Kappa Kappa Psi
& Tau Beta Sigma
Electronic Newsletter
Volume 4, Number 13
April 29, 2003

IN THIS ISSUE:

• KKPsi Presents DSMM to Melvin Miles, Jr. & Al Sergel
• NIB Selections List On-Line

1. An evening of surprises for Melvin N. Miles, Jr.
by Deb Eakins, National Vice President for Programs, Kappa Kappa Psi

When Melvin N. Miles Jr., Director of Bands at Morgan State University, took the podium in the Gilliam Concert Hall of the Carl Murphy Fine Arts Center on April 27, 2003 he had no idea what special moments were in store. Amid the wondrous harmonies of the Morgan State Symphonic Band, a cherished brother was surprised with two prestigious honors. Melvin N. Miles Jr., Director of Bands at Morgan State University, Past National President and member of the Board of Trustees of Kappa Kappa Psi, was presented with the Distinguished Service to Music Medal Award for outstanding contributions in the field of Music Education by Deb Eakins, National Vice President for Programs of Kappa Kappa Psi. The DSMM is the highest honor bestowed by the fraternity and recognized Mr. Miles 30 years of service to the Morgan State University as well as the many college and professional musicians he has mentored throughout the country and abroad.

The second honor was a presentation by Cathy Miles and Karl Stewart of the establishment of the Melvin N. Miles Jr. Scholarship for band students at Morgan State University. The scholarship funds (currently at $38,000) will help future students have the opportunity to participate in the Morgan State University Band program, and will establish a lasting recognition for Mr. Miles' contributions.

Mr. Miles was both surprised and overwhelmed by these forms of recognition which are so richly deserved. Many friends, family and former students were in the audience to share in these special moments. The concert was followed by a post performance reception sponsored by the Epsilon Omega chapter of Tau Beta Sigma of Morgan State University.

2. Al Sergel Awarded DSMM
by Deb Eakins, National Vice President for Programs, Kappa Kappa Psi

Following the final strains of Frank Ticheli's arrangement of Amazing Grace, members of the Kappa Delta chapter and the Northwest Missouri State Symphonic Band redirected Alfred E. Sergel III back to the stage for an additional presentation not listed in the program. The April 13, 2003 afternoon concert was the culmination of the semester's work with beautiful harmonics and intriguing percussion parts.

Carrie Stuck, President of the Kappa Delta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi began the final presentation with comments regarding Mr. Sergel's accomplishments and impact on the bands and students at Northwest Missouri State. Former student Brian Dorn read from a letter of recommendation from Steven Millelo which had the audience chuckling and the students nodding as they recognized traits they too had seen in Mr. Sergel.

The audience reacted audibly to Mr. Sergel's stunned reaction when Deb Eakins, National Vice President for Programs and Chris Haughee, Southeast District Governor of Kappa Kappa Psi and longtime friend and alumnus from Sergel's alma mater at Florida State University, were introduced for a special presentation.

Alfred E. Sergel III, Director of Bands at Northwest Missouri State, Past National Vice President for Professional Relations and Current District Governor of Kappa Kappa Psi, was presented with the Distinguished Service to Music Medal Award for outstanding contributions in the field of Music Education. The DSMM is the highest honor bestowed by the fraternity and recognized Mr. Sergel's 30 + years of service to Northwest Missouri State University as well as the many college and professional musicians he has mentored throughout the country and abroad.

Many friends, family and former students were in attendance to assist in the celebration of this well deserved award. The concert was followed by a post performance reception sponsored by the Kappa Delta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi at Northwest Missouri State University.

ATTN: District Governors/Counselors/Officers/Chapter Presidents...

Please ensure widest possible delivery to all chapters, colonies & members in your respective districts!

All NewsNotes On-Line issues are available on-line at http://www.kkytbs.org/newsnotes.html.

Many thanks,

Lt Col Alan L. Bonner, USAF (Ret.)
National Executive Director
Kappa Kappa Psi & Tau Beta Sigma
National Band Fraternity & Sorority
http://www.kkytbs.org