You’re a Sister…What now???

A few weeks ago, I attended my first district event: DLC.   TBS is present in my day-to-day life, but I never think much about it beyond a personal chapter level.  I know it’s horribly cliché, but I sincerely mean it when I say that going to DLC opened my eyes to the breadth and depth of TBS.  DLC doesn’t have near the turn-out of District and I already felt connected to so many people on a much broader scale than just helping the Carolina Band alone.  DLC is technically the District Leadership Convention, but I realized something else important while I was there; everyone who is in TBS was chosen because they were already a leader.  You don’t have to be on District Council, or even on Executive Council in your chapter, to be a leader in the band and your chapter.

Allison York and Allison Schweickert having fun with uniforms

I think that it’s sometimes forgotten that each and every one of you were chosen to be a member of this Sorority because you bring something special to the band.  You are all leaders, and I think it’s time that more people remembered and acted upon that.  Yeah, Exec heads up some of the committees, but there are tons of ways to stay active and be an outstanding member of the band without being an officer.

I wasn’t an officer last semester, but I found plenty of ways to be involved, which means there is absolutely no reason that everyone can’t be an active, participatory member of their chapter! There are several easy ways to get involved and be a leader within your chapter, and all of them are attainable.  If your chapter as a whole is struggling and feels like Executive Council has taken over, maybe you could make a leadership points system.  This is an idea that was discussed at DLC which I found fascinating.  When implemented, each active member is responsible for leading some sort of event whether it’s heading up a committee, leading a fundraiser, or taking charge of a specific service project.

On a more personal level, my advice is just to participate! Look at yourself and your reasons for joining TBS. Was it for Sisterhood? Well, by actively participating you get more time to see your Sisters! Was it for service? Service events are a great place to make an active difference to the chapter so go to all of them, stay late, ask your director if there’s anything else you can do…the opportunities are essentially endless! Think of what your chapter could accomplish on a school and district level if every single member devoted only an hour or two more to TBS every week! It starts with you – accept that you’re already a leader and make everyone else realize how awesome you are, too.

Two Epsilon Alpha Sisters, Kelsey Cauble and Katie Grabowy, having fun at the Snowflake Ball

Don’t be afraid to take an active role in the chapter room and out! You don’t have to be an officer to be involved. I’m certain that if you asked, your committee chairs would love any help you can give.  Here at USC, at least, our officers definitely try to ask their committees to help them with a wide variety of projects.   Accept and take on a little more responsibility – I promise you can handle it!  Let your voice be heard. You got a bid and made it through the process, right? That means that you have the same say and same opportunities as all of your Sisters. It shouldn’t take being an officer for you to step up and feel like you’re actively making a difference in the chapter. You already are a leader so embrace that, embrace the opportunities that TBS has given you, and whether it is on a personal, chapter, or district level, get involved!

Laura Tarbox

Epsilon Alpha, USC

 

Striving Higher Through Candidacy

The Gamma Nu Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi’s Spring 2014 Candidate Class: Zachary Miller, Alejandro Gonzalez, Andrew Burk, Theodore Branson, Jeffrey Bonany, Daniel Boerger

As any brother, sister, and candidate knows, candidacy is a lot of time and hard work, but that does not make it any less rewarding. The countless hours you have put in reinforces and reaffirms your love of the organizations, of your brothers and sisters, and, most importantly, of band. Whether you are currently a candidate or have been involved in the organizations for years now, it is beneficial to think back on your candidacy and reflect on the importance of the process and how it has molded you into the person you are today. For the Gamma Nu Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi that process involves writing an article to the Eighth Note. Below you will find brief selections from our Membership Candidates for this semester. Allow their words and ideas to aid you in reflecting on that moment when your journey in the organization first began- receiving a bid…

What Receiving a Bid for Kappa Kappa Psi Meant by Andrew Burk

During my sophomore fall, I found myself at a crossroads. Music had been in my life since age 11, and was the reason for countless experiences and immeasurable growth. I was pursuing a dual degree in Political Science and English, interested in law school. A year earlier, I had cancelled my audition for the Florida State University College of Music. One day during this semester, I read the requirement for a music education degree, and I broke down. I missed an opportunity, but the opportunity had not yet closed. I prepared for and completed an audition to the College of Music on December 2^nd, 2013. Since I took that risk, my life has developed more direction and purpose.

