Founders’ Day Message 2021

Posted on November 27, 2021November 29, 2021 by podium

Brothers,

What does it mean to celebrate Founders’ Day?

This is a moment to truly celebrate! For 102 years, our organization has withstood the test of time. Our values are the same as they were when 10 bandsmen came together and created an organization in the image of their director. We celebrate the opportunity to serve college bands with honor, integrity, respect, and loyalty. We celebrate our relationship and our shared mission with Tau Beta Sigma. We celebrate our chapters, our Brothers, our connection and the spirit of servant leadership. We celebrate the precious gift of music, and the magic it brings when we join together in harmony.

This is also a moment of reflection. I think of how far we have come in 102 years. Certainly – I would not be here as your National President. Throughout the years, we have grown and adapted as an organization. Our acknowledgement, inclusion, and acceptance of people of color, women, and the LGBTQIA community demonstrates our growth as an organization that cares about the people who serve in it. But at the same time, we must also acknowledge that we haven’t always gotten it right, and that when we reflect on our successes, we must also reflect on the moments that we could have done better and done more. I hope that this sentiment continues to drive us forward as a better Kappa Kappa Psi.

Finally, this is a moment of gratitude. I’m thankful for my home chapter at Lock Haven, for the amazing experience playing in the LHU Band, and that seven people saw something in me to offer me an invitation for membership in Kappa Kappa Psi. I’m thankful for the many Brothers I have met over the years, at conventions, over zoom, and from countless chapters across the country who have touched my life. I’m thankful for the opportunity to serve all of you as your National President. I’m especially thankful for the ability to play music with one another, to have a shared experience that connects and brings joy, love, and light to all.

In the March 1923 Baton, Grand President Scott Squyres wrote an article about the greater fraternity. In it he says, “The entire success of the fraternity depends on your individual continued cooperation. You only get out of a thing what you put into it. HAVE YOU PUT ALL YOU CAN INTO KAPPA KAPPA PSI?” In July, I asked you if you were with me – to help reCHARGE Kappa Kappa Psi. Ask yourself – are you truly putting all you can into Kappa Kappa Psi? Are you working to serve your college or university band? Are you striving to live our values, as we make bands, and the world at large, a better place? Are you working to reCHARGE Kappa Kappa Psi through your actions as a Brother, as a chapter, as an alumnus?

Brothers, on this day, our Founders’ Day, take a moment – to celebrate, to reflect, and to give thanks. Thank a Brother, a Sister, a band director, a fellow musician – someone who has touched your life and made it better because of your connection to music and Kappa Kappa Psi. Reflect on your commitment to musicianship, leadership, and service as we strive for college bands. And most importantly, celebrate the moment! Here’s a toast to Kappa Kappa Psi and 102 years of service to college bands!

Striving with you,

Jessica Lee
48th National President
Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity

National Month of Musicianship 2021

Posted on November 2, 2021November 2, 2021 by podium

Brothers,

It has been wonderful seeing our Chapters recharging their band programs and sharing their love of music with both their campuses and all of us. This November, as we celebrate both the Month of Musicianship and the month of our founding, I encourage you to reflect on these questions and ideas over the next several weeks:

Week 1: Tone: How are you improving the tone of your band program, both musically and in how you help your band programs conduct themselves?
Week 2: Articulation: What vision of musicianship in Kappa Kappa Psi are you articulating on your campus?
Week 3: Duration: How are you recruiting not just to your Chapters, but to your band programs?
Week 4: Beauty: What performances are you engaging in on your campuses that showcase the qualities of music that pass beyond words?
Week 5: Harmony: What are you doing in your band programs to create harmony in the realistic and idealistic senses of the word?

Please stay tuned to social media over the next month, as we host programming, share what these things mean to your leadership team, and have you share with us all what you’re doing on your campuses. When you’re posting about your Month of Musicianship events, use the hashtag #strikeupthebands!

