Joe Roberts
KKY WD Secretary-Treasurer

Hello all of you wonderful brothers and sisters!

Goodness...soo much going on and soo much to look forward to. Yet, all of it wouldn't be if we didn't know why we were here or if we weren't involved in the first place! Convention and this 'springy' time of year help a lot in those thought paths! Wow, I can't wait for convention time to be in swing! After visiting Flagstaff, I truly can't wait to see all of you there and remember why we joined these awesome groups! Another visit earlier in the year, was yet another reminder...the Western District Leadership Conference in Seattle. All great, great times, of which I was glad to be apart of in serving you!
So besides traveling a little, what have I been doing? Which is a good question, as time keeps whirling around with no stop, but I have managed a few things! I just recently have received all of the chapter rosters, so those will be accessible to you shortly through your chapter president's email (yay!)! I also have been trying to keep up in talking to my awesome chapter counterparts! You all know who you are! I get a chance to work with an actual counterpart in Joe Roberts for the remainder of the term and all the exciting fundraisers that you have a chance to participate in, during and one after convention. Get ready for games like assassin, a school to school penny war, pie in the face. And all throughout convention and afterwards, you get a chance to buy a Western District T-shirt with a cool design from last year's committees! Get ready, Get set, to have fun and remember why you joined Tau Beta Sigma and Kappa Kappa Psi! Have fun too! J J
Always here for questions or comments too!

ITB
Sandra Morris
WD Sec-Treas
GO TBS!
svmorris34@hotmail.com

I can not believe it has almost been a year! Convention is just right around the corner, I hope you are as excited about this year's convention as I am! This article is to prepare you for the upcoming convention and send some shoutouts this will be thelast article of my term. Enjoy!

"We don't remain good, if we don't always strive to become better."

Convention 2002, hosted by the joint chapter at Northern Arizona University, is less than a month away! Where did all the time go? Hopefully, you and your chapters are planning on making the road (bike, or airplane) trip to beautiful Flagstaff, Arizona.
As you see the title of this article is "We don't remain good, if we don't always strive to become better." and those words I think encompass this whole past year in regards to chapters, district councils, convention, etc. All facets of the district have attempted to make some changes and improve for the future success of our district. This is really the thought everyone should consider when heading into convention 2002. This year's convention may seem different in some ways and the same in others, but as district councils we set out to create the best convention this district has ever seen. Our pre-convention meeting was very successful outlining new, efficient ways of running activities, creating enjoyable forums, and improving the mood of convention! Conventions are held to handle all district level business, and to allow members the opportunity to get to know other members. Convention should not be a time of exhaustion, all members should be excited to participate in the district level business and be prepared to make some changes that will improve our district for the future.

As you and your chapter prepare yourselves for convention I would like you to open your thoughts and minds to any new changes or alterationsthat may have been made. Again, the goal of the council was to create a more efficient yet fun-filled convention, so members can be energized about participating on a district level! Many of the alterations that have been implemented came from active and alumni members just like your selves; thank you to those who offered suggestions and taking an active interest in the district! I understand that some of these alterations may not succeed as we hope, but if we are not willing to ever take risks to improve our district we never will be truly "Striving for the Highest!"
I look forward to seeing allchapters and colonies in a few weeks in Flagstaff, and I hope that you are excited with anticipation too!

Since this is my last article I would like to say "Thanks!" to so many people who helped make this past year one of success! Thank you to my fellow Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Simga officers who raised the bar in their offices and were not afraid of taking risks! You truly epitomize the meaning of an "ideal active!", and have given a new definition to outperforming the highest expectations! Thanks, especially, to my counterpart Dawn Farmer - I appreciate all the work and time she was willing to commit to these organizations, and truly believe that without her innovative ideas, willingness to participate, and excellent business ethics this year would not have been as successful as it was. Thanks to all the chapters, officers, individuals, who had to put up with my constantly emailing, phone calls, or IMs. I believe your willingness to communicate has really changed the term "necessary interaction" to set a precedent for future officers. Also, thank you to all the people who participated in District Level programs - such as, VOH, Leadership Conference, DO meetings, etc. Your input is valued very highly on the district level, because it is truly the members of the district that create success for the Western District!

I have enjoyed my time as your district president, and I thank all the members who made my term the best that it could be! I will see you in Flagstaff, where I'll be ready to have some fun and I hope you are ready too!

Forever Striving for the Highest!

Tanya Cherie Baxley
Western District President 2001-2002
Kappa Kappa Psi

75+ Omega sisters,
60+ Omega brothers,
25 San Diego folks,
6 WSU friends,
7 Utah people,
10 NAU sisters and brothers,
3 USU sisters,
1 very special Fresno lady,
and 2 corny guys from 2 different chapters who just always seemed to show up and make things wacky every chance they got.

I didn't get to know everyone in the district. But the ones I did meet and work with became great friends of mine. Six years later, they still are friends of mine.

They were the ones who made every trip amazing. We laughed, talked, stayed up late, sat in meetings, argued, yelled, danced, threw whipped cream, schemed, steam-rolled, and had fun. We were friends.

