Final Officer's Report!

Report of the 2007-2008 Southeast District President, Sarah Cox, Epsilon Alpha

Sisters of the Southeast District,
I embarked on this year with high expectations for myself and for what I believe our district could achieve during my term of office. With and excellent and hardworking district council at my side, I was sure that we could accomplish anything.

I began my term leading the Southeast into National Convention, here in our very own district, in Orlando, FL. After the exhausting week and several late night caucuses, the Southeast unified like many of us have never seen before. We even “dressed for success” on the final day of convention, bringing new meaning to the phrase, “Proud to be, SED: Strength. Excellence. Diversity.” Not only were we very proud to be the SED, but we showed that by winning the National Spirit Stick.

As my term began to progress, I set out to work towards the goals outlined in my platform for office. This year, the Southeast saw the creation/revival of its very own TBS SED Listserv and a Chapter Presidents listserv. In addition, with the overhaul of the district website, we saw the creation of a district wide forum, for Sisters to post messages to one another. From my monthly Chapter president phone calls, to the listserv, and even the creation of my SED President’s blog, the Southeast moved forward with great momentum in the area of communication.

This year also saw the establishment of a new colony at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the installation of the Theta Gamma Chapter at Alcorn State University. This was by far one of the fondest memories of my term. Over a long weekend, I traveled to Alcorn State University, tucked away on the border of Louisiana and Mississippi. Sixteen hours and a thousand miles later, I had the pleasure of meeting the super excited ladies of Theta Gamma. Their passion and spirit made the trip all worthwhile. That afternoon, I installed the Theta Gamma Chapter, number one hundred and ninety five.

I had the privilege of visiting several Chapters throughout my term of office. I enjoyed the torrential rains of Florida Day, cheered the Eagles on to victory against the Citadel, saw the Rebels at the University of Mississippi, signed some T’s at Georgia Tech, dined with some Gators, and watched some of my Sorors break it down on the field at the Honda Battle of the Bands. I want to take this time to thank all of the Chapters that played host to me this year. I most certainly enjoyed sleeping on your couches and all of your hospitality.

The biggest thank you of all goes to my district council. Illy, you have been my rock and number one supporter. I thank you for all of your wisdom and guidance. I could not have had the successful term that I have had without you. The district is lucky to have had such an amazing and wonderful Counselor. And by the way, you made the most beautiful bride ever!

LaShika, thank you for always making me laugh. Your lighthearted attitude and spirit are an inspiration to all of us. You always kept me smiling, even through the most stressful of times.

Contella, you are my go-to girl. You were always there; ready and willing to do whatever we needed to get done. Your hard work helped us achieve a lot of what we have accomplished this year.

Rob, although the Gators won that day in November in Williams Brice, I won’t hold that against you. Go Cocks! You have been my listening ear and always managed to keep me level headed. As the newbies on the council, we worked through this together, learning and pushing the SED to new heights. I am so thankful to have shared this year with you.

To Epsilon Alpha, you guys have supported me 100% throughout my presidency. I couldn’t have ever asked for a better group of Sisters. I had to sacrifice a lot on the Chapter level to do my job, but your love and support was unwavering. I could never have done this without you. Who would have thought three years ago we would be where we are now?

Lastly, to my fiancé Steve, also known as my Presidential Secretary, you have seen me through my term with overwhelming support. Thank you for all of your help and proofreading.

To the Southeast District of Tau Beta Sigma, I have seen our district grow in purposefulness and efficacy over this term. I can only hope that we continue in this positive direction. As we look forward to this next year and years to come, I want to leave you with these final words, “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” We are continually laying the foundation for our organization’s future. Do your best to contribute to its success and longevity so that we may always be proud to be, SED: Strength. Excellence. Diversity.


Respectfully Submitted,
Sarah Elizabeth Cox
Southeast District President 2007-2008
Tau Beta Sigma
Epsilon Alpha Chapter

Time to say goodbye!

Greetings Southeast,
My term has come to an end and indeed it is quite bittersweet. It has been a fantastic year for the Southeast marked with many memories, and lots of hard work. I couldn't have been prouder to represent such a fantastic district.

I want to thank the Gamma Nu Chapter of KKY and the Alpha Omega Chapter of TBS for their outstanding work in hosting this year's SED Convention. An additional thanks goes to Heather Owens for a fantastic year of collaboration.

Congratulations to the new 2008-2009 District Council:
LaShika Williams
President
Epsilon Lambda-North Carolina Central University
lrwilliams_3@hotmail.com
(704)491-9012

Ashley Tabron
Vice President of Membership
Theta Upsilon-Winston Salem State University
atabr542@wssu.edu
(919)327-8557

Jessica Mazzeo
Vice President of Special Projects
Epsilon Alpha-The University of South Carolina
mazzeo@mailbox.sc.edu
843)816-1188

Stephen Burt
Secretary/Treasurer
Epsilon Alpha-The University of South Carolina
burtsk@mailbox.sc.edu
(843)509-3458

Crystal Wright
Counselor
Theta Iota-Alabama A&M University
crystal@tbsigma.org
sedcoun@tbsigma.org
(256)679-3922

Reneé Cartee
Counselor
Zeta Psi-University of Central Florida
renee@tbsigma.org
sedcoun@tbsigma.org
(407)721-5363

Thank you Southeast for a fantastic year!
MLITB,
Sarah Cox
2007-2008 Southeast District President

WIN/WIN Membership Drive Deadline!!!!

Hello Tau Beta Sigma of the SED,

I just wanted to friendly remind everyone the deadline for the Tau Beta Sigma Win/Win Membership Drive for this year's convention is this Saturday, March 29th.

Visit this link http://www.tbsigma.org/Flyers.html to download your form and send in to dolliemcdonald@tbsigma.org

I also wanted to say THANK YOU to the chapters who have participated thus far. I am seeing some GREAT growth in the SED!

Tau Beta Sigma For Greater Bands,
Dollie

SED Scrapbook

Hey sisters of the SED,
Just wanted to remind you all to submit a chapter page for the district scrapbook.

It will be brought to SED convention so everyone can get a chance to see it. Please make them creative with pictures!

Here is the important info:
Due: April 1st (postmarked)
Send to:Tau Beta Sigma
106 MUB
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL 32611
(this is the correct zip code)
Size: 12" x 12

"Thanks everyone, we are looking forward to seeing your pages!

LISH!
Heather Frietsch
Beta Xi- Corresponding Secretary

Step for Life: A Fundraiser for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society

TROY, AL- The Troy University chapters of Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma are hosting the 7th Annual Step for Life Step Show in memory of Brother Steven Dobarzynski on April 19, 2008 on the campus of Troy University at 6:00 P.M. in the Claudia Crosby Theater.

“Dobar,” as he was called by his close friends, was a recovering bone marrow transplant recipient until Monday, March 25, 2002, when we lost him due to health complications. Dobar beat the leukemia, but the complications involved in his recovery were too much. Few bone marrow transplant recipients have survived the many and often recurring complications Dobar had to endure. His spirit is an inspiration to us all.

This fundraiser serves as an opportunity for our organizations to raise funds and awareness for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. Although we did not know Dobar long we are grateful for the time we spent with him. His character inspires us still today, which is why we also award a memorial scholarship to an outstanding student of the John M. Long School of Music who exemplifies leadership, scholarship, and musical excellence.

We would like to invite the SED to join us in continuing our brother’s legacy and raising money for this valuable cause.

Donations may be sent to:
STEP for LIFE
Kappa Kappa Psi/ Tau Beta Sigma
TSU P.O. BOX 820740
TROY, AL 36082

(Please make all checks payable to Step for Life.)

For further information please contact:
David M. Smith at dsmith47558@troy.edu or
Regina Newsome at rnewsome03@yahoo.com.

Devon Ferguson--SC State/Bone Marrow Registry

For those of you that may or may not know, the Epsilon Chi chapter of Tau Beta Sigma at SC State lost a Sister in the Bond, Devon Ferguson to Hodgkin's disease this past month. In honor of Devon and the SC State Marching 101, I am challenging you to get involved with the National Bone Marrow Registry! Its easy to register donors/ host bone marrow drives or get involved with the Registry on your campus! In particular, there is a great need for more minority groups on the registry, as currently only 3 percent of the millions of registered donors come from minority groups! You can make a difference and help!

For more info on Devon and how you can get involved, see the details below or the attached file.
A special thanks to the Southeast District for the love and support that has gone out the the Epsilon Chi Chapter at SC State.

ITB,
Sarah Elizabeth CoxSoutheast District President
Tau Beta Sigma
coxse@sc.rr.com

Devon Ferguson
July 20, 1989 ~ February 8, 2008

Devon had played saxophone since the 6th grade, and had hardly stepped foot on South Carolina State University's campus this summer when she went out for the marching band. She truly loved this band. From the first practice, she fit right in. But just as she began to feel at home, her body let her know it just wasn't realistic. Not when you're fighting Hodgkin’s disease. Without a bone marrow transplant, doctors only gave Devon a few months to live.

