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Recipient of the 2016 TBSAA Grant Announced
The TBSAA Executive Council is proud to announce the recipient of the 2016 TBSAA Grant: Jennifer Villarreal, alumna of the Beta Zeta chapter at Stephen F. Austin State University.
Jennifer is a native of San Antonio, Texas, and currently serves as the district flute instructor in Roma Independent School District in Texas, and teaches at Roma High School, Roma Middle School, and Ramiro Barrera Middle School.
Jennifer’s grant proposal sought to assist alleviate the cost of bringing a clinician to the district for the Fall 2016 Semester. Being 4 hours away from the closest metropolitan area, the Roma band program lacks in direct, regular contact with the available band professionals. The TBSAA’s grant will assist provide funding for a clinician to travel to South Texas and help her students become better musicians.
The E.C. would like to thank all of the grant program applicants. The alumni of Tau Beta Sigma are doing amazing work supporting music programs across the country. Information about the 2017 TBSAA grant will be released next year. Congratulations Jennifer!
TBSAA Begins Online Membership Processing
You asked for it! You got it!
TBSAA Opens Online Membership Form
Starting May 17, 2016, the Tau Beta Sigma Alumni Association now accepts new memberships and membership renewals via an online portal. Thanks to the hard work of the National Headquarters staff, TBS alumni and friends can go online to submit their membership information and payment via a secure online form. Alumni will still have the option of printing the membership form and paying via check, however, all credit card transactions can be submitted online.
“This is something our alumni have been clamoring for, and we’re very excited to provide this online renewal option,” said Chris Foster, TBSAA Member Relations chair, “we send our appreciation out to Aaron Moore and Robert Bratcher for their help in getting this project off the ground.”
The Tau Beta Sigma Alumni Association is entering its tenth year of existence, with plans underway for a grand anniversary celebration at the 2017 National Convention in Orlando, Florida. Just in time for the start of the online payment process, the TBSAA has recently unveiled a revised membership model, with a single membership status and dues cost for all TBS alumni, and with options for either upgrading to a premium level (The Gold Star Club) or for those just wanting to participate in their local alumni association.
For more information, contact tbsaa@tbsigma.org.
A New Membership Model for TBSAA
A New Membership Model for the TBS Alumni Association
For some time, the TBSAA Executive Council has been researching new ideas for its membership structure. While membership in the organization has steadily increased over the nine years of its existence, the rate of growth has slowed in recent biennia. After a series of strategic planning meetings, researching peer organizations, and targeted discussions with Sorority alumni, the TBSAA is moving forward with our new membership model.
Based upon the feedback received from TBSAA members and other alumni, a key issue at hand was the inability to perfect a one-size-fits-all membership package. Alumni members of the Sorority have a wide array of ideas and desires for continuing to participate in TBS after graduation. Their focus ranges from active participation in a local alumni group, to convention attendance, to philanthropy, and more. While the question “what are the benefits of joining?” is standard for all alumni organizations, we have been faced with an ever-changing expectation as to what that answer should be.
Choosing Your Level of Participation
The previous membership structure of the TBSAA has focused on who you are: whether that’s an alumni member, Life member, younger alumni, or Friend. As part of our restructured membership model beginning June 1, 2016, there are now three membership levels for Sorority Alumni to choose from that answer the question – “How would you like to be involved?” —
- Alumni Membership – This is the standard membership level, including the membership benefits currently associated with joining the TBSAA, and will have the same dues cost for all, regardless of membership status or age.
- LAA Access – Alumni who wish to participate in their local TBS or joint LAA (local alumni association) can choose this level of participation. It allows them to be included on the LAA membership roster and includes a subscription to the Entr’Acte. This membership level does not receive a membership card, nor include access to conventions.
- Gold Star Club – The Gold Star Club is the premium membership level. This is designed for alumni who are interested in philanthropy and want an enhanced alumni experience, including a commemorative gift, conference call with the Executive Council, recognition in the Rhapsody and Podium, special events at National Convention, and more.
Friend membership will remain an option for supporters of the TBSAA who are not alumni members of the Sorority, including alumni of Kappa Kappa Psi, spouses, parents, siblings, children, and friends.
