On September 6, 2012 Kappa Kappa Psi and the college band world lost teacher, friend, and advocate, Dr. James Croft. Dr. Croft was an honorary member of the Gamma Nu Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi at Florida State University.

Dr. Croft finished his Ph D. from the University of Oklahoma in 1970 and was hired as the director of band at the University of South Florida in 1972. After eigth years at USF he became the Director of Bands at Florida State University and remained there until his retirement in 2003. Dr. Croft’s high school program was selected as one of the groundbreaking Contemporary Music Project ensembles supported by the Music Educator’s National Conference and the Ford Foundation in the 1950’s. He also served as the president of the National Band Association and the College Band Directors National Association. He was also active in the forming of World Association of Symphonic Band Ensembles (WASBE) as a member of their board for 6 years. He was revered as a musician, composer, and clinician working with countless ensembles and composers. He truly was a legend in the college band arena.

For Kappa Kappa Psi, Dr. Croft conducted the National Intercollegiate Band in 1995 and received the Bohumil Makovsky Memorial Award that same year. Dr. Croft received the Distinguished Service to Music Medal during the 1997-1999 biennium, the highest honor Kappa Kappa Psi gives to an individual.

Dr. Croft served as an example, leader, and mentor for countless brothers and band directors across this country. He truly lived up to the high ideals of our fraternity. Our most sincere condolences are with his family and the Florida State University Community.

When Neil Armstrong passed earlier this month, the world lost a hero and a legend. What many people did not know, was that Brother Armstrong was an avid musician and made an honorary member of Kappa Kappa Psi at Purdue University. The following was printed in the Podium in 1969 and tells about Brother Armstrong’s musical roots and his affiliation with Kappa Kappa Psi.

First Man on the Moon
Reprinted from the November 1969 edition of the Podium

Photo caption: Neil Armstrong, the first man on the moon, receives his Kappa Kappa Psi Honorary Membership when he visited his alma mater, Purdue University, in 1966.

When Neil Armstrong stepped out on the moon’s surface, the world thrilled at mankind’s greatest adventure. And musicians said: “He’s one of us.”

Musicians form a close brotherhood, but they also believe in music for everyone, including men who explore space. So does Neil Armstrong. Though flying has been his lifelong passion, Armstrong is also devoted to music. As a teenager, he worked and saved to pay for flying lessons and still eked out enough extra money to buy a Conn baritone horn. He earned his pilot’s license at 16, even before he had his driver’s license; and he was the leader of a musical combo as well as a faithful member of the school band.

Armstrong’s love for music began when he was a small child. He joined the Upper Sandusky, Ohio, school band when he was an eighth grader, and chose to play baritone horn.

“I asked him why he chose such a big horn,” his mother recalls. “He was such a little fellow and it seemed to be more than he could carry. But he said he liked the tone. So, of course, we didn’t discourage him. And perhaps the school band needed a baritone player.

I never had to remind him to practice. He just naturally set aside time for that.”

The family had moved to Wapakoneta, Ohio, by the time Armstrong entered high school. He played in the school band, of course, but also for Boy Scout and church events. For sheer fu , he formed the “Mississippi Moonshiners,” a jazz band that performed at school dances and assembly intermissions.

“Neil was a very good musician,” says Jerre Maxon, the trombonist of the group. “He had a strong driving afterbeat, you know, and really kept us going. He sure loved music. He said music contributed to ‘thought control,’ and he always tried to improve his playing.

There were only six boys in the Wapakoneta 45-piece band and we had a lot of fun. After the football game, when we went downtown to parade, Neil would turn his cap around and march backwards, just for laughs. Sometimes we would trade off instruments. I suppose we drove the band director crazy-but those were good times.”

But with the exception of these episodes with the band and the “Moonshiners,” Maxon remembers Armstrong as a quiet, reserved young man, who said little. “I think one of the hardest parts of the moon mission for Neil will be the public speaking,” Maxon comments.

“He wanted his own instrument,” reports Neil’s father, Stephen. “In those days, our family had few luxuries. Neil worked at Neumeister’s Bakery cleaning the bread mixer until he had raised enough money to buy a Conn baritone horn.

Neil got his love of music from his mother. She played piano and assisted Neil to play piano, too. Sometimes, in the evening, Neil with his baritone, his brother Dean and his cornet, and his sister June with her violin would gather around Viola at the piano, and they would play. What a good time they had.” B. S. Porter Music Company in Lima, Ohio, has proudly framed the guarantee card of Dean’s Conn cornet, serial No. 163721.

After high school graduation, Armstrong won a Navy scholarship, and in the fall of 1947, went to Purdue University. His Conn baritone went along, and he performed with the Purdue “All American” Marching Band and Concert Band, under the direction of Paul Emrick.

Maxine LeFevre, assistant to AI Wright, Purdue’s current director of bands, serves as band historian. She says Neil Armstrong is remembered by his classmates as a likeable boy with a bashful smile.
“His band colleagues recall the pride he took in his horn,” Miss leFevre says. “No one dreamed at the time that by 1962 we would hear Neil was chosen to be an astronaut. The Purdue Marching Band did a half-time show in his honor that fall. Oddly enough, we titled the show ‘First Bandsman on the Moon’ and it came true!”

