In Lexington, Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma are raising the bar once again and working to provide the attendees of the 2015 National Convention with the experience of a lifetime.
FULL CONVENTION SCHEDULE
Check back here frequently for updates on workshops and speakers.
2015 Workshops
Kappa Kappa Psi | Tau Beta Sigma | KKPsiAA | TBSAA
JOINT WORKSHOPS
WEDNESDAY 11am-12pm
Conductor & Composer – Joseph Hermann and Julie Giroux
Hear from others in the field and learn from their experiences in a group of your peers from across the nation.
Bringing Music Back To Your Chapter – Tom Bough – Northern Illinois
Get inspired and informed to bring music back to the center of your life as a Chapter. Specific tools and measurable goals will be suggested!
Working With Your DOB/Sponsor – Robert Griffin (Kentucky State), Dr. Bierman (University of Nebraska-Kearney), Melvin Miles (Morgan State), Elizabeth Charles (Robert Morris)
This panel includes 4 prestigious individuals that serve as Director of Bands, Sponsor, or both. This workshop gives an opportunity for the panelists to share with members their experiences as a Director of Bands and Sponsor. Additionally, members will be given time to ask questions of the panelists. Topics will include: communication, planning service, attendance at events, and more. If you have general questions about Director of Bands/Sponsor/Chapter interactions, this is a don’t-miss opportunity.
Kappa Kappa Psi
WEDNESDAY 3pm-4pm
The Living Legacy: The Commissioning Program – Dr. Rod Chesnutt
As President of Kappa Kappa Psi, Hugh McMillen had a vision that when implemented became the longest, continuous commissioning program for band music. Regardless of the generation, Tau Beta Sigma and Kappa Kappa Psi have made a lasting impact on the band world through the creation of new music for the genre. This workshop explores the process of the commissioning project, the composers and their music.
“Values Matter” – Jack Lee
One statement that we can all agree upon: Kappa Kappa Psi Matters. Yet, why does Kappa Kappa Psi matter? Why do chapters matter? What makes anything we do, or who we are, something that truly matters? It is answered in two words: our values. In this workshop, participants will explore ways to engage themselves and their chapter with the values of the organization. Warning: this workshop is INTERACTIVE and ACTIVITY BASED!
Creating a Successful Fundraiser – Marco Krcatovich
Every chapter struggles with fundraising and if it is not concerns about not having enough ideas, it is that not enough money was raised, no one enjoys the fundraiser(s), and the same fundraisers happen year after year.
Dollars & Sense II: Making The Most Of Your Money – Eric Morson
Do you and your chapter embrace the importance of sound, day-to-day financial practices? Do you worry about being buried in debt and how to manage it? We’ll talk about the power of smart financial management, overcoming obstacles to success such as having expectations without setting goals, inflation, procrastination, and avoiding “the kiss of debt”. We will also focus on the three elephants in the room: budgeting, the impact of time, and the basic personal documents everyone needs to have.
So You Want To Be A CFR – Andy Melvin & Chris Young
Join current CFRs Andy Melvin and Chris Young as they discuss various aspects of the CFR program – from traveling across the country, to conducting chapter visits, to applying for the job. They’ll be available to answer any questions brothers might have about the program, as well.
THURSDAY 8-930AM
Basic Conducting Techniques for the Non-Music Major – Dr. Craig Aarhus & Ishbah Cox
As band students, we are exposed to conducting in every rehearsal. This workshop will allow students with limited conducting experience to have the opportunity to learn more about the craft. Basic patterns and styles will be discussed as well as other relevant topics. Recorded music will be used to give students the opportunity to practice the techniques that are discussed.
Building a Culture of Excellence – Evan Thompson
What is culture? What is excellence? Together we will explore the value and importance of who we are, what we stand for, and what we are working towards, so that brothers across the nation can raise the expectation level for their fellow brothers and their chapters.
Service From Start to Finish: How to Brainstorm, Plan, and Execute Quality Service Projects – Andy Melvin & Chris Young
Chapter issues related to service often come in a variety of forms. Does your chapter struggle to come up with new service ideas? Does your chapter do a good job of coming up with potential projects or events, but have trouble seeing them through to completion? In this workshop, brothers and sisters will explore new ways to come up with projects, learn how to plan in an efficient and productive manner, and see a project or event through to completion.
