Happy New Year, Brothers!
As we welcome 2025, we open the door to new opportunities for growth, progress, and connection. A new year is a time of renewal, where we can reflect on past achievements, learn from the challenges we’ve faced, and set our sights on what’s to come. In Kappa Kappa Psi, every moment presents a chance to continue our legacy of leadership, service, and musicianship, and this year is no exception.
As we move forward together, let us embrace the possibilities ahead with enthusiasm and determination. Whether through innovative ideas, strengthening bonds within our chapters, or finding new ways to serve our bands and communities, each of us has the power to make a lasting impact. Let us start 2025 with purpose, ensuring that every step we take contributes to the growth and excellence we strive for on #TheKappaKappaPsiJourney.
Be sure to review the updates below, as they highlight important opportunities and milestones for us all.
JANUARY UPDATES
Special Note: Thank You to our AEA Society Members!
We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined our inaugural AEA Society, marking the return of a major annual fundraising effort for Kappa Kappa Psi. Thanks to the generosity of 90 members, we raised over $17,000 in outright gifts—an incredible achievement that reflects the dedication and support of our Brotherhood.
These contributions make a lasting impact, allowing us to strengthen student scholarships, provide chapter support grants, enhance our national programs and events, and support ensembles like the National Intercollegiate Band and the Kappa Kappa Psi Intercollegiate Jazz Band.
To each member of the AEA Society, thank you for your commitment to advancing the mission of Kappa Kappa Psi and ensuring the continued success of our students, chapters, and programs. Your support inspires us to strive for the highest as we celebrate this milestone together!
| Kimberly Ahokas | Mykalea Earnhardt | Victoria Liu | Jesse Ratliff |
| Edward Arnold | Michael Edwards | Marc Martinez | Preston Ramsey |
| Seferina Baca | Steve Enger | Malinda Matney | Tammi Ramsey |
| Mint Batson | Chad Eyer | Brad McDavid | Nic Rorrer |
| Alison Beidler | Tony Falcone | Daniel Miller | Tony Roscoe |
| Michael Blander | Cam Ferris | Grant Miller | William Salluzzo |
| Greg Boike | John Finocchiaro | Kelly Miller | Ed Savoy |
| Jeremy Brown | Danny George | Aaron Moore | Tony Shelton |
| Robert Brown | Howard Gluckman | Hunter Moreland | Cade Skuse |
| Robert Bylski | Mike & Mary Beth Golemo | Jason Morris | Darren Smith |
| Brent Cannon | Arupa Gopal-Campbell | Eric Morson | Gail Stout |
| Adam Cantley | Brian Green | Andy Mullin | Jordan Thomas |
| Dino Cardenas | Nicholas Greeson | Michael Napolitano | Evan Thompson |
| Sue Carr | Mia Harvey | Steve Nelson | Ken Tracey |
| Sarah Casias | Nancy Haughee | William Northern | Michael Trimm |
| Sam Cavaliere | Natasha Helme | Dollie O’Neill | Michelle Turenne |
| Rod Chesnut | Franklin Johnson-Norwood | Alex Ollerton | Tom Watterson |
| Dr. Duane Chun | Melvin Johnson-Norwood | Mike Osborn | Jermaine White |
| Bang Co | Paula Kyser | Joe Panzer | Victor Whitney |
| Adam Connolly | Dr. William Lake | Brian Parker | Anthony Williams |
| Lance Coochyouma | Donald Lee | Brian Paster | Shaqkeen Williams |
| Ken Corbett | Jack & Jessica Lee | Denali Pearce-Alt | Brittany Woodruff |
| Jen DiBenedetto | Mike Lindsay | Savanna Perry | Brandon Wright |
Update #1: Call for Nominations & National Elections
The deadline to submit nominee packets for the 2025 National Elections is fast approaching—January 15, 2025! We are thrilled by the enthusiasm and excitement we’ve seen so far, with Brothers expressing interest in every position. We are excited to see a strong and inspiring group of candidates emerging, ready to lead Kappa Kappa Psi into the next biennium with passion and vision.
Serving as a National Officer is an extraordinary opportunity to make a lasting impact on our Fraternity, advance our mission, and help shape the future of college and university bands. Whether your strengths are in strategic planning, mentorship, or fostering meaningful connections, your unique skills can contribute to promoting Kappa Kappa Psi.
