In June of 1943, the Tech women petitioned the Grand Council of Kappa Kappa Psi to become an integral part of the national
Fraternity as an active chapter. Accepting the group under these circumstances, however, would have entailed a complete
revision of the Kappa Kappa Psi constitution. Because of the war, doubt was expressed as to just when the next fraternity
convention would be held so that the issue could be brought to debate. Rather than postponing action on the women’s request
indefinitely, a suggestion was made that Tau Beta Sigma form its own national organization, just as the National Fraternity
had done in 1919. Until a national convention of Kappa Kappa Psi could be held and the matter clarified, Tau Beta Sigma
could be considered the "sister organization" of the Fraternity. The Grand Council of Kappa Kappa Psi agreed that Tau Beta
Sigmacould share in all fraternal publications.
While applying for a national charter, the Tech Chapter encountered difficulties involving certain
Texas state corporation laws. In 1945, A. Frank Martin, National Executive Secretary of Kappa Kappa Psi, was invited to meet
with the Oklahoma State University apply for the charter, since fewer difficulties would be encountered in
Oklahoma.
So, in January of 1946, the women of the Texas Tech Tau Beta Sigma Band Sorority, through their
director, D.O. Wiley, graciously surrendered their name, "TAU BETA SIGMA," their constitution, ritual and jewelry designs to
the local band club at Oklahoma State University, in order that the national organization could be established. By doing so,
the Tech women understood that they were permitting the Oklahoma State group the title of "Alpha, the Mother Chapter," and
accepted the status of "Beta Chapter," the second chartered chapter. On March 26, 1946, a charter was granted by the
Department of State for the State of Oklahoma legally establishing "Tau Beta Sigma, National Honorary Band Sorority," later
amended to "Tau Beta Sigma."
Tau Beta Sigma at MU
The Zeta Omega chapter of Tau Beta Sigma was established at MU on September 11, 1982. Some of our chapter
responsibilites include the maintenance and distribution of all Marching Mizzou uniforms and assisting with concert
moves. We help out in the band office with mailings and music and also volunteer at the State Solo & Ensemble
Festival in May. Other activities continually pop-up throughout the year.
Tau Beta Sigma provides many leadership opportunities for it's members as well. We understand that not every member has
time to become a Chapter officer or Committe head, however; that doesn't mean they don't want to be involved! Some of
our sisters lead our chapter in outside experiences as well such as participating in Relay for Life fundraisers. Others
volunteer as Mass Helpers after our Sunday evening meetings.
While Tau Beta Sigma is a service organization we are never short on having fun. Everything we do is a social event
because we are with each other. Alot of girls become such good friends that they end up living together off campus when
they move out of the dorms. Becomming involved in an organiztion like ours has many benefits. It can make a large campus
feel small, expose you to new people you normally wouldn't talk to, and help you become more outgoing and involved in
your band and your community. Our organization is what we make it and I am proud to that this is the best group of girls
I have ever known!
The first practical idea for establishing a "band sorority" as a national entity to meet theexpressed needs of the
growing number of women in college and university bands was presented by band member Wava Banes (Henry), along with herclassmates, Emily Surell and Rosell Williams, to director D.O. Wiley of the Texas Tech University Band in the closing months
of 1937. This discussion led to a group of bandswomen at Texas Tech University founding a local organization known as
"Tau Beta Sigma," modeled in principle on the example of Kappa Kappa Psi. Much like the Fraternity, Tau Beta Sigma's purpose
at Tech was to serve as an honorary service and leadership recognition society, but it was designed especially to provide
the important additional social, educational, and other positive experiences needed by women in the band.