Brothers,
As we march into the new month, we are greeted with the opportunity to honor Women’s History Month, celebrate March Fo(u)rth, and kick off our 2025 District Convention season. Despite the excitement these events bring, I acknowledge the overwhelming nature of our current world. Each day presents new challenges, and like many of you, I feel the weight of these trying times on myself and those I care about. The darkness can sometimes seem all-encompassing, tempting us to surrender to despair and discord.
Similar to many of my predecessors, I turned to our Ritual in times of uncertainty, seeking guidance as they did. During my recent reflections, a familiar lesson emerged—one that speaks of adversity and resilience. It taught me that though I am the “master of my fate,” I am never truly alone on this journey. In moments of need, the simple act of reaching out for help or extending a hand in kindness can light our way. This isn’t a new story for us. Our Brotherhood has faced and climbed far steeper mountains throughout our 105-year history, always finding strength in our unity. We’ve thrived by supporting each other, walking side by side through whatever darkness we faced. Now, I pass this reminder on to you: as we navigate these turbulent times, let us shine for each other—finding light in the darkness, comfort in our community, and hope in our collective journey as Brothers.
With this in mind, I hope the updates below brighten your day and bring you joy, showcasing the progress of our Fraternity and the impactful work our Brothers are achieving nationwide.
MARCH UPDATES
Update #1: 2025 District Convention Season
The time has come to kick off our 2025 District Convention season, starting with a visit to Camp Hill, PA, for our Northeast District Convention from March 7-9. We’ll continue our journey to Atlanta, GA, for the Southeast District Convention on March 21-22 and then conclude this month’s conventions in Midwest City, OK ,for the Southwest District Convention from March 28-30.
These gatherings are far more than mere events; they are significant milestones that help forge lifelong memories and strengthen our Brotherhood. Each convention brings us together, drawing strength from every interaction and advancing our mission. Attending a convention is the best way to ensure your voice is heard and your presence felt in your district.
For more details about each convention, please visit events.kkytbs.org. We look forward to connecting with you at each district convention!
Update #2: Founders Circle – William A. Scroggs (Level 1) Certification
Brothers, as you have hopefully noticed throughout the National Month of Leadership, we launched the William A. Scroggs Level Certification of the Founders Circle. This level of the Founders Circle is meant to develop our Brothers as accountable Individual Leaders who are self-aware and understand their own values while leading with integrity, passion, and enthusiasm. As part of this program, we are looking forward to recognizing Brothers who have reflected on their own individual leadership journey by awarding this certification at District Convention. To be recognized at District Convention, you must attend a District Convention and fill out this Certification Form.
To help you fill out the certification form, we hosted a series of conversations about the different themes presented in the William A Scroggs Level of the Founders Circle which can be found on our Facebook page. Additionally, we also prepared the following as a resource for you all to help guide conversation:
- Slides on Values and Self-awareness
- Slides on Integrity and Accountability
- Slides on Passion and Enthusiasm
- All Level 1 Scroggs Materials provide articles, essays, and videos related to the key themes.
Although the Founders Circle Certifications are awarded to individuals, we absolutely encourage you to work through these discussions with your Brothers and your Chapters! A Founders Circle discussion can be a great way to augment an MEP or a Chapter Meeting. We hope to recognize some of our great leaders at conventions this Spring and launch Level II and Level III of the Founders Circle next year!
Update #3: National Service Spotlight & AEA Scholarships
Service, a foundational pillar of our fraternity, manifests uniquely across different campuses. This month, we are thrilled to spotlight three chapters that exemplify outstanding service, each tailoring their efforts to enrich their respective music programs:
- Pi Chapter (SED – Auburn University) has demonstrated exceptional service by “Dotting” the practice field for the Auburn University Marching Band, ensuring precise formations and performance readiness.
- Kappa Psi Chapter (NED – Virginia Commonwealth University) has significantly contributed through clinics and fundraisers benefiting local public high school band programs, fostering community growth and support.
- Nu Gamma Chapter (NED – Robert Morris University) has engaged in meaningful mentorship and service initiatives for the Aliquippa High School Band Program, enhancing educational opportunities for young musicians.
Additionally, the Nu Zeta Chapter at Pennsylvania Western University, Edinboro (NED), was selected by the National Committee on Programs to receive a grant for its innovative “Marching Band Camp Luau” project, which aims to enhance the camp experience for participants.
We are also proud to announce the Spring 2025 Class of AEA Scholarship recipients. These Active Brothers have demonstrated leadership both on the field and in the classroom, earning them each a $1,250 scholarship for their academic achievements and dedication:
- Davian Barba (Iota Alpha Chapter at California State University, Fresno)
- Zoe Bright (Mu Eta Chapter at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)
- Ava Cardner (Gamma Iota Chapter at the University of New Mexico)
- Garrett Haas (Epsilon Theta Chapter at the University of Louisiana at Monroe)
- Jason Lane (Delta Iota Chapter at Florida A&M University)
- Rachel Parks (Alpha Delta Chapter at Ohio University)
- Amanda Turner-Gibson (Alpha Eta Chapter at the University of Florida)
For further details about our recognitions and programs, please visit kkpsi.org/programs or contact our National Committee on Programs at programs@kkpsi.org. We look forward to seeing more inspiring contributions across our chapters!
