Patsy Hejl 

Patsy D. Hejl graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Music Education degree and received a Master of Education in Instructional Leadership from Mississippi State University. A life member of the Beta Gamma Chapter, she was honored by that chapter's creation of a scholarship, named for her, which is given annually to an outstanding freshman woman in the Longhorn Band. Patsy is also a Honorary member of the Tau Beta Sigma chapters at the University of Arkansas and the University of Houston.

Prior to assuming the office of National President for the 1967-69 biennium, Patsy served on the national council for six years. During her term as president, the Outstanding Service to Music Award was developed and the first such award was given at the 1969 convention. She has served as the Beta Gamma sponsor and District Counselor, and has previously served two terms as chair of the Board of Trustees.

As a band director in Texas, Iowa, and Mississippi, Patsy has taught at all levels from beginning band to high school band. She has taught and managed drill teams and guard units from junior high to the college level. Choral music assignments included elementary and junior high general music and choir, as well as church youth choirs and handbells.

School administration duties included middle, elementary, and primary schools. Patsy's elementary school in Angleton, Texas, was rated “exemplary” by the state of Texas and named a “Four Star School” by Texas Monthly magazine. She is a member of the state principals' association, has been a district officer, and has given presentations at the state and district conventions.

Patsy and her husband, James, have three adult children, Sandra, Janice, and David. Their children had the unique opportunity to be members of both their mother and father's bands. Sandra is an alumnus of Beta Gamma Chapter (TBS) and her husband, John, is an alumni of the Delta Chapter (KKY) and they are parents of twins, Benjamin and Matthew.

Patsy lives in the Texas Hill Country town of Fredericksburg and recently retired from the education profession. She is enjoying retirement by volunteering in community organizations and projects. Of course, music activities are a big priority in retirement, as she is currently serving as president of the Fredericksburg Music Club, is a board member of the Children's Chorale, and is the chancel pianist at the Presbyterian church.