Towson Colony

Towson University Towson, MD

Petition for a Charter in Tau Beta Sigma

PETITION FOR A CHARTER

We, the undersigned, students in good standing and members in good standing of the Towson
University Tiger Marching Band having complied with all requirements known to us as the
colony organization, and having attached hereto the history of our band, our Alma Mater, our
local society and other data required, do hereby petition Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary
Sorority for members of the College Band, to grant to us and to our successors a charter for a
Chapter in the Sorority at this institution.
Should this petition be granted, we agree to support the Constitution, all rules, regulations,
customs, and traditions of Tau Beta Sigma, to perform its rituals, to exercise our responsibilities
in the government and support of the Sorority as such, and under its laws, to govern ourselves as
an active chapter in harmony and good fellowship; so that we and our successors shall continue
to work for the best interests and advancement of the Sorority wherever and whenever we may. It
is understood that nothing in this pledge shall in any way conflict with our political or religious
scruples, or our duties and obligations to our country, our college, our family, our God, or
ourselves.
In testimony whereof, we have hereto set our hand this fifth day of October
Heather Campbell
_________________
Taryn Chase
_________________
Laura Fry
_________________
Kelly Green
_________________
Ashley Jones
_________________
Carrie Lehman
_________________
Kristen Thewes
_________________
Kristen Ulloa
_________________
Genevieve Yost
_________________
Sponsor Signature
_________________
Table of Contents

History of Towson University

Page 4

Photographs of Distinctive Buildings

Page 14

Biographical Sketch of University President

Page 16

Advising Chapter

Page 17

Colony Advisor

Page 18

History of the Band

Page 19

Towson Tiger Marching Band 2008

Page 20

Biographical Sketch of the Director of Bands

Page 21

Biographical Sketch of Our Sponsor

Page 22

Brief History of Towson Colony

Page 24

The Petitioning Group

Page 25

Colony Constitution

Page 29

Letter of Recommendation from University President

Page 42

Letter of Recommendation from Head of Music Department

Page 43

Letter of Recommendation from Director of Bands

Page 44

History of Towson University

1865

General Assembly of Maryland enacts legislation establishing a state wide system of free
public schools and authorizing the creation of a teacher training school. Maryland is the
7th state to establish such a training school

1866

Maryland State Normal School (MSNS) opens its doors on January 15, 1866 in Red
Men's Hall, 24 North Paca Street, Baltimore, Maryland. Eleven students are enrolled on
the first day. McFadden Alexander Newell is the first principal (term of office 18661890). On June 8, 1866, MSNS holds its first commencement with 16 graduates and
ends the academic year with an enrollment of 48 students.

1873

MSNS moves to the Athenaeum Club Home at Charles and Franklin Streets, Baltimore.

1876

MSNS moves to a new building at Carrollton and Lafayette Streets on February 29th.

1890

Dr. Elijah Barrett Prettyman (1890-1905) is named the second Principal of MSNS. He
also serves as the State Superintendent of Education until 1896.

1901

Basketball, a new sport in the United States, is introduced at MSNS for both men and
women.

1905

Dr. George W. Ward (1905-09) becomes the third principal of MSNS.

1909

Sarah E. Richmond (1907-1917) becomes the 5th principal. Her vision for MSNS is to
expand the facilities and move the school to Baltimore County.

1910

Miss Richmond begins a drive for a new location. General Assembly creates a building
commission to oversee site selection, budget and design of a new school.

1915

MSNS moves to the 88-acre Towson campus during the summer and classes start in
September. There are 3 new buildings, Administration, a classroom, library and office
building; Newell Hall, a dormitory for women, and the Power Plant. A fourth building,
Glen Esk, the home of the previous owners serves as the home for the Principal.

1917

Dr. Henry S. West (1917-20) becomes the 6th principal of MSNS. Dr. West hires a
business manager to handle the running of the large school facility (grounds, buildings,
and people).
The first dean position is created; it is filled by Sarah Richmond.
The Department of Pedagogy is established with John L. Dunkle as its leader.

1920

Dr. Lida Lee Tall becomes the 7th principal (1920-34) and the first leader to be entitled
President (1934-38).

1921

First student newspaper is issued.

1922

The Oriole begins publication as the student newspaper

1924

Baltimore City Training School for Teachers closes. Their students are sent to MSNS,

which effectively doubles the MSNS enrollment.

