Brothers –
As September unfolds, we are reminded that this is not just the start of another month—it is the beginning of our National Month of Service. This is a powerful opportunity for us, as members of Kappa Kappa Psi, to renew our collective commitment to the core value that lies at the heart of our fraternity: serving and uplifting college and university bands.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “Everyone can be great because everyone can serve.” These words resonate deeply within our Fraternity, where each act of service, no matter how small, contributes to the strength of our organization and the communities we serve. Whether it’s helping first-year members adjust to campus, offering fellow band members a ride to and from rehearsal, or leading a larger service project for your band, your dedication to service exemplifies the true spirit of Kappa Kappa Psi.
I encourage each of you to take this month as an opportunity to showcase your service projects and initiatives. Let’s demonstrate how Kappa Kappa Psi strengthens our communities and band programs, leaving a lasting legacy of excellence and a meaningful impact on the future of the college and university band movement. Share your stories, inspire others, and let’s celebrate the incredible impact we can make when we come together in service.
As you continue reading this newsletter, you’ll find important updates and highlights that will keep you informed and engaged in our shared mission. Let’s make this month one of our best yet!
SEPTEMBER UPDATES
***Special Highlight: Congratulations to our KKPsi Brothers and all Participating Bands at the 2024 National Battle of the Bands
Before we dive into this month’s updates, I want to take a moment to recognize and celebrate the incredible performances at the 2024 National Battle of the Bands in Houston, TX. To all the participating bands, especially our Brothers who proudly represented Kappa Kappa Psi on the field and in the stands—you made us all proud with your dedication, musicianship, and spirit.
On behalf of the Kappa Kappa Psi National Council, we are honored to have awarded each participating band a certificate of appreciation. This is our way of expressing our deepest gratitude and pride in these programs for their continued promotion of music and the band experience. Your efforts continue to inspire and uplift us all. Thank you for showcasing the transformative power of music through your performances and support!
Update #1: Chapter Personnel Report
As we start the school year, it’s crucial to ensure that your chapter’s paperwork is in order, including the timely submission of your Chapter Personnel Report (CPR), Chapter Fee, and Membership Dues. The CPR is more than just a formality—it’s a key component in maintaining accurate records and ensuring your chapter’s operations run smoothly. Before beginning the CPR, we strongly recommend that each member log into their OPUS account to verify and update their personal information, such as name, email address, and mailing address. Accurate data entry at this stage helps avoid delays and ensures everyone stays informed.
Remember, the CPR must be submitted by September 30th for semester-based schools and by October 15 for quarter-based schools, including all required fees, signatures, and approval from your Director of Bands (DOB)/Chapter Sponsor. Remember, that an on-time CPR is one of your first opportunities to complete one of your Chapter Crown Pearl Goals! Missing these deadlines will result in additional late fees and potential disciplinary action. For detailed guidance, please reference the Fall 2024 Informational Mailer, specifically slides 11-19.
For additional information or support with your CPR, please contact our National Headquarters at kkytbs@kkytbs.org or call (405) 372-2333.
Update 2: September Opportunities to Meet Your Crown Pearl Goals
As announced in our town hall at District Conventions, our last newsletter, and Slide 22 of the Fall 2024 Informational Mailer, we are excited to launch the Crown Pearl Goals for this year. During the Month of Service, your Chapter will have three opportunities to achieve a Crown Pearl Goal which include:
- Turning your Chapter’s CPR in on time with all dues paid
- Submitting your Chapters Road-to-Wisdom Calendar (Calendar and Activity Review)
- Highlight a service project your Chapter does
For the last crown pearl goal, our programs committee will be rolling out a Service Spotlight shortly. Additionally, remember that some goals will require more planning and are achievable at the end of the semester or year. Here are some friendly suggestions to help reach some of the other goals:
- Meet monthly with your DOB and/or Sponsor
- Consider asking your DOB and/or Sponsor for a selfie at every visit and importantly write down Chapter action items from these meetings
- Initiate at least five members
- Develop a recruitment plan as a Chapter with multiple types of and dates for recruitment events. Make a list of band members who would make a great addition to your Chapter!
- Fundraise 5% more
- Document how much money your Chapter brought in last year from fundraising, even if that number was low! Develop a plan to continue your successful fundraising endeavors alongside ways that your Chapter can either grow these existing activities or start new activities
More information on the Crown Pearl Goals will follow in subsequent months, including a logo and submission form for some of the additional goals. Although we only highlighted some goals here, remember there are still others that your Chapter can do to become a “Crown Pearl Chapter” by achieving 10 of the 15 Crown Pearl Goals.
Update #3: Chapter Officer Training Workshops & Resources
While you’re focused on chapter reports, don’t miss out on the opportunity to enhance your leadership skills through our September CHOP SHOPS! These workshops, presented by the National Committee on Chapter Operations, are designed to empower all Active members, particularly those in or aspiring to leadership positions. The workshops offer practical insights and strategies that are vital for success in your roles.