Happy Month of Musicianship, and let’s celebrate it with beauty and passion!

AEA

Ed Savoy
National Vice President for Programs

2021 National VPSA Announcement

Posted on October 8, 2021October 11, 2021 by podium

Greetings Brothers!

I hope that the start to your school year is going well, and that you are enjoying the return to IN PERSON band practices and performances! I wanted to provide you with some updates, as we have started the biennium!

National Vice President for Student Affairs

Here is an overview of the VPSA selection process:

The Application Window for VPSA was open from July 26, 20221 – August 23, 2021. The announcement was posted on the kkpsi.org website
Brother Bang Co, Former VPSA Zac Humphrey, and I held a VPSA Chat on the VPSA position for interested Candidates.
Once the application window closed and all packets were received, they were placed in a google folder for review by the National Council. We received 14 packets for consideration.
The candidates were then ranked. We chose the top 8 candidates for zoom interviews.
All candidates were asked the same questions and received a 30 minutes interview. National Council members provided feedback after both nights of interviews.
From the 8 candidates interviewed, we narrowed it down to 3 candidates. We discussed the strengths and areas of concern of all 3 finalist candidates. I also gave council members the opportunity to discuss other candidates if they wished – we did discuss another candidate who ranked 4th.
I then asked National Council members to email me their top candidate with feedback. I received emails from all voting members, who were able to come to consensus.
The National Council then unanimously voted to recommend a candidate to the Board of trustees.
The Board of Trustees unanimously voted to accept our recommendation.

On behalf of the National Council and Board of Trustees, it is with excitement that I announce that Brother TarShae Odom, active member of the Zeta Eta Chapter of South Carolina State University, has been appointed to the National Vice President for Student Affairs Position.

Brother Tar-Shae` Ra-Jun Odom is a non-traditional student and a Spring 2018 initiate of the Zeta Eta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi at South Carolina State University. As an active brother of the Zeta Eta Chapter, he currently serves as the Service Chair. Most recently, Tar-Shae` has served the fraternity as the Southeast District President, Zeta Eta Chapter President, and as a member of the National DEIA Task Force. Brother Odom is a 2021 winner of the J. Lee Burke Student Achievement award, the highest award a student of Kappa Kappa Psi can win. Throughout his time at South Carolina State University, Tar-Shae has played french horn in the South Carolina State Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Wind Ensemble. He also played mellophone in the marching band, and this year, serves as one of the student conductors for the South Carolina State University Band Program.

On the South Carolina State University campus, Tar-Shae` serves as Chair of the National Interfraternity Music Council (NIMC), and is an advocate for student activities. Additionally, he is a member of Delta Phi Delta Dance Fraternity where he served as Chapter President of the Magnificent Mu Chapter, Southern Regional Director twice, and also National Vice President of External Affairs. Serving has played a major role in Tar-Shae’s life. Since high school, he has served as drum major, class president, school vice president, and tennis captain. Brother Odom never runs from the opportunity to serve others, and believes that the act of serving others is what matters most at the end of the day.

Outside of school and serving the band, is a full-time bar manager at the Orangeburg Country Club. He is a proud member of New Bethel Apostolic Church of Dillon, S.C. where he serves as an assistant choir director, and the keyboardist.

As a leadership team, we are excited about Brother Odom’s vision to Rediscover, Rededicate, and Reclaim to Restore. His ideas align with our national vision to help ReCharge our Brotherhood, and he is passionate about bridging gaps between students, national leadership, and alumni across the country.

The National Council will have an officer installation for Brother Odom, which will be hosted live on facebook on Monday, October 11th at 7:00pm CST/8:00 pm EST. We will also be hosting a National Council Meet and Greet session, for active members to get to know our council members, at the beginning of November. Information about registering for this session will be coming in the next few weeks!