If you’re considering this path—or know a Brother who would make an exceptional leader—now is the time to act! The Fall 2024 Podium includes an in-depth article from the current National Council outlining the responsibilities of each National Officer position. We encourage you to review this resource and reflect on how you can contribute to the vision and mission of Kappa Kappa Psi.
Visit the 2025 National Elections site for more details and to begin your journey. Let’s continue the legacy of inspiring leadership together!
Update #2: National Intercollegiate Band & KKPsi Intercollegiate Jazz Band
The audition portals for the 2025 National Intercollegiate Band (NIB) and the inaugural Kappa Kappa Psi Intercollegiate Jazz Band (IJB) remain open, and we are thrilled to see the excitement building for these incredible opportunities! If you know someone who would excel in these ensembles, help us spread the word and inspire others to join.
Auditioning for these ensembles is your chance to perform alongside talented musicians from across the country and represent Kappa Kappa Psi on one of our most prestigious stages. The NIB, a cherished tradition, celebrates the extraordinary talent and diversity of collegiate musicians, while the newly introduced IJB reflects our commitment to embracing the richness of jazz and its significance in the college band world.
We encourage all eligible musicians to audition and invite our Brothers and band directors to help spread the word. Together, we can make the 2025 National Convention a vibrant celebration of musical excellence.
Audition details and requirements are available at the links below:
Let’s continue to elevate our commitment to musicianship and the promotion of college bands. Whether you’re auditioning, encouraging others, or promoting these opportunities, your involvement helps build a legacy of excellence and inspiration. (If you would like to promote these opportunities through financial contributions, we are happy to help you do that.) Together, let’s make the 2025 National Convention a memorable and harmonious celebration of music!
Update #3: Founders’ Circle Leadership Development Program
We are excited to share that the Level One certification process for our Founders’ Circle Leadership Development Program will be rolling out later this month! The Founders’ Circle is a cornerstone initiative designed to promote one of our core pillars and to strengthen our membership by equipping Brothers with the skills and knowledge to lead effectively. To learn more about this impactful program, please visit the website.
As part of our ongoing commitment to leadership development, we will also be launching a call for applications in February to serve as a new cohort of keynote speakers and workshop presenters during our February National Month of Leadership. This is an excellent opportunity for those who aspire to become trained presenters and speakers for Kappa Kappa Psi. If you or someone you know is interested in joining this initiative, stay tuned for more details next month!
As chapters return from the holiday break, now is the perfect time to create a plan for how you will engage with and leverage the Founders’ Circle program. Think about ways to incorporate its principles into your chapter’s activities and how you can highlight and promote your leadership efforts as part of your Crown Pearl Goals. Together, we can foster a culture of leadership that strengthens our Brotherhood and advances our mission.
Update #4: Winter Council Meeting
The National Council is excited to host our Winter Council Meeting (WCM) in Lexington, KY, from January 16–19, 2025! During this annual meeting, we will plan for the remainder of the biennium, vote on new petitioning groups and chapter status changes, and conduct a site visit of the 2025 National Convention venue. As we are constitutionally required to place chapters with late or missing paperwork and payments on disciplinary status, I strongly encourage you to review your chapter’s records to ensure all reports and fees are up to date. Please note that a lack of awareness (aka “we didn’t know”) will NOT excuse non-compliance or change the Council’s decisions, so take this opportunity to confirm your chapter is in good standing.
This visit will also give us the chance to finalize details for the convention and ensure that the experience will be memorable for all Brothers and Sisters as we celebrate the 2023–2025 biennium and kick off the next one. Be sure to follow our social media accounts for a behind-the-scenes look at where the magic will happen this July!
Your district councils will also be hosting their Winter Council Meetings at their respective convention sites. These meetings are vital in preparing for the upcoming district conventions, which are your opportunity to connect, learn, and celebrate Kappa Kappa Psi with Brothers from across your region. Reach out to your district council for questions about your convention, and stay tuned for updates on how to save your spot for these exciting events.
Speaking of conventions, please check out the next update for important convention details!