Were it not for conventions, these people wouldn't mean half as much to me as they do now.

Who is hiding in your picture boxes?
Who isn't there yet?

Come to convention. We'll be waiting for you.

Disclaimer: This article has absolutely nothing to do with information-giving or with the theme of this publication. This was done intentionally to keep the Counselor from falling into the "when I was an active…" trap. This keeps me from boring you to death before we even meet face to face. Here is what you need to know: There is a TON of important stuff that will be discussed in Flagstaff. We need you there to make decisions, add input, and stay up late and typeJ. If you have questions about what's gonna go down, write Dawn or any of your other intrepid and brave-hearted District Officers. Or write me, I'll fill ya in. There will also be a FREAKIN' AMAZING time had by all those lucky enough to be in attendance. So be there!!

Howdy brothers and sisters of the Western District! How are things treating you this fine semester or quarter? I'm hoping that they are very well and you are finding success in all arenas of your life! J

Let's start with a little update on me. I've recently graduated!!! That's the biggest accomplishment and/or story coming out of the north, at least on a personal level. I got my degrees (yes it's a double) in Human Resources/Personnel and Business Management. Now what to do with my life? That's something that will be an ever-evolving question for the next couple of months.

So let's talk about the fraternal stuff! Biggest news so far, we'll have a new chapter (of course, reinstallation) very soon up here in the north. Boise State is very close to being all done with all the requirements to become and active chapter. All that's happening now is that the colony is waiting for an okay to go ahead with installation. Speaking of that, did you all know that at convention on Friday night, we will be going ahead with the installation of the chapter (of course, that's if Nationals says okay). Yay team Boise! UC-Irvine just recently had their second degree and are also well on their way to becoming a full-fledged active chapter. Good luck to them, we'll be welcoming them as brothers in full-standing soon enough. Southern Utah, well…they've had some issues to deal with in the band program there and are not as far along as we'd like. However, they are STILL an active colony and excited about going forward with the process.

Let's move onto story time, shall we? I feel like I should write something on our theme of Back to the Future. I heard an idea, and I think it was from my chapter (if not, I'm sorry to where it came from), that I'd like to use. It's an idea of going way back and telling about how I got my nickname. For those of you who know this story, you can skip over it. For those of you who can find something more interesting to do, skip this too, trust me, it's not a great story J. Here goes:

My freshman year, our chapter president was also my section leader (yay team Trumpets!), and I came into college in 1997 having long hair and being an extraordinary smartass. You know, the freshman that thinks they are a senior? Yeah, me. So I had this hair that I didn't like flying all over the place, and to control that, I'd wear a stocking cap…constantly. 105 degrees outside? Didn't matter, the beanie was on my head. This was about the time that Mr. "I-can't-write-my-own-music-so-I-steal-from-others-like-the Police" Puff Daddy was making it big. And Rich being the nerd he is, one day told me (after a ruthless and smartass remark) "shut your mouth, Puffy-boy!" (or something similar to that). From that day on, most of the time he would refer to me as Puffy (the boy was quickly dropped). Now, my chapter name is Puffy…since the name stuck long after Rich was gone and we adopted nicknames. Well there you have it. My incredible story about how I got the name Puffy. Yay…

So in closing, I hope that everything is turning out well for all of you, brothers and sisters alike. I wish the best in all your endeavors! It's been wonderful serving as your two-time! district Vice President…I am so very humbled that I have been afforded that opportunity. Thank you much!

In the bonds!!!
JR

Throw away your brooms!

As I sit here pondering what to write for my last chapter report to the Accent, I have to wonder: why isn't it the President's job to do this?! In the past I have made attempts to be creative and or funny, but this time around I think my approach is going to be straight forward and serious.
Beta Omicron is calling for a boycott of brooms. Brothers of Beta Omicron have learned the dangers of this seemingly innocent household item and because we love our brothers and sisters, we wanted to educate you before you too fell prey to the killer broom.

Yes, I am being quite serious.

You see, since my last Accent submission, Beta Omicron has been up to quite a bit. We have participated in musical petting zoos with the Phoenix Symphony, the annual Heart Walk, and wrote haiku after haiku to submit to the WD Chicken Soup for the Soul. Our Gamma Sigma class started their Membership Education Program and we have continued to learn more about ourselves and our organization through ROD, our Active Education Program. Social events have been aplenty this semester; bowling night and a drive-in movie that turned into parking lot football to name a few. There are plans for a chapter camping trip and a full band program BBQ in the works, events we are looking forward to with great anticipation. I could go on and on about all we have done this semester, but the important matter at hand is the danger of brooms.

In February, some members of Beta Omicron piled into cars and drove up to Flagstaff for State Days. This was an awesome opportunity to not only bond with our Arizona brothers and sisters, but also to get closer to chapter members…sleeping 10 to a hotel room does that! However, the true lesson of the weekend was to stay away from brooms. Personally, I have plans to never sweep again for the rest of my life. I know what brooms can do to you. And if you know what's good for you, you'll throw away all your brooms, too.
So, for the last time as Beta Omicron Secretary, I bring my Accent article to a close with a hearty "Hope to see you all at convention!" If there are still some questions as to the broom boycott, direct your questions to any Beta Omicronian.

