Tau Beta Sigma
Encyclopedia
Tau Beta Sigma is a co-educational national honorary band sorority dedicated to serving college and university band
s. The Sorority, headquartered at the historic Stillwater Station in Stillwater, Oklahoma
, numbers over 3,500 active members in 145 active chapters, and over 40,000 alumni. Since 1947, Tau Beta Sigma has recognized Kappa Kappa Psi
as "an equal affiliated organization with a parallel purpose, function and role in the college and university band setting", and the two organizations hold joint convention
s and Tau Beta Sigma administers an alumni association
open to members of both organizations.
Tau Beta Sigma was founded at Texas Technological college (now Texas Tech University
) by Mrs. Wava Banes (Turner Henry). Due to corporation laws in the state of Texas at the time, however, the Texas Tech sisters surrendered their name, ritual, jewellery, constitution and Alpha Chapter designation to the local band sorority at Oklahoma State University. This had the additional effect of locating both of the Tau Beta Sigma and Kappa Kappa Psi Alpha chapters at the same school.
During these initial meetings of 1939-40, the women elected officers and began work on sorority crests and jewelry. The first officers of the organization were: president, Wava Banes; vice-president, Emily SoRelle; secretary, Lillian Horner; treasurer, Nita Furr; reporter, Barbara Griggs; and faculty sponsor, Mrs. D. O. Wiley. Miss SoRelle provided all of the sketch work on the emblem and shield that were adopted as the official emblems of the sorority. However, two of the founding members, Wava and Emily, graduated at the end of the spring 1940 term. As band enrollment changed due to participation in World War II, the girls of the Tech Bands continued to develop the fledgling organization. By October 1941, TBS had begun communications with the National Executive Secretary of Kappa Kappa Psi for assistance in becoming a national organization.
In June 1943, the Tech women petitioned the Grand Council of Kappa Kappa Psi to become an auxiliary part of the National Fraternity as an active chapter. Accepting the group under these circumstances, however, would have entailed a complete revision of the Kappa Kappa Psi constitution. With World War II in progress, it was unsure as to when the National Chapter would hold their next convention where the issue could be brought to debate. Rather than postponing action on the women’s request indefinitely, the women at Texas Tech approached A. Frank Martin, Grand Executive Secretary of Kappa Kappa Psi, in January 1946 to provide assistance in forming their own national organization, just as the National
Fraternity had done in 1919. Until a national convention of Kappa Kappa Psi could be held and the matter clarified, Tau Beta Sigma could be considered the “sister organization” of
the Fraternity. The Grand Council of Kappa Kappa Psi agreed that Tau Beta Sigma could share in all fraternal publications.
Through the assistance of A. Frank Martin, the ritual and National Constitution were completed. Likewise, the Balfour Company completed designs for the sorority badge and pledge
pin. When applying for a national charter, D.O. Wiley and the girls at Texas Tech again turned to A. Frank Martin and offered to turn over their work and the name Tau Beta Sigma to the women’s band sorority at Oklahoma A&M, known as Kappa Psi, to submit the articles of incorporation in Oklahoma. Through this act, the chapter at Oklahoma A&M would become the
Alpha Chapter. As part of this agreement, the chapter at Texas Tech, Beta, would be known as the founding location of the Sorority and the members stipulated that Wava Banes would
be known as the Founder, the agreement also specified that the 1st National President would be from the Beta Chapter.
Similar women’s organizations at Colorado University and the University of Oklahoma submitted petitions to join with the Texas Tech and O.A.M.C. chapter prior to the official charter being received. On March 26, 1946, a charter was granted by the Department of State for the State of Oklahoma legally establishing “Tau Beta Sigma, National Honorary Band Sorority,” later amended to “Tau Beta Sigma.” On May 4 of 1946, the members of the Alpha Chapter traveled to Lubbock, Texas, to officially install the women of Texas Tech as the Beta Chapter of the National Sorority.
Over the next twenty years, each National Council developed new ideas, programs, and projects to support the growing membership of the Sorority. Many of these concepts are still part of the organization today. Also during this time, the Sorority initiated many new ventures. The most significant joint project was the Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma
Commissioning Program. Don Gillis’, Ballet for Band, which was premiered by the 1953 National Intercollegiate Band, was the first of twenty-four pieces of band literature commissioned by the Sorority.
One of the landmark contributions Tau Beta Sigma made to the world of college and university bands was the creation of a national award designed to honor women for outstanding service to music. The Outstanding Service to Music Award was first presented in 1969 to Barbara Buehlman, music educator, composer, and executive administrator of the Mid‑West Band
and Orchestra Clinic.
