Outgoing and incoming brothers

by Juliana Musmanno, ΔΤ

Out with the old and in with the new

Red carnations and paddles

The white and the blue

Congrats graduates!

Every semester the brothers of AZ say good-bye to some of our dearest companions. This spring was no different as 10 brothers received their graduating paddles. Included in the bunch were past executive officers, ritual coordinators, banquet chairs, an National Intercollegiate Band member, a constant cookie-baker and all around outstanding people who have dedicated so much of their time and talents to the chapter.

Whether they see more school in their future, new careers, or are still figuring it out, we at AZ would like to wish them all the luck in the world. No matter where destiny may find them in their lives, they will always be brothers of Kappa Kappa Psi.

AEA

- Photo by Francesca Cardillo, ΔΨ

Celebrating their last banquet as active brothers in the Abe Martin lodge of Brown County State Park on May 1, 2009, the paddle recipients take a moment to show-off their personalities together. Front row from left: Schuyler Troy ΔΤ; Second row: Ryan Smith, ΔΥ; Lydia Karjaka, ΔΥ; Megan Miller , ΔΥ; Jessica Whitmarsh, ΔΦ; Third row: Mellissa Daniels, ΔΥ; Laura Clemenson, ΔΥ; Jamal Miller, ΔΤ; Jayme Kasting, ΔΣ. Not Pictured: Matthew “Mevans” Evans, ΔΦ.

Welcoming in a new alphabet with the class of Epsilon Alpha

No more “Delta” classes for AZ as we usher a new era with the class of Epsilon Alpha. Not only are they the first “Epsilon” class, but were the first class to go through a year long membership education process under their guiding spirit, Jessi Reddick ΔΦ.

Feeding a starving cat may not seem to have much to do with leadership, service and musicianship but these new initiates took a creative route in learning and growing in the principles of the fraternity. We in AZ look forward to seeing what they come up with next.

- Photo by Juliana Musmanno, ΔΤ

The class of EA get a chance to relax after months of preparation at their first meeting as new initiates. Front row from left: Amanda Welter, Julia Delong, Jessica Zmierski; Second row: Loren Clark, Dylan Suehiro; Third row: Zac Brumbaugh, Michael Linn, Biz Carson, Sarah Wever.

IU Bball Coach Tom Crean named honorary

by Juliana Musmanno, ΔΤ

AZ welcomed Tom Crean, IU's new basketball coach, as an honorary member spring semester 2009. He was nominated for his constant support of the BRBB and keeping live music as a part of the Indiana basketball experience. Thank you, congratulations and welcome, Coach Crean!

(Photo courtesy of The IDS Inside Magazine)

After years of revving up crowds, it's recording time for the BRBB

By Tonya Mitchell, ΔΨ

Promoting the existence and welfare of the college and university bands and cultivating at large a wholesome respect for its activities and achievements are the foremost purposes of Kappa Kappa Psi. AZ follows these to encourage the success of each of IU’s band programs. We perform service projects ranging from water bottle cleaning for the Marching Hundred to organization projects of the department of bands. On April 5th we were able to apply this dedication to our latest service project, Big Red Basketball Band (BRBB) recording set-up.

We had the responsibility of setting up for the 2009 basketball band recording. At almost 100 members strong, this was the band’s first recording; laying down favorite stand tunes unique to Indiana Basketball. Equipment such as stands, chairs and amps all had to be in place in time to record.

When hundreds of people are clustered in one place, it is easy to become confused, frustrated or lost. However, AZ was there to make this event quick and efficient. It took many brothers to set up the entire ensemble correctly.

David Woodley, Director of Athletic Bands/Associate Director of Bands at IU, commented on how fast the brothers worked. If the members of the band had done the set-up instead of the brothers, he estimated it would have taken twice as long. He said how grateful he was to have Kappa Kappa Psi there to set the tone for a smooth and efficient recording session.

