As noted in a statement Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Fraternity released on January 30, 2012, the National Leadership was alerted to a situation that might have been a violation of Fraternity policy on Saturday, January 28th, 2012 through an article that appeared in the Tallahassee Democrat. The Fraternity responded immediately as noted in a statement issued by the Fraternity on January 30th, 2012. It was determined that the situation occurred during the spring 2010 semester and involved the Delta Iota chapter at Florida A & M University.

Following that report, the National Council of the Fraternity organized an investigation into the situation that was consistent with the policies and procedures of the Fraternity. The Fraternity was subsequently asked to hold off on its investigation by a representative of Florida A & M because of a police investigation that was being organized. We chose to honor that request but placed the Delta Iota chapter on Investigative Hold until we could complete our investigation. While on Investigative Hold a chapter many not operate on any level without approval of local and national supervision.

On March 28, 2012, the Tallahassee Police Department concluded its investigation and released its findings. Following the completion of that investigation, Kappa Kappa Psi went forward with its investigation that had been held pending the completion of the police work.

As a result of this investigation and the incident that occurred in spring of 2010, the National Council has voted to remove the Delta Iota Chapter at Florida A&M University from the roster of active chapters of Kappa Kappa Psi. The Delta Iota chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi will be closed for a period of at least five years or until May, 3 2017. This decision was based primarily upon hazing activities that occurred as well as other related issues including a failure to follow policies of the national organization and uncertainty of the future leadership and direction of the University and the Music Department. All undergraduate members of Delta Iota chapter in the spring semester of 2010 have been expelled. All prospective members–those in the joining process–during the spring semester of 2010 have been expelled. Any members of the Fraternity including alumnus members who were present at the incident that led to the investigation and sanctions have been expelled. A total of 28 individuals have been expelled from Kappa Kappa Psi. Any current dues paying student members of Delta Iota chapter who were not members during the spring, 2010 semester have been placed on Alumni status with Kappa Kappa Psi Fraternity. As alumnus members they may not participate in any undergraduate chapter event or activity at Florida A&M University since the Delta Iota Chapter is no longer active. Any violation of this status will result in expulsion from the Fraternity.

The mission statement of Kappa Kappa Psi states, Kappa Kappa Psi is a fraternal organization that promotes the advancement of college and university bands through dedicated service and support to bands; comprehensive education; leadership opportunities; and recognition; for the benefit of its members and society. Hazing is not in line with our mission, ritual or values and is simply against the law. We steadfastly advocate and support the removal of hazing practices from college bands and society. For more information on the Kappa Kappa Psi National Policy on hazing please visit http://www.kkpsi.org/policies.asp.

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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.

Since the founding of our fraternity at Oklahoma A&M in 1919, we have enjoyed a special relationship with the university. The campus has hosted our National Convention three separate times in 1922, 1969, and 1989. Four members from Alpha chapter at Oklahoma State have served as National President. The National Headquarters for both Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma were housed in the Seretean Center on campus for many years. However, one of our most visible partnerships is the National Shrine of the Fraternity that is a part of the campus landscape.

The following is taken from our Fraternity Guide to Membership. The National Shrine was formally dedicated on March 26,1960. The ceremonies were attended by Charter Members of the Alpha Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi, past National Presidents of the Fraternity, National Officers of both organizations, and administrators of Oklahoma State University. Ceremonies included wreath-layings, in memory of the founders of the Fraternity, by the current presidents of the Alpha Chapters and representatives of the National Councils of Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma.

For over 50 years our shine has had its home on the west side of the Classroom Building. Kappa Kappa Psi thanks Oklahoma State University for honoring the location of our shrine in their renovations to the area surrounding the Student Union and Classroom Building. Also, thank you to the University for improvements they made to the area. Centering the shrine with the building, adding a courtyard and seating area, and planting the shrubbery have all enhanced this piece of our shared history.

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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.

Due to a request from the faculty and diminished student participation and interest in the fraternity, the National Council has voted to close the Delta Eta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi at Pittsburg State University in Kansas. All current active, conditional, and associate members of the fraternity who have met national financial obligations will be granted alumni status and the rights of that membership. It is our hope that we can one day return to campus and foster a chapter that supports the college band program and furthers the mission and vision of the fraternity and our values.

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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.

As noted in a statement Kappa Kappa Psi released on January 30, 2012, The National Leadership was made aware of a situation that may have been a violation of Fraternity policy that we now know occurred during the spring 2010 semester involving the Delta Iota Chapter at Florida A&M University. The national fraternity was first made aware of the incident through an article that was in the Saturday January 28, 2012 issue of The Tallahassee Democrat.

Following that report, the National Council began to organize an investigation into the alleged incident. This type of investigation is consistent with the policies and practices of the fraternity. At that time, a representative from Florida A&M University asked us to hold our investigation due to a pending police investigation into the alleged incident. We honored that request and left our chapter on Investigative Hold until we could carry out our own fraternity investigation.

On March 28, 2012, the Tallahassee Police Department concluded their investigation and has released their findings. At this time, no criminal charges have been filed regarding this incident. Since the investigation has ended, Kappa Kappa Psi plans to move forward in a manner consistent with the policies and practices of the fraternity.

The mission statement of Kappa Kappa Psi states, Kappa Kappa Psi is a fraternal organization that promotes the advancement of college and university bands through dedicated service and support to bands; comprehensive education; leadership opportunities; and recognition; for the benefit of its members and society. Hazing is not in line with our mission, ritual or values and is simply against the law. We steadfastly advocate and support the removal of hazing practices from college bands and society. For more information on the Kappa Kappa Psi National Policy on hazing please visit http://www.kkpsi.org/policies.asp.

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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.

W. Francis McBeth Student Musicianship Award

Brothers,

I am proud to announce the finalization of the W. Francis McBeth Student Musicianship Award. Created at the 2011 National Convention, the W. Francis McBeth Student Musicianship Award honors current active, associate, and conditional members of Kappa Kappa Psi that exemplify the highest standards of Musical Achievement. W. Francis McBeth (1933-2012) was a world-renowned composer and conductor.

W. Francis McBeth

McBeth was appointed band director at Ouachita Baptist College (now Ouachita Baptist University) in 1957. He remained at OBU, retiring in 1996 as chairman of the theory and composition department, resident composer, and the Lena Shepperson Professor of Music. In 1971, McBeth served as the commissioning composer for the 1971 National Intercollegiate Band, which premiered his work “The Seventh Seal.” In 1975, he was named composer laureate of Arkansas, the first composer laureate in the United States.

The first recipient of this award was recognized at the Northeast District Convention this year – Zachary Friedland from the Theta Upsilon chapter at The University of Rhode Island. Pictured with Zach are National President Adam Cantley, Vice President for Student Affairs Adam Bates, and Vice President for Professional Relations Travis Cross.

Nominations are due by January 1 and June 1 to the National Council, and should include: the nomination form, a letter of nomination, examples of the individual’s musical achievement, and letters of recommendation from individuals who know the nominee well.

Questions may be directed to National Vice President for Programs, Jack Lee.

AEA,

Jack

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

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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.