The Silver Anniversary of Tau Beta Sigma was celebrated at the 1971 National Convention. The concert march, Tau Beta Sigma, by Donald I. Moore, was commissioned to commemorate the founding of the Sorority.
During the 1970s, Tau Beta Sigma continued to grow. Participation and service at the local, district, and national levels helped to improve the lines of communication between the National Council and the Active membership. In 1977, all former membership restrictions were removed and chapters were afforded the opportunity to initiate male members of the
band. In addition, the national fee structure was aligned and all former debts of the Sorority were eliminated. The Gamma Kappa Chapter at the University of Connecticut was the first coed chapter by more than one year. Considerable membership growth and colonization in the early 1980s sparked the Sorority to re-evaluate its programs and goals. There was a need to achieve a balance between the support services for chapters and colonies and public relations within the music profession.
During the 1980s, Tau Beta Sigma adopted national policies on hazing and alcohol. The geographical districts were restructured and renamed, and the Ritual of Tau Beta Sigma was revised to reflect the changes in the membership of the organization. A membership development program was also implemented, providing chapters with suggestions and information on the recruitment and education of Prospective Members and Candidates. A new Tau Beta Sigma March, published in 1990, Crest of Allegiance by Robert Foster, was commissioned through
a donation by Elizabeth Ludwig Fennell.
In November 1991, the National Councils of Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma purchased Stillwater Station, a former Santa Fe Railway Depot, to serve as the National Headquarters. The staff position of Tau Beta Sigma National Chapter Field Representative was created to assist with Chapter visitation and education, in 1993. In 1995, at the National Convention in Orlando, Florida, the Sorority joined together to kick off the celebration of the Fiftieth Anniversary of Tau Beta Sigma. Many special anniversary activities took place including: commissioning abust of the founder, Wava Banes Henry, initiating a National Sisterhood Week, and burying a Time Capsule on the grounds of Stillwater Station. One of the main focuses of the 50th Anniversary Celebration was to begin laying the foundation for Tau Beta Sigma’s next 50 years of service.
Technological advances assisted with communication efforts and plans for a new marketing strategy to revitalize membership were developed. A Mission Statement was created and then in 1997 a Strategic Planning Team was formed to allow the organization to participate in long range-planning and goal setting. This type of global thinking was introduced to all levels of the Sorority and has made us more efficient and successful. Reflecting the goals of the Mission Statement, the Women in Music Speakers Series was initiated at the 1997
District Conventions. This series features open discussions with women who have made important accomplishments in the music industry. The Women in Music Speaker Series was brought to the 1997 National Convention when composer Anne McGinty addressed the delegation and again in 1999 when composer Julie Giroux spoke to those in attendance.
Tau Beta Sigma continues to grow and flourish in the 21st Century by reflecting the changes within the membership, society, and the needs of the American Bands.
, a professional international fraternity for women with a strong interest in music.
In 1999, joint statements were issued by the leadership of Tau Beta Sigma and Sigma Alpha Iota, along with Kappa Kappa Psi and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia
, affirming "that there are equally important roles for Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Sigma Alpha Iota, Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma to fulfill on any campus where our chapters mutually exist, now or in the future. Each organization possesses a distinct mission and, as a result, fulfills a unique and vital role in the musical environment of a college campus" and that "A member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia or Sigma Alpha Iota can hold simultaneous membership in Kappa Kappa Psi or Tau Beta Sigma, subject to his/her own interests and the eligibility requirements of the other organizations. The same holds true for a member of Kappa Kappa Psi or Tau Beta Sigma with regard to membership in Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia or Sigma Alpha Iota."
The headquarters staff includes:
The current Board consists of:
District Counselors are regional advisors for the Sorority. They actively work with each district's student leadership and communicate with chapter sponsors. District Counselors are appointed by the National President for two-year terms, and are currently limited to serving three terms.
The districts are as follows:
Band (music)
In music, a musical ensemble or band is a group of musicians that works together to perform music. The following articles concern types of musical bands:* All-female band* Big band* Boy band* Christian band* Church band* Concert band* Cover band...
s. The Sorority, headquartered at the historic Stillwater Station in Stillwater, Oklahoma
Stillwater, Oklahoma
Stillwater is a city in north-central Oklahoma at the intersection of U.S. 177 and State Highway 51. It is the county seat of Payne County, Oklahoma, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 45,688. Stillwater is the principal city of the Stillwater Micropolitan Statistical...
