KKΨ & TBΣ Commissioning Program

 

Commissioning Program History

 

During the administration of Grand President Hugh E. McMillen (Alpha Iota) 1951-1953, the Fraternity adopted one of its most innovative and noteworthy continuing activities. Brother McMillen saw in the National Intercollegiate Band and its sponsoring fraternity and sorority the perfect vehicle for a lasting contribution to the field of concert band literature. He proposed a program to commission a special work for concert band by a noteworthy composer in Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma’s name. 

 

World premiere renditions have been a highlight of National Intercollegiate Band concerts since 1953. Leading musicians have been commissioned by the fraternity and sorority to compose numbers for this purpose. Such noted works include Francis McBeth’s the Seventh Seal, Claude T. Smith’s Symphony #1 for Band, and Fisher Tull’s Prelude & Double Fugue. Several of these composers have also served as guest conductors. 

 

The commissioned work demands the highest in technical proficiency and musicality, as well as be of sufficient merit to rank with the best in the concert band music genre. The commission is offered by Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma to someone demonstrating proven abilities in composing for band, but also to someone who might have never investigated this unique medium and should be encouraged to write for concert band. 

 

The commissioning program of Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma has made a significant impact on band music in America. Since its creation, the program has been responsible for more than 25 new pieces of band literature and has come to be considered of prime importance in our national program of Service to Music. 

 

Commissioned Works for Band

 

1953 Ballet for Band - Don Gillis
1957 Symphonic Songs for Band - Robert Russell Bennett
1959 Prelude and Dance - Paul Creston
1963 Symphonic Essays - Clifton Williams
1965 Symphonic Requiem - Vaclav Nehlybel
1967 Study in Textures - Gunther Schuller
1969 Songs of Abelard - Norman Dello Joio
1971 The Seventh Seal - W. Francis McBeth
1973 Concerto for Trumpet and Wind Orchestra - Karel Husa
1975 Let Us Now Praise Famous Men - Martin Mailman
1977 Symphony #1 for Band - Claude T. Smith
1979 Prelude & Double Fugue - Fisher A. Tull
1981 LUX: Legend of Sankta Lucia - Mary Jeanne van Appledorn
1983 Stars and Stripes Variations - Robert Jager
1985 Chorale Prelude: “Mein junges Leben hat ein End,” Op. 61 - James Barnes
1987 Overture Alfresco - Jerry Bilik
1989 Symphonic Canticle - David R. Holsinger
Athenian Festival - Anne McGinty
1991 Hymn Variants (based on “Lasst Uns Erfreuen” (1623)) - Alfred Reed
1993 Daystar Symphonic Variations for Wind and Percussion - James Curnow
1995 A Tuning Piece: Songs of Fall and Winter - David Maslanka
1997 Rondo Jubiloso - John Zdechlik
1999 Unusual Behavior in Ceremonies Involving Drums - Daniel Bukvich
2001 Mourning Dances - Timothy Mahr
2003 Bandancing - Jack Stamp
2005 The Seasons - Philip Sparke
2007 Celestial Dancers - Eric Ewazen

2009 Two American Canvases - Mark Camphouse

2011 Repercussions - Adam Gorb

 

Though not considered a part of the commissioning program, the following works should also be familiar to every member of our organizations. Each was composed by an individual close to the Fraternity and Sorority, and presented to us as an expression of this appreciation for the work of Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma.

 

1931 Kappa Kappa Psi March - J. DeForrest Cline
1934 Kappa Kappa Psi March - Bohumil Makovsky
1961 National Intercollegiate Band March - Richard Franko Goldman
1971 Tau Beta Sigma March - Donald I. Moore; Commissioned by Ladine Bennett Housholder
1992 Crest of Allegiance - Robert Foster; Commissioned by Elizabeth Ludwig Fennell
1999 From This Wilderness - Roland Barrett Culloden - Julie Giroux; Commissioned by Lt Col Alan Bonner, USAF (ret.)
2000 an American Elegy - Frank Ticheli Commissioned by the Alpha Iota Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi
2001 “Come, memory...” - Donald Grantham Commissioned by Kappa Kappa Psi & Tau Beta Sigma

 

Full List of Commissioned Pieces by Our Organizations, KKΨ & TBΣ

 

Along with our efforts to commission pieces nationally, several of our chapters have taken it upon themselves to commission works through the years for band. The following list contains every piece commissioned by Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma as part of our chapters' efforts to commission works on their own. If your chapter has commissioned a piece that is not a part of our lsit, please submit that information by using this form.