Brothers, the Officer Installation Ceremony reminds us of the following: “Just as any melody, from the most basic motives to the most ornately crafted themes, may be enhanced by a wise use of harmony or destroyed by discord, so too is the Brotherhood. It is your duty to assist your officers in working toward the goals which animate us all.” I encourage you to reflect on these words, and take the time to be intentional to lend your assistance and support, not just to Brother Odom as he transitions to his new position, but to the rest of your National Leadership, your District Leadership, and Your Chapter Leadership. We cannot do it alone.

Brother Odom may be reached via email at trodom4@kkpsi.org. We look forward to the work he will do as our 2021-2023 National Vice President for Student Affairs!

Striving to reCharge our Brotherhood,

Jessica Lee

48th National President of Kappa Kappa Psi

Life Member, Eta Alpha Chapter – Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania

Chapter Personnel Report Walkthrough

Posted on September 24, 2021September 24, 2021 by podium

Hello and Happy Friday, Brothers –

I hope your September is going well and that you are ready for Spooky Season!

With the Chapter Personnel Report (CPR) deadline coming up, we wanted to share with you a helpful resource that you can use to complete your CPR correctly. Our OMRS expert, Aaron Moore, hosted an office hour where he walked through the process step-by-step. If you haven’t started or completed your CPR draft yet, please use the link below to access the walkthrough video.

If you have any questions or issues regarding the OMRS or the CPR, please do not hesitate to email Aaron Moore (moore@kkytbs.org) or myself (bangco@kkpsi.org). I will share that I am basically useless when it comes to the OMRS, but I can help with other matters 🙂

Thank you and have a safe/healthy weekend! AEA.

CPR Walkthrough Video

Slide Deck

Bang Co

National Vice President for Membership & Expansion

Fall 2021 Petitioning Group Announcement

Posted on September 3, 2021September 2, 2021 by podium

Brothers –

On behalf of the National Council of Kappa Kappa Psi, I am wishing you a safe and healthy start to your Fall 2021 semester. We are honored to announce the acceptance of two petitioning groups and the team of advisors that will be working closely with them this fall. Please see below for more information about each group.

Valdosta State University – Lambda Omicron Rechartering – Southeast District

Advising Team:

Evan Thompson (Life Member, Zeta Chi & Past National President) – Lead Advisor
JP Davis (Life Member, Zeta Chi & SED Governor)
Michael Bradford-Calhoun (Alumnus, Iota Zeta & past SED President)
Brittany Woodruff (Life Member, Pi & SEDAA Board Member)
Miaka Kemp (Alumna, Kappa Mu & KKPsiAA Member)

The Valdosta State University band program is under the leadership of their Director of Bands, Dr. Benjamin Harper, and Assistant Director of Bands, Dr. Skye Holmes. The band program offers a variety of ensembles for students and community members to participate in including their Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, the Blazin’ Brigade Marching Band, and the Hot Shots Basketball Band. To learn more about the Valdosta State University band program, please visit their website.

We are excited to welcome back our friends at Valdosta State University to Kappa Kappa Psi! You may send notes of congratulations to Director of Bands, Dr. Benjamin Harper (bgharper@valdosta.edu).

Cleveland State University – New Petitioning Group – North Central District

Advising Team:

Marc Renaud (Life Member, Zeta Epsilon & NCD Governor) – Lead Advisor
Michelle Banis (Life Member, Iota Lambda & NCD Governor)
Akilah Thomas (Life Member, Beta Kappa & NCDAA Board Member)
Viet Nguyen (Life Member, Eta & Past NCD Vice President for Membership)
Jack Gornick (Alumnus, Alpha Zeta & Past NCD President)

The Cleveland State University band program is under the leadership of their Director of Bands, Dr. Birch Browning. The band program offers a variety of ensembles for students and community members to participate in including their Wind Ensemble, Chamber Winds, Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Combos, Percussion Ensemble, and Clarinet Ensemble. To learn more about the Cleveland State University band program, please visit their website.