Richmond Hall (dormitory) opens in September.
1927

Student newspaper is renamed The Towerlight, to represent a light of learning and a

symbol of knowledge.
Members of the class of 1931 write a play, The Weavers of the Unbroken Thread, a
history of intellectual thought and educational philosophy from Lao-tse to the 1940's.

1931

General Assembly increases the course of study from two to three years.

1933

New building opens to house the Campus Elementary (Model) School. The building is
later named after Libertus van Bokkelen, State Superintendent of Public Instruction
(1864-1867)

1934

Maryland State Board of Education extends the course of study for elementary teachers
to 4 years, leading to a Bachelor of Science in Education

1935

General Assembly changes name to Maryland State Teachers College at Towson. (STC)
First Bachelor of Science degrees are conferred.

1936

Dr. Lida Lee Tall is very proud that within 2 years of granting the B.S. degree, STC has
achieved the necessary standards for accreditation by the American Association of
Teachers Colleges and the American Council of Education.

1937

The Glen, a 12-acre wooded area, is refurbished with stone pavilions and trails by the
Works Progress Administration.

1938

M. Theresa Wiedefeld (1938-1947) becomes the 7th President of the College.

1941

A history of STC entitled Seventy-five Years of Teacher Education is published.

1942

New gymnasium is completed. The building is later named Wiedefeld Gymnasium. (In
1968, it is razed to make way for a new library building).

1946

Fall - Arts and Sciences program is introduced in the form of a two-year junior college.
This is done to assist returning veterans in "jump starting" their education so they can
advance to a four-year liberals arts college / university. It is an attempt to move these
veterans quickly into jobs.

1947

Dr. Earle Taylor Hawkins (1947-1969) becomes the 8th President of the College.
Education program is expanded to include training of teachers for junior high schools.

1949

Education program expands to include training of teachers for kindergarten.

STC receives its first accreditation by the Middle States Association of Colleges and
Schools.

1951

Ward and West Halls open as the first dormitories for men.

1957

Albert S. Cook Library building opens. (In 1969, library will move to a new building and
the "old" library building will become the Media Center).
Prettyman Hall opens as a dormitory for women.

1958

Towson's newly created Graduate School offers Master's in Education. Program starts
with 67 students.

1960

Education program expands to include training of teachers for senior high schools. Twoyear junior college is extended to a 4-year program in the arts & science, leading to a
B.S. or B.A. in a particular major.
Lida Lee Tall Learning Resources Center Building opens.

1961

Theatre Department is established.

Council on Economic Education in Maryland (CEEM) comes to Towson University.
(This organization is now known as the Maryland Council on Economic Education).

1962

Dowell Health Center opens.

1963

Name changes from Maryland State Teachers College at Towson to Towson State
College (TSC).
Towson Tiger Mascot is introduced at the fall Homecoming

1964

Speech-Language-Hearing clinic is established.

Scarborourgh Hall opens as a dormitory for women.

1965

Smith Hall opens as Towson's first science building.

1967

Burdick Hall opens for class use.

1968

Towson fields its first intercollegiate football team.

Burdick Hall, named after Dr. William Burdick, the first chair of the Health and Physical
Education Department at MSNS, is dedicated.

Linthicum Hall is dedicated. The building is named after the Honorable J. Charles
Linthicum, a member of the House of Representatives from 1911-1932 and a 1886
graduate of the MSNS.
First football homecoming game is played. Towson loses to Gallaudet College 25-21.

1969

Dr. James L. Fisher (1969-1978) becomes the 9th President.

New Albert S. Cook Library Building opens. The original library building becomes the
Media Center.

1970

First Earle T. Hawkins Symposium on International Affairs is held.

General Services building opens.

1971

Center for the Asian Arts opens (now known as the Asian Arts and Culture Center).
Towson acquires Auburn House, former home of Rebecca Ridgely and the Turnbull
family.

1972

Student Day Care Center opens.

The College Union (now the University Union) opens.
The Residence Tower and the Administration Building (now Enrollment Services) opens.

1973

The first Minimester session (January 4 to 31) is scheduled.

Center for the Arts opens.
Women's Studies program begins.

1974

College awards its first B.S. degree in nursing.

The first "Doc" Minnegan Golf Tournament is held. Donald "Doc" Minnegan was an
outstanding coach and the first athletic director at Towson.
The men's lacrosse team wins the National Championship.

1976

Towson is granted university status and the name changes to Towson State University
(TSU).
Towson Center opens on October 17 with an exhibition game between the Washington

Bullets and the New York Knicks basketball teams.

