As One Year Ends, Another Begins

Hello Sisters!

            This is the first blog post from the 2013-14 District Council! Woo!!

            If I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting you yet, allow me to tell you a little about myself: my name is Zach Marentay and I am a sophomore studying Sports Management at the University of Michigan.  I am a clarinet player in the Michigan Marching Band and Men’s Basketball Band, and this past year I served as the Corresponding Secretary for the Lambda Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma.  I also work as a tour guide for the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, so I give tours of our lovely campus to prospective freshmen interested in coming to Michigan.  You all may remember me as the guy Skyping everyone at NCD from Atlanta as I’m finally recovering from sleep deprivation through our basketball team’s run to the Final Four.  With that being said, I’m so thankful you’ve all put your confidence in me as the new Vice President of Special Projects, and I promise to serve you and collegiate bands across the district to the best of my ability.

            I wanted to use this first blog post to alert sisters around the district that while we finished this academic year with a very successful Convention, preparation for next year starts NOW!  It’s been wonderful to see all of the newly installed chapter officers through the NCD listserve, and I’d like to offer my personal congratulations to all of the newly elected officers!  Don’t forget to also update this information via the Chapter Personnel Update online, so that info is all set to go.

            Now we may be talking about preparing for next year, but who says it has to be all work and business?  Want to take a break and relax, all while having some FUN with your sisters from around the district?  Then consider coming to the 2013 Summer FUNction!  This year, FUNction will be held from June 21-23^rd at Dune Lake Campground in Coloma, MI, and sisters are welcome to join us for all or just a part of what looks to be a great weekend.  The campground is full of fun activities such as volleyball, beaches, mini-golf, a game room, ping-pong, and get this-you can even bring your pets!  Only $3/night to bring a furry friend of your own to join us for a weekend of fun.  FUNction will only cost a total of $25 this year to cover campground sites and food, and registration will be open very soon, so be on the lookout for that.  If you’d like any more info, you can visit the official Facebook event page, or contact me directly and I’ll answer any questions you have.

            I hope you all are excited for the things to come!  I know the council is super stoked for everything we have planned this year, and have already started preparing for a great year!  Best of luck with finals, and have a great summer!

Much Love In The Bond,

Zach Marentay

The Love of the Bond

Sisters,

I cannot believe that Convention is so close! It seems like only yesterday that I was elected to serve as the Vice President for Membership for our wonderful district, and I could not be happier that I was given the chance to do so.

As we come closer and closer to the end of my term, I start to reflect back on my experience as a District Officer. I think back to the Summer Council Meeting, MER, my communication with people in different chapters, planning for Blocks, etc, and the one thing that is a consistent theme in each of these memories is the love I have received from my sisters, and the support I have received from the Bond.

These are the very reasons why I wanted to serve as a District Officer! From the beginning Tau Beta Sigma has surprised me. When I came to college, I was the person who was vehemently against rushing a fraternity (or sorority). In my head, I saw the stereotypical "Animal House" organizations that partied all night and didn't care about doing well in school. All of this changed when I was approached by the wonderful sisters and brothers of the Zeta Alpha chapter of TBS. It was during band camp, and the hard work these individuals put into the band program was apparent. They were the first people at a rehearsal and they were the ones who cleaned up after we were done. Honestly, they were an inspiration to me as a freshman because they made me strive to become a leader in the bands at ISU.

I attended two rush events, and knew that this was the place I was meant to be. The atmosphere was that of a loving family, and that is what I needed most: a family while I was away from home. These wonderful people became much more than that. They became my best friends, the people I went to for everything. They made me feel welcome in a world that I had never experienced before, and I am eternally grateful for that.

The most amazing thing that I discovered when I was rushing, was that it was through this love for each other, this Bond, that they served the bands. TBS had taken a common passion and made it into something so much more. The Bond helped them serve and as I began to understand it more, it helped me serve.

Trust me there is a point to my rambling. There is more to be taken out of this blog other than Anthony is a giant sap! It is easy for us to forget what we are about. We can get so stuck in the rhythm of "business" that we forget why we do what we do. We love the music and bands with everything that we have! We have decided to serve the bands because of this passion.

