ABOUT TAU BETA SIGMA
The first practical idea for establishing a "band sorority" as a national entity to meet the expressed
needs of the growing number of women in college and university bands was presented by band member Wava Banes (Henry), along
with her classmates, Emily Surrell 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
Sigmaâs 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. 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 womenâs
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 Sigma could 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 women and work out a plan that would bring the Sorority the national
status the Tau Beta Sigma women were seeking. Mr. Martin then suggested that the local band sorority currently in existence
at 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." On May 4 of 1946, the members of the Alpha Chapter traveled to Lubbock, Texas, to officially
install the women of Texas Tech as the Beta Chapter of the National Sorority.
WE THE LADIES OF THE EVER SO LOVELY EPSILON LAMBDA CHAPTER PRODLY UPHOLD THE MOTTO, "TAU BETA SIGMA FOR GREATER BANDS"
 |
|
EPSILON LAMBDA The
Epsilon Lambda Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority, Inc was established at North Carolina Central University
on February 9, 1974. The original Charter Members were Pam McAdoo, Monet Dean, Gwen Williamson, Sheila Carrington, Janet
Washington, and Gloria Muldrow. These ladies were the first members and the start of what would be the 2006 Top Chapter
in the Southeast District. The Chapter grew stronger over the years with the edition of several other young bands women
dedicated to the advancement of the Marching Sound Machine and Tau Beta Sigma. At the end of 1985 no more active members
remained to carry out the duties of the chapter. The Epsilon Lambda Chapter officially became nationally inactive. In 1991 a group of ladies along with Band Director, Mr. Xavier L. Cason (Former Band Director) sought out
after something that would lead to the resurrection of Epsilon Lambda at North Carolina Central University. The Theta
Alpha Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma at Fayetteville State University helped establish Epsilon Lambda as a Colony. After
being established as a Colony, there were many tasks that these individuals had to complete to regain chapter statues with
the National Office. These individuals through a great amount of perseverance and determination overcame obstacles and
barriers in their quest to establish Epsilon Lambda as an active Chapter. Due to their dedication and loyalty to the
reinstatement of this chapter, The Epsilon Lambda Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority, Inc. was established
nationally as an active chapter in the Spring of 1993. The highly esteemed ladies that devoted a substantial amount
of their time, energy, allegiance, and indispensable love to this consummation, their greatest tasks, are as follows:
Christy Smith, Sharon Alston, Dovenia Dingle, Tracey Cooper, Pamela Gilmore, Stacey Reid, Crystal Spears, Kathy Burton, Deidric
Dye, Princess Smith, Candi Williams, Tracy Ray, Tamara Simmons, Kimberly Council, Jacqueline Jones, Lakisha Gates, Belinda
Staten, and Chanel Huntley. Since that period the chapter has progressed into a very instrumental part
(including auxiliary) of the NCCU "Marching Sound Machine" and a chapter well respected by the National Office.
Epsilon Lambda holds the distinction of being governed by the Southeast District, the Second oldest Chapter chartered at a
Historically Black College and University, and is the oldest African American chapter in North Carolina. Epsilon Lambda
Initiates are also serving on the National & District Level, Deena Smith is the current National Vice President of Communication
and Recognition and LaShika Williams is the immediate past Southeast District Vice President of Colonization and Membership
and current Southeast District President.
|