, numbers over 3,500 active members in 145 active chapters, and over 40,000 alumni. Since 1947, Tau Beta Sigma has recognized Kappa Kappa Psi
Kappa Kappa Psi
Kappa Kappa Psi is a fraternity for college and university band members. It was founded on November 27, 1919 at Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College in Stillwater, Oklahoma. William Scroggs, now regarded as the "Founder," together with "Mr. Kappa Kappa Psi" A...
as "an equal affiliated organization with a parallel purpose, function and role in the college and university band setting", and the two organizations hold joint convention
Convention (meeting)
A convention, in the sense of a meeting, is a gathering of individuals who meet at an arranged place and time in order to discuss or engage in some common interest. The most common conventions are based upon industry, profession, and fandom...
s and Tau Beta Sigma administers an alumni association
Alumni association
An alumni association is an association of graduates or, more broadly, of former students. In the United Kingdom and the United States, alumni of universities, colleges, schools , fraternities, and sororities often form groups with alumni from the same organisation...
open to members of both organizations.
Tau Beta Sigma was founded at Texas Technological college (now Texas Tech University
Texas Tech University
Texas Tech University, often referred to as Texas Tech or TTU, is a public research university in Lubbock, Texas, United States. Established on February 10, 1923, and originally known as Texas Technological College, it is the leading institution of the Texas Tech University System and has the...
) by Mrs. Wava Banes (Turner Henry). Due to corporation laws in the state of Texas at the time, however, the Texas Tech sisters surrendered their name, ritual, jewellery, constitution and Alpha Chapter designation to the local band sorority at Oklahoma State University. This had the additional effect of locating both of the Tau Beta Sigma and Kappa Kappa Psi Alpha chapters at the same school.
History
The first practical idea for establishing a “band sorority” for college and university bandswomen came about during the spring semester of 1939. Wava Banes, along with two of her classmates (Emily SoRelle and Ruth La Nell Williams), took the idea to director D.O. Wiley of the Texas Technological College Band. The idea, patterned after Kappa Kappa Psi, began to come together the following semester and resulted in the campus organization Tau Beta Sigma. Much like the Fraternity, Tau Beta Sigma’s purpose at Tech was to serve as an honorary service and leadership recognition society, but was designed especially to provide the important additional social, educational, and other positive experiences needed by women in the band. The fledgling organization petitioned for recognition as an official campus organization from Dean of Women Mary Doak in spring 1940.During these initial meetings of 1939-40, the women elected officers and began work on sorority crests and jewelry. The first officers of the organization were: president, Wava Banes; vice-president, Emily SoRelle; secretary, Lillian Horner; treasurer, Nita Furr; reporter, Barbara Griggs; and faculty sponsor, Mrs. D. O. Wiley. Miss SoRelle provided all of the sketch work on the emblem and shield that were adopted as the official emblems of the sorority. However, two of the founding members, Wava and Emily, graduated at the end of the spring 1940 term. As band enrollment changed due to participation in World War II, the girls of the Tech Bands continued to develop the fledgling organization. By October 1941, TBS had begun communications with the National Executive Secretary of Kappa Kappa Psi for assistance in becoming a national organization.
In June 1943, the Tech women petitioned the Grand Council of Kappa Kappa Psi to become an auxiliary part of the National Fraternity as an active chapter. Accepting the group under these circumstances, however, would have entailed a complete revision of the Kappa Kappa Psi constitution. With World War II in progress, it was unsure as to when the National Chapter would hold their next convention where the issue could be brought to debate. Rather than postponing action on the women’s request indefinitely, the women at Texas Tech approached A. Frank Martin, Grand Executive Secretary of Kappa Kappa Psi, in January 1946 to provide assistance in forming their own national organization, just as the National
Fraternity had done in 1919. Until a national convention of Kappa Kappa Psi could be held and the matter clarified, Tau Beta Sigma could be considered the “sister organization” of
the Fraternity. The Grand Council of Kappa Kappa Psi agreed that Tau Beta Sigma could share in all fraternal publications.
Through the assistance of A. Frank Martin, the ritual and National Constitution were completed. Likewise, the Balfour Company completed designs for the sorority badge and pledge
pin. When applying for a national charter, D.O. Wiley and the girls at Texas Tech again turned to A. Frank Martin and offered to turn over their work and the name Tau Beta Sigma to the women’s band sorority at Oklahoma A&M, known as Kappa Psi, to submit the articles of incorporation in Oklahoma. Through this act, the chapter at Oklahoma A&M would become the
Alpha Chapter. As part of this agreement, the chapter at Texas Tech, Beta, would be known as the founding location of the Sorority and the members stipulated that Wava Banes would
be known as the Founder, the agreement also specified that the 1st National President would be from the Beta Chapter.