Do not forget this passion! Do not forget the Bond! It is true that our purpose is to serve the bands. This should be held above everything else within the Sorority. However, the Bond and our passion for the bands help us to serve and to grow closer to the people around us. When appropriately applied to the Sorority, these two aspects inspire us to do so much more than we could ever dream of. I know that they were what inspired me to serve the bands back in the Fall of 2010.

So, as we get closer to our wonderful Convention, remember what TBS is, but most of all, remember why TBS is what it is. It may change your perspective and make things a little brighter.

We come together one and all, with music in our hearts.
In TBS we serve the bands and always do our part.
We're TBS and friends to all and we care what we do.
So, sing out loud and we'll be heard. To you we will be true.

I love you all and look forward to seeing you at Convention!

MLITB,

Anthony

The NCDIB Experience

Happy Sunday Evening Sisters!

The NCDIB at Convention 2012

Have you thought about participating in the North Central District Intercollegiate Band?? Well, you should! The NCDIB is the only of its kind in all of the districts of Tau Beta Sigma, so it is an experience you shouldn’t pass up! This year our guest conductor is Dr. Alicia Neal, from Eastern Illinois University. More information, including the application, can be found at: http://www.kkytbsncd.org/ncdib.html.

This experience can be a great resume booster, especially for music majors. It also highlights one of the 8 & 5: A mutual interest in the art of music, in its performance, and in the aesthetic qualities it can project to others. College Bands is what we are all about. We serve the bands, and the NCDIB is another way to do just that. You get to meet many other sisters and brothers, and share in an experience you will be sure not to forget!

Below are some personal accounts of past sisters who have participated in the NCDIB. I hope you find their stories interesting and will inspire you to join them in participating in the North Central District Intercollegiate Band.

Mackenzie playing Oboe

Mackenzie Ziegler- Epsilon at Butler University

I attended my first convention just last year and I really wanted to make the best of it, so I decided to join the NCDIB. This was honestly one of the best decisions I have ever made and I would sincerely recommend any sister to join the NCDIB. I was able to meet so many new people from all over the district and I still keep in touch with many of them today. Not only did I meet new brothers and sisters, but I was able to work with a new conductor and gain so much knowledge from him.

During the weekend we rehearsed here and there, but we were still able to attend everything else during convention. The flexibility of the schedule was so great and I didn't feel left out of anything during the convention. After hours of rehearsing, the NCDIB performs a concert open for everyone to see and it is a great feeling when your chapter cheers you on for all the hard work you had put into learning the music so quickly. I plan on applying again this year and I would be extremely pleased to see many more join this year so that they can experience all the fun that it has to offer!

MLITB,
Mackenzie Ziegler

Rebecca and Ashley

Rebecca Wagner- Alpha Delta at Ohio University

Hello NCD!!

Something that people overlook when coming to Convention is performing with the North Central District Intercollegiate Band! The main idea that brought all of us into Tau Beta Sigma was the “mutual interest in the Art of Music in its performance and in the aesthetic qualities it can project to others.”  So why not take part in the NCDIB?

This past year, I took part in this wonderful experience by performing with sisters and brothers from our wonderful district.  What you may not know is that we are the only district to have an Intercollegiate Band, which is quite the accomplishment.  This shows how dedicated we are to our purpose as an organization.  It was an amazing experience to get to know other brothers and sisters in the NCD and to perform beautiful music together.  We started rehearsing on Friday morning of convention weekend with Dr. John Madden from Michigan State University (a plus for music majors: it’s really a great experience to be a part of different ensembles with conductors from other universities!). We rehearsed throughout the day on Friday and Saturday and performed Saturday night before Banquet.  It wasn’t too time consuming; we still got to attend workshops and have meals with my sisters and I still got to be part of the Membership committee. 

We played a wide variety of pieces such as:

A Slavic Farewell by Vasilij Ivanovitj Agapkin, arranged by John R. Gourgeois

Carmina Burana by Carl Orff

Metroplex by Robert Sheldon

Loch Lomond for Concert Band by Frank Ticheli

American Barndance by Richard L. Saucedo

El Relicario by Jose Padilla, arranged by Robert Longfield

It was a really great educational and musical experience and it was very enjoyable to play with many talented musicians within our district.  The concert was amazing! At the end we received a really beautiful certificate for taking part in the North Central District Intercollegiate Band!