Update #4: National Officer Election Site & Newsletter
As we approach this important period in our fraternity’s cycle, the National Officer Elections stand as a cornerstone event of each biennium. This process is not just about selecting leaders for the next term; it is about setting the precedent and tone for years to come. The manner in which we conduct these elections can ignite enthusiasm and integrity in future elections or, conversely, diminish the vibrancy of our process.
I urge each chapter to engage deeply with this election process. Take the necessary time to review the candidate information thoroughly and discuss what qualities and visions you seek in your future leaders. Over the next few weeks and months, the National Committee on Nominations will provide further details about the election process, introduce the candidates, and explain how you can participate actively.
With that, we are excited to launch the Official Kappa Kappa Psi Elections site, which presents all 16 candidates for the four National Council positions and three open Board of Trustees seats. To gain a deeper understanding of each candidate’s platform and vision, I encourage you to read our 2025 National Convention Elections Newsletter. This resource is designed to help you make informed decisions about the future leadership of Kappa Kappa Psi.
Should you have any questions or need further clarification on the election process, please do not hesitate to contact the National Committee on Nominations at nominations@kkpsi.org. Your informed participation is crucial to shaping the Kappa Kappa Psi Journey and the future of our Brotherhood!
Update #5: Important Information for Your #JourneyToNatCon2025
The National Council and I are excited to share more details to help our Brothers start their #JourneyToNatCon2025! As we gear up for our largest event of the biennium, it’s time to begin planning your travels to Lexington this summer. We’ve compiled essential updates and resources to ensure you are well-prepared and informed:
- National Convention Schedule
- Featured Speakers
- National Intercollegiate Band (NIB)
- KKΨ Intercollegiate Jazz Band (IJB)
- Chapter Delegate/Proxy Form
- Call for National Constitution Changes
These elements will also be highlighted during the national town hall sessions at the upcoming district conventions. It is crucial for each chapter and member to review the information provided through each link thoroughly. Should you have any questions about the 2025 National Convention or need further clarification, please feel free to reach out to me directly at president@kkpsi.org.
Important Note: We are delaying the launch of our NatCon registration page until after most of the district conventions have concluded.
Update #6: 2025 National Convention Student Keynote & Parliamentarian
One of the most exciting opportunities at our 2025 National Convention is for students to take center stage as our Student Keynote Speaker or serve diligently as the Student Parliamentarian. These roles are integral to Kappa Kappa Psi’s commitment to fostering student leadership and ensuring our organization remains student-centric.
Have you ever wanted to inspire a national audience? As the Student Keynote Speaker, you’ll have the privilege of being one of the key voices heard at our National Convention in Lexington, KY. This role calls for you to deliver a 7-10 minute speech (approximately 1400-2000 words) exploring the theme “The Power of Our Stories: Shaping the KKPsi Journey Together.” We’re looking for speeches that delve into how personal experiences shape our understanding of Musicianship, Leadership, Service, and Brotherhood, and how these stories strengthen our fraternal bonds. Applicants must submit their speech in both text and audio formats.
- Prompt: In Kappa Kappa Psi, each member’s journey contributes profoundly to the narrative of our Fraternity. This keynote invites you to explore and share the pivotal moments and experiences that have shaped your personal growth and how these stories enrich our collective mission. How have the chapters of your life added depth to your understanding of Musicianship, Leadership, Service, and Brotherhood? How does telling your story and hearing others’ stories deepen bonds and inspire us all to reach greater heights together? We encourage you to bring your unique perspectives and reflections, showcasing how individual insights can weave into the broader symphony of our Fraternity’s legacy.
This role is perfect for those who have a keen interest in parliamentary procedure. The Student Parliamentarian assists the National Council and the National Parliamentarian in ensuring that meetings run smoothly according to Robert’s Rules of Order. If appointed, you will attend all business sessions and play a crucial role in the governance of our convention, though you will not serve as a chapter delegate.
We encourage all eligible members to apply and bring their unique insights and leadership skills to the forefront of our National Convention. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at president@kkpsi.org. I hope to see a lot of interest and applications in my inbox by April 30, 2025!
Update #7: Jazz Composition Competition
The Jazz Composition Competition‘s goal is to debut as a composition competition similar to the solo competition during our 2025 National Convention. The winning composition would be performed as part of the Kappa Kappa Psi Intercollegiate Jazz Band Concert coordinated by Dr. William Lake, Dr. LaToya Webb, and the Kappa Kappa Psi Board of Trustees.
The deadline to submit is March 15, 2025.
For more information about this competition, please visit the JCC website or email the Kappa Kappa Psi Alumni Association Awards and Activities Committee at kkpsiaa-awards@kkpsi.org.
Important Links
| Ari’s Travel Schedule Chapter Resources Folder | Mason’s Travel Schedule Calendar & Activity Review Forms |
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As we wrap up another month and start a new one, I am deeply moved by the dedication, care, and trust you have placed in me and Kappa Kappa Psi. Despite the challenges of this biennium, I find myself re-energized by our collective accomplishments and the strides we’ve made together. As I approach the end of my term, my commitment will shift towards ensuring a smooth (and peaceful) transition for Dr. Rorrer, who is set to guide us into the next chapter of our fraternal journey.
In these remaining months, I look forward to cherishing every moment we have together, embracing each opportunity to strengthen our bonds and advance our mission. Let’s continue to march forth on #TheKKPsiJourney, carrying with us the spirit of harmony and the light of hope for a better tomorrow.
With Love and Appreciation,
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