The University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Kappa Kappa Psi (KKPsi) fraternity earned the inaugural Governors’ Cup at the KKPsi District Convention.
The Governors’ Cup is a distinction awarded to the top chapter of the Midwest District who best exemplifies the values of KKPsi and can act as an inspiration to other chapters.
“We are honored to name the KKPsi students at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln as the top chapter in the Midwest District of KKPsi,” said Viet Nguyen, a District Governor. “We were impressed with the work they have done with your new music building, how they serve your bands, the Lincoln community, and the ways they support each other.”
KKPsi is a fraternity dedicated to serving university and college band programs. They operate primarily as a student service and leadership recognition society whose chief aim is to assist the Director of Bands in developing the leadership and enthusiasm that is required of his/her band.
“I’m continually impressed by and grateful for the work the Epsilon Omega Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity does for our Band Program, the Glenn Korff School of Music, and the community at large,” said Senior Lecturer Tony Falcone, associate director of bands in the Glenn Korff School of Music. “They operate at a very high level, and it’s a joy to serve as their Chapter Sponsor.”
Falcone said the fraternity participated in a number of activities this year.
“This year alone they’ve assisted in the move from the old to the new Music Building, run uniform issue and cleaning for the Cornhusker Marching Band, facilitated the Band Program’s Awards Banquet and Reception, commissioned a piece of music in honor of the New Music Building to be premiered at the Wind Ensemble concert on April 28, and run the Tyler Butterfield Memorial Frisbee Tournament, an event in its seventh year originally created to fuel a scholarship fund in Tyler’s name, and which continues to raise money for the program now that the endowment is complete. It’s truly astonishing what this organization is able to achieve,” he said.
The UNL chapter also won a Cream of the Crop Award and music education senior was awarded Best New Brother for the District.
Megan Wilderman, a senior biological sciences major in the College of Arts and Sciences, is the chapter’s current president.
“My initial reaction [to the honor] was complete shock and then excitement because we were up against another incredible chapter for the award,” she said. “This award means a lot to me and my chapter. We have all worked very hard to serve the UNL bands in any way that we can. It was amazing to receive recognition that our work is making a difference as these can often be thankless jobs.”
Wilderman joined KKPsi her freshman year and has been active for just over three years.
“I joined after hearing about the organization from a friend because I wanted the opportunity to give back to the band program,” she said. “Band has made a major impact in my life, so it is very important to me to continue to promote the program’s welfare and growth in any way that I can.”
Paige Germer, a junior chemistry student in the College of Arts and Sciences, serves as the chapter’s Vice President for Membership.
“We were absolutely overjoyed to receive the inaugural Governors’ Cup at this year’s Midwest District Convention,” she said. “ In order to be eligible, we first applied for the Cream of the Crop Award, which rewards chapters showcasing healthy function and active participation in their university bands. We were one of two Midwest chapters to receive this preliminary award, putting us in the running for the Cup. This award signifies that the Midwest District Governors believe our chapter has gone above and beyond in our service to the UNL bands and exemplified the purposes and ideals of Kappa Kappa Psi. It’s very reaffirming to know that all of the work our brothers have done over the past few years has been noticed and made such a difference. This award is also a great motivation for our chapter to continue working hard to support the band program.”
Germer said one of the biggest projects they do each year is organizing, cleaning, distributing and collecting the Cornhusker Marching Band’s uniforms throughout the fall semester.
“This is my favorite project we take on because I not only get to spend time with my brothers, but I also know that we take such a weight off of the band staff by doing this for them,” she said. “Managing uniforms for a 300-person band is not easy, especially when each uniform has multiple pieces and must be collected for cleanings during the season.”
This year, they also took on additional duties to help move into the new Westbrook Music Building.
“Our brothers helped move instruments, color guard equipment, and uniforms out of the old building and into the new space over the summer,” Germer said. “We also helped move music stands, chairs, and other equipment necessary for a music school to aid in the setup of the new building. I know the staff is highly appreciative of our help. The bands are enjoying the new space. The building is beautiful, with great rehearsal spaces. We are looking forward to the completion of the building and the extra practice rooms that entails.”
Wilderman said band members love the new facilities.
“It took some adjusting at first, as with any major change, but the new spaces are beautiful and a great addition to the band program,” she said. “Some of my personal favorite things are all the natural light in the new Westbrook and the renovated Kimball Recital Hall. I am excited for the rest of the new renovations to open soon.”
Germer enjoys participating in KKPsi so she can give back to the band program.
“I’ve been a band kid since I was 12, and it has helped me be a better person, a confident leader, and introduced me to some of my best friends,” she said. “I love having the opportunity to serve my fellow band members and the greater band community in truly meaningful ways. I cannot express my gratitude for the UNL band program enough, though I think Kappa Kappa Psi has helped me do so.”
Wilderman said service to the band is important to her.
“Music is something that brings everyone together,” she said. “It has given me a family of lifelong friends and has been one of the most formative aspects of my character and leadership today.”
She said the chapter is honored to have received the inaugural Governor’s Cup.
“We are honored to have been chosen to be the first chapter to receive this award and are so grateful that our district and national leadership see us as examples of what it means to ‘strive for the highest,’” Wilderman said.