Similar women’s organizations at Colorado University and the University of Oklahoma submitted petitions to join with the Texas Tech and O.A.M.C. chapter prior to the official charter being received. On March 26, 1946, a charter was granted by the Department of State for the State of Oklahoma legally establishing “Tau Beta Sigma, National Honorary Band Sorority,” later amended to “Tau Beta Sigma.” On May 4 of 1946, the members of the Alpha Chapter traveled to Lubbock, Texas, to officially install the women of Texas Tech as the Beta Chapter of the National Sorority.
Over the next twenty years, each National Council developed new ideas, programs, and projects to support the growing membership of the Sorority. Many of these concepts are still part of the organization today. Also during this time, the Sorority initiated many new ventures. The most significant joint project was the Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma
Commissioning Program. Don Gillis’, Ballet for Band, which was premiered by the 1953 National Intercollegiate Band, was the first of twenty-four pieces of band literature commissioned by the Sorority.
One of the landmark contributions Tau Beta Sigma made to the world of college and university bands was the creation of a national award designed to honor women for outstanding service to music. The Outstanding Service to Music Award was first presented in 1969 to Barbara Buehlman, music educator, composer, and executive administrator of the Mid‑West Band
and Orchestra Clinic.
The Silver Anniversary of Tau Beta Sigma was celebrated at the 1971 National Convention. The concert march, Tau Beta Sigma, by Donald I. Moore, was commissioned to commemorate the founding of the Sorority.
During the 1970s, Tau Beta Sigma continued to grow. Participation and service at the local, district, and national levels helped to improve the lines of communication between the National Council and the Active membership. In 1977, all former membership restrictions were removed and chapters were afforded the opportunity to initiate male members of the
band. In addition, the national fee structure was aligned and all former debts of the Sorority were eliminated. The Gamma Kappa Chapter at the University of Connecticut was the first coed chapter by more than one year. Considerable membership growth and colonization in the early 1980s sparked the Sorority to re-evaluate its programs and goals. There was a need to achieve a balance between the support services for chapters and colonies and public relations within the music profession.
During the 1980s, Tau Beta Sigma adopted national policies on hazing and alcohol. The geographical districts were restructured and renamed, and the Ritual of Tau Beta Sigma was revised to reflect the changes in the membership of the organization. A membership development program was also implemented, providing chapters with suggestions and information on the recruitment and education of Prospective Members and Candidates. A new Tau Beta Sigma March, published in 1990, Crest of Allegiance by Robert Foster, was commissioned through
a donation by Elizabeth Ludwig Fennell.
In November 1991, the National Councils of Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma purchased Stillwater Station, a former Santa Fe Railway Depot, to serve as the National Headquarters. The staff position of Tau Beta Sigma National Chapter Field Representative was created to assist with Chapter visitation and education, in 1993. In 1995, at the National Convention in Orlando, Florida, the Sorority joined together to kick off the celebration of the Fiftieth Anniversary of Tau Beta Sigma. Many special anniversary activities took place including: commissioning abust of the founder, Wava Banes Henry, initiating a National Sisterhood Week, and burying a Time Capsule on the grounds of Stillwater Station. One of the main focuses of the 50th Anniversary Celebration was to begin laying the foundation for Tau Beta Sigma’s next 50 years of service.
Technological advances assisted with communication efforts and plans for a new marketing strategy to revitalize membership were developed. A Mission Statement was created and then in 1997 a Strategic Planning Team was formed to allow the organization to participate in long range-planning and goal setting. This type of global thinking was introduced to all levels of the Sorority and has made us more efficient and successful. Reflecting the goals of the Mission Statement, the Women in Music Speakers Series was initiated at the 1997
District Conventions. This series features open discussions with women who have made important accomplishments in the music industry. The Women in Music Speaker Series was brought to the 1997 National Convention when composer Anne McGinty addressed the delegation and again in 1999 when composer Julie Giroux spoke to those in attendance.
Tau Beta Sigma continues to grow and flourish in the 21st Century by reflecting the changes within the membership, society, and the needs of the American Bands.