Tiffany Galus, AZ’s service coordinator, corresponded with Woodley and Paul Popiel, our chapter sponsor and Assistant Director of Bands at IU, to find out in what the band program needed our help. As soon as she heard back, she suggested this idea which was met with enthusiasm from the chapter.

Setting up for the recording is only one example of how service in the chapter has begun to expand into new frontiers in recent years. Other projects that have been attempted more recently include moving and reorganizing all of the materials in Hundred Hall in 2007 and tightening stands for the concert band rehearsals. We look to make our presence in serving the bands stronger in different creative ways in the future.           

As of now we don’t have any further information on obtaining a copy of the recording but will get that out on our online sources as soon as we know!

From Bloomington to:

LEADERSHIP

By Francesca Cardillo, ΔΨ

The 2009 Kappa Kappa Psi North Central District (NCD) Leadership Conference hosted by the brothers of Beta Rho was held at the University of Toledo in Toledo, Ohio on Saturday Jan. 24, 2009. Two brothers from the Delta Psi class of AZ, Francesca Cardillo and Sara Emery, travelled mid-afternoon Friday the 23rd, socialized with Beta Rho Friday evening and attended the conference Saturday morning after staying with three brothers the night before.

The featured speaker of the day was Tanya Marsh, Governor of the Western District, whose morning session focused predominantly around principles of leadership rather than specific qualities or binding lists to which a leader must adhere. The three principles she asserted were that leaders must have a shared vision, be able to articulate their values, and above all, have the ability to empower others.

The four afternoon sessions were split between the two AZs. Cardillo attended one on the aspects of leadership pronounce in the stations of the third-degree ritual and another on delegating and preparing future leaders. Emery attended one on overcoming the hurdles of member apathy and another on a page-long section of third-degree ritual that was separate from the other afternoon session.

The day ended with a presentation on the NCD Convention by Beta Rho and several announcements regarding intentions to run for district offices, potential bids for the 2010 Kappa Kappa Psi National Convention and information about the 2009 National Convention being held in Phoenix in July by National President Malinda Matney. The fraternity hymn closed the Conference and all brothers departed for home endowed with new ideas and leadership skills to help strengthen their chapters in both present and future endeavors.

BLOCK

By Sarah Emery, ΔΨ

On Feb. 21, 2009 several members of AZ drove nearly five hours to participate in one of three district block events held at The Ohio State University. Eta (KKPsi) and Chi (TBS) hosted the block. While there, we received a tour of their phenomenal band facilities. (We’re jealous!)

The Block consisted of five workshops. During the first two workshop sessions, one could choose from “Music in the Ritual,” “Committees and “Documentation.” After several AZs desperately sought coffee at lunchtime, we returned for the last two sessions of the day. These sessions were “Why I Won’t Join” and “Diversity in Service.”

District Governor Christine Beason ran the “Music in the Ritual” workshop, which was a workshop designed to expand the library of music chapters use during the ritual. While pieces like Eric Whitacre’s October were on the list, it was felt by some of the brothers that we might want to expand the repertoire we use.

Some brothers also chose to attend the “Committee” workshop that morning, District President Lizzy Thornton and District Vice President for Programs, Greg Smith, ran it. This workshop focused on the effective use of committes within the chapter and we have been focusing on implementing some of those ideas. Our use of committees is expanding and we are able to accomplish a lot more through them.

District Secretary Treasurer Zeb Watkins and Vice President for Programs Mark Renaud led the “Documentation” workshop. We learned all about keeping appropriate records - which basically means keeping a lot of records. Among the specifics discussed was how to document things digitally such as through the use of spreadsheets on Microsoft Excel and keeping written accounts of service projects, banquets, and brotherhood events for easy set-up in the future.

In the afternoon, district governor, Rod Whiteman ran the “Why I Won’t Join” workshop. He focused his lecture on keeping members active in the fraternity and preventing apathy.

Watkins and Smith ran the “Diversity in Service” workshop focusing on ways for the chapters to expand the type of service in which they engage.