The TBSAA Executive Council is excited to open this new chapter for the Association! To submit questions or comments on the new membership structure, send an email to tbsaa@tbsigma.org.
Tau Beta Sigma for Greater Bands!
Click on the image below to enlarge
TBSAA Grant Applications Accepted through June 1st
Applications for the 2016 TBSAA Grant are currently being accepted through June 1, 2016.
The Tau Beta Sigma Alumni Association Grant exists to support continued service and personal development for members of the TBSAA. To better support this mission, the TBSAA Grant is awarded each year to a TBSAA Member who seeks up to $500 in financial assistance in the areas of Sorority Service, Music Programs, and/or Professional Development.
Last years winner, Sarah Cox, used the grant to assist a nonprofit music group purchase new sheet music & scores and repairing old & damaged instruments. We can’t wait to see the applications our members submit this year!
Applications are due June 1, 2016 by mail to the National Headquarters or by email to tbsaa@tbsigma.org. For more information, click here.
TBSAA Sponsors 5th Annual TBS/KKPsi Sing at TMEA Convention
For the fifth consecutive year, the TBSAA is the primary sponsor of the annual KKPsi/TBS Sing event at the Texas Music Educators Association annual clinic & convention in San Antonio, Texas. The event, the music education convention in the United States, brings together over 25,000 musicians, music educators, college students, K-12 music students, family members, and exhibitors (including the National Headquarters). On Thursday evening, February 11, at 10:15 pm after the convention activities and concerts have ended, Sisters and Brothers will come together to sing our five official songs and join in fellowship and music.
TBSAA is a continuing sponsor of the event, with the cooperative support of both national organizations and the KKPsiAA. All active, alumni, associate, and honorary members, as well as membership candidates are welcome to attend and join in the music.
The event will be in Room CC303 in the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center this Thursday night at 10:15 pm.
The TBSAA created a Facebook event page to spread the news of the event among the active member population. Feel free to join if you will be in attendance in San Antonio this week. https://www.facebook.com/events/559739550856836/
Looking back at 2015
The Tau Beta Sigma Alumni Association (TBSAA) had a terrific 2015, growing our membership to over 380 members, launching two new programs, and reuniting with sisters at district and national conventions.
New Programs in 2015
In May 2015, we hosted our first annual For Greater Bands 5K in Columbia, Maryland. 75 individuals participated and the proceeds were donated to local school band programs that participated in the race. The TBSAA Executive Council is exploring locations to host the race again in 2016. Special thanks to Tamara Henry for leading the inaugural race.
This past year, we also our awarded our first Alumni Grant Award to Sarah Cox, alumna of the Epsilon Kappa chapter at UCLA. Sarah works with the Harmony Project, a non-profit music education organization in Los Angeles. As part of her grant proposal, Sarah plans to use the grant funding to help The Music Library and Instrument Tune-Up program supporting over 200 students who associated with the Harmony Project. This spring we will announce our next round of grant applications.
District and National Conventions
During the spring, district affiliates and alumni association members gathered at each of the district conventions. The conventions always provide a terrific chance for alumni to reunite, while providing leadership and support for actives. We are continuing to work with the alumni affiliates to create even more opportunities for alumni to participate.
In July, we had an incredible turn out at the National Convention in Lexington. Alumni participated in a mix of professional development workshops, committee meetings, business meetings and social events. Some of us even reconnected with our youth through mini-golf and roller skating. The newly renamed Sue Robash Carr Distinguished Alumni Award was awarded to Marcus Wyche, of the Beta Eta chapter at the University of Maryland.
A Great Year Ahead!
Now a month into 2016, the new executive council has big plans to continue even more great programming to our alumni. Check back often for updates and opportunities to get involved.
TBSAA Executive Council Meets in New Orleans
The Tau Beta Sigma Alumni Association Executive Council is meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana on January 15-17, 2016. They will be discussing ongoing goals for the association, expanding events and programs during 2016, and participate in meeting with the Tau Beta Sigma National Council, Board of Trustees, and National Headquarters staff.
To contribute ideas to the ongoing discussion, email tbsaa@tbsigma.org.
Platinum Jubilee Pins for sale
Welcome to 2016, and the platinum (70th) anniversary of Tau Beta Sigma!!
