From the Desk of the National President: October 2023 Updates

Brothers –

I trust this message finds you in high spirits as we embrace the excitement of Bandtober! On behalf of the National Council and Leadership Team, I want to extend a huge CONGRATULATIONS on successfully navigating the first couple of months of the biennium and school year. It’s incredible to see the dedication and hard work that our chapters have already put forth, and we are excited to see all the incredible things that you will achieve this year. With that said, I am writing to share some important updates to ensure that our Active members are in the loop. Please review the following:

Update 1: National Vice President for Student Affairs

It is with regret that I announce Brother Tar-Shae` Odom’s decision to step down from his role as National Vice President for Student Affairs for personal reasons. While I am saddened by the departure of a team member, I respect and understand the difficult decision that was made. I wish him the very best in his future endeavors and trust that the rest of the Brotherhood will respect his decision as well. Rest assured that we are fully committed to ensuring the smooth transition of NVPSA duties.

A call for applications will be discussed during our Winter Council Meeting in January 2024. Until then, I will leave the position vacant so that we can focus on supporting our chapters and ensuring the success of our programs and initiatives.

Update 2: Upcoming Virtual Workshops

As announced on September 1, I am excited to share a fantastic lineup of virtual workshops for our Active members this month!

  • Oct. 4: Join the Chair and Vice Chair of our National Committee of Curriculum Development for the VPM+RTW Training Workshop at 7pm CT. Register here: https://bit.ly/2023VPMTraining2.
  • Oct. 11: Don’t miss the Chapter Officers Workshops presented by our National Committee of Chapter Operations Chair and Vice Chair. Register here: https://bit.ly/CHOPSTraining1.
  • Oct. 23: Get ready for the Ritual Training Workshop hosted by our National Committee on Ritual Performance & Education Chair and Vice Chair. Register here: https://bit.ly/RitualWorkshop1.
These workshops are open to all Active members, and I encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity for growth and development.
Update 3: National Committees

Our National Committees play a crucial role in shaping the future of Kappa Kappa Psi. While committee appointments are still being finalized, we will begin with alumni members in this first phase. Active members’ appointments to join these committees will occur in our second phase (December 2023-January 2024). The intention behind this phased approach is to allow our Active members to prioritize their academics, band commitments, and home chapters/committees before dedicating more time to national committees. In the meantime, I highly encourage all our Active members to review the committee charges, which can be accessed here: https://bit.ly/CommitteeCharges2325.

Update 4: National Constitution & RTW Manuals

I strongly encourage all members to stay informed with our updated national documents and resources. Please bookmark these for future reference.

Update 5: Chapter Field Representatives (CFR) Program

Are you interested in serving as a Kappa Kappa Psi Chapter Field Representative (CFR) for the 2024-2026 term? Our application window will be opening soon, so please join us for our informational calls on October 15 and November 12. Register here: https://tinyurl.com/KKPsiCFRInterest2023 to learn more about this incredible opportunity to make a lasting impact within Kappa Kappa Psi!

I’d like to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the exceptional work and dedication shown by our current CFRs, Jake January and Kennedy Struck. Though they have been back on the road for just a few weeks, their invaluable insights into the well-being and sentiments of our chapters, along with their insightful feedback, have been instrumental. Their contributions enable the National Council to remain well-informed and make informed decisions that benefit both our chapters and our fraternity as a whole. Please be sure to send them your love and support!

As we embark on this exciting journey together through October, I want to extend my deepest appreciation for your unwavering dedication to Kappa Kappa Psi. I’m eager to witness the remarkable contributions and achievements that await our chapters on this path. Just as every journey has its challenges and triumphs, so too shall we encounter opportunities for growth and excellence. Together, let’s navigate these experiences and elevate our fraternity to new heights, knowing that our collective efforts will shape a brighter future for Kappa Kappa Psi. AEA.

Yours in Brotherhood & Service,

Bang T. Co (he/him)
National President & Ex-Officio Board of Trustees Member
Life Member of the Alpha Zeta Chapter
Kappa Kappa Psi, National Honorary Band Fraternity