Brothers –
As we embark on the month of March, we stand at the threshold of a significant and inspiring time: Women’s History Month. This is a moment for us to reflect on and celebrate the invaluable contributions of women to our Fraternity, our lives, and the broader tapestry of history.
Throughout The Kappa Kappa Psi Journey, women have played a pivotal role, leaving an indelible mark on every facet of our organization. Reflecting on our history and the profound impact of numerous female-identifying Brothers on our fraternity, such as Wava Banes, Deb Eakins, Marie Burleigh, Dr. Malinda Matney, Dr. Christine Beason, Jessica Lee, the Sisters of the Sigma Chapter of TBS, 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. This month holds special significance as we commemorate the founding of Tau Beta Sigma on March 26th, 1946. This milestone underscores the deep bond and collaborative spirit that exists between our organizations. Together, we stand united in our mission to serve collegiate bands and promote a deeper appreciation of music.
In honor of Women’s 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. Together, let us embrace the rich tapestry of Women’s History Month and draw strength from the extraordinary legacy of women in Kappa Kappa Psi who have shaped our past, illuminate our present, and inspire our future.
Please take a moment to carefully review the important updates and highlights in this newsletter. These insights offer a window into the progress we’ve made and continue to make for our fraternity. Your active participation and thoughtful consideration of these updates are vital as we navigate the path forward together. Let’s seize this opportunity to celebrate our accomplishments, address challenges, and chart a course toward an even brighter future for Kappa Kappa Psi.
MARCH UPDATES
Update #1: Announcing our 2024 Spring Petitioning Groups
On behalf of the National Council, Dr. Rorrer and I are thrilled to announce these groups and their advising teams who will guide them through this transformative journey. Let’s give a warm welcome to our 2024 Spring Petitioning Groups:
Bethune Cookman
- Lead Advisor: Anthony ‘Tony’ Shelton – Nu Kappa
- Hayden Elias-Rodriguez – Gamma Nu
- Jessica Needham – Eta Sigma
- Danielle Wade – Mu Beta
- Benjamin Williams – Delta Iota
Virginia Union
- Lead: Michael Bradford-Calhoun – Iota Zeta
- Co-Lead: Ed Savoy – Eta Alpha
- Ema Ashley – Eta Sigma
- Dr. Lake – Gamma Xi
- Franklin Nesmith – Eta Omega
Austin Peay
- Lead Advisor: Hunter Moreland – Kappa Mu
- Jahkeem Grant – Iota Xi
- Miaka Kemp – Kappa Mu
- Megan Lefever – Lambda Delta
Claflin
- Lead Advisor: Franklin Johnson-Norwood – Zeta Psi
- Dr. Donald Lee Jr. – Zeta Eta
- Evan Thompson – Zeta Chi
- Brittany Woodruff – Pi
You can read the full statement here: www.kkpsi.org/spring-2024-petitioning-group-announcement/.
Update #2: #OurJourneyToDistrictConvention
Get ready for #OurJourneyToDistrictConvention! These gatherings are more than just events; they are opportunities for Brothers, both Active and Alumni, to forge lasting connections, build a strong sense of community, and actively participate in meaningful work on the district level. Our dedicated district councils and district alumni associations have spared no effort in ensuring that these conventions will be filled with engaging activities and valuable networking opportunities. Mark your calendars for the upcoming district conventions:
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
We can’t wait to see you there and make these conventions a memorable chapter in our shared journey. Let’s embark on this exciting adventure 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: Upcoming Workshops in March
Get ready to dive into a world of learning and development with our upcoming virtual workshops hosted by some of our national committees! These workshops are designed to provide valuable education and training on the impactful work they’ve been diligently pursuing this biennium. Whether you’re an Active Brother or an Alumni, these sessions are open to all, offering a fantastic opportunity to enhance your skills and deepen your understanding of our tools and resources to strengthen your fraternal journey.
Make sure to mark your calendars for the following virtual sessions:
- VPM + RTW Training | March 3 @ 7pm CT
- Accessibility in the Ritual | March 14 @ 7pm CT
But that’s not all! Keep an eye out for more information on additional sessions by the National Committees on Chapter Operations and Programs. We encourage you to spread the word and share this exciting opportunity with your chapter members. Remember, registration is required to attend these sessions, so don’t forget to secure your spot and be part of these enriching experiences.
Special Note: April is designated as our Month of Brotherhood, and we’re calling upon all members to contribute their ideas on how we can effectively highlight the essence and examples of Brotherhood within Kappa Kappa Psi. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with your suggestions and inspirations to make this celebration memorable!
FEBRUARY HIGHLIGHTS
Highlight #1: Month of Leadership Programming
Our Month of Leadership in February was a resounding success with insightful virtual sessions. We kicked off with a compelling panel discussion featuring members of the Founders’ Circle Task Force: Dr. Kirk Randazzo, Jessica Lee, Molly Kuchan, Dr. Nicholas Rorrer, and Jason Ortiz. Following this, Jessica Lee led a thought-provoking discussion with Active and Alumni members on the value of leadership development, and how we can cultivate these moments in our lives. For those who missed or want a revisit, session recordings are available below.
Looking ahead, we’re committed to integrating these learnings into our National Membership Education Program, The Road to Wisdom, and expanding leadership-based programming throughout the year. Your participation in these initiatives strengthens our fraternity, guiding us toward a future defined by excellence. Don’t forget to catch these speakers at our upcoming district conventions, where they’ll present workshops and keynotes on crucial leadership topics!
Highlight #2: TMEA, MMEA, & The Super Bowl
We’re thrilled to share updates from our recent attendance at the 2024 Texas Music Educators Association Conference in San Antonio, TX, and the 2024 Maryland Music Educators Association Conference in Baltimore, MD. These conferences provided invaluable opportunities for networking, learning, and showcasing the impactful work of our alumni and our chapters. As we look ahead, we’re actively exploring other state conferences to attend and welcome your suggestions and assistance. Currently, we’re considering attending conferences in Florida and Virginia, so please reach out with any recommendations or offers of support. A heartfelt thank you to all the Brothers who stopped by our booth at these conferences – your presence and engagement were truly appreciated, and we look forward to seeing you all again next year!
In addition to our conference attendance, we’re excited to share that Kappa Kappa Psi was represented in this year’s NFL Super Bowl by the Eta Eta Chapter and Jackson State University’s Sonic Boom of the South. It was an electrifying moment that left us all in awe, as we witnessed their remarkable display of musicality, energy, and pride. Congratulations to the entire program for this unforgettable and unique achievement – your performance truly captured the spirit of Kappa Kappa Psi and showcased the power of music to unite and inspire. AEA!
Highlight #3: 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 Women’s 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 female-identifying 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.
Highlight #4: 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!
As we look to the horizon of the future, let us carry with us the wisdom gleaned from our experiences this biennium. Each step forward is an opportunity to learn, to evolve, and to embody the values of Kappa Kappa Psi. Let us embrace the journey with open hearts and steadfast determination, knowing that together, we are capable of achieving greatness. The road ahead is filled with endless possibilities, and I am eager to witness the remarkable achievements that await us. Let us continue to strive for excellence, guided by the principles and purposes. Together, let us shape a future that honors our past, celebrates our present, and inspires generations to come. AEA.
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