SUPPORTING NATIONAL INTERCOLLEGIATE BAND (NIB) MEMBERS DIRECTLY
The National Intercollegiate Band (NIB) brings together outstanding collegiate musicians from across the country for a unique musical experience during the Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma National Convention.
For many musicians, being selected for the NIB is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. However, participating in the ensemble can also come with significant personal expenses. In addition to the costs covered by Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma, NIB musicians may be responsible for travel, concert attire, meals, and other expenses associated with attending National Convention.
The Kappa Kappa Psi Alumni Association established the Max Mitchell Grant Program to help reduce the financial burden and directly support the outstanding collegiate musicians selected to participate in the NIB.
MAKE AN IMPACT
Local Alumni Associations (LAAs) are invited to support the Max Mitchell Grant Program each biennium at one of three giving levels:
Symphony Concerto Fanfare
$1,000 $500 $250
Every contribution helps make the NIB experience more accessible to deserving collegiate musicians.
Individual Brothers who wish to support the program are encouraged to contribute through their LAA when possible. Individuals may also contribute directly to the Kappa Kappa Psi Alumni Association in support of the Max Mitchell Grant Program.
WHY MAX MITCHELL?
Max Mitchell, the eleventh National President of Kappa Kappa Psi, played an important role in the early history and development of the National Intercollegiate Band.
The first NIB concert was held on March 7, 1947, and featured ten conductors, including several significant figures in Kappa Kappa Psi history. Mitchell was among the first conductors of the ensemble and became National President later that year.
As a former Director of Bands at Oklahoma State University, Max Mitchell worked to expand Kappa Kappa Psi to additional college and university campuses and supported the development of Tau Beta Sigma as the Fraternity's national sister organization. He also helped advance the idea that Kappa Kappa Psi should be recognized not only as an honorary organization, but as an organization dedicated to service.
Max Mitchell continued serving Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma throughout his life, including a period as Interim National Executive Director in 1975. He was among the first recipients of the Bohumil Makovsky Memorial Award in 1980, and he and wife, Susan, later received the Distinguished Service to Music Medal for Fraternity Service.
The Max Mitchell Grant Program honors his legacy by continuing his commitment to musicianship, service, and the National Intercollegiate Band.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why should my LAA participate?
Supporting the Max Mitchell Grant Program gives LAAs a meaninful opportunity to directly support collegiate musicians and the National Intercollegiate Band. Participation can also provide an LAA with a shared service project, create opportunities for fundraising and alumni engagement, and demonstrate the continued commitment of Kappa Kappa Psi alumni to the advancement of college and university bands. The Max Mitchell Grant Program is intended to complement, not replace, existing NIB assistance programs offered by LAAs. Local programs may continue supporting musicians from particular chapters, institutions, districts, or geographical areas while the Max Mitchell Grant Program provides support to selected NIB musicians from across the country.
How are recipients selected?
NIB musicians interested in receiving support through the Max Mitchell Grant Program are asked to respond to essay prompts included with the grant application materials. Applicants may also have an opportunity to provide more information about individual financial circumstances that could affect their ability to participate in the NIB. The selection process is designed to identify deserving musicians without preference based on membership in Kappa Kappa Psi or Tau Beta Sigma, chapter affiliation, or district. Following the selection of the National Intercollegiate Band, applications are reviewed and recommendations are presented to the Kappa Kappa Psi Alumni Association Board of Directors (AABOD). The AABOD then determines the recipients of Max Mitchell Grants and notifies those selected to receive support.
How much does each recipient receive?
Max Mitchell Grants are currently awarded in the amount of $250 per recipient. The number of grants available each biennium is determined by contributions to the Max Mitchell Grant Program. Grant amounts may be adjusted by the AABOD as the program continues to grow. The more we raise, the more musicians we can support!
What happens to unused funds?
The Kappa Kappa Psi Alumni Association strives to award as many grants as possible each biennium. Any funds remaining in the Max Mitchell Grant fund will carry forward to support NIB musicians in the next biennium. Your contribution today can make an impact on a musician at the next National Convention and help strengthen the program for years to come. Our goal is simple: to help support every member of the National Intercollegiate Band.