Devon Ferguson was 18 years old and was diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease in 2006. She had a bone marrow transplant (autologous) in 2007; however she relapsed in September 2007 when she was just a freshman at South Carolina State University. She was in need of another transplant to save her life.

Devon’s fellow band members and her sorority sisters, Tau Beta Sigma, held a drive at South Carolina State University on October 18, 2007 at South Carolina State University in an effort to help her find a match. Over 600 students filled out the form and swabbed their cheeks to join the Marrow Registry in hopes to “Be the One” to save Devon.

Devon was not able to receive a bone marrow transplant and on February 8, 2008 she lost her battle against this cancer.

Will you join the Registry today, In Memory of Devon?
Life…It’s in you!

Interested in hosting a marrow drive "In Memory of Devon"?

Who can hold a drive?Anyone can hold a marrow drive! Businesses, sororities, fraternities, individuals, families, and organizations! They are all welcome to join the National Registry!

Where can a drive be held?A marrow drive can be held anywhere at almost anytime! We are available seven days a week. Marrow drives can be held at national conferences, fairs, companies, colleges, and churches. When speaking to the recruiter, know the location, time, date and the type of event.

What happens at a bone marrow drive?The object of a bone marrow drive is to test people's tissue, so they can be listed on the National Marrow Donor Program Registry.
It is very simple to join the Registry.
· Donors must be between age 18-60 and in general good health
· Complete a consent form for the Marrow Program including a brief health history and general information, such as two contacts names and phone numbers and any medications you are currently taking. Our Marrow Representative will then check your health history to see if you would be a suitable candidate for the program.
· Give a simple swab of cells from the inside of your cheek using a q-tip

We compile all of the information and put it into an international database where patients may go in hopes of finding a bone marrow donor. You will only be contacted if you are identified as a potential match for a patient.

Thank you for your interest in the National Marrow Donor Program. We look forward to working with each and every one of you.

For more information please contact Sarah Cox, 843.618.3099, coxse@sc.rr.com

From Alpha Omega...

To the sisters of the Southeast District of Tau Beta Sigma:

Greetings from Tallahassee! Two weeks prior to our SED Convention here at Florida State, our chapter is hosting a concert to showcase women in music. We want you ALL to come. The performers include various faculty, graduate, and undergraduate women from our own College of Music. We are hoping that this will be a successful community-wide event to continue annually. Did I mention that it's a FREE concert and we will be collecting donations for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation? I bet you can't wait to attend! Make sure to be in Tallahassee on Saturday March 29th at 8pm. So put on your letters, grab a sister and get ready for a road trip!

LITB,Alpha Omega

P.S. If there's enough of you, we might just have a pre-convention sisterhood picnic.

Win Win Membership from Dollie McDonald O'Neill

Greetings Tau Beta Sigma of the SED!

I want to remind the SED the deadline for your chapters of the WIN/WIN Membership Drive and drawing for the FREE Delegate Registration which is March 29th.

If you have initiated new members between Fall of 2007 up until March 29th, please feel free to click on the link from our National Website: http://www.tbsigma.org/Flyers.html
download the form, fill out and send to dolliemcdonald@tbsigma.org by March 29th.

Thanks to the chapters in the SED who have participated so far in the WIN/WIN Membership Drive! For any forms that are received after March 29th, will be honored for the 2009 SED Convention.

The winning chapter will be announced & notified prior to the SED Convention.

Tau Beta Sigma For Greater Bands!
Dollie McDonald O'Neill
Tau Beta Sigma
National VP for Colonization & Membership
dolliemcdonald@tbsigma.org

SED Listserv Membership Drive

Don't forget to join the Southeast District Listserv! Tell your Chapters! Our goal is to have at least 2 members from every Chapter on the list!

To join, simply send an e-mail to TBS_SED-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

For further info, please feel free to email me at sedpres@tbsigma.org

ITB,
Sarah Cox

Intent to Bid for SED Convention 2009

Thinking about bidding for the 2009 Southeast District Convention?

PLEASE submit your “Intent to Bid” to both District Presidents by
March 15th, 2008 including the information listed below under Items 1 & 2. All other information in addition to the preliminary info for your bid will be due at Convention as indicated in the SED Convention Packets that you should have recieved

1. Convention Site & Host Chapter Information
a. Proposed Convention Start and End dates (at this time, please plan on a one and a half day business format similar to the 2008 convention)
b. Host chapter(s) name, Institution
c. Host Hotel (negotiated room rate per night, block size and release date)
d. Convention Site (where events and business will take place; e.g. campus location(s), hotel, etc.)
e. KKY Convention Coordinator Name, Email, Phone
f. TBS Convention Coordinator Name, Email, Phone
g. 2 Alternative sets of convention dates

2. Letters of Support & Recommendation
a. Director of Bands
b. Chapter Sponsor*
c. Chapter President*
* For schools with both organizations, letters are needed from both chapters’ sponsors and presidents.

PLEASE READ THROUGH THE "CONVENTION BID" INFORMATION PAGE INCLUDED IN THE 2008 SED CONVENTION PACKET WITH FURTHER DETAILS ON SUBMITTING A BID.

SUBMIT INTENT TO BID (WITH PRELIMINARY ITEMS 1 & 2 ABOVE) TO SARAH COX, SEDPRES@TBSIGMA.ORG AND HEATHER OWENS, HOWENS08@GMAIL.COM

ITB,
Sarah Elizabeth Cox

Southeast District President
Tau Beta Sigma
coxse@sc.rr.com

Intent to Run for District Office

ATTENTION District Officer Candidates:
Please be advised that your Candidate Preview Materials are due by March 15th via e-mail. All serious candidates should submit their preview materials no later than this date. Please also ensure that you read through the Candidate Info included in the District Convention Packet . If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at sedpres@tbsigma.org . Good luck candidates!

In the Bond,
Sarah

Southeast District President
Tau Beta Sigma
Epsilon Alpha Chapter
coxse@sc.rr.com

Proxy, Delegate, Chapter Progress Forms

Greetings Chapter Presidents!
Don’t forget to get those proxy, delegate, committee, and chapter progress forms in for Convention! The deadline is March 1st!

Fill out a proxy form, even if you are attending convention.

Please let me know if you need help filling out these forms. Please be advised that the Chapter Progress forms you received in your packet will help determine award recipients. Upon receipt of your forms, I will send you a confirmation email. Don’t wait, get those forms back asap!

In the Bond,
Sarah Cox
coxse@sc.rr.com

SED Convention Registration Deadline Approaching

Brothers and Sisters,

This is a reminder that the Brothers and Sisters,

This is a reminder that the March 1st deadline to register for the Southeast District Convention is less than one week away!

Please visit our website at www.freewebs.com/sedconvention for frequently updated information. Every chapter that registers will receive a confirmation packet in the mail prior to the Convention.

March first is also the deadline for audition materials for the SED Convention Concert. We encourage everyone to audition! Each chapter that submits audition materials will receive confirmation and further information upon our receiving it.

We look forward to seeing you here in Tallahassee on April 11-12! In the meantime, feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.

Please direct your questions to:
Katie Schmidbauer
Katiedance@aol.com
(954) 326 1597
The Alpha Omega chapter of Tau Beta Sigma
The Gamma Nu chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi
Florida State University

District Leadership Conference

Sisters of the Southeast,
The District Leadership Conference at Winston Salem State University this past weekend was a great success! I want to personally thank the host Chapters of Theta Upsilon-Tau Beta Sigma and Kappa Lambda-Kappa Kappa Psi at Winston Salem State University for the outstanding job! We enjoyed our time of fellowship, growth, and development with Brothers and Sisters from across the Southeast. A very special thanks to Bryan Haynes, Ashley Tabron, and Dr. Michael McGruder for their contributions to this conference.
See you all in Tallahassee on April 11-12!

In the Bond,
Sarah Elizabeth Cox
Southeast District President
Tau Beta Sigma

SED Convention Website

The 2008 SED Convention Website is up and running!
Check it out at:

http://www.freewebs.com/sedconvention/index.html

See you in Winston Salem!

Greetings Sisters! I hope to see you all in Winston Salem at Winston Salem State University for the Southeast District Leadership Conference! We will begin business bright and early Saturday morning! Details are below! If you have any questions, please feel free to call me!
See you Saturday!

In the Bond,
Sarah Cox
Southeast District President
843.618.3099

District Leadership Conference in Winston Salem, NC

Just a quick note, no prior registration is needed for DLC. You may show up and register the day of. The schedule and details are posted below. Please email me if you have any questions!
ITB,
Sarah
sedpres@tbsigma.org

Hazing

Sisters:

Undoubtedly many of you have seen this message already.