Last summer, at the National Convention in Kentucky, the TBSAA sold limited edition Jubilee pins (see below). The remaining stock are now available for purchase, through PayPal account only, on the TBSAA website. LESS THAN 100 of these keepsakes remain. Order yours today at http://www.tbsalumni.org/platinum-jubilee-pins/
Your name and shipping address will be sent through PayPal; just click the PayPal button to purchase. The pins are $15, plus $3.50 shipping, with a preset limit of one per transaction.
The Second National Convention of Tau Beta Sigma
Welcome to the Entr’Acte, the online blog of the TBSAA!
In this holiday season, we are thankful for the many women who took the formative steps for Tau Beta Sigma to become a national organization, and to and the band directors and sponsors who supported them. To honor these pioneers of our Sisterhood, we are reprinted the Tau Beta Sigma section of the 1947 edition of The Baton of Kappa Kappa Psi (predecessor of The Podium). Enjoy this account of the second National Convention of the Sorority and reflect on our growth over the last 69 years!
Tau Beta Sigma
National Honorary Band Sorority
Officially Affiliated with Kappa Kappa Psi
The Second National Convention
The Tau Beta Sigma delegates and members were guests of Kappa Kappa Psi at the opening session and were presented by Dr. F. Lee Bowling, the Grand President of the Fraternity. The memorial service presented at the joint session was very impressive and was instrumental in causing every Tau Beta
Sigma to feel the strength of the tie that binds the two great organizations together for the common good of everyone.
The New National Officers of Tau Beta Sigma
The first national vice-president elected was Miss Dorothy Allen, president of the Delta Chapter of the University of Oklahoma. Miss Allen has been quite active in the leadership of her chapter and is an excellent person for the position. Miss Frances Martin of Alpha Chapter was elected the second vice-president after having served one year as secretary. Miss Bernice Friend of the Alpha Chapter, who has been the national treasurer, was elevated to the position of national secretary.
In order that some record may be left in the archives of the sorority it was felt that an additional national officer should be elected so that these records could be kept with a view of furnishing to the future chapters and members a complete history of the organization. Miss Rosemary Wright, president of the Alpha Chapter for the past year, was elected as the national historian. It was the wish of the sorority that Miss Wright start immediately to compile all the records and achievements of the sorority for the past two years in the form of a historical report so that the customs and activities of the sorority could be recorded· in such a manner that it will leave a tradition for the chapter in the future to follow.
Sponsors of the Chapters
The sponsor of the Delta Chapter of the University of Oklahoma is their excellent director, Mr. Leonard Haug. This was the first appearance of this fine gentleman at any convention and his winning smile truly won for him a place in the hearts of all Tau Beta Sigma delegates and members. His interest in the part the young ladies are taking in the university band has been most instrumental in the establishment of a chapter of Tau Beta Sigma and it is through his advice and counsel that this organization has functioned in an exceedingly fine manner for the past year. He demonstrates eagerness to establish higher standards, a closer affiliation between the groups and his willingness to devote much time to those efforts.
Our Expansion Program
A very fine letter has been received from Miss Pat Huntington of the local chapter located on the campus of the Colorado State College of Education, Greeley, Colorado. Miss Huntington states that their local is now completely organized and that officers have been elected. Miss Huntington is the president, Lou Helgoth is vice-president, Enid Vondey is secretary, and Peggy Dillian is the treasurer. This group of fine young ladies are receiving the whole hearted support of the Kappa Kappa Psi chapter in the completion of their petition to become a member of Tau Beta Sigma.
Reprinted from The Baton of Kappa Kappa Psi, 1947. All rights reserved.
Welcome to the Entr’Acte!
Effective November 2015, the TBSAA is changing its news & information format!
Paid TBSAA members will receive The Rhapsody magazine, which will now be in an annual, hard copy format sent to members’ homes.
For up-to-date information, the TBSAA will now have an online newsletter, the Entr’Acte! Members can log onto the TBSAA website www.tbsalumni.org and click on the Entr’Acte link to see all the latest news and information. Members will also receive a bimonthly recap of all the recent information published in the Entr’Acte as well.
For more information on the Rhapsody magazine and the Entr’Acte newsletter, contact TBSAA Members Relations chair Chris Foster at bandchris@tbsigma.org.