Brothers –
As we fall into November, a month that invites us to reflect on gratitude and thankfulness, I am reminded of the powerful words of Melody Beattie: “Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” This quote highlights the transformative power of gratitude; it encourages us to reflect on our experiences, find meaning in our journeys, and cultivate a sense of peace in our current moments. As leaders, embracing this mindset allows us to uplift those around us and foster a culture of appreciation within our community.
I am continually inspired by the amazing work our Brothers are doing, from their commitment to service in our communities to their dedication to fostering the bonds of brotherhood. Your unwavering efforts are what make Kappa Kappa Psi thrive and resonate within our band programs and beyond.
With that, I am excited to share the updates below with you! Please take some time to carefully review these updates and share them with your Brothers who the updates apply to. Let’s keep #TheKappaKappaPsiJourney going strong as we near the end of the calendar year!
NOVEMBER UPDATES
Update #1: Happy National Month of Musicianship
November is here, and with it comes our National Month of Musicianship! This special time is dedicated to celebrating the incredible musical talents within Kappa Kappa Psi and our band programs. Music education plays a vital role in fostering cooperation, self-confidence, and emotional expression among students, as highlighted by research from the National Association for Music Education (NAfME). Let’s harness the spirit of this month to not only perform but also reflect on how music enriches our lives and strengthens our communities.
I encourage each of you to engage in activities that highlight your musical journey. Whether it’s performing our Fraternity Hymn, sharing your personal stories about the impact of music, or promoting your band programs, every action you take is a testament to the dedication and excellence that thrive within our chapters. Here’s how you can participate:
- Week 1: Share information about the National Intercollegiate Band on social media and with your band ensembles.
- Week 2: Share a recording of a recent concert or details about an upcoming performance.
- Week 3: Attend the VPSA Chat on November 19, hosted by Arupa Gopal-Campbell on our National Facebook page. This session will feature Active members who will share how their chapters are celebrating our National Month of Musicianship.
- Week 4: Share your #KKPsi #MusicianshipMoment—this could include attending a performance, singing the Hymn, hosting a recital, or participating in homecoming events, halftime shows, or concerts.
Let’s make November a vibrant showcase of our collective talents and the transformative power of music. Reach out to your Brothers, collaborate on performances, and support one another in this musical journey. Together, let’s show the world how deep our love for music runs!
Update #2: National Intercollegiate Band & KKPsi Intercollegiate Jazz Band
As we celebrate the National Month of Musicianship, I’m excited to share that the audition portal for the National Intercollegiate Band is live! The National Intercollegiate Band not only highlights exceptional musicianship but also offers a unique opportunity for members to connect and collaborate with fellow talented musicians from across the nation. This is your chance to showcase your skills and represent Kappa Kappa Psi in a significant way.
In addition to the National Intercollegiate Band, we are thrilled to announce the newly approved Kappa Kappa Psi Intercollegiate Jazz Band, which will be featured at the 2025 National Convention. This initiative reflects our commitment to expanding our musical programming and showcasing a more diverse array of music, musicians, and composers. By introducing this jazz band, we aim to enrich our offerings and provide a platform for showcasing different musical genres, which enhances the vibrant tapestry of our fraternity.
We are incredibly thankful to our Board of Trustees for their support and approval of this new initiative. This step is an intentional way to strengthen our National Month of Musicianship, allowing us to celebrate the richness of musical expression in all its forms. Please be on the lookout for more information about this exciting opportunity in the coming weeks!
Update #3: Celebrating our 105th Founders’ Day with The AEA Society
In honor of our perpetual goal to Strive for the Highest, the AEA Society has been established to recognize and celebrate those who give generously to the future of Kappa Kappa Psi. This exclusive giving opportunity will run for three days, from November 25 to November 27, 2024, to celebrate the 105th Founders’ Day. Individual gifts of $151 or more to the General Fund or Trust will be eligible for membership in this society. More information will be shared throughout the month of November as we celebrate Kappa Kappa Psi’s legacy and ongoing impact on band programs nationwide.
Making a gift to support Kappa Kappa Psi is a direct way to strengthen our journey and enhance the experience of our current Active members. Your contributions fund essential programs like our national scholarship and grant initiatives, empowering deserving students to pursue their passions alongside their degree, whether in music, leadership, or any other field. By supporting the Chapter Field Representative program, you ensure that chapters across the nation receive the guidance and resources they need to thrive, while your donations to our Leadership Development program foster the growth of future leaders within the Fraternity, equipping them with the skills to excel in their musical and professional endeavors. As alumni, this is a meaningful opportunity to give back and create a lasting impact, honoring our traditions and investing in a vibrant future for Kappa Kappa Psi. Together, let’s continue creating valuable opportunities that enrich the lives of our Active members, just as they did for us during our formative years.
Take action today! Visit our Giving Page to make a gift and help support the future of Kappa Kappa Psi. Your contribution makes a difference!
Update #4: Call for National Officer Nominations
As we gear up for the upcoming biennium, it’s time to consider the next group of leaders who will guide Kappa Kappa Psi. We are now accepting nominations for National Officer positions. This is an exciting opportunity for Brothers who are passionate about making a difference and leading our Fraternity into the future. If you or someone you know has the vision, dedication, and commitment to serve, we encourage you to submit your nominations. Serving as a National Officer is a chance to influence the direction of Kappa Kappa Psi, advocate for our members, and contribute to our mission of uplifting college and university bands.