Why Stop Striving At Initiation? Make Your Continuing Membership Education Relevant – Malinda Matney, Ph.D.
Often we assume that Membership Education is something that ends with initiation, and that it has only one set of historical content. However, Continuing Membership Education is needed to build members into leaders, keep chapter service relevant to their band programs, and refresh members’ musicianship skills. Throughout all of this, providing a worthwhile social experience in the chapter is important. This workshop will give attendees skills, organizational strategies and sample lesson plans to enact a Continuing Membership Education Program (CMEP) this year.
Solo Competition – Christine Beason, Anthony Falcone, Dr. Rod Chesnutt, Dr. Travis Cross
The 2015 Kappa Kappa Psi & Tau Beta Sigma National Convention will feature a solo competition sponsored by Kappa Kappa Psi. Online submissions have been judged and the top performers have been invited to perform for a panel of judges at the National Convention in Lexington, KY.
FRIDAY 8AM-9AM
Tricks of the Trade: Tips for Young, Aspiring Band Directors – Michael Osborn
This workshop is geared for future school band directors as well as those who are perhaps in the younger years of their career. It will give some insights, tips and ideas from a long time band teacher about the things that will help to make that early years of your career more successful. Some of these may seem like “no brainers” but is amazing how many music education programs fail to give some of these insights.
Leading from the Back of the Room – Marie Burleigh
You don’t have to be an officer to be a leader in your chapter. In fact, the well-being of the chapter depends in large part on the leadership of those who don’t hold office. Every Brother plays a role in the success or failure of a chapter. Where do you fall?
Recruiting 101 – Kelly Nellis
A workshop providing you with recruitment essentials to help your chapter select outstanding members to join you in the brotherhood and further your chapter’s success.
Musicianship as Service – Christine Beason
Ideas for creating service projects that are directly related to our purposes. Repainting practice rooms is a nice idea, but does not make us better bandsmen.
Getting to know the Online Membership & Reporting System – Aaron Moore
What does the OMRS have to offer you as a Chapter Member, Chapter Officer or District Officer? In this workshop, we will explore the various reports and tools available to each type of membership. For Chapter officers, we will also review the workflow for each form in the system and answer any questions you may have related to the OMRS.
FRIDAY 9AM-10AM
Want Some Cat Antlers? Deciphering Rhythms and Other Tactics for Effective Rehearsals – Anthony Falcone
This workshop will give tips for running effective rehearsals even if you aren’t a music major with special emphasis given to rhythms.
The Impact of the Non-Music Major: Win for the Student, Win for the University, Win for the Art – Dr. Craig Aarhus & Ishbah Cox
Who said you couldn’t contribute to your department as a non-music major? This session will provide open discussions about the purpose and possibilities of the non-music major and their role within the music and band department. Professor Cox and Dr. Aarhus will lead discussions and present ideas on how non-music majors can become integral parts of their departments both as current students and ultimately as longtime supporters of the arts. The session will continue to expose the myths and truths about roles of non-music majors and explore specifically how non-music majors can tap into making impact to the department collectively and individually.
Creating a Worthwhile Band Experience for ALL – Adam Cantley
Our purposes state that brothers will “provide a pleasant and helpful social experience for all engaged in college band work…” In this session, participants will explore how to create environments where all people who align themselves with fraternal values will feel welcome and included in Kappa Kappa Psi. They will explore conversations around diversity, openness, being an ally, and how to foster that within the band program. Participants will leave this workshop with a better understanding how actions can exclude people from participation and how that it is counterproductive to our mission.
The Energy Bus: 10 Rules to BAND Your Chapter Together – Jack & Jessica Lee
This workshop will reveal 10 secrets for approaching life and Fraternity with the kind of positive, forward thinking that leads to true accomplishment. We all face challenges; every person, organization, and team has to overcome negativity and adversity to define themselves and create their success. No one goes through life untested and the answer to these tests is positive energy—the kind of positive energy consisting of vision, trust, optimism, enthusiasm, purpose, and spirit that defines great leaders and works to build better chapters and bands.