I strongly encourage each of you to extend this message throughout in the various ways available to you. That could be by email, by calls to chapters and directors/sponsors, and by conversations at various events (such as conventions, blocks, precincts, state days, or area workshops).

We know that Sisters play a role in helping to eradicate hazing within our own Fraternity, as well as any that might exist within yours. We ask that Sisters everywhere join us in this effort.

Malinda Matney
KKY National President
---------------

Brothers:
I write to inform you of the vote of the National Council this week to remove the Zeta Nu chapter from Southern University from the active roster. All active members of this year have been expelled.

This situation is the result of severe hazing, such that it has caused hospitalization. No hazing is acceptable. However, this went beyond hazing to assault of those who this former chapter, presumably, identified as the most honorable members of the band.

This must stop.

In no way is the abuse of candidates or members acceptable. In no way does this conduct honor our purposes, or advance bands. In no way do such actions demonstrate strength.

Be advised that such actions not only endanger your charter, but also the existence of Kappa Kappa Psi.

This National Council is very invested in the future of Kappa Kappa Psi, and Brothers everywhere are encouraged to join us in eradicating hazing. If you see something in your chapter or another that is questionable, contact your director of bands, your District Governors, National Headquarters staff, or the National Council. Many people can be a first contact for information or reporting.

Do not presume that any level of hazing is acceptable. Hazing never honors the name of Kappa Kappa Psi. It in no way is in the spirit of Striving for the Highest.

============================
Malinda M. Matney, Ph.D.
National President
Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity

District Leadership Conference Details

Greetings from the Kappa Lambda Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi and the Theta Upsilon Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma at Winston-Salem State University !!!

We are anxiously awaiting your arrival to this year’s District Leadership Conference. Winston-Salem , North Carolina , “The Twin City,” is located in Forsyth County and is part of the Piedmont Triad, which encompasses the neighboring cities of Greensboro and High Point . Winston-Salem is home to R.J. Reynolds Tobacco, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Wake Forest University , and Winston-Salem State University .

Winston-Salem State University is a premier institution with a legacy reaching back to 1892 when Dr. Simon Greene Atkins’s vision of providing African Americans in Winston Salem an education became a reality in the form of a one-room facility and 25 students. Winston-Salem State University is the home of the Marching Red Sea of Sound soon to be “The Pride of the MEAC.”

This year’s conference will be held on February 23, 2008 at the Cleon F. Thompson Student Services Center . For those of you who will be staying with us for the weekend and will need accommodations, conference attendees will be accommodated at the Winston Salem Comfort Suites. The hotel has reserved 30 rooms for the conference at the special rate of $65.00 per night.

Each spacious suite includes a microwave, refrigerator, in-room coffee maker, iron & ironing board, and hair dryer. King-sized rooms have one king sized bed and a single chair. Double rooms have two queen sized beds and a pull out couch. If you plan to stay either Friday or Saturday night, please contact the Comfort Suites by phone at (336) 774-0805 or via the web at http://www.winstonsalemlodging.com/. Let them know you are with the WSSU Leadership Conference in order to get the $65.00 rate. You will need to place reservations on/before FEBRUARY 8, 2008 in order to get the special rate AND for us keep the block of rooms we have reserved.

That evening, after the conference, the Rams of Winston-Salem State University will be taking on the Aggies of North Carolina A&T State University at the Lawrence Joel Coliseum at 7:30 PM. The cost of student tickets to the game are $10.00 and general admission is $12.00. We hope that after an enriching day of information and workshops, you will come and unwind with us.

We anticipate your arrival and will see you soon

ITB
The Kappa Lambda Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi Fraternity, Inc.
&
The Theta Upsilon Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma Sorority, Inc.
---------------------------------------------------
DLC SCHEDULE: (As of Jan.2008)

Friday, February 22, 2008
7:00-8:00 p.m. Registration & Welcome Reception
8:00 p.m. Joint Activity

Saturday, February 23, 2008
7:30-8:45 a.m. Registration
Breakfast & Caravan to
9:00-9:20 a.m. Joint Opening Session
Welcome
District Officer Introductions
Conference Overview
9:30-11:30 a.m. 1st Separate Session
TBS: Room ______
9:30-9:45 a.m. Introduction & Ice Breaker
9:50-10:20 a.m. Workshop Breakaway 1
10:25-10:55 a.m. Workshop Breakaway 2
11:00-11:30 a.m. Workshop Breakaway 3
11:30-1:00 p.m. Lunch Break
1:15-3:40 p.m. 2nd Separate Session
TBS: Room ______
1:15-1:30 p.m. Ice Breaker
1:35-2:05 p.m. Workshop Breakaway 4
2:10-2:40 p.m. Workshop Breakaway 5
2:45-3:15 p.m. Workshop Breakaway 6
3:20-3:40 p.m. SED Conv. Preview/Announcements 3:45-5:00 p.m. Joint Closing
5:00-6:00 p.m. Scouting For Music Tau Beta Sigma Project (Tentative)
5:00-7:00 p.m. Dinner Break & Hotel Shuttles
7:30-9:30 p.m. MEAC Basketball Game: Winston Salem State vs. North Carolina A&T

Sunday, February 24, 2008
10:00-1:00 p.m. Hotel Checkout
3:00 p.m. KKY Ritual

Still need people! Ad-hoc Jurisdiction Committee!

Hey SED! I am still looking for people to serve on this committee at DLC. Please let me know if you are interested. Details are below.
ITB,
Sarah
--------------------
In order to reduce the time spent on committees at Southeast District Convention, we have decided to form an Ad-hoc Jurisdiction Committee that will meet at the District Leadership Conference (DLC) on February 22-23, 2008 in Winston Salem, NC. This committee will review proposed Constitutional Changes to reduce the amount of time spent on changes at District Convention. I am looking for at least 10 willing Sisters to serve on this committee.

Who: Tau Beta Sigma
What: Preliminary Ad-hoc Jurisdiction Committee
When: Feb. 23, 2008
Where: DLC in Winston Salem, NC

Are you willing to help? If so please e-mail me at coxse@sc.rr.com. Please include your name, chapter, email address, and phone number.
"It is an honor to be selected to serve."

Honda Battle of the Bands 2008

Congratulations to all of the schools that participated in the Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcase! A special shout out to the Tau Beta Sigma Chapters from the Southeast District that participated: Bethune Cookman University, Theta Rho; Tuskegee University, Zeta Beta; North Carolina Central University, Epsilon Lambda; Albany State University, Zeta Kappa; and Winston Salem State University, Theta Upsilon. You made us proud!

All of the schools participating gave excellent performances. For those of us sitting in the Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma section, we had the opportunity to meet Brothers and Sisters from across the Southeast and more! A special thank you to the Atlanta Alumni Association and Shannan Robinson for organizing the event.

In the Bond,
Sarah


Here are some of my pictures from the event:

Winston Salem State University

Tuskegee University

Albany State University

North Carolina Central University

Bethune Cookman University

From Kimbi Sigle, National President

Greetings Sisters and Brothers of Tau Beta Sigma,

The National Council meet this past weekend for our Winter meeting and I wanted to give you some updates as we head into the spring semester.

Awards - Thanks to everyone who submitted award applications. Academic Achievement awards are based on each grade reporting period so get those transcripts printed and submit an app. Don't forget that Scholarship applications are due June 1 :)

District Conventions - They are just around the corner and we look forward to meeting you. I expect to see all of you having a great time while sharing ideas and your positive energy throughout each district. If you have any desire to run for district office, I highly recommend doing so. Some of the best times were making the friends I made during my time as a district officer.

We will have order forms for our Stillwater Station bricks and we will be selling TBS jewelry and Tributes for the Podium at all convention locations. Many board members will be in attendance as well. You'll hear all about our projects during conventions. ...here is a list of who's going where this spring...

NED
Dollie McDonald O'Neill
Dawn Farmer
Deena Smith
Meredith Brazzell

WD
Kimbi Sigle
Dollie McDonald O'Neill
Meredith Brazzell

NCD
Dawn Farmer
Deena Smith

SED
Dollie McDonald O'Neill
Deena Smith

MWD
Dawn Farmer
Meredith Brazzell

SWD
Kimbi Sigle
Dollie McDonald O'Neill

2009 National Convention - We have begun to make our plans for the next convention to be held at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel July 2009. Watch for announcements about the National Intercollegiate Band (NIB) and start practicing.. .you won't want to miss this one!!!

Communication Tools - All national officers respond very quickly to emails and we are all on Facebook. We also enjoy phone calls :) Besides all that we are hosting a TBS Student Chat on Feb. 7th on our website chat site. We encourage all students to jump online and ask questions. You will also see an electronic newsletter from Deena called "Council Connection" in the upcoming weeks. This will give you a lot of information, please make sure each member receives an email copy.