 

Year Title Composer Commissioned By
1931 Kappa Kappa Psi March J. DeForrest Cline Unknown
1933 The March of Kappa Kappa Psi Joseph O. DeLuca Kappa Kappa Psi
1934 Kappa Kappa Psi March Bohumil Makovsky Unknown
1961 National Intercollegiate Band March Richard Franko Goldman Unknown
1971 Propagula Robert Linn Alpha Psi Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi
  Tau Beta Sigma March Donald I. Moore Ladine Bennet Housholder
1973 Dilemnae William Latham Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma Chapters at West Texas State University (K-Alpha Psi and T-Xi)
1975 March in Measured Time Norman J. Nelson Alpha Psi Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi
1976 Dance Variations John Zdechlik Gamma Pi Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi
  Reflection of an Old Hymn Tune Richard Willis Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma chapters at Northeast Louisiana State University (K-Epsilon Theta & T-Delta Sigma)
1977 American Ballads Morton Gould Alpha Psi Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi
1978 Affirmation and Credo Claude T. Smith Delta Rho Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma
1979 Dance Scene Michael Hennigan Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma chapters at Northeast Louisiana State University (K-Epsilon Theta & T-Delta Sigma)
1980 Caccia for Band W. Francis McBeth Gamma Phi Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi
  King Ubu Michael Schelle Alpha Beta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi
1981 Cantique and Festival Jared Spears Delta Rho Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi
  Chamarita Roger Nixon Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma chapters at the University  of Florida (K-Alpha Eta & T-Beta Xi)
1983 A Cantata for Band to Remember Don Baird Norman J. Nelson Alpha Psi Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi
  Concerto for Winds, Brass & Percussion Larry Alan Smith Alpha Psi Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi
1984 Palo Duro Suite Gerald Busby Alpha Psi Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi
  Seven Deadly Sins Robert Xavier Rodriguez Zeta Kappa Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi
  unnamed work in progress that was due summer 1984 David Holsinger Gamma Phi Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi and Beta Zeta Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma
1985 Sinfonia Dramatica or Fantasia for Euphonium and Wind Orchestra Arnold Franchetti Alpha Beta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi
  Sinfonia Drammatica Arnold Franchetti Alpha Beta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi
  Sinfonia for Winds and Percussion John Boda Gamma Nu Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi and Alpha Omega Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma
1987 Varients on an Ancient Air James Curnow Gamma Phi Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi and Beta Zeta Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma
1988 Catcher of Shadows Philip Wilby Iota Alpha Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi
  In The Spring at the Time When Kings Go Off to War David Holsinger Gamma Phi Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi
1989 Danse Celestial Robert Sheldon Eta Alpha Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi and Beta Xi Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma
  In Memoriam David Maslanka Delta Sigma Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi
  Riverwalk Carl Johnson Eta Phi Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi and Eta Alpha Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma
1991 Gaian Viions Frank Ticheli Gamma Phi Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi
  Infinite Horizons John Cheetham Alpha Omicron Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi
  Long May it Wave Sammy Nestico Epsilon Phi Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi
1992 But God's Own Descent John White Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma chapters at the University  of Florida (K-Alpha Eta & T-Beta Xi)
  Crest of Allegiance Robert Foster Elizabeth Ludwig Fennell
1994 Fanfare Variants for Concert Band Dennis D. Griffin Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma chapters at Utah State University (K-Iota Iota & T-Theta Eta)
1995 Memoriam for the Glenwood Fourteen Walter Cummings Midwest District of Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma
1996 A Gathering of Angels Jared Spears Epsilon Kappa Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi
1997 A Fraternal Prelude Gary Powell Nash Eta Gamma Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi
  Capitan Majesty Timothy Rhea Alpha Omicron Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi and Beta Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma
  Desert Winds Cynthia Folio Alpha Epsilon Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi
  Revenge of the Darkseekers Stephen Melillo Theta Alpha Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi and Eta Epsilon Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma
  Suite:  Guiding Spirit William G. Rose Iota Upsilon Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi
1998 Dark Dreams of a Circus Bandstand David Williams Omicron Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi
  Portrait: North and South Maroon Paul Rudy Gamma Psi Chapter of TBS, Alpha Rho Chapter of KKPsi, NSU Bands
1999 From This Wilderness Roland Barrett Kappa Kappa Psi
2000 An American Elegy Frank Ticheli Alpha Iota Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi
  Culloden Julie Giroux Lt. Col Alan Bonner, USAF (ret.)
  Four Maryland Songs Jack Stamp Gamma Xi Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi
  Jamboree Kimberly K. Archer Northeast District of Kappa Kappa Psi & Tau Beta Sigma
2001 Come, Memory… Donald Grantham Kappa Kappa Psi & Tau Beta Sigma
  From the Mountains Jay Chattaway Omicron Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi
  Hands of Mercy Julie Giroux  Unknown
