National History
As bands became more popular in the era between World War I and World War II, more women began to join the ranks of the bands. The growing number of women in collegiate bands gave birth to the idea of including qualified women band members in the existing structure of Kappa Kappa Psi. Although this idea seemed to have widespread support within bands having active chapters of Kappa Kappa Psi, a more attractive plan gained wider acceptance - that of establishing a separate sorority, similar to and working with, but not an integral part of Kappa Kappa Psi.
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In 1939, a group of bandswomen at Texas Tech University founded a local organization known as Tau Beta Sigma. It was modeled using the principles of Kappa Kappa Psi. Much like the Fraternity, Tau Beta Sigma's purpose at Tech was to serve as an honorary service and leadership recognition society. However, it was designed to provide the important social, educational, and other positive experiences needed by women in the band.
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In June of 1943, the Tech women petitioned the Grand Council of Kappa Kappa Psi to become a part of the national Fraternity as an active chapter. Accepting the group under these conditions would have required a complete revision of the Kappa Kappa Psi constitution. It was uncertain when the issue could be debated because with WWII happening it was unknown when the next Kappa Kappa Psi convention could be held. The Grand Council then suggested that Tau Beta Sigma form its own national organization. It agreed that this organization would be considered a "sister organization" to Kappa Kappa Psi and could contribute to its national publication, The Podium.
While applying for a national charter, the Tech women encountered difficulties involving Texas corporation laws. In 1945, the Tech women, under the leadership of Wava Banes Henry, enlisted the help of A. Frank Martin, the Executive Secretary of Kappa Kappa Psi. Feeling that it would be easier to obtain a charter in Oklahoma, Martin suggested that the band sorority currently in existence at Oklahoma State University apply for the national charter. The women of Texas Tech graciously surrendered their name of Tau Beta Sigma in January, 1946. On March 26, 1946, OSU became the Alpha chapter of Tau Beta Sigma. The charter members of the Alpha chapter were: Rosemary Wright, Francis Martin, Ebba Jensen, Mary Belle Reece, Margaret Stanffer, Bernice Friend, and Maribeth Crist. A team from the Alpha chapter went to Texas Tech on May 4, 1946 to install Texas Tech as the Beta chapter.
Tau Beta Sigma holds its National Convention every two years on odd years concurrently with Kappa Kappa Psi. As many chapters as possible send delegates to debate and vote on policies brought before the general assembly. Tau Beta Sigma is unique in being the only national band sorority. The sorority has grown tremendously since its founding years, now with over 126 active chapters throughout the nation.
The sorority still has the same symbols that were established by the women of Texas Tech. The sorority colors are white and blue, its flower is the American Beauty red rose, long-stemmed, and its motto is "Tau Beta Sigma for Greater Bands."
District History
Tau Beta Sigma made its first appearance in the Northeast, then known as District XI, with the Nu chapter at Long Island University. The chapter was established on February 11, 1949 under the sponsorship of Mrs. Raymond D. Shannon. It only remained active until 1952, leaving the Northeast devoid of a chapter for five years.
In 1957, a National Installation Team came to the northeast to start two chapters of Tau Beta Sigma: Beta Epsilon at Lycoming College and Beta Eta at the University of Maryland. The women of these two chapters were present for the first District Convention held in the Northeast, in 1958.
When Beta Epsilon folded in 1958, Beta Eta was left as the oldest active chapter in the district.
Expansion became a priority leading to significant growth during the 1960's. In 1969, District XI was combined with District X to form District IX, and was later renamed the Northeast District.
The Northeast District Convention is held annually, jointly with Kappa Kappa Psi. Chapters in the district send delegates to vote on important district matters. The most recent Northeast District Convention held at the University of Maryland was in 2012. The 2017 Northeast District Convention was held in Lancaster, PA.
