Tau Beta Sigma is the National Honorary Band Service Sorority: This co-ed sorority operates as a service organization whose primary purpose is to assist collegiate band directors in developing leadership and enthusiasm through service in support of the band program.

History: Tau Beta Sigma was founded on March 26, 1946 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The Alpha Chapter is located at Oklahoma State University, but the Sorority was established at Texas Tech University (Beta). The foundress of Tau Beta Sigma is Wava Banes Henry. The National HQ is now located at Stillwater Station in Stillwater, OK.

The purposes of the Tau Beta Sigma are:

1. To promote the existence and welfare of collegiate bands and to create a respect and appreciaition for the band activities and achievements throughout the listening public everywhere.
2. To honor outstanding members of the band through privilege of membership, extended in recognition of musical achievement, demonstrated leadership, and enthusiastic approach to band activities.
3. To develop leadership through active participation with the band, and through it, to stregthen those traits of conduct, thought, and idealism which characterize the responsible membership of the band.
4. To encourage a close relationship between collegiate bands and promote a high average of attainment by the performance of good music and selection of worthwhile projects.
5. To provide a meaningful and worthwhile social experience for all engaged in collegiate band work, and to cooperate with other music organizations and societies in every manner consistent with our mutual purposes and those of the institutions at which chapters are located.

For the college student, Tau Beta Sigma is:

- An opportunity to serve the band in a special way.
- Experience in leadership, organization, and cooperation for a common cause.
- An opportunity to develop lifelong friendships through music.
- A social experience with wholesome fun and fellowship.
- An opportunity to be a part of an organized NATIONAL effort to promote college bands.

The Tau Beta Sigma Mission Statement is:

To support college and university bands by providing service, by participation, by developing leadership, and by encouraging the advancement of women in the band profession.

The Commissioning Program: With the brother National Honorary Band Fraternity, Kappa Kappa Psi, the Fraternity/Sorority commissioning program originated in 1953 and has since produced over 17 major works for band. The commissioning program of Kappa Kappa Psi/Tau Beta Sigma is of prime importance to band music in America.

Outstanding Service to Music Award: One of the landmark contributions of Tau Beta Sigma to the world of college and university bands has been this highest award especially designed to honor women in music. The OSMA recognizes the musical contributions made by distinguished female conductors, composers, educators, artists, and clinicians.

For more information, contact the Tau Beta Sigma/Kappa Kappa Psi National Headquarters Homepage.

If you are interested in starting a Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma at your college or university, e-mail Tau Beta Sigma for colonization information.