Kappa Kappa Psi, National Honorary Band Fraternity, is a fraternal organization that promotes the advancement of college and university bands through dedicated service and support to bands, comprehensive education, leadership opportunities, and recognition for the benefit of its members and society. Kappa Kappa Psi operates primarily as a student service and leadership recognition group whose chief aim is to assist the Director of Bands in developing the leadership and enthusiasm that is required of his/her band. Our goals are to provide the band not only with organized and concentrated service activities, but to give our membership valid and wholesome experiences in organization, leadership, and social contacts. The honorary nature of membership is based on our premise that “it is an honor to be selected to serve” this band, its school of music, its sponsoring institution, and the cause of band music in the nation’s colleges and universities.
The Alpha Tau Chapter
In May of 1940, twenty-eight members of the University of Texas Longhorn Band, under the direction of Colonel George E. Hurt, petitioned the national office of Kappa Kappa Psi for a charter. The charter was granted, and the local chapter was given the name Alpha Tau Nu. Alpha Tau Nu started with twenty-eight members and five officers. After some time, the original chapter name was shortened to Alpha Tau, the chapter’s present name. Over the years, Alpha Tau has steadily grown in size and strength, and it is now proudly one of the largest Kappa Kappa Psi chapters in the country. Alpha Tau is an integral part of the Longhorn Band, and it also serves an active role in the community by participating in various community outreach projects.
Our Pillars
Musicianship
Alpha Tau is confident in music’s ability to heal, transform, and inspire. We thrive in using our skills to positively impact those around us while representing our university in the best possible way.
Leadership
Our brothers have an extended history of leadership roles within the Longhorn Band. We consistently emerge as passionate advocates for the success of our musical community, and we are determined to leave our organization better than when we found it.
Service
Alpha Tau is dedicated to internal service of all sorts benefitting our band program. Brothers always put in the extra effort to enable our band to function at its highest capacity.
Brotherhood
Our shared values form bonds which connect Alpha Tau not only within itself, but also between fellow chapters at universities throughout the country. Kappa Kappa Psi fosters a network of lifelong friendships and contribution towards a movement much greater than the sum of its parts.
