On December 13, 1968, Nichols Gym- the original music building on campus- burned down. The only surviving song was the Wabash Cannonball- now a popular school song and tradition. Because of this fire, two organizations formed. One of these was the Lynx Rufus Band Colony. On April 4th, 1970, this organization became the Delta Kappa chapter of Tau Beta Sigma.
History of the Epsilon Pi Chapter:
Founded April 4, 1970 at Kansas State University
We, the brothers of Kappa Kappa Psi, believe that service to college or university band program fosters responsibility, loyalty, and leadership; that a spirit of brotherhood is enhanced by the participation in a band program; that music is a universal language and truly the greatest of the arts; and that through fraternal participation, each member will strive for the highest.
History of the KSU Marching Band:
The K-State Marching band began in 1887. At this time, K-State was only an agricultural college, and the marching band had 15 members in it. By 1899, the marching band made its first public appearance at a baseball game. Since then, the organization has grown, and more than 350 students are involved. Dr. Tracz, director of bands at K-State, and Dr. Pursell, assistant director of bands, run the marching band. Many members of Tau Beta Sigma serve as student leaders as well- graduate students, student staff, and section leaders. The marching band performs before and at halftime of all home football games, as well as away games at University of Kansas. The marching band also travels with the football team to bowl games, marches in many of Manhattan’s parades, and performs at many other local functions. Now that “The Pride of Wildcat Land” marching band is so large, Tau Beta Sigma works to help make the program run smoothly. Several projects that we help with for marching band include:
- Uniform and Instrument Check-Out
- Providing apples at every football game
- Setting up the Practice Fields before rehearsal
- Cleaning out the Instrument storage room
- And more!