What startled me the most, however, is when we started talking about what chapters and organizations made up this great ensemble.  A majority of the ensemble was comprised of members of Kappa Kappa Psi and a small number of the band were sisters.  When I looked around and saw the small number of hands raised for being sisters of the North Central District, I couldn’t help but feel that sisters weren’t told of how great of an experience this could be.  There’s definitely nothing like making beautiful music with sisters in the Bond.  So why not try something different this district convention?  It is really a rewarding experience and you can still take part in many of the convention activities to bond with more of your sisters.  Let’s not forget that music is what brought everyone into Tau Beta Sigma and will influence your life even after your Active days are over!

MLITB,

Rebecca Wagner

Vice President of Membership at Alpha Delta

So! Moral of the story? Apply for the NCDIB! You'll have a great time, still get to enjoy convention and learn from a great guest conductor!

MLITB,

Carrie Lund

Awards! Awards! Awards!

Greetings, NCD!

Well, the *Magic Date* has come and passed... And I am SO PUMPED for the number of submissions for SPAM, OSPA, and Student Conductors!! There are definitely more than last year, which was my goal for you all. So congratulations!! I am so happy for you all!!

Don't forget that the deadline for National Scholarships is March 1st... which is Friday!! Like, of this week!! As in, 5 days from now. So apply!! Last year, scholarships went un-awarded because NO ONE APPLIED. No on applied for FREE MONEY. Blows my mind. So please, apply! That money is there for you to have and use toward your education. And believe me, as someone who now has to start paying back student loans... you want ALL the scholarship money you can get! :-)

Don't forget about the awards that are due at Opening Gavel of Separate Session at Convention... Sisterhood of the Traveling Suitcase (SOTS), Sister Soda Sipper, and Shutterbug. Refer to this year's awards packet for more details, or as always, feel free to call, text, email or Facebook me with any questions.

I have to say, I was VERY impressed with the turnout of last week's North Block. I don't know about you guys, but I'm getting really excited for West Block next weekend! I hope to see you all there!!

MLITB,

Elise

A College Student's Guide to Lexington, Kentucky

Hello NCDers!

Tomorrow is the Magic Date, and it’s 46 days until Convention! I’m not sure about you, but I know I am incredibly excited for everyone to visit my adopted hometown. I’m sure a lot of you don’t visit Kentucky often – let alone ever – so I decided to make a handy dandy guide for college students visiting The Horse Capital of the World.

The Lexington countryside

Lexington, founded in 1782, is also known as the “Athens of the West” for its early endeavors in medicine, literacy, and refined culture. Over the years, the city has played host for Abraham Lincoln AND Jefferson Davis (talk about a border state), Secretary of State Henry Clay (check out his estate and museum, Ashland), Mary Todd Lincoln, and Ashley Judd (an alumna of UK!).

The weather in April can be unpredictable, with sudden afternoon rainstorms, but average temperatures range from 65 to 45 degrees. When visiting Lex Vegas for Convention, I recommend bringing an umbrella and a light jacket for the cool evenings.

I got to Lexington really early, and I’m bored. Any ideas?

Uh, yes! Friday, April 5^th is a great day to be in Lexington. Why? Because it’s Keeneland College Scholarship Day! Starting at 11:00am, college students get in FREE to one of America’s most famous racetracks! They also hand out scholarships to some lucky students. Even if you don’t like betting on the ponies, take some time to walk across the beautiful Bluegrass-ed fields, or pick out a new Derby hat. For more information, click the link!  https://www.facebook.com/KeenelandCSD

Keeneland Race Track

I’m not really a fan of horses, got any other ideas?

Well if you insist…

Check out South Limestone Street, which connects UK’s campus to downtown Lexington. There are lots of regional restaurants and shops that you can’t find just anywhere. If the weather’s nice, it’s a beautiful walk!