Recruiting/Membersh ip - Dollie has posted the new Chapter Assessment for Recruiting Methods that you may utilize while setting up your next membership class. National Headquarters provided us with the most current membership information this week and we spent quite a bit of time working through that to determine who needs extra support and encouragement to complete Fall Activity Reports and Chapter Personnel Reports. We've asked District Officers and Counselors to make contact and work with you if needed. Let us know if you are having trouble with paperwork so we can help get it worked out!

TBSAA - The TBS Alumni Association is up and running!! We ask that you educate your chapter membership and your alumni about this program. The more the merrier!! Check out information on the website and download applications as needed.

Initiates - The best thing your chapter can do to help us is to accurately record your new members within 30 days of initiation. Not only will this allow time for processing of membership cards (needed for convention attendance) and shingles, but it will help us determine membership numbers for the year.

Finances - Tau Beta Sigma is right on track with our biennial budget! We continue to make sound business decisions with our future in mind!!

TMEA - If you are attending the Texas Music Educators Association conference in San Antonio next month please stop by our booth and visit, we'd love to hear from our students, alumni and friends!

CFR Visits - Enjoy visiting with Meredith as she travels during her final semester with TBS. She has been a wonderful asset to our council and I hope you use the material she shares with you for many years to come.

Keep up all the great work you are doing for your bands and your chapters! We can't wait to see many of you soon!


"TAU BETA SIGMA FOR GREATER BANDS!!"

Kimbi

Ad-hoc Jurisdiction Committee

Greetings Southeast District of Tau Beta Sigma!
In order to reduce the time spent on committees at Southeast District Convention, we have decided to form an Ad-hoc Jurisdiction Committee that will meet at the District Leadership Conference (DLC) on February 22-23, 2008 in Winston Salem, NC. This committee will review proposed Constitutional Changes to reduce the amount of time spent on changes at District Convention. I am looking for at least 10 willing Sisters to serve on this committee.

Who: Tau Beta Sigma
What: Preliminary Ad-hoc Jurisdiction Committee
When: Feb. 23, 2008
Where: DLC in Winston Salem, NC

Are you willing to help? If so please e-mail me at coxse@sc.rr.com. Please include your name, chapter, email address, and phone number.
"It is an honor to be selected to serve."

In the Bond,
Sarah

Southeast District Constitution Change Proposals

Greetings Southeast District of Tau Beta Sigma!
In order to reduce the time spent on committees at Southeast District Convention, we have decided to form an Ad-hoc Jurisdiction Committee that will meet at the District Leadership Conference (DLC) on February 22-23, 2008 in Winston Salem, NC. This committee will review proposed Constitutional Changes to reduce the amount of time spent on changes at District Convention.

For this committee to serve its purpose, I am asking that Southeast District Constitutional Changes be submitted to me (via e-mail), Sarah Cox, no later than February 22nd. Please address specific numerical items when proposing a change. Please provide a rationale for the proposed change. Be thorough.

The Tau Beta Sigma Southeast District Constitution can be found at:http://www.kkytbs.org/sed/resources/index.html

Please feel free to e-mail me with any questions.
In the Bond,
Sarah Cox

Promote the SED Listserv!

Are your Sisters on the Tau Beta Sigma SED Listerv??? Grab a Sister and get in the KNOW! Join the SED Listerv! We now have over 120 members on the list, but let's help our District grow and communicate! Tell your Chapter, your new membership classes, and alumni!

To join, simply e-mail TBS_SED-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Or, search Yahoo Groups for TBS_SED
(You do not need to be a Yahoo member to subscribe!)

For further information or technical issues, contact me at coxse@sc.rr.com!

Mark Your Calendars!!!!!

Don't forget to mark your calendars for Southeast District Convention, hosted by Florida State University in Tallahassee, FL, on April 11th & 12th, 2008! Information, schedules, and registration information coming soon!

DLC Hosts Announced!

Greetings Southeast District,
On behalf of the Southeast District Councils, it is my pleasure to announce that District Leadership Conference will be hosted by the joint chapters of Kappa Lambda-KKY and Theta Upsilon-TBS at Winston Salem State University. DLC will be held the weekend of February 23, 2008 in Winston-Salem, NC. Further details and schedule will follow.

Thank you to all of the Chapters that submitted bids for this event. Your hard work is greatly appreciated!

We look forward to seeing everyone at DLC in February! Don’t miss the opportunity for fellowship and growth with your Brothers and Sisters from across the Southeast!

In the Bond,

Sarah Cox
Tau Beta Sigma
Southeast District President
sedpres@tbsigma.org

Happy Holidays!

I hope you all had a safe and wonderful Holiday season! Merry Christmas and Happy New Years! I look forward to seeing what new and amazing things 2008 has in store for the Southeast! Last but not least, congratulations to all of the schools that received bowl bids. I hope you all had safe travels!
In the Bond,
Sarah

Marching Band Comes to a Close

Its that time of year...marching band is coming to a close, exams are on the horizon, or for some of us, here already! What now?

In the Southeast District, most of our schools have marching bands. Many of our organizations primarily function to serve the marching band. However, Tau Beta Sigma still has a whole semester of band service opportunities in store for you!

The Spring semester is a time for us to truly expand our horizons. What a great time to get involved with local area schools and music programs, to begin working with Girls Scouts and Boy Scouts in support of our National Program, Scouting for Music, or even to help promote and support our Spring Concert and Athletic Ensembles. Why not go talk to your band director to see what you can do for the Band this Spring. Try to integrate one new program, one new service project, or even one new fundraiser. Need ideas? Try contacting a chapter near you or even your District Council to knock around some ideas.

It is really easy to catch that mid-year burnout, but in reality, opportunities are just beginning. There is so much more in store for you! There is District Leadership Conference in February (more details to come as bids for this event have just been received!), and District Convention on April 11-12 in Tallahassee, FL. Want to grow and "get in the know?" Save the date and be at these events!

Just a reminder that your District Council is here to work for you. So please, let us know if there is ever anything that we can do to better serve you and your Chapter.
In the Bond,
Sarah Cox
sedpres@tbsigma.org

Officer Evaluations

You all should have received Mid-Year Officer Evaluation with your Fall Shells Mail out from the District Council. Please complete the Officer Evaluations and get them back to me ASAP! Even though the postmarking deadline has passed, please still turn these in. These forms will help your District Council better serve you throughout the remainder of our term. Please provide us with any available comments and concerns. We want to hear from you! Please get these in ASAP.

Return the forms to:
Sarah Cox
1009 Virginia St.
Unit B
Columbia, SC 29201

ITB,
Sarah

North Carolina Leadership Weekend

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of speaking at the North Carolina Leadership Weekend, sponsored by LaShika Williams, SED VP for Membership and the Epsilon Lambda Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma. It was filled with speakers on leadership, adversity, stress, and post-membership education. A special thanks to LaShika for sponsoring this wonderful event! A very special thanks goes out to the Epsilon Lambda Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma for hosting this wonderful event on the campus of North Carolina Central. You all were wonderful hosts!
To all those that were unable to make it, you missed an event full of fun, fellowship, and leadership! We hope to see you next time!

NC Leadership Weekend

Who: KKY/TBS
What: North Carolina Leadership Weekend
When: Saturday, December 1, 2007 from 9:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
Where: North Carolina Central University, 1801 Fayetteville St. ,Durham, NC
Hosted By: LaShika Williams, SED VP for Membership, sedvpcm@tbsigma.org
Cost: $5.00

Check out the Facebook Event! " NC Leadership Conference Pt. 2 "

This is a great opportunity to come, fellowship with Brothers and Sisters from across the SED, and learn about effective leadership, in order to help make your organization an effective force within your band program.

For more information, details, schedule, and directions, contact LaShika Williams, SED VPM at sedvpcm@tbsigma.org

ITB,
Sarah

How Are We Doing?

In the Fall edition of SHELLS, your District Council newsletter, that went out last week, every Chapter should have received Mid-Year District Officer Evaluation forms.

WE WANT FEEDBACK FROM YOU! Tell us how we're doing!

Included in the mailer should be an evaluation form for each District Officer, and a general Comment/Concern Form. Instructions are included on the form.

These forms are to be returned to me, Sarah Cox, please no later than December 1st. We would love to hear your comments and concerns so that we can continue to best meet the needs of the SED.

Help us work better for you! Fill out the Mid-Year District Officer Evaluation Forms and return to:
Sarah Cox
1009 Virginia St.
Unit B
Columbia, SC 29201

For additional information, please contact me at sedpres@tbsigma.org.

In the Bond,
Sarah

Some Friendly Reminders!

INITIATE PAPERWORK DEADLINES

All new initiate paperwork is due to National Headquarters with their fees no later than 30 days after initiation!