Ties to other organizations
In addition to the close relationship with Kappa Kappa Psi, Tau Beta Sigma has historical and current relationships with several other organizations. One such relationship is with Sigma Alpha IotaSigma Alpha Iota
Sigma Alpha Iota , International Music Fraternity for Women. Formed to "uphold the highest standards of music" and "to further the development of music in America and throughout the world", it continues to provide musical and educational resources to its members and the general public...
, a professional international fraternity for women with a strong interest in music.
In 1999, joint statements were issued by the leadership of Tau Beta Sigma and Sigma Alpha Iota, along with Kappa Kappa Psi and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia
Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia
Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia is an American collegiate social fraternity for men with a special interest in music...
, affirming "that there are equally important roles for Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Sigma Alpha Iota, Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma to fulfill on any campus where our chapters mutually exist, now or in the future. Each organization possesses a distinct mission and, as a result, fulfills a unique and vital role in the musical environment of a college campus" and that "A member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia or Sigma Alpha Iota can hold simultaneous membership in Kappa Kappa Psi or Tau Beta Sigma, subject to his/her own interests and the eligibility requirements of the other organizations. The same holds true for a member of Kappa Kappa Psi or Tau Beta Sigma with regard to membership in Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia or Sigma Alpha Iota."
National headquarters
Originally located on the campus of Oklahoma State University, the National Headquarters of Tau Beta Sigma is housed in Stillwater Station, a retired railway station in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Open Monday to Friday, the headquarters carries out the day-to-day operations of the Sorority.The headquarters staff includes:
- Executive Director: Lt. Col. Alan Bonner, USAF (ret.)
- National Headquarters Office Manager and Accountant: Diana Spiva
- National Membership Services Coordinator: Debbie Morris
- National Publications Manager: Nick Smith
- National Alumni, Chapter and Colony Affairs Coordinators: Aaron Moore
National officers
The current national officers of Tau Beta Sigma (serving a 2011-2013 term) are:- National President: Dawn Farmer, Omega
- National Vice President for Colonization and Membership: Dr. Nicole Burdick, Delta Eta
- National Vice President for Special Projects: Kevin Earnest, Gamma Mu
- National Vice President for Communication & Recognition: Jonathan Markowski, Delta Delta
- National Vice President for Professional Relations: Dr. Debra Traficante, Honorary-Southwest District
Board of trustees
There are currently ten members of the Tau Beta Sigma Board of Trustees. The seven voting members comprise six elected Trustees and the immediate past National President. The six elected Trustees are elected at each biennial convention for a four-year term, with three seats coming open at each convention. The three non-voting members of the Board consist of the current National President and two life members: Mrs. Wava Banes Henry, founder of the Sorority, and Mrs. Janet West Miller, past National President and long-time activist on behalf of the Sorority.The current Board consists of:
- Kelly T. Eidson, Beta Sigma (Chair)
- Chris M. Gordon, Psi (Vice Chair)
- Lisa Croston, Alpha
- David Hammond, Delta Omicron
- Melanie L. Meehan, Delta Delta
- Kris Wright, Omega
- Dollie McDonald O'Neill, Psi (Immediate Past National President)
- Dawn Farmer, Omega (National President)
- Janet West Miller, Iota (Life Member)
- Wava Banes Henry, Beta (Founder & Life Member)
Districts
Tau Beta Sigma is divided into seven geographical areas known as districts: Northeast, Southeast, North Central, Midwest, Southwest, Western, and International (a hypothetical district comprising all chapters outside the United States, although there are not and never have been any such). Each district is led by one or more Counselors appointed by the National President, as well as a council elected from and by the members of the Districts.District Counselors are regional advisors for the Sorority. They actively work with each district's student leadership and communicate with chapter sponsors. District Counselors are appointed by the National President for two-year terms, and are currently limited to serving three terms.