We are excited to welcome our friends at Cleveland State University to Kappa Kappa Psi! You may send notes of congratulations to Director of Bands, Dr. Birch Browning (b.browning@csuohio.edu).

With Love and Appreciation,

Bang T. Co (He/Him/His/他)

National Vice President for Membership & Expansion

2021-2023 Kappa Kappa Psi National Council

Life Member | Alpha Zeta Chapter at Indiana University

2021 KKPsi Fall Mailer Letter

Posted on August 25, 2021August 25, 2021 by podium

August 25, 2021

Brothers of Kappa Kappa Psi, Chapter Sponsors, and Directors of Bands,

As the newly elected National President of Kappa Kappa Psi, I am excited to welcome in the 2021-2023 biennium, as well as a new school year filled with the joy of playing MUSIC!

You can find information for the 2021-2022 school year here: 2021 – 2022 Fall Informational Mailer. We hope that the use of a powerpoint format will help organize the information to make it easier to understand, and also allow chapters to use this as a tool to update members on the relevant national information and changes following the 2021 National Convention in Grand Rapids, Michigan. While the amount of content may be a bit overwhelming at first glance, I strongly encourage each Chapter to take the time to review this document during a chapter meeting. This will help ensure a strong start to the school year. If after reviewing the PowerPoint you have questions, please feel free to reach out to the National Council by emailing council@kkpsi.org.

In addition to this update, we have posted the updated 2021 Kappa Kappa Psi National Constitution to the Fraternity website. Due to the amount of changes that were made at the 2021 National Convention, the National Council created a 2021 Kappa Kappa Psi Constitutional Updates Document to help provide an overview for you. Once the 2021 National Convention minutes are finalized, we will send those to you as a link to the National Headquarters website.

Also, we have updated the PIVOT Guidance for the Fall 2021 semester. Relevant updates include:

A waiver for band participation, which will be granted by both National Councils, on a case by case basis. However, members must still be enrolled in coursework at their college or university and be in good standing with their university or college to be active members. Waiver requests should be put into writing via email from the Chapter Sponsor with the Director of Bands cc’ed, and emailed to council@kkpsi.org.
Additional information has been provided for conducting in-person Fraternity Rituals.
Some Chapters may now be able to host in-person activities/events: Chapters should only host in-person social, service, membership, or fundraising activities/events during the 2021-2022 school year if the following criteria are in place:
- Your campus activities office, Dean of Students, Office of Greek Life, or other authorizing body approves your Chapter to host in-person activities/events on your campus.
- Your chapter activity/event has been approved by your Director of Bands and/or Chapter Sponsor in writing. This may include your Director of Bands and/or your Chapter Sponsor approving a semester calendar of events.
- Your Chapter follows all campus, local, state, and federal health and safety guidance.
- Your Chapter does not penalize members who feel uncomfortable attending these activities/events.

The National Council knows that each campus continues to have their own unique procedure in place while navigating the unknowns of the new variants of the virus. It is our hope that the information outlined in PIVOT! continues to be easily adaptable to every Chapter’s situation. At this time, we ask that each Chapter send any official documentation from your university as it pertains to their COVID-19 protocol to our Health and Safety team at healthandsaftey@kkpsi.org.

As we start the 2021-2022 academic year, I hope that you will use the resources available to you to help navigate your return to more in person operations. Your District Governors and District Officers are there to help assist and support you! You can find their contact information here: District Leadership.

Your National Council is already hard at work, thinking about how we can create the best possible membership experience for YOU! Beginning in September, you will receive regular updates on the work of the National Council and National Committees, as well as progress updates on our officer goals and charges. If you were unable to attend the 2021 National Convention this summer, I invite you to read my Incoming National President Speech, which outlines my vision and goals for the next two years to reCharge our Brotherhood. I hope you will join me in this effort!

