This past weekend, the Wayne State College Marching Band fraternity, Kappa Kappa Psi, took a trip to Minneapolis, Minn. to attend the Midwest District Convention. At the convention, the fraternity chapter got the opportunity to meet with chapters across 10 states who have Kappa Kappa Psi.  

To be a part of this fraternity on campus, you must be involved in one of the band extracurriculars that WSC offers. Kappa member Ian Finley said some of those activities involve wind ensemble, symphonic band and even a mariachi band. The chapter helps with many other things to support the bands here on campus.  

“[Kappa Kappa Psi is] basically doing service projects for the band, like painting [music] stands, fixing up stands, doing breakfast for the bands during marching band season or marching band camp, stuff like that,” said Finley. 

Paige Lingle, Kappa Kappa Psi’s Historian and Social Head, has been a part of the chapter for two years now and highlights why joining the chapter was a great decision. 

“I joined Kappa because some of my really good friends who were in the fraternity strongly encouraged me to and it seemed like it would be fun and a great way to give back and be more involved in the band,” Lingle said.  

At the convention, the group was able to explore the city of Minneapolis, but the convention also broadened their horizons.  

“The purpose is to build relationships and brotherhood with all of these other chapters throughout the states who have the same goals and values,” Lingle said. “We attend workshops, speakers, team building and do leadership things to learn new ideas and ways we can renew efforts to support our own college band.” 

Not only were members able to learn new things to help improve the WSC bands, but they were able to bond with the other fraternities at the convention.  

“My favorite memory of the Minneapolis trip was the banquet on Saturday evening, as we get to celebrate the accomplishments of brothers and sing our hymn and it’s so special,” Lingle said. “We also had a dance and party afterwards, so we got to connect with a lot.” 

Since being at the convention, there were many people that the chapter got to meet and learn from over the weekend. Lingle expressed her hopes for the future of those new chapters they met on this trip. 

“We’re hoping to connect and travel to meet some of our other chapters this year, after talking with them at convention,” said Lingle.