            I rushed Kappa Kappa Psi because my involvement in the Florida State Marching Chiefs changed my life. Without gaining a spot in Chiefs, I would have packed away my trombone. Without the one rehearsal my freshman fall when we were practicing “Malaga” and I had a revelation that I wanted to keep music forever, I would have packed away my trombone after graduation. Without the supportive friends I met through Chiefs, I would not have had the confidence I felt when I packed away my trombone after my audition into the College of Music. Kappa Kappa Psi stands for the Band. From one end of the country to the other, from rival school to rival school, this is an organization that brings together the people I admire and the people I want to work with. I rushed so that I may have a formal relationship with the bands at my college that I have grown to love, and desire to see them better each day.

            Receiving a bid meant that, for me, I had realized my short term dreams for my second year of college. As a new music major and relatively new college student and college bandmember, getting a bid meant that I had earned at least some degree of respect from my peers and my future colleagues. Getting a bid meant that I have been a noticeable member of the band programs that shape my life. My bid is one of many inspirations and continual reminders that anyone, including myself, can achieve great things, so long as they do their best each day. My trombone playing is not perfect, my schoolwork is not perfect, I am not perfect, and my process to this point has not been perfect, but getting a bid meant getting a chance, and I believe that any chance worth taking is a chance to be taken.

My Relationship With My Big Brother by Jeffrey Bonany

One important thing I have learned as a candidate for Kappa Kappa Psi has been how important the relationship between the big brother and little brother is.  My big brother, Janelle Romero, is always there for me. Whether it is a question about the fraternity, a question about a brother, or even something not fraternity related, such as personal relationship advice, she is always there to pass on her knowledge to me. She asks me about every interview and gives me helpful advice for the fraternity and life every day. Another important aspect of our relationship that makes it so special is that we are more than just big and little, we are also friends. She is there for me whether I need somebody to motivate me to study or just somebody to hang out with. She has also been one of my closest friends throughout my candidacy. I know that she is my first line of communication with the brotherhood and will help me with whatever I need. Thanks Jan Jan!!!

How the Interview Process Has Been Going by Daniel Boerger

I have enjoyed the interview process because I have gotten a chance to speak one-on-one with brothers that I did not know very well. So far I have made some real connections with brothers I had never spoken to before and might not have had the opportunity to speak to otherwise. Although it has sometimes been difficult to schedule interviews, doing so has helped me become more organized, productive, and sociable. I have gained an understanding from seeing how brothers interpret and apply the values located in the preamble, purposes, and creed to their lives. In addition, they have helped me see how I can do the same. Most importantly, the interview process has given me the chance to see what it means to be a brother of Kappa Kappa Psi.

What I’ve Learned So Far in the Process by Zachary Miller

My name is Zachary Miller and I am a candidate for the Spring 2014 Semester of the Gamma Nu Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi. For the past couple of weeks, I have been going on interviews with active Brothers of Kappa Kappa Psi here at FSU. These men and women that I’ve had the pleasure of speaking to are my peers; some of them are good friends that I already knew through our marching band (The World Renowned Marching Chiefs) and some of them are people that I have never met before now, but I am so happy that I’ve gotten to meet them. In each of these interviews, I try to learn a little bit more about the fraternity, and over the past several weeks I can honestly say I’ve learned a lot. Of course I’ve learned all of the required information: the Preamble, the Purposes for the fraternity, the Creed by which members are supposed to model themselves, but there are other things that I’ve learned from this fraternity that I had no clue about before. I already knew how much work they do behind the scenes for our band programs but what I am now learning is the true sense of love that these Brothers not only have for music and band, but for each other. Coming into my candidacy, I had no clue what to expect in the way of the interpersonal relationships between the Brothers, but what I actually have come to see has still surprised me. I come from a broken home with a lot of animosity, so I am not used to people caring much for each other, or for me. However, by listening to these brothers speak and hearing about how much that they care for each other is staggering. Not only that, but these Brothers have already shown a great deal of care and love towards me. Because of these people I am learning how to open up a little more, to lower my guard, and to care more deeply for people that before I would shy away from. Perhaps these things that I am saying I’m learning are not what one would expect to learn from a band fraternity, but these are the things that I have learned not only about the fraternity and its Brothers, but of myself. I only pray that the other chapters across the country are this way as well, and I have a very good feeling that they are. No matter what happens throughout the rest of my candidate process, I am very happy to say that the things that I have learned and seen is these past short weeks, I will carry with me forever.

