Checked-in and Ready to Roll!

(First let me apologize for not having any photos yet. I forgot my camera connector cord in Austin, and I’m still trying to find a work around.)

My plane landed at 1:00PM and the Opening Session kicked off at 2:00pm. I knew I was going to be cutting it close. Luckily, Cheri Robertson, a Beta Sigma alum, had previously offered to pick me up from the airport and take me to the Biltmore. I made it just in time to check-in, take my luggage up to the room, throw on my Pot, and get to the joint opening session.

The Opening Sessions were great. There’s such a sense of excitement and thrill in the air. We started off with a few quick “pep tunes” from a hodge-podge band including National/District officers and Board members from both ΤΒΣ and KKY. The National Presidents then introduced everyone who made this convention possible. Wava was greeted with thunderous applause.

We then went to the ΤΒΣ only Opening Session. We heard 2-min speeches from all the National Officer candidates, and let me tell you; it’s going to be a very difficult decision. Then we did the seating of the delegates. Many chapters were not in attendance so there were a lot of seats open to alternate delegates. Basically, most chapters in attendance seated 2-3 additional members in place for those chapters who didn’t show! Crazy!!

Tonight was the National Intercollegiate Band (NIB) Concert. Wow. It was seriously one of the best concerts I have ever heard. Colonel John R. Bourgeois of the USMC was the conductor. He previously served as a Director of The President’s Own US Marine Band. The NIB performed several pieces including Sousa’s “People Who Live in Glass Houses” Suite and the world premier of KKY and ΤΒΣ’s Commissioned work Two American Canvases by Mark Camphouse. It was such a beautiful piece. I totally know we can put some members in the NIB at the next convention.

What do you guys think we could do to encourage participation in the NIB at the next National Convention?