ITB,
Michelle Marie Holguin
Beta Omicron Secretary Jan. 2001- Spring 2002

Keeping in mind that colonization is one of the least understood things in the fraternity and sorority, we decided to describe the colonization process - and how it differs from being a prospective - from the inside.

Colonists face the unique challenge of convincing people to join an organization that they themselves are still learning about and which doesn't even exist at the time of recruitment. Throughout the lengthy and energy-intensive colonization process, they have to keep the group going without active members to help or buoy their efforts.

Prospective members usually take about five weeks to become actives. Colonists have to wait up to forty-two weeks before attaining full active status. In the meantime, colonists have to fulfill all the duties of active members: holding office, running meetings, recruiting, tending goats, and organizing projects.

On top of everything else that a normal chapter has to do, colonies have to gain official recognition from their university, draw up a chapter constitution, write their Membership Education Program from scratch, fulfill all the requirements of colonization, and create a petitioning document. The petitioning document is a considerable undertaking for which the colonists must conduct research, write extensive histories of their school and band program, collect photographs, and obtain the endorsement of their director of bands, music department chair, and the president of the university. While some of this material is readily available, the majority of it must be constructed form the ground up by the colony.

The Vice Presidents of colonies have to learn the information as they teach it, resulting in a blind-leading-the-blind system of membership education. If education is in fact a "fire to be lit", active chapters have the equivalent of matches. Colonies are slightly more like Tom Hanks in Castaway, with the little bundle of moss and the two pieces of driftwood. The fire gets lit, but it takes a lot of time, energy, and dedication to get it blazing.

In some respects, prospective members and colonists are fairly similar. They wear the same pins, have yet to go through all the rituals, and are gradually learning about their organization as they go along. However, colonists are not membership candidates of a chapter. They are active members of a colony. Colonists are not prospectives. They are founders.

I have been apart of Kappa Kappa Psi for about a year and a half now. I came in as a freshman in school and marching band. I partly knew what Kappa Kappa Psi was about due to my sister, who is still a member at this time. When I first started perspective membership education, I got so confused! There was so much to learn. I needed to know names of district and national officers, when and by whom our fraternity was founded by, the chapter names in our district, and definitely a lot more. It
overwhelmed me, but I turned to my big brother Meghan and she helped me along the way. This is where brotherhood first started for me, but it was not until last
year's Convention in Portland, Oregon did I really see the power and strength in being a brother. I had never seen any group of people bond and work together as well as I did last year in the Gamma chapter. We, as brothers, came together and supported each other with each task and project from the monolith to all night caucuses. I became quick friends with people all over the west. Each of them welcomed me with open arms and big smiles just because I was a brother. If I had a question, it was no problem! A brother was there to help me out. It was great. I had never experienced anything like that ever. At Convention is where I made up my brotherhood quote, "Brothers helping brothers, one brother at a time." It seemed to fit. On the last day, it was almost bittersweet when we took a group picture in
front of the monolith and waved our goodbyes. Since then, I have a little brother of my own named Andrea. I made it my goal to show her what brotherhood is about. I took her to lunch and helped her with any questions she had, and was just there when she needed it. I feel that she will experience the same bond of brotherhood that I felt when she goes to Convention. I have realized, in a strange way, the monolith is like our brotherhood. Looking at it, it is big, strong, and demands respect, but unless you know something about it, it is a complete mystery.

Christie Palamides
Corresponding Secretary - Gamma

The benefit of visiting other chapters, never a disadvantage

One of the exciting advantages that being members of our organizations is having the ability to meet and visits with other chapters. Since I was initiated into Kappa Kappa Psi in the winter of 1995, visiting other chapters became one of my most favorite things to do. I have enjoyed the interactions that I have had with brothers and sisters. Many of the people that I have met have become life-long friends. That was what has been a driving force towards me applying for this job. From my freshman year to now, visiting chapters all around the country has been a thrill for me.

Now let's clearly define what a chapter visit is because this can mean various different things. Going to attend a chapter ritual is always the most common. Welcoming new members into the organization is always very special. Attending other chapter's rituals can also give you ideas towards helping improving your own rituals. Many of the chapters that I visit tell me that they got many of the ideas of what they do in their rituals from other chapters. This is a major benefit to your chapter.

I also recommend trying to attend any other chapter's special events. This could be a cook-out, service project or rush function. I went to more cookouts then I can remember when I was in college. This is where brothers can really get to know each other. In these relaxed settings, you can talk about what works and doesn't work at your chapter. You might have a great service project idea, but don't have enough people to do it. This is where visitors from other chapters can prove to be very useful. Hosting district events is also a great advantage to your chapter. Many of the various workshops and meetings can prove to give some suggestions in helping your chapter. This again benefits you at your own chapter.