More than anything, it is my sincere hope that as a member of Kappa Kappa Psi, you will take the time to rededicate yourself to the ideals of the order, lean in heavily to our ritualistic values, and be intentional about living our purposes in your band programs. If we can do these 3 things – then we are meeting our ritualistic obligations as Brothers of Kappa Kappa Psi.

On behalf of the entire Kappa Kappa Psi National Leadership Team, I hope that you have a fantastic start to your academic year, and we wish you the best of luck on your upcoming performance season!

Striving with you,

Jessica Lee

48th National President of Kappa Kappa Psi

Call for Applications – National Vice President for Student Affairs

Posted on July 26, 2021July 26, 2021 by podium

Brothers:

At the 2021 Kappa Kappa Psi National Convention, no candidate received the simple majority vote needed to elect a National Vice President for Student Affairs for the 2021-2023 biennium.

In accordance with the Kappa Kappa Psi National Constitution, if a vacancy occurs in the office of National Vice President for Student Affairs, the Board of Trustees, upon the recommendation of the National Council, shall appoint a National Vice President for Student Affairs. (Section 3.214)

The Kappa Kappa Psi National Council and Board of Trustees invite interested and qualified individuals to submit their name and qualifications for the position of National Vice President for Student Affairs for the 2021-2023 Biennium. The qualifications and responsibilities of the National Vice President for Student Affairs are outlined in Section 3.208, Section 3.401, and Section 3.711 of the Kappa Kappa Psi National Constitution.

Interested individuals should meet the following qualifications:

Be at least twenty-three (23) years of age.
Completed at least two (2) years of college work.
Must be an Active Member, Associate Member, or Member of the Kappa Kappa Psi Alumni Association.
Possess outstanding business or professional ability.
Capable of representing the Fraternity under all ordinary conditions.
Willing and able to devote the necessary time to the execution of the duties imposed by the office.
Possess a thorough knowledge of developing and implementing student engagement programming.
Experienced in working with individuals and groups of diverse backgrounds.
Capable of mentoring and coaching students in the areas of leadership, event planning, and conflict resolution.

Interested individuals must submit the following information to the National Council (council@kkpsi.org) no later than 11:59 pm CST on August 23, 2021.

Letter of intent for the office of National Vice President for Student Affairs, why it is being sought, what contributions you can make in that office, and information detailing how you meet the above qualifications.
Resume/Vita, which highlights professional, band, and fraternal experiences.
A minimum of three (no more than five) letters of recommendation, one of which should be from within the applicant’s profession.
A campaign statement, which provides a list of goals for the office and how you plan to achieve them.
Biographical profile for publication on the National Website.
One professional photograph, suitable for publication.

After a review of applications, the National Council will choose several individuals for a Zoom interview. Following the Zoom interview process, the National Council will recommend a candidate to the Board of Trustees, who review, approve, and appoint a National Vice President for Student Affairs.

Interested Brothers can submit materials electronically, in PDF format, no later than 11:59 pm CST on August 23, 2021, to:

Email to: council@kkpsi.org

Email Subject Line: National Vice President for Student Affairs Application

For more information, interested candidates can review the following:

Sample Candidate Packets: Candidate packets will be posted on the elections website as examples.
VPSA Chat – VPSA Q&A Panel: Hosted on August 8th at 6:00 pm Central Time. Registration Information for this session will be released in a few days.

Questions may be addressed to National President, Jessica Lee at jessicalee@kkpsi.org and to Board of Trustees Chair, Eric Morson at eric@kkpsi.org. We hope that you will consider applying for this unique opportunity to serve on the National Council!

AEA,

Jessica Lee

Kappa Kappa Psi National President

Life Member, Eta Alpha – Lock Haven University

2021 – 2023 Kappa Kappa Psi Volunteer Application

Posted on June 25, 2021June 25, 2021 by podium

Brothers,

As we prepare for the 2021 National Convention in Grand Rapids, Michigan in just a few weeks, we are also preparing for the next biennium of service as we reCharge our Brotherhood and find our new normal following the impact of the COVID 19 pandemic on our fraternity.