Initiate Forms can be found at http://www.tbsigma.org/Forms/New%20IRF%20-%20TBS.doc
Don't forget, the initiate fee is now $85!

___________________________________

FALL ACTIVITY REPORTS

Fall Activity Reports are due on DECEMBER 1st!!!!!

For tips on how to fill out this form, visit http://www.tbsigma.org/CD2005/TBSChOpsHandbook.pdf

Fall Activity Report forms can be found at http://www.tbsigma.org/Forms/TBS_FallActivityReport.pdf

Don't forget to send all items to National Headquarters using some sort of tracking or certified mail. DO NOT send FedEx/UPS items to the PO BOX address.

Headquarters Mailing Address
Kappa Kappa Psi & Tau Beta Sigma National Headquarters, P.O. Box 849, Stillwater, OK 74076-0849

UPS/FedEx/Airborne Express Address
Kappa Kappa Psi & Tau Beta Sigma National Headquarters, 401 E 9th Ave., Stillwater, OK 74074-4704

Items sent FedEx/UPS/Airborne Express may be returned if sent to the PO Box Address!!!!!!

Let's get these forms in on time!!!!!!! Please let me know if I can be of any assistance or answer any questions you may have!

___________________________________

DISTRICT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

Don't forget, District Leadership Conference Bids are due to both Heather Owens and myself by DECEMBER 1st.

For further details, or to download the form, visit,
http://www.kkytbs.org/sed/tbshome.html

___________________________________

NATIONAL AWARDS DEADLINE

DECEMBER 1st is the deadline for nominations to be submitted to National Headquarters for the following awards:

Outstanding Service to Music Award

Paula Crider Award

Service Certificate

Johnnie Vinson Award

The Baton

The awards application form is available online at www.tbsigma. org—National Programs— Awards. For more info about each award and how you can apply or nominate someone, check your chapter "@tbsigma.org" email account. You’ve already earned it, now claim it! If you have further questions, visit www.tbsigma. org—National Programs— Awards, or contact the National Council at tbs@tbsigma. org. (From Deena Smith, NVPCR)

___________________________________

Questions/Concerns? Contact me, Sarah Cox, SED President at sedpres@tbsigma.org

Fall Activity Reports (from Dollie McDonald O'Neill)

Greetings Sisters & Brothers,

As you all gear up to fill out your Fall Activity Reports, remember it is due December 1st (postmarked) to our National Headquarters, PO Box 849, Stillwater, OK 74076.

For Tau Beta Sigma, here is a link for any questions you may have and tips for preparing this report.

http://www.tbsigma. org/CD2005/ TBSChOpsHandbook .pdf

A few things to remember in regards to reports:
1) Completing All National Paperwork on time into National Headquarters is the first qualifier for TBS Chapters to be considered in the National Top Chapter (Grace & A. Frank Martin Award for 2009).
2) Please use postage tracking or delivery confirmation when sending to National Headquarters, to create insurance of your report arriving to National Headquarters.

Tau Beta Sigma For Greater Bands!
Dollie

Dollie McDonald O'Neill
Tau Beta Sigma
National Vice President for Colonization & Membership
dolliemcdonald@ tbsigma.org

Making Meeting Minutes Count: Chapter Meetings in One Hour or Less

If you are like most Chapters, you probably have those long Chapter meetings that seem to last for hours. However, there are ways to combat those three hour meetings and negative meeting attitudes! I have compiled a list of ways to help cut those meetings down and keep that productivity level high!

1. Utilize your committees! This can be difficult if you are a smaller Chapter, however it can still be done. Use your meeting time for motions, announcements, and voting, not for planning. Schedule committee time outside of your regular meetings, and then assign committee work to members to minimize those committee meetings. Bring finished work to your Chapter meetings!

2. Minimize discussion. Call the question! If your discussion is going in circles, simply call the question, don’t spend days debating. If there is too much discussion, then it is possible that the motion on the floor is not yet ready to be discussed in the Chapter meeting. Send the motion back to the committee for more work. See Robert’s Rules of Order for more information.

3. Use the quarter rule. Some Chapters use things like the quarter rule to maintain order in the Chapter meeting. The parliamentarian can charge members quarters for vulgar language, notes, talking out of turn, cell phones ringing/texting, etc.

4. Send out meeting agendas. Chapter Presidents can cut meeting time by simply organizing the meeting agenda beforehand. Prior to the meeting, make an agenda for the meeting to be sent out each week. Chapter members can have the opportunity to review the agenda prior to the meeting and come prepared for agenda items.

5. Utilize committee and officer reports. Have your officers submit reports prior to the meeting. Keep the reports brief and to the point. This will help the President make the meeting agenda and keep the meeting organized.

6. Got something to say? Submit it to your Executive Council and/or President prior to the meeting! Some Chapters may even wish to set a deadline for agenda items (for example, if agenda items are not submitted one day prior to the meeting, then that member is not yielded the floor in the meeting.)

7. Come prepared with alternative options. A lot of times, dates/locations/details may not work for all members, so come prepared for these speed bumps. Bring many options to the table so that you can accommodate the majority.

8. It is inevitable that dates may not work for everyone in the Chapter room. Have an issue with a proposed date? Save the discussion for details, unless you can suggest a change. Otherwise, simply vote no and fail the motion. It may not work for others as well. We all have busy lives, and hopefully your attendance policy accommodates those hectic schedules.

9. Communicate expectations clearly. This is just good communication practice. In general, this will help your Chapter function better and work cooperatively.

All of these tips may not completely solve your time crunch; however they can most certainly help. Organization is absolutely vital when it comes to maximizing your meeting productivity. For further information feel free to contact me at sedpres@tbsigma.org. Here’s to making your meeting minutes count!

In the Bond,
Sarah Cox
Southeast District President
Tau Beta Sigma
Epsilon Alpha Chapter

Key to Chapter Success: Effective Communication

Effective communication—everyone talks about it, but do we really use it? We live in the technological age of cell phones, PDA’s, and computers. These resources have changed the way we communicate with each other in daily life. It can be so easy to rely on emails and cell phones for good communication practices, yet we sometimes forget what it really means to have truly effective communication within our Chapters. So let’s take a moment to break it down. Below, I have compiled ten easy steps to effective communication within your Chapter.

1. Communicate from the top down. The Chapter President should be included (Carbon Copied on emails) in all officer correspondence and committee correspondence. Likewise, all committee chairs and officers should be communicating with Chapter members with regular reports.

2. Communicate from the bottom up. Chapter members should feel like they have a voice, even if they do not hold a Chapter office. Chapter members need to voice their concerns to their officers and speak up! Chapter officers should also be communicating with district officers. We want to know what’s going on in your Chapter. Open those lines of communication!

3. Assume nothing! One of the most common break downs in communication is assuming something that isn’t true. Effective communication means informing all parties involved, and using explicit directions and instructions. You need to clearly communicate all expectations and information.

4. Use multiple methods! Some people do not receive text messages, or check their e-mail daily. You need to devise a communication strategy that meets the needs of all of your chapter members. Send information out over e-mail, post it to your website, use Facebook, hand it out in paper form, and verbally communicate it, because this will ensure that everyone is “in the know!”

5. Establish a communication action plan. Make a commitment to communicate x amount of times per month, per week, etc. Draw up a communication contract, make commitments to each other. This will help you hold each other accountable for the dissemination of information.

6. Summarize and organize information! When you send out e-mails or give out hand-outs with large amounts of information, be sure to provide a brief summary at the beginning, state the information, then give a brief recap at the end with the important points/dates/information, because not everyone likes to read long documents and sort through lengthy e-mails. Use color and bold text to highlight important points!

7. Make a phone tree! Sometimes, stuff comes up and we may need to get information out fast. Don’t underestimate the phone tree! This will help the President disseminate information quickly and effectively, without having to take it all on themselves.

8. Listen more than you speak! You know the old saying, “Listen twice as much as you speak, because you have two ears and only one mouth.” Chapter members need to feel like they have a voice in Chapter affairs. Sometimes it’s good to shut up, and listen up! Let your Chapter members do the talking, rather than just your officers. And don’t forget to be an active listener and engage yourself in the conversation!

9. Ask questions! Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you don’t understand something, speak up and make sure that you understand! There really is no such thing as a bad question!

10. Be a pro-active communicator! Devise strategies to help you and your Chapter communicate more effectively. Listen to each other, and help get everyone in your Chapter “in the know!”

These ten steps are not end-all solutions to your communication problems, but hopefully, will help get you and your Chapter back on track. Don’t forget that communication does go two ways, so please remember that your District Council is here to serve you! Communicate both up and down the Tau Beta Sigma chain!

In the Bond,
Sarah Elizabeth Cox

SED Chapter Visits!