The districts are as follows:
| District | Counselor(s) | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Southwest | Erika Pope, Theta Theta | Arkansas Arkansas Arkansas is a state located in the southern region of the United States. Its name is an Algonquian name of the Quapaw Indians. Arkansas shares borders with six states , and its eastern border is largely defined by the Mississippi River... , Louisiana Louisiana Louisiana is a state located in the southern region of the United States of America. Its capital is Baton Rouge and largest city is New Orleans. Louisiana is the only state in the U.S. with political subdivisions termed parishes, which are local governments equivalent to counties... , New Mexico New Mexico New Mexico is a state located in the southwest and western regions of the United States. New Mexico is also usually considered one of the Mountain States. With a population density of 16 per square mile, New Mexico is the sixth-most sparsely inhabited U.S... , Oklahoma Oklahoma Oklahoma is a state located in the South Central region of the United States of America. With an estimated 3,751,351 residents as of the 2010 census and a land area of 68,667 square miles , Oklahoma is the 28th most populous and 20th-largest state... , Texas Texas Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in... |
| Southeast | Crystal Wright, Reneé Cartee, Zeta Psi | Alabama Alabama Alabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland... , Florida Florida Florida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it... , Georgia Georgia (U.S. state) Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788... , Mississippi Mississippi Mississippi is a U.S. state located in the Southern United States. Jackson is the state capital and largest city. The name of the state derives from the Mississippi River, which flows along its western boundary, whose name comes from the Ojibwe word misi-ziibi... , North Carolina North Carolina North Carolina is a state located in the southeastern United States. The state borders South Carolina and Georgia to the south, Tennessee to the west and Virginia to the north. North Carolina contains 100 counties. Its capital is Raleigh, and its largest city is Charlotte... , South Carolina South Carolina South Carolina is a state in the Deep South of the United States that borders Georgia to the south, North Carolina to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Originally part of the Province of Carolina, the Province of South Carolina was one of the 13 colonies that declared independence... , Tennessee Tennessee Tennessee is a U.S. state located in the Southeastern United States. It has a population of 6,346,105, making it the nation's 17th-largest state by population, and covers , making it the 36th-largest by total land area... |
| North Central | Carolyn McCambridge, Alpha Xi | Illinois Illinois Illinois is the fifth-most populous state of the United States of America, and is often noted for being a microcosm of the entire country. With Chicago in the northeast, small industrial cities and great agricultural productivity in central and northern Illinois, and natural resources like coal,... , Indiana Indiana Indiana is a US state, admitted to the United States as the 19th on December 11, 1816. It is located in the Midwestern United States and Great Lakes Region. With 6,483,802 residents, the state is ranked 15th in population and 16th in population density. Indiana is ranked 38th in land area and is... , Kentucky Kentucky The Commonwealth of Kentucky is a state located in the East Central United States of America. As classified by the United States Census Bureau, Kentucky is a Southern state, more specifically in the East South Central region. Kentucky is one of four U.S. states constituted as a commonwealth... , Michigan Michigan Michigan is a U.S. state located in the Great Lakes Region of the United States of America. The name Michigan is the French form of the Ojibwa word mishigamaa, meaning "large water" or "large lake".... , Ohio Ohio Ohio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus... , Wisconsin Wisconsin Wisconsin is a U.S. state located in the north-central United States and is part of the Midwest. It is bordered by Minnesota to the west, Iowa to the southwest, Illinois to the south, Lake Michigan to the east, Michigan to the northeast, and Lake Superior to the north. Wisconsin's capital is... |
| Midwest | Adrienne Rall, Theta Mu | Colorado Colorado Colorado is a U.S. state that encompasses much of the Rocky Mountains as well as the northeastern portion of the Colorado Plateau and the western edge of the Great Plains... , Iowa Iowa Iowa is a state located in the Midwestern United States, an area often referred to as the "American Heartland". It derives its name from the Ioway people, one of the many American Indian tribes that occupied the state at the time of European exploration. Iowa was a part of the French colony of New... , Kansas Kansas Kansas is a US state located in the Midwestern United States. It is named after the Kansas River which flows through it, which in turn was named after the Kansa Native American tribe, which inhabited the area. The tribe's name is often said to mean "people of the wind" or "people of the south... , Minnesota Minnesota Minnesota is a U.S. state located in the Midwestern United States. The twelfth largest state of the U.S., it is the twenty-first most populous, with 5.3 million residents. Minnesota was carved out of the eastern half of the Minnesota Territory and admitted to the Union as the thirty-second state... , Missouri Missouri Missouri is a US state located in the Midwestern United States, bordered by Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska. With a 2010 population of 5,988,927, Missouri is the 18th most populous state in the nation and the fifth most populous in the Midwest. It... , Montana Montana Montana is a state in the Western United States. The western third of Montana contains numerous mountain ranges. Smaller, "island ranges" are found in the central third of the state, for a total of 77 named ranges of the Rocky Mountains. This geographical fact is reflected in the state's name,... , Nebraska Nebraska Nebraska is a state on the Great Plains of the Midwestern United States. The state's capital is Lincoln and its largest city is Omaha, on the Missouri