WTMD radio begins broadcasting.
1977

Towson adds several new facilities - Hawkins Hall, Lecture Hall, Psychology Building,
and Minnegan Stadium.

1978

Dr. Joseph Cox serves as acting President from September 1978 to June 1979.
First Sign language class is offered.

1979

Dr. Hoke L. Smith (1979 - 2001) becomes the 10th President of the University.

1980

Towson State University holds the first Maryland Arts Festival.

Campus hosts first Senior Olympics.
Applied Mathematics Laboratory is established and is the first such program at the
undergraduate level in the country.

1981

Academic program is restructured into 6 colleges: Allied Health and Physical Education,
Education, Fine Arts and Communication, Liberal Arts, Natural and Mathematical
Sciences; and the School of Business and Economics.
Maryland Writing Project is established.

1982

Master of Science program in Occupational Therapy is established.

The first President's Award for Distinguished Service to the University is awarded to
Mary Catherine Kahl, History Department.

1983

Computer Science program and B.S. in Computer Science are approved.

Glen Complex is completed
First Distinguished Black Marylanders Awards ceremony is held.

1984

Department of Computer and Information Sciences is established.

Graduate program in Professional Writing is created.

1985

Towson is included for the first time in the Best College Survey done by U.S News &
World Report.

University Police receive the "Governor's Crime Prevention Award." They have
continued to receive this award each year to the present.
1987

Towson begins student exchange program with Carl von Ossietzky University in
Oldenburg, Germany. This is now Towson's oldest international student exchange
program.

1988

Towson becomes part of the University System of Maryland.

1989

Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T) and Master of Music in Music Performance are
established
Towson Run Apartments opens.
Center for the Study of Adult Development and Aging is established. First cultural
exchange program with Towson State University and the Leningrad State Conservatory
begins. Initially, the program centers on dance, but later expands to include musicians
and language teachers.

1990

Institute for Teaching and Research on Women is founded.

1991

Master of Science in Occupational Therapy is established.

1992

Towson establishes its first endowed chair in the College of Education after receiving a
$1 million gift from Naomi Hentz, class of 1927.

1993

The Athletic Training Education Program receives certification from the National
Athletic Training Association (NATA), becoming the first certified undergraduate
program in Maryland.

1994

Graduate programs in Computer Science and in Theatre Arts are established

1995

Masters degree in Occupational Therapy is offered via the interactive video network.
John Glover, class of 1969, wins a Tony award for Love! Valour! and Compassion!

1996

Towson State University gets its own zip code - 21252-0001

Administrative Data Processing and Academic Computing are merged to form
Computing and Network Services (CANS).
Regional Economic Studies Institute (RESI) comes to Towson State University.

College of Allied Health Sciences and Physical Education changes its name to College of
Health Science Professions.
Physical Education Department changes its name to Department of Kinesiology.
U.S. World & News Report ranks Towson second in the "Most Efficient Schools" and
fourth in the "Best Sticker Price" category for institutions in the north.
Student Government Association donates Tiger statue to the University.
1997

Towson State University is renamed Towson University and adopts a new logo.
College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences changes its name to College of Science
and Mathematics.
Dan Jones, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, receives the "Maryland Association for
Higher Education (MAHE) Outstanding Educator Award."
World Cello Congress II, organized by Towson University, is held in St. Petersburg,
Russia.
Gerontology Program is established.
The Fitness/Wellness Center, a collaborative effort between Towson and St. Joseph's
Hospital, opens.
Installation begins for high-speed internet service to Towson's residence halls and the
Burkshire.
Women's Center receives the "Governor's Award for Outstanding Contributions to the
Field of Victim's Rights and Services."
Ethel Nowell Andrews, class of 1909, dies. She was 108 years old and had long been
considered the University's oldest graduate.

1998

Towson is ranked among the top 10 public institutions in the North by U.S News &
World Report.
Graduate program in Women's Studies is established.
Occupational Therapy's graduate program is ranked 13th in the U.S. News & World

10

Report's "America's Best Graduate Schools."

Master of Science in Applied and Industrial Mathematics and Master of Science in
Information Technology Management accept students into their programs.
1999

Center for Applied Information Technology is created.

Dance Team wins the Division I National Championship.
College of Education receives a national award for teacher training.

2000

Towson hosts the World Cello Congress III from May 29th to June 4th. Yo-Yo Ma is the
featured performer.
Millennium Hall, a privatized apartment complex for resident students, opens.
Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine names Towson University to its list of "100 Top
Values in Education".
TU's academic advising programs for freshman and transfers earn an "Outstanding
Institutional Advising Program Award" from the National Academic Advising
Association.