My Relationship With My Candidate Class by Theodore Branson

My experience as a candidate so far has been unlike any other.  My favorite part about being a candidate is the closeness I have developed with my candidate brothers and how well we work together because of that. We have a motto: Business first, fun later. This idea transfers to when we try to come up with ideas for service or fundraising projects, because we need to realize the true purposes of those projects, and those are to provide great service and raise funds. That being said, we try to keep our ideas fresh and think outside of the box instead of doing something simple just because it’s easy to organize. We’re basically just six guys that like to have fun with our ideas, and each other, while still keeping them practical.

What I’ve Learned About Myself Thus Far by Alejandro Gonzalez

I have learned a number of things about myself during candidacy.  I have learned that I consider integrity and loyalty the most important of virtues. I have also learned that my family means so much more to me than I was ever aware. And although my communication skills can still improve, I find myself more capable of articulating my thoughts and feelings.

            Interestingly, most of my views have not changed throughout candidacy. I have heard a lot of contrasting opinions on different topics and have had good discussions. However, one thing I’ve learned in the past couple of weeks is that it is okay to disagree with others. The only necessities are to make sure that you can support your opinion effectively and that you take into consideration what the other person has to say.

 

Nicole Scalise

Guiding Spirit

Gamma Nu

A Note from the President’s Desk

Greetings SED, 

I write you today not with news and tidings, biddings and requests, or even reminders. I write you today thoughtful and wondering. 

Since April, when this council was elected, the Southeast District has surpassed two paperwork deadlines, with flying colors, I might add. We have survived over 200 fall football games. And finally, we selected our next generation, the Fall 2013 Membership Class, which is comprised of 100 (or more) Membership Candidates. 

Four years ago, I was a sophomore at Auburn University, a member of the Auburn University Drumline, a girl who had a tendency to disrespect authority, and finally, the one with the label on my forehead that read “don’t talk to me, I am rude.” After a wonderful weeklong summer vacation in Phoenix, Arizona at the KKPsi and TBSigma National Convention 2009, I was super pumped to change my ways. I was determined I was going to be a sister of Tau Beta Sigma. I returned to school that fall, with eagerness and no humility. I knew I would get a bid! I was funny, I was nice (ish), I was a music major… what else did they need? Little did I know then, Tau Beta Sigma was about much more. That fall, I was declined a bid from the Theta Lambda chapter, and rightly so. Declining my bid was the smartest decision Theta Lambda might have ever made- they changed my life. 

You see, here’s the bottom line about sisterhood and about life—

            1. It’s not always pretty. Things happen, we all tumble and fall. Everything will not always go right. Every fundraiser will not raise money. Every sister will not show up to every service project. This world is not perfect, and we still have to live in it every day. So, cherish life’s blemishes. Celebrate the shortcomings. Rejoice every day you are alive and well with your sisters. And finally, never miss out on a chance to thank someone or to tell him/her you care.

            2. It’s never going to be easy.  There will be tests. There will be boyfriends and girlfriends. There will be births, deaths, and weddings. And yes, through all this, I still expect you to serve the band with a smile on your face. Work until the day is dark, and then work through the dark, because I guarantee life does not stop while you are sitting on the couch eating ice cream and watching Game of Thrones (optional- insert another awesome tv show here). 

            3. It’s worth it. All the blood shed (hopefully only by a paper cut or two), all the sweat gone, and all the tears cried… at the end of college and for the rest of our lives, we will talk about the “good old days”— the days where nothing else mattered but each other. We will look back at old photographs. We will see each other at alumni bands and Honda (yes, I will still be going at age 95.5) and we will wear our letters with pride. 

That is what sisterhood is. That is what dedication is. And finally, that is what Tau Beta Sigma is. I am proud of each and every one of you for the commitment you have made to this organization. I wish you good luck as we start this spring semester. I hope you end with pride in your hearts, the work you did will be rewarded later. And finally, I hope you never lose sight of what is most important- each other. 