On an individual basis, I would encourage you to get to know chapter members in your district and run for a district office. Being a district officer is an excellent opportunity to not only help the individual members, but it helps the entire district. As a district officer, you take your own unique experiences and apply that to assist chapters in your district. This networking can help with getting reports in on time, generating service project ideas and especially continuing to encourage more people to run for district office. I feel that our district officers are our lifeline towards communication between our chapters. Being a district officer is an outstanding leadership opportunity. The local chapter can benefit from your knowledge and information towards district events. If you feel that being a district officer could be something you can do, I encourage you to research what office bets suits your talents and run for that.

Finally I would like you to again encourage you to make an effort to visit as many of your brothers and sisters as you can. Enjoy the lifelong friendships and fellowships that you will have over the years. It is one of the great advantages of being part of such a diverse national organization. Also learn and experience as much in visiting chapters as you can. Look where those experiences have taken me.

Fraternally

Derrick A. Mills
Kappa Kappa Psi
National Chapter Field

Greetings again from sunny San Diego! Boy do we mean perfect sunny beach weather. With the New Year, we are stepping forward into the future using new methods of delegation, coming up with new fundraising ideas, and different bonding activities. It's almost as if it were a clean start, but in the middle of the school year.
This semester we have some brand new actives from are Alpha Phi Class; Jeremy Browne, Joe Butler, Greg Moody, Ilana Melcher, Robbyn Rozelle, and Erika Tapia. They are so naturally delicious. We recently have elected a new KKY secretary, Jeremy Browne. Now that we have two co-officers for this position to share the responsibilities, you will be hearing more from us in these upcoming months.
The sisters of Zeta Xi have reformed delegation of responsibility to all the actives in planning events such as social planning, adopt a district, secret sisters, etc. We have also been planning some separate themed bonding activities such as cooking and Harrison Ford night, and a "Sister Day" with TBS Omega and Epsilon Kappa. The brothers of Eta Mu had a great night of billiards, and are looking forward to many more bonding events, which include meat night and softball.
With the combined efforts of both Eta Mu, and Zeta Xi, besides working harder on chapter issues, one of our goals is to get back to the service of band and the love of music. Some of the things that we are planning for this semester are: receptions for the Wind Symphony concerts, hosting our regional SCSBOA festival, recruiting for the University Bands and combined clinics and rehearsals throughout the semester with different high schools. We are also planning some community service events such as the Rock 'n Roll Marathon for Leukemia/Lymphoma research and playing for our on campus Children Center. With our fundraising efforts this year we are looking forward to making many more scrunchies for Convention and many more events to come. Also this semester we are trying something different, bringing snow to SDSU. Well snow cones that is, we are going to be doing a new fundraiser selling snow cones at Spring Fiesta.
We have 4 new candidates this semester in our Alpha Chi class and we are gladly anticipating welcoming them into our family. In closing we would like to say we can't wait to see and hear from you guys in the district. Also we would like to add that we are placing a bid for WD Convention in 2003, so we are looking forward to seeing you at convention. Hasta Luego!

Jenny Read & Jeremy Browne
Secretaries
Zeta Xi & Eta Mu
San Diego State University

The best thing I inherited from my mother was a love of music. Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma were the first Greek letters I knew since my mom had gotten alumni mailings from them as long as I can remember. My mom and my aunt were members of the Omega chapter of Tau Beta Sigma at the University of Arizona. When I came to Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo last year, and joined the marching band, I saw that there was a KKPsi chapter here. I talked to my mom about joining, and she encouraged my participation, telling me what a good experience being in TBS and the U of A Bands was for her. So when I was initiated last March, I became my mother's "brother". Through our brotherhood and sisterhood, we have been able to share not only our love of music, but also a love for an organization that promotes music and bands. My mom has been teaching music at elementary schools for many years, and I always enjoyed helping in her classes and sharing music with young children. Music has the capacity to enrich lives in so many ways and provide long-lasting memories.

Last November, at my grandmother's funeral in Tucson, Arizona, my mom's "pledge daughter", the same as a "little brother" in KKPsi, had recognized the name in the obituary and came to see my mom. I was amazed that these two women who hadn't seen each other in over 30 years still had the bond of being sisters in TBS and were reminiscing and sharing how their lives had progressed since college. They had both become teachers, wives, and mothers, and still had so much in common.
My family shares so much from our musical involvement. When I was little my whole family would go to the park on Sunday afternoons to listen to my mom play in the Martinez community band, now we go see my sister in her High School musicals, and they all come watch me in my Marching Band Field Shows. The musical bonds in my family are similar to those of the brothers and sisters throughout the country in our Fraternity and Sorority. We all come together because of our love of music and we enjoy being a part of the accomplishments of each of our members. The relationships we form in KKPsi or TBS can last a lifetime, just like the relationships in our real families. Sharing a love of music is an extraordinary connection that can last forever.

Jaime Matheron, KKPsi, Iota Pi
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

Happenings Amongst the Wheat Fields

The brothers and sisters at Washington State University have been keeping very busy this semester. Here are a few highlights.