2001

Dr. Mark L. Perkins (July 2001- April 2002) becomes Towson's 11th President.
Dr. Dan Jones serves as interim President from April 2002 to June 2003.
Towson inaugurates doctoral programs in Audiology and in Occupational Science.
Towson University's chapter of Beta Gamma Sigma, National Business Honor Society,
wins the 2001 Gold Chapter Award.
Dr. Alex Storrs, Astronomy, discovers a companion to Asteroid 107 Camilla, only the
fifth such companion ever found.
Schuerholz Park for baseball is dedicated on April 29th.
Towson is ranked 8th in the "Top Public Northern Universities - Master's" by U.S. News
and World Report.
Towson's chapter of Kappa Delta Pi is awarded an Achieving Chapter Excellence Award.

11

2002

Towson University is named a Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance

Education by the National Security Agency.

2003

Dr. Robert L. Caret becomes the 12th President of the University.

7800 York Road building opens as the home to the Department of Computer and
Information Science, College of Extended Programs, College of Graduate Education &
Research, and the English Language Center.
Barry Levinson, filmmaker, is honored with the Distinguished Lifetime Achievement
Award from the Departments of Mass Communications and Communications Studies
and Electronic Media and Film.
Towson Stadium is renamed Johnny Unitas Stadium.

12

Photographs of Distinctive Buildings

7800 York Road

Administration Building

Burdick Field

Cook Library

The Beach

Center for the Arts

Hawkins Hall

Linthicum Hall

13

Psychology Building

Smith Hall

Stevenson Hall

Johnny Unitas Stadium

14

Biographical Sketch of University President

Robert L. Caret 1947President, July, 2003 to the present

Returning to his Towson roots, Robert L. Caret became the 12th president of Towson University
on July 1, 2003. As a former faculty member, dean, executive vice-president and provost of
Towson University, Caret served at Towson for 21 years before assuming the presidency of San
Jose State University of the California State University System in 1995. Named as one of Silicon
Valley's 100 power brokers by San Jose Magazine in its May 2003 issue, Caret has been credited
with raising the profile of one of the largest universities in California and developing strong
community partnerships.
Caret received his Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the University of New Hampshire in 1974
and his bachelor's degree in chemistry and mathematics from Suffolk University, Boston, in
1969. He also received an honorary doctor of science degree from Suffolk University in 1996, as
well as an honorary doctor of humane letters degree from the National Hispanic University in
1997.
Caret has made numerous presentations and published professionally in the fields of chemistry,
chemical education and higher education. He has authored chapters in two monographs on the
mission and role of institutions, and has co-authored and published four textbooks in the fields of
organic chemistry and allied health chemistry. His awards and recognitions include the State of
Maryland Governor's Employee Incentive Award (1987), the San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of
Commerce Leadership in Excellence Award (1999), the Italian American Heritage Foundation
Achievement Award (2001) and the Outstanding College President Award from the All-American
Football Foundation (2001). He is listed in several editions of Who's Who in America.

15

Advising Chapter
Zeta Upsilon of Tau Beta Sigma at West Chester University
Founded November 22, 1981
Towson Committee: Donna Landis, Colleen Keenan, Ashley Sassaman
Zeta Upsilon pictured with the Bronze Tiger at Towson University

Pictured right to left: Donna Landis, Shana Yoder, Anna Adinolfi, Nicole Kemp,
Andrea Greenwald, Jennifer James, Kevin McMann, Alyssa Hars, Laura Conway,
Cassie Gensiak, Lauren Hartong, Ashley Sassaman, Sara Miller, Tiffany Rose

16

Colony Advisor

Deena Smith is a 1997 initiate into the Epsilon Lambda chapter of Tau Beta Sigma at North
Carolina Central University. As an Active she served the chapter in various leadership roles, and
played clarinet and mellophone/horn in the marching, pep and concert bands. Upon graduation,
she became a Life Member of the Sorority and joined the National Alumni Association. Deena
worked as the Southeast District Alumni Association Secretary, and helped establish the
Baltimore Washington Alumni Association by fulfilling duties as the Association's first Treasurer.
Deena is a 2001 graduate of NCCU where she received a Bachelor of Arts in History; she also
obtained a Master's degree from the University of Maryland College of Information Studies in
2004. She is active in the American Library Association, NCCU Alumni Association DC
Chapter, the Urban League, and volunteers as an adult education tutor for the Prince Georges
County Literacy Council. She spends her free time practicing photography, reading, and
traveling to support the NCCU Marching Sound Machine and Athletics department. Deena
currently resides in College Park, MD where she works as a Law Librarian.