Chapter Officer Sessions
- Chapter Parliamentarian Training: September 3rd @ 6:00 pm CT | REGISTER
- Chapter Officer Transition Training: September 3rd @ 7:00 pm CT | REGISTER
- Chapter President Training: September 4th @ 7:00 pm CT | REGISTER
- Chapter Service Officer/Chair Training: September 5th @ 7:00 pm CT | REGISTER
- Chapter Secretary/Historian Training: September 5th @ 8:00 pm CT | REGISTER
- Chapter Treasurer Training: September 6th @ 7:00 pm CT | REGISTER
To ensure you have easy access to all the essential tools and materials for chapter officers, we strongly recommend bookmarking our Chapter Resources Folder. This folder contains a wealth of resources designed to support your success in leadership roles. If you need additional support with chapter officer training or chapter operations, please reach out to our committee at chapteroperations@kkpsi.org.
Update #4: Fall 2024 Petitioning Groups
On behalf of the National Council, Dr. Rorrer and I are thrilled to announce that we have two new petitioning groups starting this fall. Please join us in welcoming Edward Waters University (SED) and the University of Central Missouri (MWD) as they embark on their #KappaKappaPsiJourney to become fully chartered chapters. This is an exciting time for both institutions, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact they will have on their respective campuses and the fraternity as a whole.
Additionally, we invite our alumni members to engage with these new groups through our Friend & Advocate Initiative. This program offers alumni the chance to provide personalized support to chapters across the country, regardless of their status. By participating, you’ll gain access to the latest resources like the Road to Wisdom and Chapter Operations materials, helping to guide and strengthen these emerging groups. If you’re interested in lending your expertise and experience, sign up below.
Friend and Advocate Initiative Application Form
Update #5: Chapter Field Representative Program Travel Schedules
Our Chapter Field Representatives (CFRs) are gearing up for an exciting and busy fall season, and Dr. Rorrer and I are pleased to share their travel schedules with you. Ari and Mason will be visiting chapters across the country, providing support, conducting evaluations, and offering insights to help chapters thrive. If your chapter is on their schedule, expect to hear from them soon to coordinate details and ensure a productive visit.
As they prepare to hit the road, we wish them safe travels and look forward to the positive impact their visits will have on our chapters. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to them directly if you have any questions or need further information. You can view their travel schedules below.
If your chapter is not getting an in-person visit this semester and you would like to interact with the CFRs, please reach out for a Chapter Office Hour which can be scheduled HERE or by contacting our CFRs at cfr@kkpsi.org!
Update #6: September VPSA Chat on Chapter Excellence
Mark your calendars for Tuesday, September 17th, as our National Vice President for Student Affairs, Arupa Gopal-Campbell, hosts the next VPSA Chat. This session will focus on the essential elements of being a successful chapter through the lens of service. It’s an opportunity to learn how to showcase your chapter’s value, enhance your service efforts, and strengthen overall chapter operations.
This chat is an excellent chance for both new and experienced members to gain valuable insights into making service a cornerstone of your chapter’s activities. Whether you’re looking to improve existing service initiatives or launch new ones, this discussion will provide practical tips and inspiration. Don’t miss out on this chance to connect with fellow Brothers and our VPSA for an engaging and informative session!
Looking ahead, we’re also excited to announce our October VPSA Chat, scheduled for Tuesday, October 15th, at 7:00 pm CT. This session will focus on generating ideas for our National Month of Musicianship, a time dedicated to celebrating and elevating the musical excellence within our chapters and communities. If you or someone in your chapter would be a great addition to our panel, we encourage you to fill out this interest form and share your ideas and passion for musicianship with the broader Brotherhood.
October VPSA Chat Interest Form
Update #7: National Hazing Prevention Week
Last month, the CFRs and I had the honor of representing Kappa Kappa Psi at the 2024 Hazing Prevention Institute in Indianapolis, IN. During this event, we joined organizations and campus leaders from across the country to address the ongoing challenge of hazing, review the latest legal developments, and strategize on ways to strengthen our prevention efforts. Our commitment to hazing prevention remains unwavering, and we are dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment for all our members.
As part of this commitment, we are proud to support National Hazing Prevention Week (NHPW), taking place from September 23-27. Organized by the Hazing Prevention Network, NHPW is a time for communities, institutions, and organizations to come together and raise awareness about the dangers of hazing. We encourage all members—Actives, Alumni, Directors, and Sponsors—to join us in this important cause. Let’s make a concerted effort to engage in meaningful discussions, educate ourselves and others, and advocate for a hazing-free culture. For more information, visit https://hazingpreventionnetwork.org/nhpw/.
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As we embrace the opportunities and challenges of this National Month of Service, remember that the impact of our collective efforts extends far beyond the present. Every act of service, every moment of leadership, and every instance of dedication you display not only strengthens our Fraternity but also paves the way for a brighter future for college and university bands across the nation.
Brothers, the power of Kappa Kappa Psi lies within our unity, our shared values, and our unwavering commitment to excellence. As we continue to serve, let us do so with the knowledge that our actions today will inspire and uplift the generations of Brothers, musicians, and leaders who will follow in our footsteps. Together, we will create a legacy that resonates through time, echoing in the band halls of our institutions and the hearts of all who benefit from our work.
Let us carry this momentum forward, not just for this month, but throughout the entire year. With each step we take on #TheKappaKappaPsiJourney, we are building something extraordinary—something that will endure long after we have passed the torch. Stay inspired, stay committed, and let’s continue to make this year one of service, growth, and unparalleled achievement.
In Brotherhood and Service,
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