River.... , North Dakota North Dakota North Dakota is a state located in the Midwestern region of the United States of America, along the Canadian border. The state is bordered by Canada to the north, Minnesota to the east, South Dakota to the south and Montana to the west. North Dakota is the 19th-largest state by area in the U.S.... , South Dakota South Dakota South Dakota is a state located in the Midwestern region of the United States. It is named after the Lakota and Dakota Sioux American Indian tribes. Once a part of Dakota Territory, South Dakota became a state on November 2, 1889. The state has an area of and an estimated population of just over... , Wyoming Wyoming Wyoming is a state in the mountain region of the Western United States. The western two thirds of the state is covered mostly with the mountain ranges and rangelands in the foothills of the Eastern Rocky Mountains, while the eastern third of the state is high elevation prairie known as the High... |
| Northeast | Nicole Kemp, Zeta Upsilon | Connecticut Connecticut Connecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately... , Delaware Delaware Delaware is a U.S. state located on the Atlantic Coast in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. It is bordered to the south and west by Maryland, and to the north by Pennsylvania... , Washington, D.C. Washington, D.C. Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution.... , Maine Maine Maine is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and south, New Hampshire to the west, and the Canadian provinces of Quebec to the northwest and New Brunswick to the northeast. Maine is both the northernmost and easternmost... , Maryland Maryland Maryland is a U.S. state located in the Mid Atlantic region of the United States, bordering Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia to its south and west; Pennsylvania to its north; and Delaware to its east... , Massachusetts Massachusetts The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. It is bordered by Rhode Island and Connecticut to the south, New York to the west, and Vermont and New Hampshire to the north; at its east lies the Atlantic Ocean. As of the 2010... , New Hampshire New Hampshire New Hampshire is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. The state was named after the southern English county of Hampshire. It is bordered by Massachusetts to the south, Vermont to the west, Maine and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the Canadian... , New Jersey New Jersey New Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. , its population was 8,791,894. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania and on the southwest by Delaware... , New York New York New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east... , Pennsylvania Pennsylvania The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to... , Rhode Island Rhode Island The state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, more commonly referred to as Rhode Island , is a state in the New England region of the United States. It is the smallest U.S. state by area... , Vermont Vermont Vermont is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. The state ranks 43rd in land area, , and 45th in total area. Its population according to the 2010 census, 630,337, is the second smallest in the country, larger only than Wyoming. It is the only New England... , Virginia Virginia The Commonwealth of Virginia , is a U.S. state on the Atlantic Coast of the Southern United States. Virginia is nicknamed the "Old Dominion" and sometimes the "Mother of Presidents" after the eight U.S. presidents born there... , West Virginia West Virginia West Virginia is a state in the Appalachian and Southeastern regions of the United States, bordered by Virginia to the southeast, Kentucky to the southwest, Ohio to the northwest, Pennsylvania to the northeast and Maryland to the east... |
| Western | Trevor Angood, Lambda | Alaska Alaska Alaska is the largest state in the United States by area. It is situated in the northwest extremity of the North American continent, with Canada to the east, the Arctic Ocean to the north, and the Pacific Ocean to the west and south, with Russia further west across the Bering Strait... , Arizona Arizona Arizona ; is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States. It is also part of the western United States and the mountain west. The capital and largest city is Phoenix... , California California California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area... , Hawaii Hawaii Hawaii is the newest of the 50 U.S. states , and is the only U.S. state made up entirely of islands. It is the northernmost island group in Polynesia, occupying most of an archipelago in the central Pacific Ocean, southwest of the continental United States, southeast of Japan, and northeast of... , Idaho Idaho Idaho is a state in the Rocky Mountain area of the United States. The state's largest city and capital is Boise. Residents are called "Idahoans". Idaho was admitted to the Union on July 3, 1890, as the 43rd state.... , Nevada Nevada Nevada is a state in the western, mountain west, and southwestern regions of the United States. With an area of and a population of about 2.7 million, it is the 7th-largest and 35th-most populous state. Over two-thirds of Nevada's people live in the Las Vegas metropolitan area, which contains its... , Oregon Oregon Oregon is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It is located on the Pacific coast, with Washington to the north, California to the south, Nevada on the southeast and Idaho to the east. The Columbia and Snake rivers delineate much of Oregon's northern and eastern... , Utah Utah Utah is a state in the Western United States. It was the 45th state to join the Union, on January 4, 1896. Approximately 80% of Utah's 2,763,885 people live along the Wasatch Front, centering on Salt Lake City. This leaves vast expanses of the state nearly uninhabited, making the population the... , Washington |
| International | N/A | Outside USA |
Notable members
Famous Tau Beta Sigma members include:- Debra Dene BarnesDebra Dene BarnesDebra Dene Barnes, was crowned Miss America in 1968.Debra was raised in Moran, Kansas. Upon graduation from high school, she attended Pittsburg State Teachers College in Pittsburg, Kansas and majored in music....