I have been fortunate enough this semester to get the opportunity to travel around and visit a few Chapters! It has been quite the semester! I have travelled to Georgia Southern, to SC State, to Alcorn, the University of Mississippi, Georgia Tech, and visited with Sisters from the University of Florida. I decided to write a little blog and share some of my pictures and adventures with you all!

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of visiting with the Epsilon Theta Chapter at Georgia Tech for their initiation of their Fall 2007 candidate class. I was able to spend time with their Chapter, and even had the pleasure of hearing the Iota Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi serenade the new Sisters. Best wishes and CONGRATS to the new Sisters of Epsilon Theta!

On November 4, I travelled to Alcorn State University and had the honor of representing the National Council and installing our newest Chapter in the nation, Theta Gamma! These ladies were fantastic! They were so enthusiastic and anxious to become a part of the Sisterhood. A special thanks goes out to the Zeta Phi Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma for all of their hard work as the advising Chapter. This was such an awesome experience, getting to bring the spirit and love of the SED to our newest chapter in our District and Nation! Congratulations Theta Gamma!

This past weekend, I visited with Beta Xi as they came to USC for the USC-Florida game! I travelled to Charleston, SC and dined with some of their candidates and showed them a bit of our Southern flair (and BBQ)! The Gators left Columbia with a victory and loads of Sisterhood!

During my 1400 mile treip to and from Mississippi, I had the chance to stop by and visit with Beta Tau at the University of Mississippi! I was able to attend the Northwestern State and Ole Miss game and had a fantastic visit! I had the opportunity to workshop with the Chapter Officers and discuss how to make this year, the best year yet for Beta Tau!

A few weeks ago, I also visited with Georgia Southern. Unfortunately, I forgot my camera, but nonetheless, I had an awesome visit!!!! The Sisters of Eta Xi showed me the ropes of game day in Statesboro and took me to a football game versus the Citadel. We ended the weekend with an alumni weekend picnic, good food, and many memories!

I wanted to give a special thanks to the Chapters that have housed me and allowed me to visit with them! It has truly been a pleasure. But wait, there are more Chapter visits to come!!! Got an event happening? Let me know, and maybe I can make the trek out your way to visit. I am looking forward to visiting with many more of you as my term continues into next semester. So keep your eyes and ears peeled, because you may be next!

In the Bond,

Sarah

SED President

Deadlines, Deadlines!!!!!

Some deadlines are fast approaching!

December 1st:
District Leadership Conference Bids are due!
Fall Activity Reports are due!
National Award Applications are due!

DON'T BE LATE!

Fall Activity Report forms can be found at:
http://www.tbsigma.org/Forms/TBS_FallActivityReport.pdf

Awards Applications can be found at:
http://www.kkytbs.org/sed/tbshome.html

Last, don't forget, all Initiate Registration forms and money are due to National Headquarters no later than 30 days after initiation! Don't be late!!!

Initiate Registration Forms can be found at:
http://www.tbsigma.org/Forms/New%20IRF%20-%20TBS.doc

Please let me know if you have any questions!
In the Bond,
Sarah Cox
SED President
coxse@sc.rr.com

DLC Bid Forms Now Available Online!

You can now download the form online at:
http://www.kkytbs.org/sed/tbshome.html

Don't forget, DLC Bids are due by December 1st to both me and Heather Owens, KKY SED President!!!!

Get involved in the SED, bid to host DLC!

District Leadership Conference Bid Forms Now Available!

Brothers and Sisters of the Southeast District,

It is that time again for the District Leadership Conference! If you have never attended this event, it truly is a valuable experience. Held in late January, to mid-February, it is a one day meeting filled with workshops and forums. While initially geared towards chapter officers it has expanded to provide something for every Brother and Sister in the SED. In addition to providing tools for you to bring back to your chapter, it is a great time to socialize and get ready for District Convention.

Why should you bid? First it brings Brothers and Sisters across the District to you! It is a great chance to show off your school and your chapter(s). It is also a good opportunity to get your feet wet in district hosting, especially if you would like to host District Convention in the future. Your District Councils are here to help you, and we would love to see new chapters put in a bid. If you are not sure what hosting entails, feel free to contact either of your District Presidents to learn more about it.

We encourage every chapter to consider putting in a bid. Please fill out the form as complete as possible and mail to Sarah Cox and Heather Owens by December 1, 2007. Only complete bid forms will be considered. Thank you and we look forward to seeing you soon!

ITB,
Sarah Cox
SED TBS President
(843) 618-3099
sedpres@tbsigma.org

Heather Owens
SED KKPsi President
(678) 643-3540
howens08@gmail.com


RETURN TO :
Sarah Cox
1009 Virginia St.
Unit B
Columbia, SC 29201 Heather Owens

Heather Owens
355 Riverbend Pkwy.
Apt 30
Athens, GA 30605

Note: (1 copy must go to each District President)

The form will be posted online within the week. Copies have already been e-mailed out on the TBS Southeast District Listserv. For more information and/or a copy of the form, email me at sedpres@tbsigma.org.

Honda Battle of the Bands

The Atlanta Alumni Association (AAA) is selling tickets for the 2008 HONDA Battle of the Bands.

Tickets are $15 and Brian Jones, Alumnus of the Iota Theta Chapter of KKPsi and a member of the AAA is the Point of Contact (POC).
He can be reached at the following email if you have any further questions: atlalumni191946@yahoo.com

Please send your CHECK OR MONEY ORDER to the following mailing address:
Atlanta Alumni Association
PO Box 20609
Atlanta, GA 30320

THE DEADLINE is OCTOBER 22nd to guarantee a seat in this section! Tickets are going fast!

Please note that tickets are $10 (via ticketmaster) for this event but a ticket bought through the Atlanta Alumni Association guarantees you a seat in the KKPsi/ TBSigma block section of tickets. The extra $5 goes towards the scholarship fund that Atlanta Alumni Association uses to give scholarships to high school students in the Atlanta area.

Got a minute? Check out http://www.hondabattleofthebands.com/ and vote for your favorite bands. There are several TBS chapters up for invites to the competition!

WIN/WIN Membership Drive!

Who: Tau Beta Sigma
What: WIN/WIN Membership
"Your band wins by growing the TBS Sisterhood and your Chapter becomes eligible to win a PAID registration for your 2008 District Convention Delegate!"

How: For every 10% increase of your registered membership, your Chapter will enter the drawing for a PAID registration for your District Convention! Initiate 20% of your total membership, your Chapter will be entered twice, for 30%, your Chapter will be entered three times, etc.
NOTE: Must pay dues, file Chapter Personnel Report, and Initiate Registration Forms ON TIME to National Headquarters in order to qualify for drawing!

Formula: (A little math for you...)
Number of initiated members DIVIDED BY total Chapter members.
Reminder, all numbers are based on forms received at NHQ.
Example: 4 new initiates/ 20 Chapter members= 20%

YOU MUST COMPLETE THE WIN/WIN MEMBERSHIP FORM LOCATED AT:
http://tbsigma.org/Flyers/WinWin%20Membership%20Flyer.doc

Deadline: The form must be received two weeks prior to your District Convention.
*If your Chapter Initiates after the 2008 Convention, you will be entered in the drawing for the 2009 Convention Season.

Please send form to:
Dollie McDonald at dolliemcdonald@tbsigma.org
AND
Mail to NHQ - PO Box 849 Stillwater, OK 74076

All Chapters that participate will be recognized with a certificate at the 2009 National Convention!

Recruiting Methods

From Dollie McDonald Oneill
_________________________________
Directions: Go through each of the questions as an Officer group or Council. Record the answers, and document in your officer notebooks and share with your chapter BEFORE you begin your membership process. If you make changes to your recruiting style, record the changes and compare before starting the following recruiting process. Document any progress in result of the changes and conducting the Chapter Assessment of you recruiting style. Feel free to share your assessment results, changes, or progress with your District or National Officers.

1. Does your Chapter discuss recruiting methods prior to the membership education process? YES or NO
2. Would you consider your Chapter more "Aggressive Recruiters" or "Passive Recruiters"?
3. Define what Aggressive and/or Passive means to your Chapter. Discuss the definitions and relay to your Chapter members the difference between your definitions.
4. Does your Chapter keep the focus of the Mission & Vision Statements when recruiting for new members? YES or NO
5. Does your Chapter look at the Band and/or Music Department membership and recruit based on the logistics? (For example recruiting for music majors, non-music majors, different instruments, different bands, etc.)?
6. If so, how do you recruit various members, instrumentation, etc.?
7. Who in your Chapter assists with the recruiting efforts? Vice President of Membership, Membership Committee, or the Chapter as a whole?
8. Does your Chapter President or Vice President or both meet with your Director of Bands and/or Sponsor to assist the Chapter with recruiting efforts? YES or NO
9. If the answer is YES to No. 8, what is the process of working with your Sponsor and/or Director of Bands for recruiting? Please describe and discuss with your Chapter.
10. How many recruiting events do you host to give information about Tau Beta Sigma before starting the Membership Process?
11. Does your whole Chapter attend various recruiting events or participate with recruiting efforts?
12. What kind of members does your Chapter look for when recruiting for Tau Beta Sigma?
13. What tools do you use to recruit members for Tau Beta Sigma? (i.e. Wearing Letters, brochures, DVD, informational flyers, sharing the Mission Statement or Purpose of TBS, etc? List the tools and share with your Chapter.
14. Does your Chapter have a Continuing Education or Post-Membership Education Program?
15. After initiation of new members, does your Chapter review the recruiting efforts and membership education process?
16. Overall comments, thoughts, and discussion on recruiting.