Photo by Thomas Sands, District VPM

During South Block at The Ohio State University, on Feb. 21, members of ΑΖ spend time with Alpha Beta from Butler University, our installing chapter. Front row from left: J. Reddick, Lauren Miller (ΑΒ), J. Zmierski, Randa Mason (ΑΒ), C. Grayson, C. Kruer, S. Emery. Back row: Zeb Watkins (ΑΒ), A. Welter, F. Cardillo, R. Comerford, M. Linn, R. Rottman.

CONVENTION

By Megan Miller, ΔΥ

AZ had a great turnout for the NCD convention in Toledo, Ohio. Thirteen active brothers and a handful of prospective members were able to join in on this event and had an amAZing weekend!

AZ new initiate Sarah Weaver EA, said that while at convention she learned where our chapter fits in within the NCD and that the trip was a fun experience with the brothers in the chapter that were able to go and she enjoyed getting to know them.

We took in meetings over big brothers/dads, the ritual, keeping historical records and more. For many this was a first-time experience and came back talking about next year’s convention and the possibility of IU hosting it in the future.

Laura Clemenson ΔΥ attended a workshop on leadership and said it was helpful in looking at the chapter in multiple ways.

“The most interesting workshop at convention for me was one about finding your place in Psi. The first thing we did was arrange ourselves around the room in a line, with the PMs and NIs at the beginning and then going all the way down to seniors and above,” Clemenson said. After they had completed that activity, they broke into groups based on majors. “Then we each discussed in a group what our expertise could bring to Psi. This was very refreshing to me because it gave everyone the reality that you don’t have to be a music major to give something back to the fraternity.”

This is true for many chapter with most brothers in AZ not in the music field. We are there because we love music and what to be there to help the bands because it is a strong passion in everyone’s heart.

Clemenson said “[Convention] let me know how my love for history and archaeology could fit into a music organization such as Kappa Kappa Psi. It was the highlight of my convention experience.”

Another exciting experience that Megan Miller along with Cassey Crowell and Jayme Kasting had was attendance at a workshop on the ritual. They got to see a new and deeper meaning to each degree and where each part originated from. This was eye-opening to them because more information was given as to how the entirety of the three rituals originated. It’s exciting and interesting to see how far we, as Kappa Kappa Psi, have come concerning the details of ritual.

This was a bonding experience for so many of us and we enjoyed the brotherly atmosphere of meetings, dinners and games the last night. Those that went were able to bring back to the chapter some great ideas about membership education and newfound meanings and focus on ritual. This has been a growing year for AZ and it was great to see our numbers grow not only within the chapter but also in those attending convention and other district events.

The new executive council

A lot has changed with AZ over the past few years, including a boom in younger members and a fresh-faced exec. Here is an update on the state of the chapter directly from the officers. 

PRESIDENT

Cassey Crowel, ΔΧ: I had two main goals when accepting the position of president of AZ. Primarily, I wanted to encourage brothers to think back to the five purposes of the fraternity when casting any vote or bringing any discussion involving the chapter. My second goal was to lead without overpowering our young executive council. I had the benefit of entering my office along with essentially an entirely new council. With so many fresh ideas and individuals willing to work towards reaching the highest potential of their office, I have been working to allow every leader in the chapter to contribute their skills. Posting the five purposes of the fraternity on the projection screen during any discussion has proven to be very effective in promoting those purposes in each decision we make. The chapter has hit a growth spurt which I believe will continue for many semesters to come.  I appreciate the work of every brother of Alpha Zeta, especially my current executive council. It is due to their hard work and undying support of the fraternity that I am able to successfully and smoothly hold my position.

VICE PRESIDENT

Jessi Reddick, ΔΦ: As VP, I am the guiding spirit to Epsilon Alpha - our first class inducted over the course of a year rather than a semester. My primary focus has been to shift the emphasis of our Prospective Member Education Process to holistic and interactive learning. The PM class still learns their purposes, ideals, and facts but they also learn and discuss why these things matter and how they can be applied outside of the fraternity. We also focus on practicing and developing leadership skills through the organization. A leader in Psi not only gives back to the bands, they also practice shills like public speaking, event organization etc. that will benefit them in their future careers. Oh, and we also still have fun. In anchoring the PM process to “real life,” I hope to see EA and future classes turn out as enthusiastic, dedicated, yet realistic and balanced brothers.

