The Epsilon Kappa Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi has a strong focus on service. Usually this service happens in the form of targeted service projects as guided by the Director of Bands. Other times this comes in the form of band social events, or through service to public school bands in the area. Every year EK makes a significant impact on the ASU Band and bands throughout the Concho Valley. Here are just a few examples of the work we do:
Ensuring the Promotion and Welfare of the ASU Band Program
Each year EK carries out multiple projects directly related to meeting the needs of its ensembles. Here are projects carried out just in the last year:
The old director's podium was falling apart after a long tour of duty. However, it was obvious that a new podium was needed, and so the chapter built a new one. This podium was made to the director's dimension specifications, but also came with two transportation features in the form of handles (for carrying) and wheels on one side (for rolling.
As of last spring, the EK chapter is now involved with concert promotion. When the flyers arrive from the printer they are distributed to brothers, who then go to designated buildings around campus to post the flyers on bulletin boards.
This year, prior to Early Week, the brothers cleaned and organized the Instrument Room, which had been a known disaster area prior. This made moving in and out before and after rehearsal a much more efficient.
And these are just a few examples of projects carried out in this area. |
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Fostering a Sense of Family Within the Band
Each year the Brothers of Epsilon Kappa produce several great band social activities, the goal of which is to extend the sense of family within our chapter throughout the band. These activities give all band members the chance to blow off steam during the year while also getting to know each other better in a fun and safe environment.
The flagship event the chapter produces single handedly is Vegas Game Night. The band hall is transformed into a casino. Brothers wear a uniform, and serve as wait staff, dealers, drink servers, and chip dealers. Brothers also provide live music to enhance the atmosphere, usually in the form of a piano vocalist or a jazz combo. There is no charge to go to this event, but prizes are awarded for the "best dressed" of the evening as well as for the chip leader at the end of the night.
Another major event that EK produces jointly with its Tau Beta Sigma counterpart, the Delta Tau Chapter, is the annual Ram Band Halloween Fun Night. This event is a long standing tradition and one of the best social events of the year for band members. Typically the event includes a haunted house, followed by either a dance or spooky games! Snacks and beverages are also served, and all of it is offered to the band free of charge.
EK has also traditionally been one of the primary sponsors for the fall Ram Band Banquet. Other examples of social activities for the band have included football, dodgeball, movie nights, video games, and more.
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Service to Public School Bands
There are also a handfull of projects the chapter handles in an effort to engage and improve the quality of public school bands in the Concho Valley.
The San Angelo Marching Festival is the largest marching contest in West Texas, with well over 20 bands in attendance each year. EK and the sisters of Delta Tau (Tau Beta Sigma) join together to fulfill nearly every role needed to make this contest a smooth operation throughout the day, and all before performing with the Ram Band in exhibition at the end of the day. While this contest benefits all the schools who attend, it is also a direct fundraiser for the Central High School Band.
Each year EK is asked to work the UIL Region 6 Solo & Ensemble Contest, which is held on the campus of Angelo State University. Brothers work as room monitors, runners, and handle any other tasks that may come up throughout the day.
Brothers are also involved in annual festivals hosted by our music department. These include the ASU Brass Festival and ASU Woodwind Day. This is also a great opportunity for the Brothers to directly interact with public school students throughout the day.
Other projects have included the joint KKPsi/TBSigma/Phi Mu Alpha clinic of the Menard High School Marching Band last year, and members of our chapter also serve at the ASU Band Camp and as technicians at high school marching band summer camps throughout the region. |
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Service is the most important part of Kappa Kappa Psi's mission, and as such the Epsilon Kappa Chapter strives to make the biggest possible impact on its band as well as bands throughout the Concho Valley.
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