Want to improve your recruitment and membership education process? Take the time to complete this Chapter assessment!

Musical Service Month

Hey guys, its October, and you know what that means! Its Musical Service Month! You all should have received a form in your District Fall mailout. Please contact Contella Crawford, SED VP for Special Projects if you did not receive one. She can be reached at sedvpsp@tbsigma.org

What can you do for Musical Service Month? LOTS! This is a great time to get going with your new National Program, Scouting for Music. Get involved with your local area Girl/Boy Scouts, and help them earn their music badges.

Why not perform at local schools or help with area high school bands. Music outreach can be powerful. You may want to play for local area nursing homes, special needs groups, or even the Special Olympics!!!

Why not go the extra mile and do something amazing for your own band, like clean the stadium, host a uniform repair party, copy music, organize folders, organize music libraries. The possibilities are endless!! Talk to your band director and find out what more you can do to help the Southeast celebrate Musical Service Month !

Please contact me or Contella for more details!

Featuring: Gamma Epsilon!!!

I recently received an e-mail update from the Gamma Epsilon chapter at Miami. They are doing some pretty great stuff down there and I thought I might share a few morsels with you all! So this week, I am featuring Gamma Epsilon on my blog! Want to be featured? Let me know what's up in your neck of the woods!
---------------------------------------------
From Gamma Epsilon:
Our Sisterhood Committee has set up secret events for the second Friday of every month for the fall. The committee would give away clues during Chapter for us to try to figure out what activity we were going to do. Our first event ended up being a Guitar Hero tournament and lasagna dinner made by Chris Kumetz. So awesome!

Moral Committee, a group directed towards making fun events for the entire band, just got done throwing a band beach picnic this past Sunday. A whole bunch of people came to eat hot dogs and hamburgers, play volleyball, and have a great time all around. The committee is also planning on having a few contests after Friday practices leading up to our band taking a trip up to Tallahassee and playing FSU. It is named "Rally to Tally" and features pairing up two sections of the band that usually don't spend much time with each other to increase band unity.

To recruit people into Tau Beta Sigma our Membership Educator Laura Lopez set up an after practice service project/ice cream social. Everyone in the band was invited to come and help us make and paint picture frames. The frames would have an insert saying "The Band of the Hour loves U" with the U being a picture of our pre game formation of the U. We later gave these pictures to children in a Miami Children's Hospital.

The Service Committee is also making strides this year. We went to a Elementary school last Friday to talk to fifth graders and get them interested. We played excerpts and briefly explained each instrument. The kids went wild over The Super Mario Brothers Theme Song. :) They are also planning a whole music speaker series this semester using a few of our honoraries and possibly bringing some new speakers in.I could go on and on because I am so proud of our Chapter this semester, but I need to go. I hope this puts a smile on your face or gives you an idea or two to share with everyone else in the SED.

ITB,
Roberta Schmidt
President, Gamma Epsilon
---------------------------------------------

Pretty awesome, huh? I'd really love to hear from some more of you in the district, so please send me an e-mail and be the next chapter featured on my blog! Better yet? Why not also write for the 8th note! Don't forget, 8th Note submissions are due to Jessica Mazzeo, mazzeo@mailbox.sc.edu by November 1.

In the Bond,
Sarah
SED President

Sisterhood & Spirit, By Request!

Many of you voted below and said you want to know more about boosting sisterhood and spirit in your chapter. First, lets start with something easy. We all have chants, and if you went to either SED Convention or National Convention you might have learned a few. A staple of the Southeast is our own 1-9-4-6 Cheer. It goes:
1-9-4-6! Dooooooooohretsis Teeee B-S! Alleyoop!

Another staple is the age-old TBS three part chant.
Part 1:
T-A-U--B-E-T-A--S-I-G-M-A, Tau Beta Sigma!

Part 2:
T--T-A--T-A-U-B-E-T-A--S-I-G, S-I-G-M-A.

Part 3:
(In singing style) Tauuuuuu Beta Sigma.

Please feel free to ring me up and have me demonstrate any of the above. I will be glad to embarrass myself with my outstanding vocal abilities. :) I wish I had a way of putting the audio for these up, but I don't have any such recordings. (If you or your chapter has a recording, please send me a copy!)

On to more serious items...as I talk to many of you at your respective schools, it seems that it is really easy to get bogged down in the service that we lose sight of the sisterhood aspect of our sorority. Some times, its good to slow down and take the time to smell the roses, so to speak. Some great Sisterhood and team building exercises include:

1. Get a ball of yarn. Sit in a circle. Start with one person and share an issue, or problem, either personal or issue with the sorority. Then throw the yarn across the circle to another speaker, hanging on to your end. Keep this going until you are all intertwined and connected by a web of yarn.

2. Joys & Frustrations. Take five minutes before every meeting to share 1 joy and 1 frustration with your Sisters.

3. Fluffy Frustrations. Stand in a circle. Give each person three to four marshmallows. One person begins by sharing one frustration that they are having that day. If anyone in the circle agrees, they get to throw a marshmallow at the speaker. This shows that we all share frustrations and lets you take out a little fury on each other without harm. Besides, the less frustration you have, the more marshmallows you get to eat!

4. Lock-in. Ask your band director for permission to host a lock in the day before a football game in your band hall. You may have to be up for rehearsal or the game in the morning anyway, so why not spend it together. Play hide and seek, board games, eat pizza, and just spend some time with each other.

5. Factor-Quality Notebook. Get a cheap journal notebook, write all of the factors and qualities in it, leaving room for entries in between. Each week pass the notebook from member to member. While in your possession, you write about another sister or sisters that embodied that factor or quality. Begin each meeting reading the entry for that week, then pass it along. This gives you an opportunity to recognize each other and lift each others spirits.

6. Turtle Pal. Get a miniature stuffed turtle and each meeting pass it on to a member who is having a bad week or day. The turtle symbolizes the support and love of your chapter.

7. Plan an outing. Sometimes something as simple as visiting another chapter, travelling to another chapter's ritual, going to convention, the fair, the movies, marching contests, high school football games, etc. can really build up the bond. Keep it simple, get involved, invest in each other's interests.

While none of these items above are quick fixes, they are indeed ways to build the bond of Sisterhood in your chapter. These are simply a few things my chapter and other chapters around the SED do to maintain that bond. Got an idea or something you do that isn't on that list? Let me know!

Remember bonding comes through shared experiences. So let's create some experiences to share!

"...there is no friend like a sister
In calm or stormy weather;
To cheer one on the tedious way,
To fetch one if one goes astray,To lift one if one totters down,
To strengthen whilst one stands."

In the Bond,
Sarah

Making Tau Beta Sigma Great!

Those of us that attended National Convention this past July in Orlando, Florida had the pleasure of hearing Dr. Lori Ebert speak on how to make Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma great organizations. So how do we make Tau Beta Sigma great?

It’s a new school year and your chapter has the opportunity to make a fresh start with renewed energy. Before we can dive head first, let’s take a look at ourselves in the mirror. Dr. Ebert says there are three types of members in your organization, prisoners, vacationers, and explorers. The prisoners are the members who feel stuck, are apathetic, and just drudge along. The vacationers are the “jump on the band wagon” members who are all talk, but no walk. They are often energetic, outgoing from time to time, but rarely consistent. The explorers are the nerds of the organization. They try new things, have new ideas, plan and follow through. The explorers drive your organization. In an ideal world, we would want all of our members to be explorers, right? This is sadly not the case. However, you can get the vacationers to dabble in exploration, and the prisoners to break down their prison bars. How do we do it? Ownership and accountability are essential to change!

You want your members to “buy into” the Tau Beta Sigma product. To get them involved, you have to give them something to be involved in. If the officers are running your chapter, and you as an active just "show up" to events and functions, no wonder we have so many prisoners and vacationers. Officers, do not underestimate the power of delegation. Use your active membership’s strengths. Delegating tasks creates ownership. If someone is good at something, let them know, and use that talent. How many times do we go to chapter meetings and ask for volunteers? Often, it is like pulling teeth! Is your chapter running like a dentist’s office or a cooperative and collaborative organization? When you do delegate tasks, projects, and assignments to your membership, hold them accountable. Make sure that you let them know what you expect out of them and when you expect it.