SECRETARY

Sarah Emery, ΔΨ: Hi! I am AZ’s new secretary! I’m extremely excited to be in this position. Last year the past secretary made tremendous improvements on the production of The Offbeat, a chapter publication that goes out to entertain the Marching Hundred on its annual away trip. As a result, I plan on following in her footsteps. I am focusing on enhancing AZ’s communication with other chapters in the district. I’ll send out letters to congradulate them on new classes, members whom have been elected to district offices and to invite brothers to our own exciting events!

TREASURER

Ryan B. Comerford, ΔΨ: Being that we have had some rough financial times both in our chapter and in our economy as a whole, I wanted to make sure we stayed as financially stable as possible when I took office earlier this semester. I have had smaller goals such as strong fundraising, increasing district involvement and pursuing electronic methods for  storing historical records on finances. These goals all support the overarching goal of financial stability and bring strength to our chapter. While most of these goals are still in progress, I am very pleased with the success of our chapter this semester, both on a financial and brotherhood level.

SERGEANT AT ARMS

Caitlyn Kruer, ΔΨ: This semester has been very busy as my main goal has been to get  this chapter back on its feet!  We have had a few hard years  fiscally, due to poor organization of fundraisers and money earned. It is time that we better ourselves by improving our  bank account in order to better serve the bands on campus!  I started  with sorting out CDs and DVDs for Marching Hundred and BOY! That has  been a process!  After a few other successful fundraisers, such as selling basketball sweatshirts and KKPsi beanies for our brothers at convention,  we are on  our way once again. I am very excited to see where this chapter is  going and what the chapter is capable of doing in the next few years!

HISTORIAN

Francesca Cardillo, ΔΨ: My hopes for this office are to promote the newly generated Continuing Membership Education Plan through weekly presentations and to establish a basis for the collection and archiving of photographs for Alpha Zeta’s visual history.  Additionally, I plan to create evaluation forms to document events, fundraisers, and service projects for future clarity in attempting to learn from and duplicate past endeavors.  In recent events, the actives and potential members have aided in these projects through the creation of a chapter scrapbook.

ALUMNI SECRETARY

Juliana Musmanno, ΔΤ: My goal as Alumni Secretary is to make it an active and effective office again. I’ve been reestablishing connections with the IU Alumni Association. By coding our members with them we will have updated and accurate information at our disposal at all times. I also want to bring back the annual publication of the Alpha Zetan newsletter and eventually get more content posted with an Alpha Zetan online. Within the chapter I am working on creating a concrete standard for receiving paddles based on graduating from the chapter rather than strictly lining up with graduation from the university.

MEMBER AT LARGE

Ryan Rottman, ΔΨ: My main  goals for this semester were to keep the brotherhood and morale of the chapter as high as possible. This included bringing back KKChinos, movies nights and picnics. This semester was very busy for most brothers; therefore, not as many brotherhood activities were implemented as I would have enjoyed. In the fall, it is my goal to have more PM activities including brothers. Starting in the summer I will be overlooking the bylaws and making them more presentable and straight-to-the-point. I hope to bring the fraternity together and can’t wait to see where this chapter goes in the future!

SERVICE COORDINATOR

Tiffany Galus, ΔΩ: Spring semester in Bloomington is always very busy, but my goal for the semester was to bring in more ideas apart from the standard collection of spring service projects. I looked for things in the music school that needed upkeep, such as tightening stands in rehearsal rooms, and kept in close contact with the department of bands for any opportunities to assist them. The brothers helped set-up equipment for a BRBB recording session and also loaded vehicles to transport the equipment to and from Assembly Hall and Hundred Hall. The brothers have been very active in all of the service projects and I am very excited to initiate new ideas for the fall!