council and Board of Trustees are thrilled to initiate the application process to identify our next NVPSA! Per the National Constitution, the Board of Trustees, upon the National Council’s recommendation, shall appoint a National Vice President for Student Affairs to fill the vacancy. (Section 3.214).
National Vice President for Student Affairs Application Form
We warmly invite all interested and qualified Brothers to submit their materials for consideration. The qualifications and responsibilities of the National Vice President for Student Affairs are described in Section 3.208, Section 3.401, and Section 3.711 of the Kappa Kappa Psi National Constitution. The deadline for the submission of all application materials is 11:59 pm CST on April 30, 2024.
Update #4: Texas Music Educator Association Conference and More!
We are excited to continue our participation and representation of Kappa Kappa Psi at the upcoming 2024 Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) Conference in San Antonio from February 7 to 10. This invaluable event provides us with the opportunity to showcase the essence of our fraternity to a diverse audience. If you plan to attend this conference, we extend a warm invitation to stop by our booth. Connect with our National Leadership Team members, sign in to stay updated, and grab your exclusive FREE sticker as a token of appreciation. We look forward to engaging with you and sharing the spirit of Kappa Kappa Psi at this prominent event. See you in San Antonio!
In addition to our participation at TMEA, we are eagerly expanding our reach to other state Music Educators Association conferences. We’re excited to announce our official attendance at the upcoming Maryland Music Educators Association (MMEA) Conference in Baltimore, MD, scheduled for February 23-25. Representing Kappa Kappa Psi at this event will be Dr. Lake and me. Furthermore, we are actively exploring opportunities to connect with directors, students, and alumni in our Western District. To this end, I will be attending the 2024 College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) Western/Northwestern Divisional Conference from March 27 to 30, 2024, hosted at the Las Vegas Academy of the Arts.
Your input is invaluable to us. If you know of events or conferences where Kappa Kappa Psi’s presence would be beneficial to promote our work and explore expansion opportunities, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at president@kkpsi.org. Your suggestions and insights play a crucial role in shaping our fraternity’s engagement and outreach efforts. We look forward to hearing from you and continuing to strengthen our presence across various platforms and regions.
JANUARY HIGHLIGHTS
Highlight #1: Spring Informational Mailer
I’m excited to share details about our 2024 Spring Informational Mailer, a valuable resource designed to support our chapters as they embark on the new semester. Similar to the Fall Mailer that we send out each year, we recognized the need for continued guidance and updates for our chapters after the holiday break. To address this, an email with this resource was sent to all our members on January 24th.
2024 Spring Informational Mailer
Within this resource, members will discover updates and guidance on various topics including upcoming programming, chapter reporting via OPUS, awards and grants, and much more. This resource aims to equip our chapters and officers with the necessary tools to kickstart the semester on a positive note. The flexibility of this digital format allows for seamless updates as new information and inquiries arise, ensuring its ongoing relevance and usefulness. Access this helpful resource using the above and empower your chapter’s success this semester!
Highlight #2: Chapter Field Representative Program Schedule
On January 22, 2024, Dr. Rorrer disseminated an email containing updates regarding the Chapter Field Representative (CFR) Program. It’s worth noting that Jake and Kennedy have commenced their journey as they hit the road for their chapter visits, marking their final official trip as CFRs. Access to their schedules is provided below:
Jake’s Spring 2024 Schedule | Kennedy’s Spring 2024 Schedule
If your chapter finds itself on their visitation list, kindly ensure timely responses to their emails and submission of your visit schedule well in advance of their arrival on campus. For those interested, you can follow their travels across the nation via their Instagram account (@cfr_kkpsi). To delve deeper into the Chapter Field Representative Program, please visit www.kkpsi.org/cfr/. Your cooperation and engagement are greatly appreciated in making these visits fruitful and beneficial for all involved.
Highlight #3: National Executive Director Job Description
The search for our next National Executive Director is in full swing with the release of the new and comprehensive job description. This document outlines the responsibilities, qualifications, and expectations for this integral position. Your engagement is crucial in spreading the word about this exciting opportunity. We invite each of you to share the job description within your networks, communities, and among those who may possess the unique qualities to lead our Headquarters staff and operations.
National Executive Director Job Description
You can access the National Executive Director Job Description using the link above. We encourage you to explore it thoroughly and, if possible, share it with individuals who align with the ideals and values of our organizations.
Highlight #4: Convention Dates and Locations
Save the dates and mark your calendars for our 2024 District Conventions and our 2025 National Convention! Stay tuned for detailed information on registration, schedules, and special events that will make these conventions memorable milestones in our fraternal journey.
- Northeast District Convention: March 8-10, 2024 | Poughkeepsie, NY
- Southeast District Convention: March 22-23, 2024 | Raleigh, NC
- North Central District Convention: April 5-7, 2024 | Fort Wayne, IN
- Southwest District Convention: April 5-7, 2024 | Wichita Falls, TX
- Midwest District Convention: April 12-14, 2024 | Des Moines, IA
- Western District Convention: April 12-14, 2024 | San Rafael, CA
- National Convention: July 15-18, 2025 | Lexington, KY
If you have not had a chance to read the full announcement yet, please take a moment to review it here: https://www.kkpsi.org/natcon25/.
As we navigate the month of February, I urge each Brother to embrace a moment of personal reflection and celebrate the strides taken in this biennium. Amidst the steady rhythm of leadership, service, and action, let’s not overlook the transformative power of intentional rest and reflection. Like guiding stars in the night sky, our past experiences illuminate our path forward, shaping our growth and guiding our decisions. As we step into the future, let’s carry the insights gleaned from our individual journeys, knowing that they enrich our collective pursuit of excellence. The promise of tomorrow brims with untapped potential, and I am eagerly anticipating the unfolding chapters of growth and achievement that await us all! Continue to strive for the highest. AEA.
Yours in Brotherhood & Service,
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