The 2nd Purpose for Non-Music Majors – Betsy Charles
Ten minute tips, tricks, and ideas that your Music Chair can incorporate into meetings to improve musicianship, technique, and overall musicality.
SATURDAY 10AM-11AM
Breathing Gym Clinic – Patrick Sheridan
If you’re looking to become a better musician you must first learn to become a better breather. The first steps in this process is to learn to control your air, airflow and breath capacity while developing both strength and flexibility. Come learn about this versatile workout for any musician who wants to start using all of their wind-power.
Leadership & the Ritual (2 Hour Workshop) – Kirk Randazzo, Ph.D.
Saturday 10am-12pm
The primary goal of this workshop is to provide a series of dynamic, exciting, and extremely interactive sessions that focus on the actual implementation of leadership skills into the Fraternity (at all levels), the band program, and life in general. The material is designed around the lessons of Third Degree (with some stations grouped together in a single session) to provide readily identifiable themes for audience members to utilize as they explore specific leadership skills and strategies.
Innovative Service and Group Identity – Mike Napolitano
Where chapters of both Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma exist on the same campus, joint relations can be marred when the groups develop service initiatives that find each other competing over shared interest.
This joint workshop would discuss:
· How familiar are both Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma with each other’s purposes, visions and missions?
· Once we become familiar with the groups, how do we select worthwhile projects that satisfy values?
· Is collaboration a bad idea?
· How early is the concept of service introduced into your fraternity/sorority experience? Is service introduced during recruitment, membership education or only during active membership?
· Using individual member talents to create innovative service projects for your band
· Community service vs. operational service for your band and striking a balance between the two
Living Your Values Online – Adam Bates
There’s never a dull moment when you’re serving on the National Leadership Team in the social media age. In this session, we will explore the best (and worst) that social media has to offer when it comes to advancing the work of Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma. Participants will gain insight into how to better represent themselves and their chapters through online platforms.
Technology For All – Multiple Presenters
Presenters will introduce an array of apps to help in school and life!
SATURDAY 11AM-12PM
Recipe for a Successful Sectional – Dr. Travis Cross
Whether for an hour in the rehearsal hall or just a few minutes in the corner of a parking lot or end zone, student musicians have many opportunities to lead and contribute in a sectional setting. This workshop presents considerations and strategies for more efficient and effective sectional rehearsals.
Chapter Leadership Round Table – Ken Corbett
Panel discussion with representatives from the Chapter Leadership recipients. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the activities that make these chapters the most outstanding in the nation.
Value Based Recruiting – Adam Cantley
Chapters spend considerable time in meetings discussing recruitment and membership selection. However, are we doing this in a way that is consistent with the values of the fraternity or are we simply picking our friends? In this workshop participants will explore how to start incorporating values into conversation around membership selection and recruitment. Participants will leave with steps on how to being this conversation in their chapter and why it is important to have this discussion regularly with the general membership.
Technology For Music Majors – Christine Beason
Presenters will introduce software and apps specifically for musicians.
Tau Beta Sigma
FRIDAY 1PM-2PM
Learning to Spin: The Art of Recruiting Auxiliary Members in your Band Program – Anthony Barbir
Participants will take part in a roundtable discussion to learn how to recruit effectively from color guard, dance, and other auxiliary programs at their schools.
When You Don’t Have a Sorting Hat: Effective Recruitment Strategies – Dawn Farmer, Ph.D. & Stephen Burt
(Open to both Sisters and Brothers.) Recruitment can be both exciting and challenging. In this workshop, we will discuss multiple facets of the recruitment process and engage in activities designed to help refine your thoughts regarding recruitment on your campus. Focusing on three main areas (campus climate and regulations, recruitment strategies for multiple types of chapters, and the structuring of the recruitment process), participants will leave the workshop with fresh perspectives from various voices, ready to be more knowledgeable and proactive about recruiting members for their chapter.
Active Membership is Just the Beginning – Yvonne Daye
Continuing Membership Education does not just have to be reciting the purposes, reviewing the ritual or memorizing history. Here you will learn about essentials for developing Continuing Membership Education based on the needs of your chapter. This will include a recipe for implementing changes, and concrete ideas on how to create relatable and education learning experiences for members to continue to be engaged in the organization and even broaches the topic of Conflict Negotiation.