  The Imperceptible Voices Cloaked in Wind Jerome P. Miskell North Central District of Kappa Kappa Psi
  To the Summit! (Strive for the Highest) Robert W. Smith Southeast District of Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma
2002 Cloudless Day, Bitter Sky Donald Grantham Epsilon Kappa Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi and Delta Tau Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma
  Dakota MJ Cotton Kappa Mu Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi
  High Adventure Randol Bass Theta Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma
  Into the Solitude Katherine Murdock Alpha Mu Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma
2003 Caccia Chip Clark Delta Delta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi
  Colors Aloft Daniel Godfrey Gamma Nu Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi
  Dances of Nahawand Scott R. Reister Iota Omicron Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi
  Morning Song Philip Sparke Beta Kappa Chapter of Kappa Kappa Pi and Alpha Xi Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma
  Traveler David Maslanka Delta Sigma Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi and Gamma Nu Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma
2005 Fanatic Fanfare Paul Richards Alpha Eta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi
2006 Ancient Irish Hymn Sean O'Loughlin (arranger) Eta Phi Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi
  Home Again Brian Biddle Alpha Beta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi
  Husaria Cavalry Overture Julie Giroux Omicron Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi
  Variations on How Firm a Foundation Stephen Emmons Epsilon Kappa Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi
2007 Dream Adam F. Brennan Gamma Chi Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi
  Mansions of Glory David Gillingham Lambda Epsilon Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi and Theta Beta Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma
  Purple Heart David Shaffer Epsilon Xi Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi and Delta Epsilon Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma
  Vairations on a Maine Theme Craig Skeffington Epsilon Upsilon Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi
2008 Fuse Rob Smith Theta Nu Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi
  Loud Sunsets George Lam Theta Beta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi
  Zing Scott McAllister Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma chapters at Baylor University
2009 A Century of Opportunity Celebration Lester Pack Zeta Zeta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi
  A Little Learning is a Dangerous Thing Eric Honour Lambda Omega Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi
  Concerto for Piano and Wind Orchestra: Solar Traveller Judith Lang Zaimont Lambda Lambda Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi
  The Gates of the Wonder-World Open Joseph C. Phillips Gamma Xi Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi
2010 Always We Begin Again Patrick Burns Sigma Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi
  Back to Old Fairview Michael Leckrone Alpha Beta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi
  Centrifuge Todd Malicoate KKPsi, TBS, SAI and PMA at Oklahoma State University
  Glass Menagerie Brant Karrick Beta Rho Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi
2011 Ecstatic Waters   Ohio University Chapters of Kappa Kappa Psi & Tau Beta Sigma
  Someday Zachary J. Friedland Theta Upsilon Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi
2012 Blue and White Dance Andrew Boysen, Jr. Kappa Kappa Psi Northeast District 
2013 untitled as of 2011 Steven Bryant North Central District Consortium of Kappa Kappa Psi
Unknown Date Ascension Michael Hennigan Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma chapters at Northeast Louisiana State University (K-Epsilon Theta & T-Delta Sigma)
Unknown Date Century Tower James Barnes Beta Xi Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma
Unknown Date Chronologue Jared Spears Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma chapters at Northeast Louisiana State University (K-Epsilon Theta & T-Delta Sigma)
Unknown Date Concerto for Winds William Schmidt Alpha Theta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi
Unknown Date Credo Fisher Tull Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma chapters at Northeast Louisiana State University (K-Epsilon Theta & T-Delta Sigma)
Unknown Date Divertimento for Wind Ensemble Bruce Yurko Alpha Theta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi
Unknown Date Ecloeue Ronald LoPresti Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma chapters at Northeast Louisiana State University (K-Epsilon Theta & T-Delta Sigma)
Unknown Date Fantasy and Cantilena Armand Russell Gamma Phi Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi
Unknown Date Festive Proclamation Billy Madison Delta Rho Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi
Unknown Date Magnificant Victimae Paschali Bradley Nelson Alpha Beta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi
Unknown Date Oohs and Aahs for 13 Unlucky Winds Michael Close Alpha Beta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi
Unknown Date Overture to the 3rd Millenium Ronald LoPresti Beta Omicron Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi
Unknown Date Prelude, Intermezzo, & Passacaglia John Zdechlik Delta Omega Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi
Unknown Date Rondo Capriccio John Zdechlik Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma chapters at Louisiana State University (K-Beta Gamma & T-Alpha Lambda)
Unknown Date Symphonic Episode Ralph Hermann Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma chapters at Northeast Louisiana State University (K-Epsilon Theta & T-Delta Sigma)
Unknown Date Symphony #1 for Band Carl Vollrath Zeta Upsilon Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi
 
 
   
 

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