Dr. Ebert tells us that good leaders do five things:
1. Good leaders tell the truth.
2. Good leaders follow through.
3. Good leaders build trust.
4. Good leaders accentuate the positive.
5. Good leaders redirect the negative.

So how do you measure up as a leader? How does your chapter measure up as leaders? The most important thing to remember is that you do not need a title to lead. You joined Tau Beta Sigma because you wanted to be a part of the band leadership.

Dr. Tim Lauthenhizer tells us that, “Postives come and go, but negatives accumulate.” How many negatives have you allowed to accumulate? What have you done with the positives? Good leaders transform morale. You want your membership to feel like they matter, whether you have a membership of 5 or a membership of 50. It is inevitable that members will come to their leadership with problems. Dr. Ebert says that when people come to you with problems, ask them two questions:
1. What is your problem?
2. What are you going to do about the problem?

To have a successful year, you need to first assess yourself and your chapter as leaders. As leaders you need to make commitments to yourself and your chapter. How can you make your chapter great? You have the power of choice. What will you choose to do with this experience in Tau Beta Sigma?

A special thanks to Dr. Lori Ebert for her outstanding presentation at National Convention 2007 in Orlando, FL.
In the Bond,
Sarah Cox
SED President

SED CONVENTION BID DEADLINE RAPIDLY APPROACHING!

The deadline for Southeast District Convention bid is rapidly approaching. All bids must be postmarked by Sept. 15. The following message is from Iliana Rosado, SED Counselor.
---------------------------------------------------------------
This is a reminder that ALL SED Convention BIDS must be postmarked by THIS, Friday, September 15.

Remember bids must be mailed to ALL of the following people:
Iliana Rosado
TBS SED Counselor
2731 Lake Fern Ave.
Orlando , Fl 32822

Dr. David O’Shields
KKY SED Governor
26 Crown Point CourtIrmo, SC 29063

Michael Green
KKY SED Governor
P.O. Box 541Starkville, MS 39760

Please look below for BID Guidelines. We look forward to receiving all bids
ITB
TBS Counselor and KKPsi Governors
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Greetings Southeast District,

Hosting a District Convention can be one of the most rewarding experiences for a chapter. The Southeast District is searching for outstanding chapters to host our upcoming 2008 Southeast District Convention. We encourage all chapters big and small to consider taking on this great honor of hosting convention.

Bid Packets should include the following:
1. Letter of intent and reason for bidding by the chapter Executive Council
2. Letter of support from Chapter Sponsor
3. Letter of support from Director of Bands
4. Chapter Profile:
A. Current Membership- actives, initiates, and alumni (past 2 years)
B. Chapter Finances- previous and current year (include joint account if applicable)
C. Recent Activities Report and Service Projects.
5. Convention Information
A. Dates and Location
-Primary Dates for Convention (Friday night- Saturday)
-Secondary Dates for Convention (Friday night-Saturday)
-Location of Convention
-Convention Hotel(s)
B. Hotel
-Number of hotel rooms reserved
-Cost per hotel room
-Occupancy per hotel room
-Transportation to and from facilities
-Hotel Parking Costs
C. Conference and Meeting Rooms
-Number and occupancy of conference rooms (include floor plan)
-Cost of conference rooms
-Copying/Typing/Computer facilities available
-Cost of wireless Internet
-Cost for audiovisual equipment
-Space for Reading Band and Auxiliary Clinics
-Occupancy for Concert venue (for Friday night)
-Cost for Concert venue
-Name of Concert group(s) performing Friday night
-Miscellaneous cost for concert performers
-Occupancy of Banquet Facility (for Saturday night)
-Cost of banquet per person
-Parking available
D. Convention Budget
-cost for each attendee
-registration folders
-name tags
-banquet costs
-Mailings-3 times a year
-equipment
-meeting rooms
-miscellaneous expenses

Bid packets must be postmarked by September 15, 2007 to be considered and mailed to both Kappa Kappa Psi Governors (Michael Green & Dr. David O’Shields) AND the Tau Beta Sigma Counselor (Iliana Rosado).

Iliana Rosado
TBS SED Counselor
2731 Lake Fern Ave.
Orlando , Fl 32822

Dr. David O’Shields
KKY SED Governor
26 Crown Point Court
Irmo, SC 29063

Michael Green
KKY SED GovernorP.O. Box 541
Starkville, MS 39760

Recruitment, by request!

Hey guys! In the poll below, several of you wanted to know about recruitment and membership. So I am going to break this up into two chunks. So let's talk recruitment. In order to recruit you as a chapter need to first outline what kind of member you are going to recruit. What are your standards?

A good place to start is to think about our three tenets:
Musicianship, Sisterhood, & Service

We obviously want to recruit good musicians. Music is what we are all about! We also want to recruit people that want to serve the band. We also want people that are going to make good sisters. Look over your factors and qualities. What do you think is important in selecting candidates? As a chapter, you should outline the standards you are looking for in candidates. This will ensure that you are recruiting the types of people you want in your organization.

How do we recruit them? This is an excellent question! First and foremost, remember it is an honor to be selected to serve. You don't have to give out bids only to the people that attend your events. "To honor outstanding members of the band, through privilege of membership, in the Sisterhood, extended in recognition of musical achievement, demonstrated leadership, and an enthusiastic approach to band activities." This is your measuring stick! Nowhere in our purposes does it say "they have to come to our rush events."Iif they meet your criteria and would be good for your organization, honor them with a bid, whether they have shown interest or not. You may just open their eyes to an opportunity that they had not seen!

On the topic of recruitment events, why not try a service based rush? Involve your potential candidates in service projects. Some ideas for service based recruitment events include:
1. Black and White Social, Clean the White Boards in your Band Hall or School of Music, then serve ice cream and fudge.
2. Invite the band to come help with Uniform Inventory
3. Play at a local high school football game, invite members of the band.
4. Play for Volleyball games at your school.
5. Host a penny war, canned food drive, music drive, etc. Involve members of your band.
& Much, much more! (Got ideas? Send them my way, so that I can share!) You can also ask your band director for ideas.

We want our potential candidates to see what we are all about. We want them to be involved in our service, both before they become candidates and as candidates.
Other recruitment ideas (non-service based) include:
1. Host a pineapple social. Serve pineapple, pineapple upside down cake, and pineapple sundaes.
2. Go Bowling.
3. Host a Game night.
4. Do something crafty, carve pumpkins, make banners for the football game, paint t-shirts.
5. Host a formal tea or evening social. Serve desserts and sparkling grape juice.
6. Host a joint informational with KKY, PMA, &/or SAI.
7. Host a band field day.
8. POT LUCK. These are wonderful and save your chapter $!
9. Host a barbecue or picnic.
10. Host a team building session.
11. Offer tutoring services to your band. Host a band study night!
12. Host a talent/step show for your band.

Got recruitment ideas or something that works for your chapter? Let me know!

You want your recruitment activities to be fun, engaging, and informational. You don't want to deviate too far from stuff you would also normally do as a chapter, so that potential candidates get a realistic view of the organization. Most importantly, make sure you get to know your potential candidates, so that you can decide if they meet the standards that you as a chapter have laid out. Why not have potential members fill out a brief questionnaire. This may make it easier to vote on bids.

Remember, once you give a candidate a bid, and put them through ritual, you are promising them that you as a chapter will do everything in your power to help make them the best sister that they can be. We are an organization that exists to develop leadership and serve bands. Do not think of the membership process as a "weed out" process. If they are not up to the standards set by your chapter, they are probably not right for the process, at least not at that time. We want to develop our candidates into great sisters and foster growth. The process is designed to be a positive and uplifting experience. The chapter functions as the support structure for the candidates. Assess your membership process before your candidates begin a membership process:
1. Is your process a positive and uplifting experience?
2. How are you training your candidates to be the best sisters that they can be?
3. How are you fostering musicianship, character education, and academic success in your candidates?
4. Are you as a chapter upholding the very values and core of your membership education process? Remember, you are the models for your candidates.
5. How can you better incorporate music, sisterhood, service, and leadership development into your membership education process?

Chapter assessment and reflection are great ways to determine what works for your chapter's membership education process and what could be improved. Make sure that your chapter is involved not only in the process itself, but in the design and assessment of the membership process. The bond of Sisterhood is formed through shared experiences. The candidates should not be seen as a separate entity, instead as an included and supported entity. Candidacy is a training process, not a testing process.

If you have any questions, thoughts, concerns, or ideas, please contact me!
In the Bond,
Sarah
coxse@sc.rr.com