FRIDAY 2PM-3PM
Magazines, Media, and Madness – Robert Bratcher
The power of social media & publications are crucial aspects of communication. What you put out into the world and how you present it will determine how successful your overall message will be received. Join us as your National Publications Manager & Multimedia Designer, Robert Bratcher, explores principles of chapter (and district)-based publications and media, including how to look professional, use of graphics, and some dos and donts.
“With my sisters I am best…” – Cathy Miles
What single activity binds everyone together in the room? Singing the sorority songs! There are three official sorority songs: The Affirmation, The Loyalty Song, and the Tau Beta Sigma National Hymn. Each song has its own character. Come sing together, and learn the parts to all of the songs. If you know all of the parts, WE NEED YOU to make us sound even better! If you are learning the parts, you can go home and teach your chapter. Either way, this workshop will send you out singing!
Panel: Translating TBS Into Your Resume – Lee Commander, Leslie Twite, Chris Foster, Jean Newman
Throughout college, we learn skills and life experiences that prepare us for our future career. Our experience in Tau Beta Sigma can have implications on our future career as well, regardless of whether we enter a field in music or not. This panel consists of Life members of the Sorority that are from music- and non-music based fields. The panelist will first give an overview of how TBΣ has influences their life as a professional. There will also be an opportunity for members to ask questions to the panelists.
SATURDAY 10AM-11AM
Social Media: The Virtual You – Meghan Olswanger
Who is the “virtual you?” How does social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Vine, YouTube, etc.) impact present you, future you, your chapter, your band, and your school? This workshop will cover real-life issues relating to social media use for college and beyond!
Managing Chapter Budgets and Finances – Kelly Eidson
Creating and managing a chapter budget doesn’t have to be a scary experience. Is the only one in the chapter that can balance the chapter accounts? This session is for all members (not just treasurers) that are interested in the decisions that go into making a chapter financially sound.
“All in Good Fun”: The “little” Risks Overlooked Because it’s just “normal college stuff – Kathy Godwin
Just sending that goofy text? What’s the impact? We’re friends so we drink, but it’s not a chapter thing. Private profiles so it’s anonymous? Now you can comment on the meeting activities. It won’t hurt anyone. But what does someone else see and how can it impact your life and the lives of your friends? Are you or your chapter wondering about these activities? Then let’s talk about how to think through the issues and make changes. You and your chapter don’t do anything that would be considered risky? Great! Then come learn about ways that you can help all of your sisters and brothers! Expecting to hear “Don’t be stupid!”? You will…but there’s MORE! Decisions you make today impact your future and those of many others in your chapter.
SATURDAY 11AM-12PM
Mental Health – Carolyn McCambridge, Trudy Adler, Crystal Wright
In this workshop we will discuss best practices for assisting your chapter with identifying those that may be in need of support or in a mental health crisis. We will also discuss strategies and methods that help ensure that you care for yourself during your college career.
The Founding of Tau Beta Sigma: what really happened between 1939 and 1946 – Lisa Croston & Aaron Moore
This session includes detailed correspondence between the local girls Sorority, Tau Beta Sigma, at Texas Technological College and the Grand Council of Kappa Kappa Psi on their quest to nationalize. This presentation will include exerts from the first installment of the Tau Beta Sigma History book with rare pictures and interesting facts about the pioneers of Tau Beta Sigma as well as all the trials and tribulations of completing this quest.
The Tau Beta Sigma Ritual: Perspective and Performance – Sue Carr & Renee Cartee
The most important aspect of each Chapters’ identity, whether National, District or local, is the performance of the Tau Beta Sigma Ritual. This workshop will provide some historical perspective, some interesting and fun facts, possibly some new ideas to take back to your Chapters, and most importantly participation from each Sister in attendance.
Kappa Kappa Psi Alumni Association
WEDNESDAY 9AM-10AM
Keeping Music in Your Life – Nicholas Bratcher
This workshop will offer strategies and suggestions for continuing the musical experience in the lives of recent (or not-so-recent) alumni. Topics for discussion will include participating in area music ensembles, furthering musical performance experiences through community engagement, starting your own ensemble, and keeping musical connections through your alma mater. Time will permit for open questions and answers.