(Miss AmericaMiss AmericaThe Miss America pageant is a long-standing competition which awards scholarships to young women from the 50 states plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands...
1968) - William "Count" BasieCount BasieWilliam "Count" Basie was an American jazz pianist, organist, bandleader, and composer. Basie led his jazz orchestra almost continuously for nearly 50 years...
(musician) - Karen CarpenterKaren CarpenterKaren Anne Carpenter was an American singer and drummer. She and her brother, Richard, formed the 1970s duo The Carpenters. She was a drummer of exceptional skill, but she is best remembered for her vocal performances of idealistic romantic ballads of true love...
(singer) - Richard CarpenterRichard Carpenter (musician)Richard Lynn Carpenter is an American pop musician, best known as one half of the brother/sister duo The Carpenters, along with his sister Karen Carpenter. He was a producer, arranger, pianist and keyboardist, and occasional lyricist, as well as joining with Karen on harmony...
(singer) - John DenverJohn DenverHenry John Deutschendorf, Jr. , known professionally as John Denver, was an American singer/songwriter, activist, and humanitarian. After growing up in numerous locations with his military family, Denver began his music career in folk music groups in the late 1960s. His greatest commercial success...
(singer) - Maynard FergusonMaynard FergusonMaynard Ferguson was a Canadian jazz musician and bandleader. He came to prominence playing in Stan Kenton's orchestra, before forming his own band in 1957...
(musician) - Wynton MarsalisWynton MarsalisWynton Learson Marsalis is a trumpeter, composer, bandleader, music educator, and Artistic Director of Jazz at Lincoln Center. Marsalis has promoted the appreciation of classical and jazz music often to young audiences...
(musician) - Alfred ReedAlfred ReedAlfred Reed was one of North America's most prolific and frequently performed composers, with more than two hundred published works for concert band, wind ensemble, orchestra, chorus, and chamber ensemble to his name...
(composer) - Carl "Doc" SeverinsenDoc SeverinsenCarl Hilding "Doc" Severinsen is an American pop and jazz trumpeter. He is best known for leading the NBC Orchestra on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.-Early life:...
(musician) - Red SkeltonRed SkeltonRichard Bernard "Red" Skelton was an American comedian who is best known as a top radio and television star from 1937 to 1971. Skelton's show business career began in his teens as a circus clown and went on to vaudeville, Broadway, films, radio, TV, night clubs and casinos, all while pursuing...
(entertainer) - Dionne WarwickDionne WarwickDionne Warwick is an American singer, actress and TV show host, who became a United Nations Global Ambassador for the Food and Agriculture Organization, and a United States Ambassador of Health....
(singer) - Pauline OliverosPauline OliverosPauline Oliveros is an American accordionist and composer who is a central figure in the development of post-war electronic art music....
(composer) Founder of Tau Chapter - Velvet BrownVelvet BrownVelvet Brown is professor of tuba and euphonium at Pennsylvania State University. Prior to joining the faculty at Penn State in 2003, she taught at Bowling Green State University , Ball State University , and served as an associate director of University Bands at Boston University. Ms...
(tubist) - Sheila E.Sheila E.Sheila Escovedo , known by her stage name Sheila E., is an American drummer and percussionist, perhaps best known for her work with Prince, George Duke and Ringo Starr.-Early life and Prince period:...
(percussionist) - Roberta FlackRoberta FlackRoberta Flack is an American singer, songwriter, and musician who is notable for jazz, soul, R&B, and folk music...
(singer) - Johnnie WalkerJohnnie WalkerJohnnie Walker is a brand of Scotch Whisky owned by Diageo and originated in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, Scotland.It is the most widely distributed brand of blended Scotch whisky in the world, sold in almost every country with yearly sales of over 130 million bottles.-History:Originally known as Walker's...
(music industry powerhouse) - Patricia Prattis Jennings (pianist)
- Queen LatifahQueen LatifahDana Elaine Owens , better known by her stage name Queen Latifah, is an American singer, rapper, and actress. Her work in music, film and television has earned her a Golden Globe award, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, two Image Awards, a Grammy Award, six additional Grammy nominations, an Emmy...
(actress, rapper) - Alicia Keyes (singer, recording artist)