The Iota Kappa Colony at Boise State University has been progressing very quickly. We have taken them all the way through 2nd Degree and are hoping that they will be a chapter in full standing by convention if not at convention. We are very proud of their efforts to achieve the goals of Kappa Kappa Psi and are looking forward to working with them in the future as we work to close in the "Neutral Zone" one chapter at a time.

Bright and early February 2, young angelic faces spring into our music building, sugar from their frosted cereals already beginning to take effect. It is time for Theta Delta to start our first annual event where we help Girl Scouts earn their music fan badges.

The girls were split into sections: percussion, brass, woodwinds, harmony and melody. They boogied to RESPECT, went on a nature walk where they learned a call in case they ever get lost, sang the folk song 'If I had a hammer', made shoebox guitars, rain sticks, and decorated their own moraccas.

Our brothers of Iota Gamma joined us, and we played our fight song and Louie Louie for them while they munched on muffins and apples. We then paraded down the hallways singing 'The ants go marching' and brought them into the lobby to try out our instruments. All in all, everyone had a fantastic day, and although we were all exhausted when it was through, look forward to helping the Girl Scouts again.

On Saturday, February 23, the brothers of Iota Gamma and sisters of Theta Delta volunteered at the nationally acclaimed Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival. We had enough volunteers from both of our chapters to adopt TWO different sites. The day was full of hard work but certainly lots of fun doing what we all do best, serving music.

Remember when you were a child and the world was full of endless opportunities? Now that we're older, our dreams have come face to face with reality. Here are some reflections back into the past from our brothers and sisters.

Cory Haugen, 3': I wanted to be a marine biologist because I loved whales and Dolphins. Now I want to enter the work force to help kids dream about what they want to be when they grow up and show them all the possibilities in the world as an educator.

Brianne Caudill, 1): I wanted to be an Oscar-winning actress or a marine biologist with Jacques-Ives Cousteau. He died! I'm not a size two. There went that. I ended up teaching high school band and first grade. Yuck.

"Biff" Langford, 3': I wanted to be rich. Now I am going to be a computer programmer?
Adam "Turbo" Droker, 1): When I was little I wanted to work with money to be rich. I have read stock tables since I was two. I also had a play cash register and forced my brother to play investment games. Now I am in Finance and Risk Management Insurance. I read Robert's Book of Rules for fun and I love parli pro!!
*And that's why Adam is Aflac of Pullman.

"Spike" Niemer, 3': I wanted to be a dump truck. Then I realized that that would be physically impossible so I set my sights on becoming a dump truck driver. I now plan to boss around the dump truck drivers I once wanted to be. And I want to make a little money too.

Shandra Henning, 1): When I was five, I was convinced being a dentist was my calling. The next year, I decided that when teeth come in they hurt! Then I was going to be a ballerina and I practiced all the time. One day, I abruptly stopped growing. So at 5'1 3/4", I gave up the career of long legged beauties for Speech Language Pathologist.

Amy Ostraat, 3': When I was growing up, I wanted to be a Toys 'R Us kid. Now I just want to be a professional bum.

"Grantar" Montgomery, 1): I was planning to be a paleontologist since I can remember. Dinosaur wallpaper, dinosaur decorations on my bedroom furniture, and many, many books. When I realized there aren't so many dinosaurs still to be found, I decided to change my life intent. It seems I have decided to be an Architorture Slave.

Elsbeth Stebbins, 3': I always wanted to be the ruler of the world. Now I just want to mess with people's minds in Psychology.

Sandra Morris, 1): I wanted to be a veterinarian or a horse rider. Then I moved. Alaska has no horses. Riding sled dogs just doesn't compare. I am still working towards being a veterinarian with a back-up Biological Systems Engineering to work on vet machines.

Natalie Washington, 3': When I was younger, I wanted to be a dentist, carpenter, construction worker, firefighter, bum, and a lot of other things. Now I just want to be destined for poverty as a music teacher.

Adrienne Thorn, 1): By the end of high school, I had narrowed it down to a semi truck driver, farmer or mad scientist. I Now I plan to be a truck driver in the summer and mad scientist/chemist the rest of the year.

Looking forward to seeing all you brothers and sisters at convention!

Amanda Goff and Shandra Henning
Washington State University
Iota Gamma, KKPsi and Theta Delta, TBS