MLITB until the day I die, and then all the days after that,

Belinda Baker

Engineering SED: a Behind-the-Scenes Look at the 2014 Convention

Every year, various chapters from all seven states in the Southeast District gather for the Southeast District Convention. We register, show up, get T-shirts, go to a few workshops, and have fun with our Brothers and Sisters in the bond. But what goes on behind the scenes? This year, Georgia Tech has the honor to host the 2014 Southeast District Convention: Engineering a Better Bond. We knew this was would require a substantial amount of work, but we (or at least I) did not fully understand how much time and detail goes into planning the annual convention. From the cost of parking, the location of banquet, the color of the shirts, and the price of the hotels, every detail had to be considered. The Epsilon Theta chapter of Tau Beta Sigma and the Iota chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi have been working for months to make a convention that you will never forget.

One of my personal favorite examples of our chapters working together is SED Ensemble. Apart from some service outings, it’s rare for Sisters and Brothers to make music together. It’s been a wonderful experience to play together, and I’m certain that playing for my Brothers and Sisters at SED will be extremely fulfilling. We even have our membership candidates joining us in making music!

Brothers and Sisters  from Georgia Tech staining the SED T together.

There are only more examples of Georgia Tech’s TBΣ and KKΨ members working together. For example, each membership candidate at Georgia Tech builds their own T, with the help of their big Brother and Sister to commemorate their candidate semester. In preparation for SED Convention, both organizations came together to create a signature SED T. Hours of work have already gone into creating a T to commemorate both of our chapters’ hard work and dedication. Building projects with our Brothers and Sisters in the bond is something every one of us enjoys (we are Georgia Tech students after all), and it’s even better because we’re using our skills to help SED as a whole, not just our chapters and band program. In addition to working with our hands, our Brothers and Sisters also really enjoy working on web design! We’re extremely proud of our convention website, sed2014.com, and all of the work that has gone into it. It represents the accumulation of all of our work as chapters in bringing SED together.

Kevin Cleaves (Sister, Fall 2013) holding the assembled T.

Our chapter SED Chairs, Presidents, and Treasurers have been in constant communication, even before the submission of our bid for SED (since last winter!). Our chapters have been working together in order to make this convention the best it can be. This is the biggest co-event in recent memory, and it has brought our chapters closer together than ever. Coordination of an event this large inevitably brings conflict, but by compromising and uniting, we’ve been able to plan a successful event. Although there have been setbacks, Brothers and Sisters have been able to coordinate solutions that best serve our chapters and more importantly, the district.

We would really love to see as many Brothers and Sisters at possible at SED Convention. All in all, we’re extremely excited to bring SED convention to the SED chapters of both organizations, and we hope to see you there!

Karla Wagner

Georgia Tech

Reflections of a Neophyte

New Brothers at Alpha Eta

As the last few weeks of summer swiftly passed by, I was smothered in advice from relatives, friends, and even strangers as they tried to tell me what to expect in college. Most of the advice was trite and cliché, sayings such as, “it will be the best four years of your life,” “don’t forget to keep in touch,” and “change your bed sheets once in awhile.” However, one piece of advice deeply resonated with me. “For the first time in your life, you are going to be surrounded by people just like you,” my dad explained as we made the four-hour car ride to Gainesville. “You will meet people who are clever, people who are passionate, and people who will help you figure out who you really are.”

At the time I was running on five hours of sleep, and I was full of pre-band camp jitters. I did not really comprehend the weight of the words my father had spoken to me. As I recover from the whirlwind that was my first semester of college, I now realize what he was talking about.

Like a fair amount of brothers and sisters, I initially attended the rush events for the lure of free food after a grueling band practice. I had a vague idea of what Tau Beta Sigma and Kappa Kappa Psi did; however, I could not tell you what the organizations stood for other than “doing the heavy lifting for the band.” After speaking with various brothers and sisters and noting the passion in their eyes, I came to the conclusion that this was something I wanted to pursue. 