Bridge the Gap – Mike Napolitano
Maintaining a relationship with your alumni can often pose a challenge, especially when it comes to communicating about our ever-changing organization. Updating alumni on new chapter events and policies and can be difficult as your alumni base ages. In this workshop, participants will be broken into smaller groups and given situations wherein they will develop communication strategies that will assist in a number of alumni affairs issues.
WEDNESDAY 10AM-11AM
Applying Kappa Kappa Psi to the Working World – Sarah Casias, Alison Biedler
The Lessons of Kappa Kappa Psi are designed to be universal, meaning that just because you cross the stage at graduation doesn’t mean you are no longer a brother who must strive for the highest in every aspect of his or her life. This workshop looks at the leadership aspects defined in our history and our values and applies them to the working world with brothers working hands on to see how Kappa Kappa Psi fits in their daily lives outside of campus.
Hitting the Right Note: Techniques and Strategies for Successful Interviews – Daniel Miller
This workshop will outline considerations and best practices in interviewing for employment, further academic pursuits, and other opportunities. During this workshop, we will assess how to develop materials for submission prior to the interview and to undertake additional preparatory steps that can make the interview more informative and insightful for both the individual being interviewed and the organization conducting the interview. We will also discuss how interviews may serve different purposes and may rely on different formats so that workshop participants can learn to evaluate appropriate ways to respond in these various interview situations. We will highlight common mistakes made by interview participants, and we will focus on interview techniques that can increase the likelihood of a positive impression and outcome. Finally, we will address post-interview strategies that continue the engagement with the interviewing organization and that permit self-assessment in anticipation of future interviews.
Getting into and Surviving Graduate School – Nicholas Rorrer
This workshop discusses the trials and tribulations of getting into Graduate School and what to expect once you are there. We will discuss strategies of applying to grad school, working with academics, and how things are very different from your undergraduate education.
JOINT KKYAA/TBSAA
WEDNESDAY 11AM-12PM
Serving Your Community – Marco Krcatovich
After graduation, it is difficult enough to keep picking up that horn, mallets, or flags. It is even harder to remember to live our values as brothers in our daily lives when band practices and performances are not reminding us of our motto and our purposes. This workshop revisits those purposes and our motto and applies it to the lives of alumni brothers beyond the workplace to our communities, families, and friends.
Dollars & Sense I: The 2-3-4 Financial Concept – Planning As Easy As 2-3-4! – Eric Morson
The amount of information about financial services and products can be overwhelming. In this workshop, we’ll take away some of the mystery that surrounds financial planning and offer simpler, smarter ways to make decisions about your financial future. We will talk about setting realistic goals, planning a strategy to achieve them, selecting suitable products, and managing the plan over time. We will also cover what to consider when choosing a financial advisor.
FRIDAY 1PM-2PM
Networking – Dr. Kim Godwin
Friday 1pm-2pm (Part I) | 2-3pm (Part II)
This workshop is designed to give a few basic skills on how to feel more comfortable in networking situations. Not everyone is comfortable walking up to a person he/she does not know. Maybe you do not like to be the one leading conversation, or are overwhelmed by those people that know someone everywhere they go. There are tools and tricks that will help you find a way to enhance these skills for use in your personal life, professional career, and with just making new acquaintances (potential members). The purpose of this workshop is to help you feel more confident and relaxed in networking situations. There will be exercises, discussions, and best practices; this will be an interactive workshop…and don’t be afraid to say hello.
Tau Beta Sigma Alumni Association
SATURDAY 10AM-11AM
How To Be An Alumni – Justin Brady and Katie Rixon
Just because you graduated doesn’t mean you have to leave the sisterhood behind. Join us to discuss how you can maintain the values of Tau Beta Sigma throughout your life. Everyone’s alumni experience will be will different but we will share stories and tips on how to stay connected at the national, district and local level.
SATURDAY 11AM-12PM
Women In Music Panel – Beth Bronk, Dr. Dawn Farmer, Amanda Dickson, Leslie Gartin
This workshop is geared for future school band directors as well as those who are perhaps in the younger years of their career. It will give some insights, tips and ideas from a long time band teacher about the things that will help to make that early years of your career more successful. Some of these may seem like “no brainers” but is amazing how many music education programs fail to give some of these insights.