Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity

Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity (ΚΚΨ, colloquially referred to as KKPsi) is an honorary fraternity for college and university band members in the United States. It was founded on November 27, 1919, at Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College, now known as Oklahoma State University, in Stillwater, Oklahoma.

Founding and History

Kappa Kappa Psi was established by ten founding members, including William A. Scroggs, Clyde DeWitt Haston, George Asher Hendrickson, Dick Hurst, Andrew Franklin Martin, Iron Hawthorne Nelson, William Alexander Scroggs, Raymond David Shannon, Clayton Everett Soule, and Carl Anderson Stevens. The organization's founding sought to unite members across colleges and universities through "dear friendship" and mutual dedication to band music.

Over the years, the fraternity has expanded significantly. By the 1920s, it had grown to include chapters across the United States, from the University of Washington to Duke University. Despite facing challenges during the Great Depression and World War II, Kappa Kappa Psi continued to grow, with more than 66,000 members initiated over the years, and nearly 6,000 collegiate members active today.

Mission and Objectives

Kappa Kappa Psi operates primarily as a recognition society, offering service, leadership opportunities, and social programming for band members. Its mission statement emphasizes the advancement of college and university bands through dedicated service and support, comprehensive education, leadership opportunities, and recognition for its members. The fraternity believes that service to the college or university band program fosters responsibility, loyalty, and leadership, while enhancing a spirit of brotherhood through participation in band activities.

Activities and Chapters

Chapters of Kappa Kappa Psi are known for their service and support to local bands, undertaking projects such as renovating rehearsal spaces and providing general assistance like offering refreshments to athletic bands. They also engage in community service activities, such as organizing blood drives. Additionally, chapters host social events, including receptions after concerts and other social gatherings.

Kappa Kappa Psi has a sister organization, Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority, with which it shares many collaborative activities and national events.

Notable Members

Prominent members of Kappa Kappa Psi include former U.S. President Bill Clinton, Indiana University Chancellor Herman B Wells, renowned composers John Williams and John Philip Sousa, conductor William Revelli, and jazz pianist Count Basie.

Symbols and Traditions

The fraternity's motto is "Strive for the Highest," and it uses blue and white as its colors, with the red carnation serving as its flower. The publication The PODIUM has been in circulation since 1939, while The Baton was published from 1922 to 1947.

Chapters and Structure

Kappa Kappa Psi has over 200 chapters across college and university campuses in the United States. Each chapter is designed to support the local band programs through service, leadership, and social activities. The Gamma Omega chapter at Texas Southern University, established in 1957, was the first African American chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi.

Legal Status

Kappa Kappa Psi operates as a nonprofit organization, with its legal and financial operations managed in accordance with its constitution and bylaws.

Financial Information

Kappa Kappa Psi is registered under the EIN 900330941, reflecting its status as a nonprofit organization.