I have to be honest here. When I read the prompt for this issue of The Accent, I thought I wouldn't be able to find anything write about. But the more I thought about it, I came to a grand conclusion. The theme is 'Back to the Future,' so I started remembering my first impressions of TBS and how I originally thought chapter would effect my life. I have since been leafing through my candidate notebooks and remembering how I was hoping TBS would change me. Way back then, in the Fall of 1997 when I was a candidate for membership, I joined TBS because my whole section was already part of chapter. I honestly got a bid because I marched horn. And I accepted because I knew nobody at the UofA and I wanted quick friends. So back then, I thought TBS meant a future of friends and a social life. Little did I know what was really in store for me.
Becoming active in TBS has brought me so much that I could fill an entire Accent easily by myself. But I will try to be brief. First of all, I have learned a great deal about myself. Being able to hold different leadership positions has given me numerous tools which will continue to serve me forever. I have learned to be more responsible, loyal, giving, and accepting through this organization and this thing we call Sisterhood. I have also become able to trust people and develop a thing called unconditional love. As a Sister, I now realize what a family is and how important such people are to me. And I have learned to care deeply.
Second, chapter has brought me a deeper appreciation for the band programs across the country. Being so heavily involved with the Arizona Bands through TBS, I now understand the work ethic required to have a strong program and to support it. Through chapter activities such as Band Day, Girl Scouts, and Honor Band, we have done two things: strengthened the UA Band Program and touched the lives of others through the band medium. My chapter experiences will prove to serve me well long after I have left UA and move on to educate small band children of my own somewhere (scary, huh?).
As I look back, I remember I wanted to join TBS to make friends. At that time, it was because I moved away from home and knew not another soul in a 300 piece band, nevermind a 35,000 person university. So they let me in. And I can say that the most important thing I have learned from TBS is the value of friendship. As I have never been really close with my family, it was the Sisters and Brothers I have encountered in the past five years that have shaped and touched my life in the most profound ways. And to think I have met them only because we are all total band geeks! So in my last contribution to The Accent, I would like to very quickly thank a few people who I would have never would have met if it wasn't for TBS. So thanks to: Kim, Alicia, Cathy, RJ, JR, Eric, Kimbi, Brad, Paul, Tanya, Shannon, Matt, Merv, Alison, Emily, Deanna, Anna, and everyone else who thinks I forgot them. And if you think I forgot you, don't worry, I didn't - I will never forget any of you. There is just not enough space.
So yeah, as I predicted in times past, chapter brought me friends. But it has brought me so much more. It brings respect, and it also brings love. As you continue your years in chapter, always strive for greater bands and a greater self. Cherish the time you spend with each other and what you learn about yourself. And don't automatically discount the freshman who wants to join only to make friends - she might go ahead and end up District President someday. As my final words in print - I just want to thank all of you for such a wonderful experience. Go to Convention - it is SO going to rock hardcore. Oh yeah, and Go Rick Anderson - I love #33! Peace out from the south end of the Westside!

Thanks, hugs, ITB, and all that jazz,
Dawn Marie Farmer

"How Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma Exist"

Thoughout the years,
brothers have slain many fears
while sisters wiped away tears.

Almost every day,
brothers know what to say
and sisters love to play.

In matters of heart,
sisters always do their part
brothers finish what they start.

And for college bands,
service is in demand,
so Kappa Kappa Psi
and Tau Beta Sigma
will lend a hand.

"Kappa Kappa Psi Haiku"

For all college bands
we will strive for the highest
and do our utmost.

Diana Elva Puig
Kappa Kappa Psi, Iota Pi

I joined Kappa Kappa Psi in Spring of 1998 as a very clueless freshman, and since then I have been asked many times, "Why did you join Kappa Kappa Psi?". Usually, I can resort back to many responses that I am sure are reasons why this organization was formed in the first place. To promote music, build better bands, and set precedents and expectations for future bandleaders. All of these examples are the same reasoning, which went through our founders' minds about forming these organizations.

I have reflected many times as to why these organizations were founded, and when looking at our history we can read about band members wanting to build better bands and to really promote music in any which way possible. Yet, there are so many other reasons why people stay in this organization, besides their original reasoning. This topic is definitely warranted of our attention, and although I know this changes the assignment a little bit I feel this should be addressed.
After now having served five years as a member (which in some ways I am "old", but in other regards I am still "very young") I have had the opportunity to talk with active, alumni, and honorary members. I have found the reasons why these organizations still flourish are reasons that our founders may not have realized would develop through their creation.

I believe our founders felt these organizations were built to support our bands, providing leadership opportunities and knowledge which members can apply on multiple levels throughout life. Yet, these reasons are icing on the cake for the people who allow themselves to become so passionately involved with these organizations. These enthusiastic members have discovered that although they love to support the band and promote music, there are other existing motivations, which run so deeply in their hearts, which keep them committed.

These members have discovered the hidden pleasure of seeing a child's face light up when they are able to play one sound on an instrument. Members recognize the joy in staying up all hours of the night to complete a band service project, or getting up at dawn to be at the band field on time to provide water for fellow members. Other members have discovered the excitement in working with fellow members to run band festivals or band days until they are so physically exhausted that they feel like they will not be able to walk for days. We have discovered the yearning to utilize music as a resource, companion, and relaxing agent in our time of need. Over and over again members will cite some of the greatest memories as memories which involve music, fraternity/sorority, and/or time with other members.
Lastly, most members know no other feeling can compete to the feeling when another member looks at you and calls you "brother" or "sister". Even in times of strife, these small words can change our mood, attitude, and feelings in a heartbeat. All members understand there are few things in this world, which can really compare with the joy and pleasure we receive as members.