Next thing I knew, I was thrown in a room with twelve strangers who had the same common goal: to, if and when, become a brother of Kappa Kappa Psi. None of us at the time realized what that goal truly meant. “You are going to get very close with these individuals,” stated Max Johnson, our Guiding Spirit. It was an explanation that seemed to mean more to him than to us. I looked around, making awkward eye contact with people who would eventually become not only my closest friends but also my brothers. Max then explained the commitment that was expected from us, and I was taken off guard. What I expected was merely a service organization turned out to be much, much more.

Over the next ten weeks, my candidate class and I were tested both mentally and emotionally as we worked to discover the true meaning of brotherhood. There were times where I was stressed, times where I was ecstatic, and even times where I was on the verge of breaking. I recall countless hours of rushing to complete brother interviews, reciting the creed under my breath as I trekked to class, and loudly singing Fraternity Song in the shower to be prepared for the next candidate meeting. Still, this was not enough. It was fine if I was prepared for the meeting, but what was I without my fellow candidates? I learned a great deal from the candidate process, but perhaps the greatest lesson of all was that I understood that I would never have to go through anything alone. It is safe to say I would not have made it through the process without the help from my now line brothers. We came from different places, had different stories, and possessed different skills, but we worked as a team and refused to let another fall behind.  This is how I slowly began to understand the idea of brotherhood.

I have learned that brotherhood is not a concept that is immediately understood; it builds slowly over time. Our bond of brotherhood began as we worked together to complete various group sigs, as we went through the rituals, and even as we took care of each other at parties. That being said however, there is one night in particular during my process when the notion of brotherhood finally resonated within me. For reasons out of the brotherhood’s control, the president of our candidate class could no longer continue on in the process. The news of this came as a shock to my class; no one could fathom how a candidate could make it so far and then have to stop. We were angry and looked for any sort of loophole, but unfortunately, there was none to be had. (Let me clarify that this decision had nothing to do with the brotherhood; the candidate simply had to drop his band class.) As the initial shock wore off, our class rallied together around our fallen candidate and gave him all the support we could. Although we could not possibly feel what he did, we all felt forlorn: our class would not cross as a whole. After seeing someone practically every day for weeks, it feels as if part of you is missing when a fellow candidate is no longer there. For the remainder of the process, we completed each task with vigor. Everything we did, we did for our fallen candidate. He may not have been able to cross with us, but we could make sure all he did for us was not wasted. As we came together in this dark time, we came to realize what it meant to be a brother.

My high school friends returned home for winter break, many claiming that college had changed them in unbelievable ways. I do not feel like that at all. If anything, I feel as if I am more sure of whom I really am. I am an individual who is passionate about music, works to serve what is important, strives for the highest, and most importantly, I am a brother. However, one could never be a brother all by one’s self. It takes two, or twelve, or forty, or even two thousand. Brotherhood is known as “feelings of friendship, support, and understanding between people;” however, I believe brotherhood is a concept that goes beyond mere “feelings.” Brotherhood is spending ten weeks working with twelve people you would not have otherwise met. Brotherhood is staying up for hours studying the fraternity information so you would not fail your class. Brotherhood is doing anything for a friend in need and knowing that he would do the same for you. Brotherhood is a bond that runs deep, and I am extremely lucky that I have experienced it.

Looking back on the advice given to me over summer, I see much of it has some merit. I am having the time of my life; I make sure to keep in touch with those I care about; and to my mother’s immense pleasure, I make sure to change my bed sheets now and then. However, no words compare to the ones my father spoke to me in the car. At the time, my only understanding of brotherhood was what I learned from watching Animal House. After spending a semester with twelve ragtag “band geeks,” twelve individuals just like me, I can say I have met the people who will shape me into whom I truly am. They have led me to understand the true concept of brotherhood. It is a tie that lasts not only through college but also through life, and I cannot wait to see what the future has in store for us.

Olivia Vega

Alpha Eta, University of Florida

The “Crutch” of Human Imperfections: Remembering Why We’re Really Here

Dear My Beautiful SisTAUs of the Southeast District, 

Those White and Blue Letters; you wanting to be just like the upperclassmen female in your section who was the ultimate bandswoman; the drive that was exhibited by older sisters in the band. What did they all have in common? They were all sisters in the bond of Tau Beta Sigma. Remember how much you wanted to be a part of that sisterhood? Remember how much work you put in just to get a bid in for acceptance into the membership intake process? Now you are a sister of Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority, Inc. Remember how excited you were to go to the first real chapter meeting as a sister in the bond? Because of insecurities that we have as human beings, sometimes we forget everything that drove us to become sisters of Tau Beta Sigma. 

