By: Hannah Trezise
If you’re like us here at the Kappa Kappa Psi North Central District Alumni Association, you’re brimming with excitement for the upcoming KKY/TBS National Convention in Grand Rapids (July 13-16, 2021). With the news that on-time registration for the event has been extended to June 7th, we thought, “what a great opportunity” to outline why we think YOU should attend this biennium’s culminating event.
First things first, national convention is an excellent opportunity to see old friends and meet new ones. The last year has been especially difficult without in-person communication as we’ve individually and collectively experienced the COVID-19 global health crisis. We’re so looking forward to having an in-person convention and meeting our friends safely in person.
Many members of the KKY NCDAA can tell stories about the people they’ve met and the conversations they’ve had at a district or national convention. You run into people you’ve met at past degrees, block meetings, and more, but you also meet a substantial amount of new people. Nowhere is that more true than at a National Convention at which you can meet brothers from all across the country.
At my own first National Convention in Orlando, Florida (NatCon ‘17), I was able to meet brothers from Colorado, New York, and Washington. I had connections in music programs across the United States, and people to look forward to seeing at following national conventions. National Convention really starts to broaden your understanding of the scope of membership in the national fraternity, showing just how wide-reaching Kappa Kappa Psi is.
In the same social vein, the road trips to National Convention are an additional excitement for getting ready for National Convention. As we are celebrating in Michigan this year, many are going to be flying or driving in from all over. From talking to many alumni, I’ve decided that the travel aspect to convention is half the fun. Buzzing with anticipation for what’s to come, singing songs on the highway in a car packed with supplies (maybe instruments, even), and discussing goals for your chapters or the district can make the ride (or flight) to convention just as fun as the event itself.
Another great thing about this coming National Convention is that it takes place in the great state of Michigan! Now, we in the KKY NCDAA may be a bit biased because Michigan is within our own district, but Michigan is beautiful during the summer. Grand Rapids is just under 45 minutes from the shores of Lake Michigan, and the Grand River runs right through its middle. Known particularly for art and beer, Grand Rapids has a variety of offerings for any brother or sister attending this convention.
Did you know? This year is the 75th anniversary celebration for Tau Beta Sigma! This is very exciting. A momentous anniversary for our sisters is another reason to go to this year’s national convention. To be there with our sisters as their sorority celebrates its storied history is something that will surely be memorable.
If you’re a fan of music (which, let’s be real, of course you are! You’re a brother of Kappa Kappa Psi or a sister of Tau Beta Sigma most likely), you’ll love the NIB. The National Intercollegiate Band is made up of the best of the best musicians and they are assembled every two years. The concert the NIB puts on during National Convention is a real treat; you won’t want to miss it. Additionally, the Boston Brass will be performing at this year’s event as well. Great music all around.
Finally, let’s talk about why people ultimately go to convention: to reinvigorate themselves with purpose, to discuss chapter and fraternity development, and to mold ourselves into the best servants for college bands. With a series of workshops for attendees to attend, National Convention provides plenty of opportunities to engage with other brothers and sisters on how to best serve the college music programs at our respective colleges and universities.
There are many reasons to choose to attend convention this year, but we in the KKY North Central District Alumni Association really hope to see you this year. From what we know, and what we have planned, we can guarantee that it will be a convention to remember.
To register for the KKY and TBS National Convention in Grand Rapids from June 13-16, 2021, follow this link: http://natcon.kkytbsonline.com