One of the primary reasons I believe these organizations were founded was to allow people the chance to give something back to music, because we owe music so much. As members in band, we have learned necessary skills for the future, developed our ethics and motivation, and created relationships, which will last forever. Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma allow us to feel as though we can return the favor to music through our support, hard work, commitment, and determination.

Tanya Baxley

OK. Probably the last thing on your mind while you're finishing your
last semester of school, while you're busy applying for a "real world"
job, while you're trying to squeeze in that last bit of college partying
is making sure you sign up for alumni membership with the National
Alumni Association of Kappa Kappa Psi & Tau Beta Sigma. But here's why it
should not be the last thing on your list:

1. It takes five minutes or less to fill out the form (found at
www.kkytbs.org under Forms or in your President's copy of the Chapter
Operations Handbook) and to write a check for a very reasonable $25. (Hey, you
could even hint to your younger actives that this would be an excellent
farewell gift.)

2. By joining the NAA, you have instant access to a database of members
across the country, which means a diverse list of networking
possibilities (very useful when moving to a new city, looking for job
opportunities,
finding a local band to play with, etc.). It's also a good way to keep
up with old friends.

3. Here's your chance to be proactive about staying in touch and
informed. Even if you think you'll be way too busy to participate when you're
out of school, at least you'll be able to keep abreast of happenings in
the organizations and can keep the door open for activities in the
future.

4. Because that small check you write for dues makes a huge impact on
the ability of the NAA as a national body to help students and band
programs across the country by providing professional, organizational and
financial
assistance. For example, your money may provide a deserving student
with a National Chapter Delegate Grant.

5. Because although your energy and time are the contributions you've
been able to make so far, down the line you will be able to stake a
claim in the Kappa Kappa Psi & Tau Beta Sigma program of your choice, such
as the National Commissioning Program or the National Intercollegiate
Band, by making a (tax-deductible) donation. (Better yet, stake a claim
now by anteing up to Life Membership.)

If you are still not convinced that now is the time to become a member
of the National Alumni Association, remember: We are always ready to
have you!

For more information, contact any of the NAA Board of Directors by
visiting www.kkytbs.org and clicking on "Alumni Information."

Stacy Sabraw, TBS Board of Trustees

So I'm sure you're all sick of me talking about Chicken Soup. But thank you to everyone that sent in submissions! We ended up with a quite a few, so remember to pick one up at Convention. I hope that everyone has written to their Adopt-A-District chapters this year, or is planning on it. If you have questions or just want to talk to me I love getting email. See you all at Convention!

wdvpsp@tbsigma.org

Alison Dyer, TBS VP for Special Programs

As soon as I thought about looking toward the future of our organizations, I thought: improvement…up, up and away! What's the biggest thing anyone involved in any type of organization should think of when they ponder the future of their group: improvement! It's a tradition steeped in years and years of sweat and toil that each generation should make it a goal to pass above and beyond anything that came before them in order to better themselves, their cause and the next generation. Why should it be any different for us? And why can't District Convention be one of the best places to put in that effort in order to make a change?
That's right!! It's NOT any different for us, and District Convention IS a spectacular venue in which to see it happen!
It's the perfect time right now to be thinking about improving upon our old ways, what with the state of introspection that recent events have put most of us into, coupled with the extreme enthusiasm many members of our fine Western District came back with from National Convention this past summer. Circumstance has created the exact environment needed in order to make some changes, some of which everyone might agree are needed, some of which may end up being lessons in making difficult changes in order to better the organization as a whole, all of which deserve everyone's input and everyone's dedication to improvement in order to employ.
Jointly, District Council has tried to start the trend this year by making a few slight but hopefully helpful and meaningful changes in the way convention will run this year. Nothing to be wary of, just things like making an obvious effort to incorporate a newfound sense of enthusiasm along with positive brotherhood and sisterhood spirit into EVERY event, even the ones like those couple of committees that year in and year out returning members do their best to try and avoid. Come on people! These are YOUR organizations! And the only way they will improve is if someone stands up and takes on the responsibility of seeing to it that the WORK is done to improve them!! Some other changes include trying to schedule time on the agenda more wisely, especially concerning caucus times so that we can ensure that everyone who wants to gets at least a little more of a chance than in past years to enjoy planned activities such as the awesome dance after banquet on Saturday night, can, and maybe, just maybe so that everyone could get a little more sleep...nah!!! J
So there you have it! In my opinion, and hopefully a few of yours as well, the futures of KKPsi and TBS should be all about improvement. Improvement in any way conceivable, on the district, chapter and individual member levels, and constantly looking for innovative and practical ways to go about it. Consider yourself forewarned!! First of all, come to District Convention! And when you come, come with an open heart and ready attitude to meet and interact with a bunch of new people that together can see the future of these organizations shoot to the stars!!

In the Bond,
Brooke Wilson
TBS WD VPCM '01-'02

Anteaters of the World Unite!

