Kappa Delta Alumni - Kappa Kappa Psi

04/04/2023

04/10/2022

Dear Brothers,

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of going to the Kappa Kappa Psi Midwest District Convention. This was my first in-person convention since I was an MC, and since it is my last year, that made it all even better. We left for Lincoln around 4:30 in the morning and started it off with keynote speakers. We discussed diversity in both the fraternity and the bands, and then later discussed leadership strategies. After lunch, I attended a seminar about how to stay involved after graduation, something that I was extremely interested in due to it being my last year as an active member.

By the end of the day, I witnessed a third-degree for honorary members (my last 3rd degree as an active brother), and then we had the annual banquet. We sang the hymn, and it was a moment that has (and always will) made me feel connected to my brothers. The next day we continued with awards and other elements to wrap things up. Convention was a truly amazing experience, and I’m happy that my last one was in person. It was filled with so much laughter, tears, and overall sass. I made so many new friends along the way and was even able to connect with brothers I had met before. I hope that next year I can attend Convention as an Alumni, in order to stay connected with Kappa.

AEA,
Vanessa Purcell

04/03/2022

Dear Brothers,

This weekend I had the opportunity to serve as my chapter’s delegate for the Midwest District Convention in Lincoln, Nebraska. This was the first in-person convention in the past few years, so I didn’t really know what to expect, but I ended up having a great time and learned about some great resources that we can implement in our chapter in the future.

During the day, I attended a variety of workshops. There was a workshop on staying after college, which was very informative about KKY and TBS alumni associations at the national, district, and local levels. There was also a member retention workshop, which had some great advice on keeping new members involved and connected to the chapter, along with some advice on conflict resolution. My favorite was a stretch block, which focused on wellness and gave us a much-needed mental break. At the end of the day, we attended a banquet/awards ceremony, followed by a dance, where we got to bond with brothers from other chapters.

At the end of the conference, we came home with many new ideas to try in the following year and a positive outlook for the future. I look forward to sharing these ideas with my brothers and hopefully improving our chapter in the upcoming semester!

AEA,
Julianna Chase

03/28/2022

Dear Brothers,

Over spring break, I had the honor to go back to one of my two former high schools and talk to the students about band in college. Kyra Babcock invited me to AC/GC High School in Guthrie Center, Iowa. Kyra had questions prepared that ranged from "How busy are you at college?", "How much time do you spend in band at college?", "Can you do band for credit?", "Do you have to be a music major to do band in college?" and a few others.

My younger sister is a senior at this high school and will attend NWMSU and join the BMB next fall, so she shared some insight into what she knows from me being in BMB. Along with two of her other classmates. A few weeks prior, one of them had traveled to the University of Northern Iowa to audition for their music school. Another was preparing recordings of herself playing the flute for Central College.

It was an honor to speak to these young musicians and encourage them to make music throughout their lives, even if they don't attend college.

AEA,
Claire Chesnut

03/28/2022

Dear Brothers,

This past weekend, I was lucky to embark on an amazing basketball game for the Bearcats! We are once again, NATIONAL CHAMPIONS! This year, I had the fantastic opportunity to be the pep band student conductor, and it was one of the best things I have gotten to experience. Everyone in the pep band works so hard to play well, and it really showed this weekend. Everyone was texting Dr. Strickland during the game to let us know how amazing we sounded on live television. I loved working with these people, and I am glad I got to experience my first and last national championship tournament with them.

AEA,
Alexandria Fournier

03/06/2022

Dear Brothers,

I’m sure that many of you have seen the events that are happening in Ukraine on the news. It’s a devastating event, and I’m keeping them in my thoughts. As a result of these events, though, the Humanities and Social Sciences Department at Northwest hosted a panel to discuss what was happening, the history behind it, and what we can do to help in any way, shape, or form.

The panel was led by Dr. Corson, a Geography Professor; Dr. Scofield, a History Professor; Dr. Chloupek, a Geography Professor; Dr. Frazier, a Geography Professor; Mr. Carr, an EDM Instructor; and guest panelist Dr. Gerth. Each of the panelists gave their views on the situation and provided context in ways that we may not have been able to receive before. Afterward, there was an opportunity for the audience to ask questions, and it helped ease many of our concerns. By the end of the panel, we received information on how to help, including charities and various other non-profits.

To me, though, I loved being able to see this example of Bearcats helping in what ways we can. This panel was a fantastic example of how Northwest uses their resources to help aid with the concerns of the people, and it has warmed my heart to see the community support Ukraine in whatever ways we can.

Brothers, I ask this of you. Stay informed on the situation, continue to read, watch, and listen to news from reliable sources. If you can, consider donating to a reputable non-profit. But more importantly, keep Ukraine in your thoughts, find ways to help. They need it.

