History

The Gamma Xi Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi is dedicated to the cause of better music on the college campus and to the promotion of the best interests of the University of Maryland Bands. A Chapter's responsibilities include atmosphere, attitude, enthusiasm, morale and spirit. Thus has the Gamma Xi Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi functioned since its installation on May 14th, 1955, by its Big Brother Chapter—the Gamma Mu Chapter at the University of Pennsylvania, which is now inactive. Thirteen men were selected from the Maryland bands to charter the Gamma Xi Chapter. Since its beginnings, the Brothers have continuously striven to uphold the purposes of Kappa Kappa Psi.

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Kappa Kappa Psi, Honorary Fraternity for College Bandmembers, was founded on November 17, 1919 at the Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College. The Alpha Chapter was chartered on November 27, Thanksgiving Day. This first chapter, under the leadership of band director Professor Bohumil Makovsky, began this movement which sought to give more service to the musical world, to foster a closer relationship within the ranks of the band, and to assist the director in making a better band for the institution, thereby raising the standards of music in our American Universities. (Founder's Address, November 1919)

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William A. Scroggs, of the Oklahoma Argicultural and Mechanical College, and his band director, Professor Bohumil Makovsky, drew up plans for a National Honorary Society for College Bandsmen. The Greek name and symbols "Kappa Kappa Psi" were furnished by Dr. Hilton Ira Jones of the OSU Chemistry faculty and assisting in the final organization was Col. F. D. Wickham of the OSU Military Department. Nine men were chosen from the ranks of the band to work with Founder Scroggs, to organize the Alpha Chapter. They were: A. Frank Martin, Raymond D. Shannon, Clyde Haston, Clayton Soule, Carl Stevens, William Coppedge, Dick Hurst, Asher Hendrickson, and Iron H. Nelson. Scroggs was then elected first Chapter President of the Alpha Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi.

For more information on the history of Kappa Kappa Psi and Bohumil Makovsky, please take a look at the National Headquarters website History page.