In 1966, Armstrong visited the Purdue campus and appeared in the variety show which the band was presenting for visiting alumni during Gala Week . The band presented him with a Purdue band blazer and Honorary Membership in the Gamma Pi Chapter of KKY, national band fraternity. Along with the pledge board and pledge cap, Armstrong was given his KKY pin. This year, when he learned he would be the first man to set foot on the moon, he wrote AI Wright that he hoped to carry the pin along on his flight.

Neil Armstrong never lost his love for music. “Every time Neil came home in these past years,” says his father, “one of the first things he would do was sit down at the piano and play.”

“That seemed to be part of coming home,” his mother adds. “After he had played three or four things, he was ready to sit down and tell us what he had been doing.”

But there never was another chance for the “Mississippi Moonshiners” to get together for a session. Maxon stayed in Wapakoneta where he became a successful contractor. Jim Mougey, the clarinetist, is now a band director in Norwalk, Ohio. Bob Gustafson, second trombonist, is a teacher in Springfield, Ohio.

At home in Houston, during his free time, Armstrong still enjoys playing his musical instrument. Occasionally, he and his wife, Janet, entertain friends with a duet. Twelve-year-old Ricky Armstrong is taking music lessons. Mark, six, without any doubt will be taking music lessons soon-perhaps as the boy behind the Conn baritone in band.

Founded in 1919 at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma, Kappa Kappa Psi is the leading fraternity solely dedicated to supporting and developing college and university band programs. Kappa Kappa Psi has affiliation with over 210 college and university campuses across the United States of America. Guided by our values, mission and ritual, Kappa Kappa Psi is purposefully working towards our vision; With a dedicated spirit of unity and cooperation, we are unequivocally committed to become the world standard of excellence for band fraternal organizations. Collectively, Kappa Kappa Psi members are inspiring one another and all college band members to Strive for the Highest.

Brothers, Sisters, and friends of Kappa Kappa Psi,

It is our pleasure to announce the installation of the Nu Gamma chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi at Robert Morris University. The installation of our 315th chapter occurred at Robert Morris University on August 14, 2012 with National President Adam Cantley serving as installing officer of 11 colonists and 6 honorary members. The Alpha Omega chapter served as the advising chapter, and Daniel and Kelly Miller, Omicron Life Members, served as the colony advisors. This is the 5th chapter installation of the biennium.

The event was attended by brothers from Alpha Omega, Omicron, and Kappa Gamma. Also in attendance were Director of Bands Elisabeth Heath Charles, Past National Vice President for Student Affairs and Alpha Omega Sponsor Anthony Roscoe, and Northeast District Historian Liz Zeffiro. The chapter is off to a great start with many projects already completed, others planned, and tremendous support from members of Kappa Kappa Psi across Northeast District and beyond.

Congratulations to these new brothers and to the establishment of Nu Gamma.

—-

Founded in 1919 at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma, Kappa Kappa Psi is the leading fraternity solely dedicated to supporting and developing college and university band programs. Kappa Kappa Psi has affiliation with over 210 college and university campuses across the United States of America. Guided by our values, mission and ritual, Kappa Kappa Psi is purposefully working towards our vision; With a dedicated spirit of unity and cooperation, we are unequivocally committed to become the world standard of excellence for band fraternal organizations. Collectively, Kappa Kappa Psi members are inspiring one another and all college band members to Strive for the Highest.

Brothers,

I am excited to announce Paula Crider as Kappa Kappa Psi’s newest recipient of the Distinguished Service to Music Medal!

Professor Crider has taught at all levels including her time at The University of Texas where she currently holds the title of Professor Emerita.  She also holds the unique distinction of having been the first female in Texas to serve as director of bands at a class 5-A high school. Professor Crider retired from The University of Texas in 1999 where she served as director of the renowned University of Texas Longhorn Band. While at the university she taught conducting, brass techniques, and marching band methods; supervised student teachers; and conducted the Symphony Band.  She serves as coordinator for the National Band Association Young Conductor/Mentor Program, is Educational Consultant for Conn-Selmer, and was recently appointed to the Midwest Clinic Board.  She is a Past President of the National Band Association and American Bandmasters Association.

The presentation of Professor Crider’s award took place at Texas Bandmaster’s Association’s annual convention in San Antonio, TX on July 20th.  Kappa Kappa Psi Executive Director Lt. Col. Alan Bonner presented the award.  Professor Crider was so touched with the presentation that she shared with Kappa Kappa Psi the following:

“I am truly honored by your most kind recognition.  You have made this old Bb band director most proud to be counted among the many thousands who have served their college and university band through this great organization.”

–Paula Crider

Please join me in celebrating this most deserving individual!  If you have any questions, or you are interested in nominating an individual for this award please visit www.kkpsi.org/fraternityawards.asp or feel free to contact National Vice President for Programs, Jack Lee.