Update #5: 2025 National & District Conventions
Conventions are an important part of the Kappa Kappa Psi experience, embodying our mission and values while holding space for Brothers to come together, celebrate, and shape the future of our Fraternity. These events are where our voices are heard, our votes make an impact, and our shared commitment to musicianship, leadership, and service takes center stage.
Attending a convention is more than just an event—it’s a transformative experience. It’s a chance to reconnect with the principles that guide our Brotherhood, elect the leaders who will carry us forward, and make decisions that define the future of Kappa Kappa Psi. Beyond the business, conventions foster lifelong memories and strengthen the bonds that unite us. We encourage every Brother to seize this opportunity to be part of these significant moments on #TheKappaKappaPsiJourney.Below, you’ll find the key dates and details for the 2025 National Convention and District Conventions. Mark your calendars, start making plans, and prepare to join us for these exciting celebrations of Brotherhood and shared vision for the future!
Midwest District Convention
- Date: April 11–13, 2025
- Location: Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview, 400 West Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67202
- Hotel: Drury Hotel, Group Rate: $144.00 (up to 4/room) ++
- Hotel Reservations: Cut-off is March 10, 2025 – Hotel Reservation Link
- Registration: Opens in February 2025
North Central District Convention
- Date: April 4–6, 2025
- Location: Amway Grand Plaza, 187 Monroe NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
- Hotel: Amway Grand Plaza (Hilton), Group Rate: $149.00 (up to 4/room) ++
- Hotel Reservations: Cut-off is March 12, 2025 – Hotel Reservation Link
- Registration: Opens in February 2025
Northeast District Convention
- Date: March 7–8, 2025
- Location: Penn Harris Hotel, 1150 Camp Hill Bypass, Camp Hill, PA 17011
- Hotel: Penn Harris Hotel, Group Rate: $129.00 (up to 4/room) ++
- Hotel Reservations: Cut-off is February 21, 2025 – Hotel Reservation Link
- Registration: Opens in January 2025
Southeast District Convention
- Date: March 21–22, 2025
- Location: Cortland Grand Hotel, 165 Courtland Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
- Hotel: Cortland Grand, Group Rate: $139.00 (up to 4/room) ++
- Hotel Reservations: Cut-off is March 2, 2025 – Hotel Reservation Link
- Registration: Opens in January 2025
Southwest District Convention
- Date: March 28–30, 2025
- Location: Delta by Marriott, Midwest City at the Reed Conference Center, 5750 Will Rogers Rd, Midwest City, OK 73110
- Hotel: Delta by Marriott, Group Rate: $149.00 (up to 4/room) ++
- Hotel Reservations: Cut-off is March 13, 2025 – Hotel Reservation Link
- Registration: Opens in January 2025
Western District Convention
- Date: April 11–13, 2025
- Location: Hilton Garden Inn & Home2 Suites Phoenix – Tempe University Research Park – 7200/7290 S Price Rd, Tempe, AZ 85283
- Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn & Home2 Suites Phoenix – Tempe University Research Park, Group Rate, $159.00 (up to 4/room) ++
- Hotel Reservations: Cut-off is March 21, 2025 – Hotel Reservation Link
- Registration: Opens in February 2025
- Date: July 15–18, 2025
- Location: Central Bank Center, 430 W Vine St, Lexington, KY 40507
- Hotel: Hyatt Regency Lexington, 401 W High St, Lexington, KY 40507
- Hotel Reservations: Coming Soon
- Registration: Coming Soon
- Check out this sneak peek of our 2025 National Convention Schedule!
Whether at the district level or on the national stage, these conventions are the foundation of our fraternity’s collective growth and success. Be part of these transformative experiences and help shape the future of Kappa Kappa Psi!
Update #6: Distinguished Service to Music Medal Award Recipients
At the 2024 Midwest Clinic, the Kappa Kappa Psi National Council was proud to honor two remarkable individuals with the Distinguished Service to Music Medal: Dr. Mallory Thompson (in Conducting and Instrumental Music Education) and Marcellus Brown (in Instrumental Music Education). These visionary leaders have significantly shaped the band world through their dedication, innovation, and enduring impact on music education and performance.
Dr. Mallory Thompson
Dr. Mallory Thompson’s transformative career as Director of Bands at Northwestern University has left an indelible mark on music education. Dr. Thompson has inspired generations of musicians and conductors through her leadership of the Symphonic Wind Ensemble and her groundbreaking collaborations with renowned composers. Her commitment to excellence and her influence on the art of conducting have elevated the standards of wind music across the globe.
