Tag Archives: Kappa Kappa Psi

Final Stretch of Break

Posted on by Josh Larson
Breanna and her dog

Breanna and her dog, Levi.

I made it back from Springfield just fine. It was a good time – I visited my girlfriend, saw Tron in a nice theater, and visited the Titanic museum in Branson, MO.

Looking ahead, I’m going to visit my roommate tomorrow in Cherokee, IA. He’s turning 21! Finally.

And even further ahead, I’m going to try to get the following done before school starts:

  • Prepare some stuff for fraternity happenings this spring
  • Make some ISUtv promotional material
  • Practice clarinet for my Symphonic Band audition
  • Everything that I’m forgetting about right now

I have my work cut out for me!

Musical Thoughts

As I was driving seven hours either way to Springfield, I listened to a TED talks podcast discussing Coca Cola’s marketing strategy.

In a nutshell, Coca Cola, Inc. does a hell of a good job with marketing. They came up with a way to distribute their product to communities throughout Africa in a non-traditional way. They also came up with a new song appealing to the market – “Waving Flag” (above).

Not only did the song sell Coca Cola – it promoted citizenship and unity. And made it to the top of the pop charts…in 17 countries.

Caroling With Instruments

Posted on by Josh Larson

Tonight, the Iota Omega chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Service Fraternity went “Caroling” to three senior centers around Ames.

Since the purpose of our fraternity is service to the band programs at Iowa State, we are all band members at heart. Some of us played instruments we’ve been playing for a long time; others experimented with different instruments.

Although the music wasn’t quite concert-worthy, the folks in the senior centers really seemed to enjoy our playing.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Leadership and Motivation

Posted on by Josh Larson

Editor’s Note: I originally posted this article in the Winter 2009 edition of the Midwest Notes, a publication serving the Midwest district of the national honorary band fraternity Kappa Kappa Psi.

Within every organization, there tends to be driving force for member participation. Whether it’s a common goal or a set of beliefs, each group has a set of factors that inspire its members to work together and accomplish something. Though different, each organization tends to share one thing in particular: a leader charged with inspiring his or her members to do their part. As a brother of the Iota Omega chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi, a brother of a social fraternity (Beta Theta Pi), and a member of other student organizations, I’ve noticed a number of positive and negative leadership traits that impact motivation within a group. The following are a few traits in particular – I hope you can apply these to your own life, wherever you may go: Continue reading →