Now, more than ever, we need Brothers who are willing to stand up and answer the call to serve Kappa Kappa Psi as we work to support our 217 chapters and 5,000+ active members across the country. Many of our chapters are smaller than ever before. Some chapters only have Brothers who were initiated during COVID. Our chapters, our Brothers, and our band programs will need us to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them as they return to in person operations.

As part of this national call for volunteers, below is an application for those interested in serving Kappa Kappa Psi on the national level. We will be looking for BOTH active and alumni brothers interested in serving as National Committee Members, Colony Advisors, Leadership Speakers, and more. The application will outline details on various roles, time commitments, whether traveling may be involved, and our volunteer expectations.

2021 – 2023 Kappa Kappa Psi Volunteer Application

Application will close July 25, 2021.

This application will be open through National Convention, and Brothers will be notified in August of the outcome of the application process. If you are interested in serving, but are not sure about the right fit for you, please contact me (jessicalee@kkpsi.org) or find me at National Convention to chat about how you can best serve Kappa Kappa Psi.

Also included in the volunteer application will be the option to be a part of the Kappa Kappa Psi Leadership Cohort. This program will work to provide interested alumni brothers with tools and leadership skills to take the next step in their Kappa Kappa Psi leadership journey – whether that might be a desire to serve as a National Committee Chair, District Governor, National Officer, Alumni officer, or some other role. This cohort will be a year long, and will run September 2021 – June 2022, with a new cohort of individuals in September 2022 – June 2023. It is my sincere hope that providing this opportunity for our alumni Brothers will help to create the next generation of fraternity leadership.

I hope you will look at this application and think about ways you can continue to serve Kappa Kappa Psi and our band programs. For many of you, there may be other ways beyond this application in which you can continue to serve, and I encourage you to think about how you can reCharge your commitment to our purposes and our values. Every Brother has the ability to make an impact to further our mission. I am excited to see so many of you IN PERSON in Grand Rapids, Michigan at our National Convention!

AEA,

Jessica Lee

National Vice President for Colonization & Membership

Life Member, Eta Alpha Chapter

Newest Members of the Kappa Kappa Psi Governor Corps for 2021-2023

Posted on June 14, 2021June 14, 2021 by podium

Brothers:

I am excited to announce the newest members of the Kappa Kappa Psi Governor Corps for the 2021-2023 biennium!

Northeast District

Matthew Parent, Life Member – Epsilon Nu, University of Massachusetts

Matthew Parent (he/him) is a political scientist and administrator in higher education. He currently supports coursework and research at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, focusing on issues of nuclear security. He holds an MA in Political Science from the University of Connecticut, an MA in World Politics from the Catholic University of America, a BA in Political Science from the University of Massachusetts, and is currently writing a dissertation for a PhD in Political Science from UConn. Matt has been a Brother of Kappa Kappa Psi since 2005, serving as NED President in the 2008-2009 academic year, currently serves as sponsor of the Epsilon Nu Chapter at UMass, and currently serves on the National Ritual Performance and Education Committee.

Southeast District

Justyn “JP” Davis, Life Member – Zeta Chi, University of South Carolina

Justyn “JP” Davis (he/him) is the Assistant Director of Bands at Mauldin High School in Greenville, South Carolina. JP has completed his 4th year of teaching after completing his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education along with a Certificate of Performance at the University of South Carolina in 2017. So far at Mauldin, he has helped the ensembles receive multiple superior ratings at concert and contest performances, appear multiple times at the SCBDA 5A State Marching Band Finals Competition (with a record high of 4th place in the state), and perform for the program’s first time at the 2019 SCMEA Professional Development Conference. While in school at USC, he performed in all of the University’s Concert Ensembles and has been a featured soloist with the USC Wind Ensemble. In the University’s athletic bands, JP served as Drum Major of the Carolina Band for 3 years and played Saxophone with the University’s Pep Bands. Professionally, JP is a member the National Association for Music Education, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity, where he has previously served as Vice President of Programs for the Southeast District of Kappa Kappa Psi and on the National Ritual Performance and Education Committee. JP is currently pursuing his Master’s Degree at Florida State University, is very passionate about leadership, and spends a lot of his breaks around leadership camps and workshops.