AEA,
Jack Lee


—
Jack Lee
National Vice President for Programs
Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band  Fraternity
www.kkpsi.org

Founded in 1919 at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma, Kappa Kappa Psi is the leading fraternity solely dedicated to supporting and developing college and university band programs. Kappa Kappa Psi has affiliation with over 210 college and university campuses across the United States of America. Guided by our values, mission and ritual, Kappa Kappa Psi is purposefully working towards our vision; With a dedicated spirit of unity and cooperation, we are unequivocally committed to become the world standard of excellence for band fraternal organizations. Collectively, Kappa Kappa Psi members are inspiring one another and all college band members to Strive for the Highest.

Click The Icon to Sign Up Today!

Honor the tradition of Kappa Kappa Psi with your support for the future of collegiate bands. As alumni of our proud organization, our gifts allow the fraternity to uphold the five principles of our creed and support active and alumni members alike in their goal to always Strive for the Highest!

What is the AGP?

The Alumni Giving Program (AGP) is a donation program designed for alumni Brothers who find monthly contributions to KKPsi more manageable than an annual donation. The AGP is intended to build a “culture of giving” among Brothers of our Fraternity. Whether you’ve given in the past or want to give for the first time, consider supporting the fraternity through the Alumni Giving Program (AGP). Here’s how it works:

• AGP donations support our National KKPsi Alumni Association, the Trust and General Funds, and by extension the active membership. With less than 18% going to overhead costs, your gifts go far!
• All monthly recurring donations are billed to your credit/debit card or to your checking account. It’s easy to manage, and easy to budget.
• Earn Life Membership along the way!

Questions? Feel free to contact the Kappa Kappa Psi Alumni Advisory Committee at alumni@kkpsi.org

How can you give right now?

Signing up is easy! Click on the Graphic Above and choose your donation level. Enter your checking or credit/debit card information, and that’s it! Your monthly contribution date will be based on the date of the month you enroll. To make changes to your contribution level, call the National Headquarters at (800) 543-6505 and speak with Di Spiva anytime.

How is the AGP different from a regular donation?

Instead of writing checks here and there, or at tax time, Brothers can give smaller amounts each month, automatically, from $19 dollars (in honor of our founding year) to $100 each month. This sustained, regular pattern of giving is a powerful way to show your pride and support for our Fraternity, its ongoing commitment to college bands, and the growth of alumni involvement. In addition, participants will receive an annual statement detailing the 88% of their prior year’s contributions that are tax deductible.

Where does my money go?

Your donation sends 48% to the Trust Fund, 25% to the General Fund, and the balance pays for AA programs and expenses. Your donations support the active membership, build the Trust so programs like the NIB can grow and thrive, and fund programs that specifically serve the needs of alumni Brothers and Life Members.

Giving Levels and Life Member Credits

Already a Life Member?

You can gift earned Life Memberships to other Brothers. Every time you earn another 500 Life Member Credits, you earn another Life Membership to give as a gift to a young alumnus or an old friend. Best of all, you keep earning additional Life Memberships as long as you are a member of the AGP.

The KKPsi Alumni Association proudly introduces the new Scott Stowell Alumni Excellence Award. The Stowell Award recognizes continuous dedication and service to KKPsi by alumni who are neither elected nor appointed members of the National Leadership. This is the first National award that honors our “unsung heroes” who are not official leaders, but who truly lead us every day.

We have so many alumni who give their time, energy, and spirit by volunteering as advisors, mentors, and role models. They offer professional advice and networking, nurture active Brothers to greater participation, and cement ongoing dedication to our great Fraternity. The example set by Past National President and Trustee Scott Stowell by continuing to advise, lead workshops, educate, inform, and consult exemplifies lifelong dedication and the spirit we all strive for.

The KKPsi Alumni Association will give the award once per year, and winners will be recognized at our National Convention. Brothers may be nominated by chapters, local alumni associations (LAAs), or individual alumni from either KKPsi or TBSigma. Alumni become eligible 5 years after they last held active status. District Governors, National Officers, Trustees, and AAC Members are ineligible until they are out of all leadership positions for at least 2 years.

The nomination process requires a nomination form and a cover letter that address why the nominee exemplifies alumni excellence, and must address the following topics:
1) How does your nominee continuously serve and support the greater Fraternity?
2) How does your nominee continuously support and strengthen the role of alumni?
3) How does your nominee continuously serve and support our active membership?
4) How does your nominee truly take Brotherhood to heart?
5) Does your nominee regularly attend District/National conventions?
6) How does your nominee fit the “What can I do for you” state of mind?

The Alumni Advisory Committee will review submitted nominations and select a winner. Nominees should not be informed of their nomination. The AAC will recognize nominees after a winner is selected. The first nomination deadline is February 15, 2013.

We encourage all of you to think about who you believe exemplifies the spirit of this award. Who do you know that consistently gives without thought of recognition? Who do you know that is worthy of this new honor? Please contact us with your questions at alumni@kkpsi.org. We look forward to your nominations!

Click here to download a Scott Stowell Award nomination form