There is a reason why the chapter voted for your bid. There is a reason why you were accepted into the bond. There is a reason why we can sit here and even be here to this day as sisters in the bond of Tau Beta Sigma. We all have something special about us. Never forget that you are special and an important piece to this puzzle called Tau Beta Sigma. Do your part in the matriculation of this organization. Do not let excuses and “crutches” take away from what is REALLY important, which is Tau Beta Sigma. 

Yes, we may question why we have to go to band practice when we have that twelve page paper to write for our 8 o’clock class in the morning. Our Chapter meeting has gone on for four hours and we are SOO ready to go. Our Eight-to-Five is tested frequently on a daily basis with everything that we endure. We want to just walk during the parade when we just get tired of marching. We may think the next field show idea that the band staff picked is crazy. SED… none of us are robots. I am not going to sit here and say that us on the council are perfect…we are humans, college students (or alumni), chapter executive board officers and band students JUST LIKE YOU. It is okay. We all have our own personal opinions; we will get tired; we will cry; we will laugh; we will get upset. However, never forget why you even filled out a bid to enter the bond of Tau Beta Sigma in the first place. Never forget what pushed you to even consider candidacy. We are taught to be the leaders of the band, the queens of band & music, the enforcers of the love for the band, right? We have accepted that we have human imperfections right? Okay…let us push through them! You can do it, SED! Surpass the “crutch” of human imperfections and continue to be effective leaders and sisters of Tau Beta Sigma. Keep remembering everything you have been taught thus far with the experiences, lessons, and more that we have received in this organization! Let us continue to move to a future of extreme excellence! 

Musically Yours,

Ashley Williams

2013-2014 Southeast District Secretary

Epsilon Chi– South Carolina State University

National Convention Revisited

            Six months ago, as of this writing, National Convention was just kicking off in Springfield, Massachusetts. For the first time, I had the opportunity to attend this wonderful event and even had the privilege of representing my own chapter. It was, without a doubt, an experience I will never forget.

            National Convention has something for everyone. It provides informational resources in a broad range of topics relevant to the organizations, college, and life in general, in presentations hosted by sisters and brothers of renown from across the country. This information has undoubtedly proven useful for many chapters, and will continue to do so for many years to come.

National Convention also allowed sisters and brothers to directly shape the future of the sorority and fraternity. Members in attendance had the opportunity to sit as delegates and, this past summer, almost every Active sister of the SED had the chance to serve as a delegate.

These aspects of National Convention are incredibly important, and I certainly cherish them, but the part for which I have the fondest memories is the sense of community and the bonding between sisters and brothers from across the district and the country.

The number of representatives from each chapter in the district allowed the SED at National Convention to interact and operate much like a chapter at District Convention. As a result, I was able to spend time with sisters from across the SED and make friends with sisters from practically every state in the district, from Alabama to North Carolina; Florida to Tennessee.

Thanks to the structuring of committees, caucuses, and the convention as a whole, as well as the friendliness of the sisters and brothers in attendance, it was also quite easy to meet sisters and brothers from across the country. On the night of the 22^nd, an alumna of my chapter and I went on a nighttime search for food with a sister from Theta Delta. On the first night of convention, I ate dinner with a number of sisters from the Midwest District, including several from Theta Mu. Over the course of the convention, I also had the opportunity to befriend sisters from Omega and Eta Sigma, to name just a few of the many chapters with whom I interacted, as well as several brothers from different chapters. The fact that I still regularly speak to several sisters and brothers from across the country is truly a testament to the bond between members of our organizations.

The biennial National Convention will be in Lexington, Kentucky, from July 28^th to August 2^nd, 2015, and I strongly encourage anyone who can to attend. You’ll be glad you did.