North Central District

Michelle Banis, Life Member – Iota Lambda, University of Mount Union

Michelle Banis (she/her) was initiated into the Iota Lambda Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi in the fall of 2012. She double majored in Human Resource Management and Marketing and performed with The Purple Raider Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, and Concert Bands. As an Active Brother, Michelle served as Chapter Secretary and Chapter President for two consecutive terms, pulling the Chapter through a very turbulent time. Under her leadership, Iota Lambda won the “Most Improved Chapter” in the nation in 2015. Michelle was also an AEA scholarship recipient, a J. Lee Burke Student Achievement Award national recipient, and a two time / inaugural “Outstanding Band Member Award” recipient for the Mount Union Band Program. After graduating in 2016, she went on to work at her alma mater as a graduate assistant in the offices of Residence Life and Recreation & Intramurals while studying at Kent State University. While working toward her M.Ed in Higher Education Administration, Michelle also took on the role of Chapter Sponsor for Iota Lambda and worked as a Curriculum Advisor with the launch of the Road to Wisdom. In 2018, she became a founding member of the North Central District Alumni Association and has since worked as the organization’s Growth & Wellness Director, Membership Director, and Vice-Chair. She was most recently appointed to serve on the National Curriculum Committee for the 2019-2021 biennium. Professionally, Michelle continues to leave her mark at Mount Union while working in the Office of Alumni Engagement. She resides in Alliance, Ohio, but often travels to the Cleveland area to visit with her family. In her “free” time, Michelle enjoys advising other student organizations at Mount Union, playing in local community bands, and spending time outdoors – especially camping! Serving as NCD Governor has always been a dream of Michelle’s – she just never thought it would come this soon. She’s incredibly thankful for the opportunity to serve the fraternity in this way, giving back to the organization that has truly made her the person she is today!

Southwest District

Elizabeth Pineiro, Life Member – Gamma Phi, Stephen F. Austin State University

Elizabeth Pineiro (she/her) started her band career learning trombone in Katy, TX. She then went to study Music Education at Stephen F. Austin State University and graduated with her Bachelors in 2018. During her years at SFA, Lizzi was initiated into the Gamma Phi chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi. As an active brother, she was very involved holding positions such as Brotherhood/Service Chair, Historian, Vice President of Membership, and Southwest District Vice President for Membership. After graduating, Lizzi continued her involvement in the fraternity as a Chapter Advisor and committee member on the National Curriculum Committee. Lizzi is a band director and has completed her third year of teaching, currently working at Brabham Middle School in Willis, TX. She has three pets: a Siamese cat named Nutmeg, a Double Doodle (Labradoodle-Goldendoodle Mix) named Hex, and another cat named Remy. In her free time, Lizzi likes to rock climb, travel, nap, and stream shows and movies.

Midwest District

Dr. Nic Rorrer, Life Member – Eta Beta, Virginia Tech University

Dr. Nic Rorrer (he/him) is a Life Member of the Eta Beta chapter at Virginia Tech and has been the sponsor of the Xi Chapter at the Colorado School of Mines since 2014. From 2015 to 2021 he served on the Alumni Association Board of Directors for the Fraternity and served as its Chair from 2019 to 2021. Additionally, Nic is part of the Founders Circle Leadership Development speaking team. Professionally, Nic is a Senior Researcher at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory researching methods to redesign today’s plastics to be sourced from renewable resources and to be recyclable by design. In his free time he can often be found wandering the Rocky Mountains either teaching yoga, snowboarding, or hanging out with his partner and dog.