Greetings from UC Irvine! We've been busy down here amongst the anthills. Between preparing for our future installment as a chapter, learning about Kappa Kappa Psi, gearing up for our trip to the Western District Convention and heckling the basketball teams in the Big West, we've hardly had time to sit down and take a breather. We've been documenting a lot of our activities on our web page (which you should all check out) - it's http://www.pepband.uci.edu/kkpsi/. Feel free to check out the rest of the pep band's pages - there's lots of info and fun to be had. Thanks to our diligent webmasters, we probably have one of the most comprehensive band sites on the planet. We can even download parts and listen to what we should be sounding like.
Many of you may be wondering why we decided to start a colony of Kappa Kappa Psi here in Irvine. Our sponsor, Mark Hamamura, was the impetus behind our formation, and has helped steer us toward what he thinks would best serve the band organizations here. A lot of that is just finding the leaders in the band and encouraging them to take an active role in the development of the band. Over the past few years, the band has been growing steadily, but there haven't been a whole lot of people to guide the band, other than Mark (and his various administrative assistants), so adding an organization to support the band program is a definite plus. Hopefully we'll be able to help the band thrive and become one of the premier basketball pep bands.
We've already accomplished a lot down here. Most of our work has been focused on readying our Constitution and Petitioning Document so we can be installed as a chapter. We currently have a rough draft of our Constitution and have gone through a few revisions, and the work for the Petitioning Document is coming together steadily. We are learning a lot about the history of our pep band, which has very interesting beginnings.
Our membership education process is progressing as well. You can track our progress through our posting of "Chris's Notes" on the web site (just click on the picture that looks like a "Cliff's Notes" pamphlet). One of the important things we have learned, besides the normal Kappa Kappa Psi history and traditions, is that our fight song actually has lyrics. You'll hear us sing this extremely cheesy song at the Western District Convention. We would sing our alma mater, but our school doesn't have one yet.

As an advising chapter, Psi has done a good job. We originally met with them during their football season, and have had a few joint activities since then. One of these events was attending the taping of "The Jamie Kennedy Experiment" as a fund raiser. We learned the value of good seat cushions, had a few (a lot of them forced) laughs, and probably won't even end up on TV (we were told we were going to be on the debut, and were not).
Brian Parker has also been a great help so far. He was able to travel down to Irvine for our Second Degree with Psi, and we had a great time getting to know him, and he is an excellent resource. Speaking of our Second Degree, we had a blast throwing our "In the Ghetto" themed party. Everyone had fun throwing people in the jail, and it was a good fundraiser to offset the cost of the party.
On top of what we've done already, we're planning some pretty ambitious things. We are hoping to finish up our Constitution and Petitioning Document soon so we can move along with the process towards being installed as a chapter. We are also ramping up our fundraising, as we are trying to financially assist the band on our annual trip up to the UC Davis Picnic Day and Battle of the Bands. If you haven't been to this before, you've been missing out - what's better than listening to a bunch of college bands play their brains out for eight hours straight? Well, being in one of those bands, of course!
We are looking forward to meeting more of the chapters in our district at the Convention. Already, we met a great bunch of brothers and sisters at the California State Day in Fresno, and there have been some great people that have come to our rituals. At least twice as many of our colony (almost everyone) will be traveling to Arizona, and we're sure it'll be a great trip. See you there!

Matthew Karaffa, President, UC Irvine Colony

I am proud to announce that we have a membership class of ten outstanding Prospectives! To see a picture of these cool cats, check out our chapter website at http://www.band.calpoly.edu/KKPsi. Most of this quarter has been devoted to educating the new Nu class. Besides the weekly education meetings, we have had a progressive dinner and a BBQ for the Prospectives. In the spirit of trying something new, we held Second Degree at Montana de Oro, one of our beautiful state parks. In the next few weeks, we are hosting our annual Musician's Ball, Alumni weekend, the Cal Poly High School Wind Band Festival, and a new event we call "Crescendo!". "Crescendo!" is a charity dinner and silent auction intended to raise money for our chapter and local music programs. It will feature the music of the ensembles it benefits, from elementary school bands to college ensembles. As always, it has been pretty busy around here. We are all looking forward to District Convention in Flagstaff! Hope to see y'all soon! (For those who didn't attend Nationals, "y'all" is short for "you all" in Texas)

1010 1110 1010
(If this doesn't make sense, ask a geek about hexadecimal)

Matt "Dude" O'Neal
Correspondence Secretary, Iota Pi

The sisters of Epsilon Kappa are having a great quarter here in the ridiculously hot and overcrowded city of Los Angeles. We started off the new year by putting on our annual Band Ball with the brothers of Psi. There we presented our "Women in Music" award. Recently we put 10 candidates through 2nd Degree, and are excited about them becoming our sisters on March 9th. Last month, the sisters of Zeta Xi came up to visit us, and we had a great time bonding with them. We're hoping that we can go down and visit them soon. Some of our sisters had a great time hanging out with the UCI colonists after their 2nd Degree, and have even become their big sisters. We are looking forward to seeing all of our brothers and sisters and Convention.

Alison Dyer, Epsilon Kappa TBS