MLITB,

Will Smith

President, Gamma Epsilon

University of Miami

On Your Way Out…

As this semester, my final semester as a college student, has started winding down, I’ve been saying “this is my last ___” about almost everything: my last home game with the Carolina Band, my last class at USC, my last chapter meeting, my last presidential gavel bang. Ending this chapter of my life has become quite a bittersweet experience. Here’s a little advice that I would like share with you all, so that you don’t regret anything when it comes time for you to say goodbye to your chapters and schools:

 

1. Don’t ever pass up the opportunity to become closer to your sisters or brothers. This can be anything; From doing someone a huge favor to just grabbing a coffee or lunch, these times are valuable. If you put in the time and effort to really appreciate your sisters, you will never have to worry about losing their companionship, no matter where life takes you.

 

2. Do something you can be proud of and do it now! Most of us only get four years to make an impact on our chapters while we are active. On graduation day, you don’t want to look back at your time in TBS and regret missing all of the opportunities to learn your potential. Run for an office in your chapter. Run for a district office! Don’t ever sell yourself short. If you put the time and effort into your dreams, you will gain knowledge and grow from that experience. Don’t fear rejection, it is part of success! Everyone is good at something, but you will never know what your “something” is, or how much of a difference you can make, unless you believe in yourself. Also, let’s not forget the fact that practicing getting over the nerves of selling yourself to others, writing platforms and resumes, and speaking publicly are all great ways to prepare for your future job interviews and tasks you may have to face in your careers. Run for an office. Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone will help you gain confidence! What better way to practice some-thing so scary, than with your sisters who love you, and want you to succeed?

 

3. Notice the little things. I never noticed how beautifully the Carolina sun sets over the “Mighty Sound of the Southeast’s” marching field during the fall, until I was standing there realizing that this is almost the end of my last season with this magnificent band. I wonder what other little things I have missed because I was too busy to stop and appreciate what is going on around me.

 

I’m not going keep rambling on about all of the things you should try to accomplish before you graduate. Everyone has their goals; I just want to implore you all with these last thoughts. When you cross into the bond, you should treat every day like you’re on your way out. Think about the impressions, memories, and legends that you could make, and make them. Don’t sit back and watch your membership in the bond pass by. Make every day a valuable memory. Also, don’t just leave when your time is up. There are still so many things you can do as an alumnus/alumna of your chapter and, Tau Beta Sigma as a whole. Use the resources and knowledge that you gain out in “the real world” to help better the organizations that developed you into the responsible, music-loving, charitable adults that you are, and give back. Isn’t that the least we can do?

 

Happy Holidays, and MLITB!

 

Shannon Matthews

2013-2014 Southeast District Vice President of Special Projects

Epsilon Alpha– University of South Carolina

Notes from the Treasurer’s Chest

Staying sisterly when money is involved

As a treasurer, I can give you some helpful hints on conducting yourself in a sisterly manner. I know a lot of frustration can come up in this position; many people may get frustrated about paying, but the treasurer is also susceptible to becoming very frustrated. However, this is one position where it is crucial to remember “Tolerance, tempered with kindness and the consideration for the needs of others”.

The known operative of every treasurer is to collect dues, fees, and fines. Sometimes, that pegs the treasurer as a “bad person”.  However, as sisters, we have to remember our 8 to 5, and realize that the treasurer is upholding their Oath of Office they took when they stepped into that position. As a college student, money is a big deal. However, instead of whining, complaining, and getting on your chapter’s nerves, you could easily spend that time and energy in a positive manner. Try talking to your chapter treasurer, maybe even with the president and/or sponsor, to figure out ways to make payment easier. Sometimes it is as easy as coming to an agreement, like a payment plan. That way, all sisters involved get what they need, and are in good standing with the Sorority.

Sometimes a treasurer is easily frazzled by all that is going on within their chapter. Perhaps a lot of sisters are being stubborn with paying money owed. I understand how easy it is to get angry, and rage all over the situation. However, this is a prime opportunity to build skills that you can easily use in the future if you wish to progress your leadership in Tau Beta Sigma. If you are professional and understanding on the situation, approach the sister in question, and offer them help with payment. If need be, ask an unbiased sister to sit in on the conversation as a witness, so no fingers can be pointed in the future. This will easily help you achieve your constitutional goal as treasurer, but also save you from being seen as an enemy.

Always remember that in Sisterhood, we join together “For Greater Bands”. If we set aside differences, and work together, we can overcome both the easy and hard obstacles, and promote ourselves, our school, and our band in a positive light.