Nominee packets are due to the National Committee on Nominations no later than January 15, 2025. To learn more about the application process, please visit our 2025 National Elections site.
I am pleased to introduce the dedicated members of the National Committee on Nominations who will oversee the nomination process:
- Adam Cantley (NED), Chair
- Akilah Thomas (NCD)
- Andy Melvin (SWD)
- Evan Thompson (SED)
- Frankie Johnson-Norwood (NED)
- Hunter Olden (SWD)
- Jason Ortiz (SED)
- Jen DiBenedetto (NCD)
- Kaitlyn Still (MWD)
- Karissa Longo-Stephen (WD)
- Kimberly Enriquez (WD)
- Sarah Casias (MWD)
- Dr. Travis Cross (WD)
- Yvonne Daye (NED)
Together, this committee will ensure a fair and thorough selection process, allowing for the best candidates to rise to leadership positions within our Fraternity. Their commitment to Kappa Kappa Psi and its values is invaluable as they work diligently to support and encourage our potential nominees. Let’s embrace this opportunity to shape the future of our Fraternity!
Update #5: Crown Pearl Goals
We are excited to announce the Chapters that have made progress on their Crown Pearl Goals thus far. Please head over to our Instagram(@kappa.kappa.psi) to see which Chapters have received their first two crown pearl goals for completing their Chapter Personal Report on time and/or turning in their curriculum calendar.
As we get ready to move into the Month of Musicianship, we want to highlight your #kkpsi #musicianshipmoments. For this, we are asking that your Chapter celebrates your love of music in whatever way you see fit. As noted above, this could be attending a concert together as a Chapter, hosting a small ensemble performance, playing in your wind ensemble’s November concert, or singing the hymn as a Chapter! Please share your #kkpsi #musicianshipmoment somewhere on social media (with the hashtags!) and then provide us a link to that post using this form!
That form up above will also be used throughout the year for other Crown Pearl Goals, so if you want us to be extra sure we caught your September service highlight, please use the form above! As you fill out your #musicianshipmoment you will notice the requirements for some of the other Crown Pearl Goals. We have tried to make these fairly straightforward and easy so that your Chapter can tackle them however you all see best!
For a final note, please remember that submitting your Fall Activity Report is also a Crown Pearl Goal and it is due December 1st! The timing of Thanksgiving this year may make it hard to get signatures so please start on the form early in OPUS!
Update #6: National Service Spotlight and Star Recognition Program
National Service Spotlight
We are excited to announce the launch of a new national program—the National Service Spotlight! All chapters of Kappa Kappa Psi are encouraged to share information about one of their completed service projects each quarter. This initiative aims to celebrate the positive impacts made by our Brothers on their campuses and in their communities. By highlighting these efforts, we can inspire one another and showcase the spirit of service that defines our fraternity. Detailed information about this program, including a link to the submission form, can be found here.
Gold Star Memorial Program
Since 2007, Kappa Kappa Psi has proudly recognized Brothers who are current members or veterans of the United States armed forces at our National Conventions. This Veterans Day, starting November 11th, we invite Brothers and chapters to assist us in collecting the necessary information to honor these individuals at the 2025 National Convention. Participation in the Gold Star Memorial Program is an excellent way to show our appreciation for the service and sacrifices made by our Brothers. More information about the Star Recognition Program and the link to submit recognition details can be found here.
Update #7: Membership Climate Survey
Your voice matters! We are excited to announce that we will soon launch our Membership Climate Survey this month. This important survey aims to gather insights on the social and cultural atmosphere within Kappa Kappa Psi. Understanding our members’ experiences is crucial to ensuring our Fraternity remains an inclusive and supportive environment for everyone.
We encourage all members to participate in this survey and share their perspectives once it becomes available. Your feedback will be instrumental in identifying areas for improvement and driving positive change within our organization. Together, we can create a fraternity that truly reflects our values and supports the growth and development of all members.
Please be on the lookout for the official email or post containing the survey link. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to Kappa Kappa Psi. Your input is vital in shaping the future of our Fraternity!
Important Links
| Ari’s 2024 Fall Schedule | Mason’s 2024 Fall Schedule |
| Chapter Resources Folder | Calendar & Activity Review Forms |
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As we navigate the hustle and bustle of our daily responsibilities, it’s easy to overlook the importance of pausing to express love and gratitude—not just to you, our Brothers, but also to ourselves. Let this newsletter remind us that love is a core value of Kappa Kappa Psi, and one of the most profound ways to embody that love is through gratitude, even for the small victories that often go unnoticed.
I want to take this moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for each of you. Your unwavering dedication and hard work have elevated Kappa Kappa Psi and college bands to remarkable heights. The countless hours spent in practice, the acts of service, the moments of leadership, and the bonds of brotherhood together create a brighter, more vibrant world.
I extend a special thank you to our National Leadership Team for their steadfast support and resilience during this biennium of change and challenge. I am also deeply grateful to all the Brothers who have stepped up to assist communities impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Your leadership, service, and love inspire me to continue advocating for Kappa Kappa Psi and reinforce the value of our service to others.
Together, we keep #TheKappaKappaPsiJourney alive. Thank you for being an integral part of this incredible mission and HAPPY NATIONAL MONTH OF MUSICIANSHIP!
With Gratitude,
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