The Kadenza

As far as the Alpha Beta (Butler University, IN) chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi goes, Gamma Sigma is the next big thing. Yes! The newest class of initiates has been inducted into Alpha Beta as of this past December!

This is Lexie Piatek from Alpha Beta’s communications committee reporting with interviews direct from the source!

Authors Note: These interviews were taken right before Gamma Sigma was initiated.

What is your favorite thing about alpha beta so far?

Brian Skinner: The post-second degree activity. We went around Indianapolis to further discuss all of the aspects of second degree. I especially the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra (ISO) concert at the end.

Ainsley Paton: The people and Haley (my big brother). I really like what they do for the bands and the service- especially marching band because I’m in marching band and I see how they help Muck [the marching band director at Butler University] with projects. Like the project with the service night last week- and everyone bonds through it because of how passionate they are through the band.

Tim Mastic: I would say all the people in it. Getting to know people and friends and such.

Becky Templeton: I like how close everyone is. Everyone gets along from what I can tell. It’s very family-like.

Describe any funny stories/moments that you’ve experienced.

Brian Skinner: After the ISO Concert, somehow one of my friends (who is also in Gamma Sigma) got stuck in a tree after trying to retrieve her keys that she accidentally threw to the top and the fire trucks were called.

Ainsley Paton: Katelyn and her keys. That was pretty much awesome.  That or the people who looked like they were going to join our circle as we were singing the hymn downtown.

Tim Mastic: Does the Katelyn/tree incident count? Cause that was the funniest thing.

Who is your big brother? How have they affected you positively?

Brian Skinner: Lyndley Clarkson (President of AB); Recently, I’ve been having a lot of family problems. My grandmother is dying and she is always checking up on me to make sure everything is going okay. She’s one of those people who will always make sure that I’m okay and I’ve been really appreciative of it.

Ainsley Paton: Haley Owens; She’s just been really supportive and we’ve hung out and talked about stuff that is Psi related and not Psi related. We got together and decorated my binder and she got me my paddle. DID I TELL YOU THAT I GOT MY PADDLE?! And we’re going out to buy dresses for third degree on Saturday! She’s just awesome all the way around.

Tim Mastic: Eric Buenger; Eric and I went to the “Merchant of Venice” tonight. That was cool. He’s also my RA. He’s not smothering me, it’s more that he’s 2 doors down from me and there when I ever need him.

Becky Templeton: Anna Michel; She’s really nice. She always is there to answer my questions. She really loves Psi. She makes me feel really welcome. She’s a good big brother.

How have the Butler bands helped you grow throughout your first semester here at Butler University?

Brian Skinner: 95% of my friends come from marching band. Without them, this year would be completely different. I’m a pharmacy major, but if I want to turn to somebody, it’s going to be somebody in the Butler Bands.

Ainsley Paton: I’m in the color guard, which is new- I didn’t do color guard in high school. In that way, I had to expand my comfort zone because it’s very different than the pit (which I was in during high school). It (band and college together) made me have to work with people who were different and who came from really different backgrounds and it taught me discipline and teamwork and responsibility. It teaches you those fundamental characteristics- things that make you a good person. And if you throw Psi into that, because you are a good leader in your band, you’ve got a bid from Psi and they encourage you to be responsible and hardworking and disciplined.

Tim Mastic: It helped to transition me into a collegiate musical experience. I’m a music education major and so some of it is seeing how ensemble directors conduct- both the good and bad ways.

Becky Templeton: I think that it’s very much like any band program in that it helps you meet a lot of new people very quickly. It helps you to like become more open and comfortable in your surroundings.

What does Kappa Kappa Psi mean to you?

Brian Skinner: For me, KKPsi is really a family and even though I’m not an active member yet, whenever I’m having problems I can always turn to my big or to an active brother cause they’re always there to listen and always there to offer support.

Ainsley Paton: Kappa Kappa Psi means so much to me. I was so excited when I got my bid because I had a really good time getting to know the brothers during rush events and marching band. And then when we had our MC class and first degree, there were some people in our MC class who I knew really well, and then there were people who I didn’t know well at all, and now, under weird situations like the Katelyn/tree incident, I’ve gotten to know the people in our class really well. We have a great dynamic. It’s been a rewarding experience because KKPsi made me grow more. I know it sounds weird because I haven’t even been initiated yet.
Even the project has made me grow, and we’ve only been working on it for a week. It makes me see the strengths of me and the people I’m working with and the weaknesses too. All in all, I’ve spent some incredible moments with my class and my chapter and it’s been an awesome journey, and I can’t wait to see where it can go. We’re only at the [beginning] of an awesome journey.

Tim Mastic: It’s a way to give back to the band. Band’s been a really important part of my life and so giving back to the band through service. And it’s also getting connections that will be important through the rest of your life.

Becky Templeton: It’s like something you always look forward to. It’s looking forward to a bunch of people that you really like who really care about you and that you care about and taking care of something that we all love a lot. It’s very welcoming and very comfortable and place that you know you are home.