“Generally, recipients are people who are very involved in the work of their chapters on campus-helping coordinate projects, advising on chapter matters, making sure that they are fulfilling their roles within the band program,” he said. Kappa Kappa Psi chapters nominate potential recipients, and the winners are honored during the Southeast District’s annual convention. Īarhus said the Sponsor/Band Director Excellence Award recognizes those who have made a significant impact on students’ success throughout the year. With more than 200 active chapters across the country, the organization works to assist college and university directors of bands in developing organized service activities and other leadership experiences. “You don’t serve in a role like this expecting recognition, but it is nice when it comes along. This organization has given me so much, and I am very appreciative of this special acknowledgement.”įounded on the campus of Oklahoma State University in 1919, Kappa Kappa Psi operates primarily as a student service and leadership recognition society. “This was a complete surprise and is humbling to say the least,” Aarhus said.

He is co-adviser of the fraternity’s fifth oldest chapter at MSU and has served since 2011 as the Southeast District’s governor, or adviser.

An associate professor in Mississippi State’s Department of Music who exhibits those same characteristics is being honored by the organization in a special way.Ĭraig Aarhus, the university’s senior associate director of bands, now is namesake of the Sponsor/Band Director Excellence Award, given each year to one chapter sponsor or college band director in Kappa Kappa Psi’s Southeast District.Īarhus was initiated into Kappa Kappa Psi as an undergraduate student at Auburn University in 1993. STARKVILLE, Miss.-Musicianship, leadership and service is the motto of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity.

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