Professor Marcellus Brown
Marcellus Brown’s leadership as Director of Bands at Boise State University elevated the program to prominence in the Northwest. His extensive work as a guest conductor and clinician has influenced countless musicians and educators, while his dedication to championing diverse musical traditions has enriched the band community. Brown’s enduring contributions to music education exemplify the spirit of service and artistry that Kappa Kappa Psi honors.
We are thrilled to recognize these extraordinary individuals whose careers exemplify the values and mission of Kappa Kappa Psi! To learn more about the Distinguished Service to Music Medal Award and other recognitions, please visit our website.
Update #7: Honda Battle of the Bands
We are looking forward to representing Kappa Kappa Psi at the 2025 Honda Battle of the Bands in LA on February 1!
The Honda Battle of the Bands is more than just a showcase of exceptional musicianship—it’s a powerful celebration of the culture, tradition, and impact of HBCU band programs. These ensembles embody the essence of leadership, service, and community, and their performances inspire us all. As a fraternity dedicated to supporting and uplifting college and university bands, we are proud to support these programs and honor their contributions to the world of music and education.
This year’s event will feature six outstanding bands:
- Alabama A&M University: Marching Maroon & White
- Alabama State University: Mighty Marching Hornets
- Hampton University: The Marching Force
- North Carolina A&T State University: Blue and Gold Marching Machine
- Southern University: Human Jukebox
- University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff: Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South
We encourage all Brothers to learn more about this incredible event and the bands performing by visiting the Honda Battle of the Bands website. Let’s continue to celebrate the rich legacy and cultural significance of HBCU bands as we amplify their voices and artistry!
Update #8: Crown Pearl Goals
Brothers, please make sure you are following the Fraternity on social media to get the most up to date information about the Crown Pear Goals. We are currently working through our end of semester numbers and will be announcing the status of Chapters shortly. We still want to hear about your Chapters service projects and #musicianshipmoments so please go submit those at: tinyurl.com/crownpearlgoals so we can make sure we are tracking them properly!
As you prepare for the Spring semester we encourage all of our Chapters to make a plan for how they can continue to achieve some of these goals. It is not too late to consider taking another membership class (if your university rules allow it) to recruit five members in the spring nor is it too late to plan a new fundraiser! Even if your chapter does not have a lot of crown pearls, it is still possible to complete more than ten crown pearl goals in the spring and be recognized as a Crown Pearl Chapter!
Important Notes
As the calendar year draws to a close, we want to remind you of a few important deadlines and opportunities to finish the year strong and prepare for what’s ahead:
January VPSA Chat
Join us for the January VPSA Chat on the evening of January 14, featuring a panel of current and past district officers and district governors sharing their advice, experiences, and best practices for running for district office. Whether you’re considering serving on the district level or want to learn more about the process, this session offers valuable insights and inspiration. If you or someone you know is interested in district leadership, don’t miss this opportunity to prepare for the next step in your Kappa Kappa Psi journey!
Alumni Association Membership Renewals
Even though the deadline has passed, it’s not too late to renew your Kappa Kappa Psi Alumni Association membership! Alumni memberships operate on a calendar year and officially expired on December 31, 2024. Renewing your membership ensures you can continue participating in district and national conventions, as well as any LAA-related activities. Renew your membership as soon as possible by visiting the AA website.
Important Links
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As we step into the final quarter of this biennium, I invite each of us to reflect on and renew our dedication to the ideals and mission of Kappa Kappa Psi. There’s still important work to be done, and I know that, together, we can close out this biennium on a high note—leaving a legacy of unity, growth, and excellence for the Brothers who follow.
Whether it’s through engaging with your chapter, attending conventions, or participating in our national programs, every action you take makes a difference. Your contributions strengthen our foundation and inspire others to achieve our shared vision. Let’s continue to strive for the highest, encouraging one another to finish strong and embrace the possibilities ahead.
Thank you for your passion, commitment, and unwavering support. Let’s make these final months count and ensure the 2023-2025 biennium is one we’ll always be proud to look back on!
With excitement,
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