AEA,
Vanessa Purcell

02/27/2022

Dear Brothers,

Earlier this week, on Tuesday the 22nd, was the first of two concert band concerts of the semester. This first concert was comprised of four smaller chamber bands; Makris Brass/Percussion, Debussy Woodwinds, Schumann Brass/Saxes, and Krommer Woodwinds. I was a part of the Schumann Brass/Saxes group with two other active brothers of Kappa and two alumni brothers. It was an interesting adjustment for this piece because I played trombone music that had to be transposed for my alto saxophone. I enjoyed working with this small group and can't wait for the second concert later on in the semester.

AEA,
Claire Chesnut

02/20/2022

Dear Brothers,

A week ago, I saw a Facebook memory; it had been three years ago since I had my 1st degree and had started the process to become a brother of Kappa Kappa Psi. It’s crazy to me that it was only three years ago, yet it feels like so much has happened since then. Since starting the process, I’ve found a family that is as chaotic, expressive, and loves music just as much as I do. I went to Boulder, Colorado, for Midwest District Convention had the opportunity to serve as the Kappa Delta delegate for the 2020 Midwest District Convention. I’ve held multiple different positions in the chapter and have had the privilege of co-hosting the annual BMB Banquet.

The chapter has helped me grow in so many ways that I didn’t know were possible. I’ve become a better leader, listener, and friend. My time with Kappa Delta has helped me grow academically, professionally, and personally, and for that, I’m forever grateful.

Even though I still have a couple of months left, I feel as if the semester is moving so quickly, and it’s making me feel sentimental. Kappa Delta has helped shape me in so many ways, and I hope I have helped shape the chapter as well. I love my brothers, both old and new, more than anything in the world and will always keep them in my heart.

What are some of your favorite chapter memories?

AEA,
Vanessa Purcell

02/13/2022

Dear Brothers,

I was fortunate to attend MMEA from January 25th-28th this year. I was selected to play as the principal clarinet in the All-Collegiate Orchestra! We played “Pictures at an Exhibition” by Ravel/Mussorgsky and “Haunted Topography” by David T. Little. This was such a wonderful opportunity to grow as a musician, and getting to play with some of the best in the state was incredible. I also met a few brothers! Unfortunately, I never had the chance to talk to them due to being so busy at the conference, but they saw my letters! We yelled AEA at each other; it was great. Also, because I am a new member of Sigma Alpha Iota, I was able to participate in the step sing! Overall, it was a very enjoyable time!

AEA,
Alexi Fournier

02/06/2022

Dear Brothers,

Welcome back to the spring semester. This semester the alumni committee is made up of Alexi Fournier, Vanessa Purcell, and myself. Sadly Kaden has graduated, but we still wish her well. I'm just going to repost our introductions again because it has been a while since you've heard from us.

Alexi is a senior majoring in Instrumental Music Education. She is a member of the Fish family.
Vanessa is a senior majoring in History with a double minor in Geography and Public History. She is a member of the Fish family.
I am a sophomore majoring in Geography with an emphasis in Geographic Information Systems/Sciences. I am a member of the Koala family.

One of us will be back next week with another update about what has been happening around the chapter.

AEA,
Claire Chesnut

12/12/2021

The brothers of the Kappa Delta Chapter are wishing you a Happy Holidays!

12/12/2021

Dear Brothers,

It feels like this semester has gone by in a whirlwind, and the end is approaching very quickly. I have enjoyed this semester very much, especially because I got the chance to march one more time before graduating. It was more than I could have asked for. My fingers and toes are crossed that we make it to National Championships this year. I have also enjoyed my time in Kappa a lot this year, mainly because we were able to do many different things and just because we were genuinely in person. Morning wake-up calls on game days have been my favorite thing to do with some of the chapter members, and I hope we have at least one more, if possible. Finally, I will miss Northwest, BMB, and everything Northwest has given me while I've been here.

AEA,
Kaden Ballou

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Dear Brothers,

This semester has been filled with happiness, love, brotherhood, and, honestly, a little stress. After such an odd year and a half, being back on campus was a little different. Northwest was somewhere between average and the world that we have been living in, but there were some traditions that we were able to bring back. We finally had football games again, a typical BMB season, and even in-person Kappa mock rituals (including MOTN!). I loved being able to experience a semi-normal fall once again, and it makes me so happy to be able to bond with my brothers in this way. My senior year has already been filled with so many feelings, and I can't wait to see what the Spring brings.

AEA,
Vanessa Purcell

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Dear Brothers,

This fall semester was my first authentic college experience, and let me say it has been a roller coaster ride. I have enjoyed every minute of it, though. Last year when everyone said I was missing out on a regular BMB season, I really didn't understand what they meant, but now I genuinely do, and I wouldn't go back. Being a brother of Kappa has given me a whole new appreciation for those little behind the scene things that have to happen to make a BMB football game run smoothly.

AEA,
Claire Chesnut

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Dear Brothers,

This fall semester has been a hectic one. It was the most "back to normal" semester we have had in over a year, and it's been exciting. I've made new friends, new memories, and new connections this year, and I couldn't be more thrilled. I am excited to see what next semester will bring for myself and the chapter, but I have strong feelings it'll be a good semester. Here's to the spring of 2022!

AEA,
Alexi Fournier