Catherine, what are your favorite restaurants downtown?
Glad you asked! Here's my list:

Sav’s Grill – West African Cuisine

304 S. Limestone St.

I recommend the Peanut Chicken with Fufu dumplings!

http://www.savsgrill.com/

Tin Roof

305 S. Limestone St.

One part bar, one part grill – the portions are huge, you’ve been warned!

http://www.tinroofbars.com/Home/Lexington

Raising Cane’s

544 S. Upper St.

The ultimate chicken place. You haven’t lived until you’ve had Cane Sauce.

http://www.raisingcanes.com

Mellow Mushroom
503 S. Upper St.
The Hawaiian pizza is amazing! Also, check out the decor and murals on the walls!
http://mellowmushroom.com/store/lexington

The exterior of Mellow Mushroom

I’m super tired, and I need to eat. But I don’t want to go far from the hotel. Help!

Near the hotel, you have a Cracker Barrel, Waffle House, Denny’s, Subway, and McDonald’s!

Things to remember:

TOMORROW IS THE MAGIC DATE! If you have any questions, please contact us ASAP!

If you'd like to run for District Office, feel free to contact the current officer in the position for which you'd like to run.

Need more Lexington info? Leave it in the comments or email me at catherine.hann@uky.edu!

Opportunities for the rest of the year!

Hello my lovely Sisters!

We are fast approaching the Block season, and I must say that I am very excited about it! One of the things that I am truly passionate about is the CMEP, and here I have the opportunity to share my passion with all of you!

At all of the Blocks I will be discussing the way to schedule, research, plan, and present a CMEP. We will also discuss what should a CMEP should be based on. There are many different ways to talk about all of these things, and the more we talk the more we will learn!

Catherine and I will also be presenting on band leadership. How does one become a band leader? Who are the band leaders? These are questions that will be answered as we delve into this topic.

So what are you interested in? There are other workshops that can be highly beneficial to any chapter!

What does all of this mean? GET TO A BLOCK! These are priceless opportunities that should not be wasted! Get your chapter there!

Here is the schedule:

02-16-13: Ashland University
03-02-13: Indiana University
03-23-13: University of Cincinnati

You have no reason to not go! Please get out there and broaden your horizons:)

ITB,

Anthony

Together Towards Tomorrow

Greetings sisters!

Workshop season is upon us! North block is only 5 days away! Here is a quick link to remind you what is going on during blocks this year:  http://www.kkytbsncd.org/block.html

Another event to think about is District Convention, April 5^th-7^th, in Lexington, Kentucky.

Convention is all about learning new things to take back to your chapter and bonding with your fellow sisters and brothers. I have attended three conventions as an active member, and I have learned something new at each of them.

In 2010, district convention was in Dearborn, MI and it was my very first! I remember staying up all night talking and discussing issues with my chapter, making fun of a sister who thought the shaped butter at banquet was white chocolate, and finding my passion for our organization.

From left to Right: Caitlin, Beth, myself, Myranda, and Rachael from Zeta Alpha

At my very next convention, I decided to run for district office. As a generally shy person, this was quite a stretch outside the box for me. I had to step outside my comfort zone and interact with new people in a way I had never done before. I had to interview with sisters I had never met, including the chapters of individuals I was running against. Remarkably, I endured and found strength within myself I never knew I had.

My sisters and brothers from Zeta Alpha, aka my support system

Yes, it was hard. Yes, it was tiring. But yes, it was absolutely worth it. I had my sisters from Zeta Alpha beside me, the support of our sponsor and some kind words from then district president, Sky Buffington. Without all that support, I am sure I would have withered under the pressure.

I remember sitting in the back of the room, holding hands with my entire chapter as my name was reviled to be slated for president. I was incredibly happy, but it wasn’t over yet. Several minutes later after voting down the slate, and the voting for the president’s position was finished, my name was announced. I totally broke down. For those of you who know me even just a little bit, of course it was no surprise. Yet, I was still in shock.

Alex Price and I, taking the Oath of Office

This position has changed my life. No if ands or buts about it. I have grown as an individual, as a sister and as a leader. I encourage anyone thinking of a district position to talk to me or anyone else on council, so we can share our insights with you. Holding a district officer position is an amazing experience and you will not regret this opportunity to continue to serve the bands! I am stronger, wiser and so blessed to have gone on this journey. But, it’s not over yet! Join me in Lexington, KY for my final stop on my Tau Beta Sigma journey, and for some fun and learning about our great sorority. 

You won’t regret it. Promise!

Joey and I are all smiles at a CMEP

Much Love in the Bond,

Carrie Lund