Western District

Lance Coochyouma, Life Member, Gamma Kappa – Northern Arizona University & Omega, The University of Arizona

Lance A. Coochyouma (he/him) was initiated into the Gamma Kappa Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi at Northern Arizona University on January 27, 2001, and then transferred to The University of Arizona and was Active in the Omega Chapter. As an active Brother he served in many chapter offices, including Chapter President. He also served on the Western District Council for four years, two of those years as District President. While at NAU he was a performing member of The Lumberjack Marching Band and Collegiate Concert Band, and at UA he was a member of The Pride of Arizona Marching Band and Campus Concert Band. He also had the opportunity to serve in the role of Drum Major and Colorguard Captain, furthering his development and love of band. He was honored to be awarded the J. Lee Burke Student Achievement Award in 2007. In May of 2008, Lance graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication, Emphasis in Multi-Cultural Communication. Following graduation, Lance enjoyed time exploring the workforce and gaining valuable experiences. He always knew he wanted to give back to the Fraternity in some way, and that chance presented itself when he was appointed as Western District Governor for the 2015-2017 Biennium and also served on the National Nominations Committee. Lance is a proud Life Member of the Gamma Kappa and Omega Chapters, and holds Life and Honorary Membership in the Omega Chapter and Western District of Tau Beta Sigma. Professionally, Lance brings clinical and directional leadership to the healthcare industry; serving as a voice and champion within the Critical Care Telehealth arena as a Health Unit Coordinator and Cardiac Telemetry Technician. Named a Healthcare Professional Who’s Who, Lance holds membership in the National Association of Health Unit Coordinators, American Association of Critical Care Nurses, and American Telemedicine Association. Lance is thankful to continue his support of bands serving as a working adjudicator for AzMBA, WGAZ and WTCA, adjudicating primarily the GE and Visual Ensemble Captions. He also holds membership in the National Band Association. Lance currently resides in the suburbs of Phoenix, in Gilbert, Arizona. He enjoys cooking after watching YouTube cooking tutorial videos, swimming, planning weekend trips, and eating Asian influenced food of any kind. In his free time you can find him trying new Trader Joe’s products or watching ER re-runs.

Karissa Longo, Life Member – Zeta Epsilon, Michigan State University

Karissa Longo (she/her) was initiated into the Zeta Epsilon chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi in Spring 2015. As an active Brother, she served as chapter corresponding secretary and vice president of programs. For the last two bienniums, Karissa has been serving the Fraternity as a member of the National Communications Team. Karissa holds a Bachelor’s degree in music education from Michigan State University. She currently lives in Seattle, Washington, where she teaches elementary general music in the Seattle Public Schools. She will begin a Master’s degree in music education at the University of Washington this Fall. Outside of music, Karissa enjoys reading, being outdoors, and spending time with her two cats.

Brian Parker, Life Member, Iota Pi – California Polytechnic State University

Brian Parker (he/him) was initiated into the Iota Pi Chapter at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo in the Spring of 1992. While a student at Cal Poly, he served the fraternity as the Colony Vice President, Alumni Secretary, Executive Officer, and Western District President. Brian graduated from Cal Poly with a Bachelor of Science Degree in City Regional Planning. Brian returned to school 1995 to begin his studies in Music Education at Modesto Junior College and helped start the Zeta Rho Colony while attending MJC. Brian put a hold on his studies and served as the third National Chapter Field Representative for Kappa Kappa Psi from Spring 1996 through Fall 1997. Professionally Brian has worked as Music Educator in Monterey County for over twenty years and is the current Director of Bands and Visual and Performing Art Department Chair at North Salinas High School where he directs six different performance ensembles. Brian is a life member of Kappa Kappa Psi and holds honorary membership in the Midwest District, Alpha Chapter, and Zeta Rho Chapter and was initiated into the Nu Zeta Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha at California State University, Stanislaus in the Spring of 2000.