Burning a hole in your pocket 

There are plenty of instances where chapters feel like they have excess funds that are just sitting stagnant. Just because the money is there, doesn’t mean you need to use it; it is not going to burn a hole in your pockets. However, it is smart to think of reasons how to use this money, but the issue is, are you using the money for the right reasons?

Whenever the phrase “what can the band use?” is being uttered, your chapter is on the right track. It is very easy to get greedy with the money that builds up in the chapter bank account. However, Tau Beta Sigma is an organization for our institutions’ band programs. A lot of schools have used that money to help commission a piece of work, bring in a guest clinician, or even sponsor a scholarship that their School of Music may award out annually. I mention these specifically because it is very easy for us to get caught up in only wanting to help out the Marching Band, but we are more than a marching band sorority; we are The Band Sorority. This mean indoor bands too, and that will mean even more to your School of Music’s administration and your Director of Bands.

Now, this doesn’t mean that a chapter cannot use its own funds for the Sisterhood, but that moderation is the key. Perhaps, match it 50/50: a donation to the Music Department, a holiday party for TBS. It’s really easy to make sure everyone wins from our hard work, especially those we strive to support.

MLITB,

Salvatore Parillo

Tau Beta Sigma – Zeta Psi

University of Central Florida

2012-2014 SED Treasurer

Life Isn’t Always Glamorous

By Bridgette Bell, Southeast District Historian for Tau Beta Sigma

Sisterhood. A word that seems, at first glance so simple, and yet holds a meaning that is indescribable to the Sisters of Tau Beta Sigma. When I started my journey in Tau Beta Sigma, a mere two years ago, I had no idea that I would come to cherish the word “Sisterhood”. Sisterhood, while it directly relates to our lives in Tau Beta Sigma, also depicts how we act in our personal lives. What I didn’t realize when I started my journey in Tau Beta Sigma was that my Sisters and Brothers would be the ones I’d come to rely on – much like a family in times of need.

Without the amazing Sisters and Brothers in my life, I don’t know how I would’ve gotten through some of my toughest days. Days that were not simply just rough, but months and months of dealing with the impact of a traumatic event. What helped me through rough days was my striving to be a better person for my four amazing Littles; trying to be the best representation of Sisterhood I could be, without breaking down in front of anyone. It wasn’t easy. I began to stop going to band and Sister events because I couldn’t bear to be around anyone.

Throughout the course of the spring, I felt as though I had no one. I felt like there was no one I could rely on and talk with about my problems. I was afraid of being judged, and, ultimately, of others not believing my story. Being in such a low spot in my life made me want to quit everything I’d worked for not only in band, but also in Tau Beta Sigma. I considered resigning from my elected position and not marching another season. It wasn’t until the beginning of the spring semester, six months from the start of my breakdown that I was able to finally tell my best friend, and fellow Sister, about what had been going on, which led to me eventually telling the Sisterhood towards the end of the semester.

What I had begun to realize was that the people I trusted the most were my Sisters and Brothers. They encouraged me to continue through the trials that were hindering me during the semester. What I realize now, that I didn’t back then, was that without these people in my life, I don’t know how I could’ve made it through. I wish I could say there is some secret antidote to making life easier, but there’s not. What can get you through anything are your friends, family, and a little bit of belief in something bigger than yourself. I encourage everyone that has ever struggled, whether it’s in Tau Beta Sigma or not, to keep going. It won’t be easy, but it’ll be worth it. I wanted to give up on everything but I was encouraged by others to continue, and even to go out for an appointed position on the District level, and here I am, your Southeast District Historian. What I’ve really gotten out of Tau Beta Sigma is not only a Sisterhood, but a family, not just with my Sisters but with my Brothers in Kappa Kappa Psi as well. Over this past year, I really learned the importance of Sisterhood, and how it can help those around us in the most troubling of times.

I encourage everyone to work on keeping his or her Sisterhood strong, while discord will happen, remember the bigger picture. If you’ve ever struggled during hardships remember to keep going, strive for greatness, and don’t forget you’ve always got friends in Tau Beta Sigma you can count on.

MOTS O’Love,

Bridgette Bell

Southeast District Historian

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