17

History of the Band

In 1979, Dr. Marchand, the Towson State Music Department, and the Towson State
administration brought Mr. Robert Doster to Towson State to create a marching band. Mr. Doster
earned a reputation for his work with marching bands at various schools in Frederick County,
Maryland and Fairfax County, Virginia. The band he created at Towson has performed at many
exhibitions throughout the state along with the Baltimore Cavalcade of Bands. The marching
band was also the host band for the Maryland Tournament of Bands in 1986, and from 1993-2004
(with the exception of 2002). From 1983 through 1999, Dr. Dana Rothlisberger, the Director of
Bands, ran the marching band. Through his leadership, the band grew in size and stature within
the university. Dr. Rothlisberger established the marching band as a permanent fixture in the
Towson University Football experience.
In 2000, Dr. Rothlisberger turned the marching band over to Brad Zimmerman who was selected
to fill a new adjunct faculty position in the band department. The nature of the adjunct faculty
position created some turn over in the position. In 2001, Mark Norman replaced Mr. Zimmerman
as the marching band director. When Mr. Norman left in 2002, Towson appointed Jeffery Au as
the marching band director. Mr. Au served as the marching band director for the 2002 and 2003
seasons. During his tenure, he advanced the program by pushing the band to perform more than
one show a year and become more entertaining during football games. The marching band's
improvement and a pending move to the Atlantic 10 football division led to Towson University
President Robert Caret approving new funding for the marching band. Dr. Caret wanted the
marching band to grow in size while continuing to entertain and excite the crowd during football
games.
In 2004, Mr. John Miliauskas began his tenure at Towson as a full-time director of the TIGER
Marching Band. Today, every member of the marching band receives a $500 scholarship for each
year of participation. The band has recently purchased new uniforms, and in 2005 Yamaha
became the corporate sponsor for the Marching Band. This allowed for the purchase of many
new Yamaha brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments. The Towson University TIGER
Marching Band is currently the fastest growing collegiate marching band in the state of
Maryland.
Some Past Shows of the TIGER Marching Band
2008 Brought to you by the letter B and the number 3
2007 Prism, Red, Blue, and Green
2006 That 70's Show
2005 Clubbing With TU
2004 Magical Mystery Tour

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Towson Tiger Marching Band 2008

19

Biographical Sketch of the Director of Bands

Dana Rothlisberger
DanaRothlisberger is Director of Bands and Professor of Music
at Towson University. He conducts the Symphonic Band and
oversees all aspects of the band program. His teaching
assignment in the Music Department at Towson includes
methods courses in instrumental music, instrumental
conducting, and graduate music education research. He also
supervises student teachers.
Prior to his appointment in 1983 to the faculty of Towson
University, he served as Assistant Director of Bands at The
University of Arizona. He also was Director of Bands at Davis
High School in Kaysville, Utah from 1976 to 1980. Bands under
his direction have received high acclaim and superior ratings in
numerous festivals and have performed at state and divisional
conventions.
His professional memberships include the Maryland Band Directors Association, Maryland
Music Educators Association, College Band Directors National Association, and the National
Band Association. He is the chapter sponsor of Iota Delta chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi, National
Honorary Band Fraternity.
He holds Bachelor's and Master's degrees from East Texas State University (now Texas A&MCommerce), and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from The University of Maryland. He is in
demand as an adjudicator and clinician. His biography is included in the 1989-90 volume of
Who's Who in American Education and the 48th edition (1993) of Who's Who in America. He
received a Faculty Excellence Award from Towson University in 1997 and 1998.
He and his wife, Ann, live with one of their six children in Reisterstown, MD. Their oldest son,
John, is a Ph.D. student at the University of Notre Dame studying aquatic ecology. (He and his
wife Emily are the parents of 3 year old Matthew, and are expecting another child in September,
2005.) Mark, their second son, is a Ph.D. student in mathematics at The University of Texas,
Austin. He is also a coach for the women's crew team at UT. Heidi graduated from Brigham
Young University in 2005 and will be teaching second grade at North Star Elementary School in
Salt Lake City, Utah. Leisa graduated from Williams College in Massachusetts in June 2005 and
is preparing for graduate school. Laura will be a sophomore at Swarthmore College majoring in
literature. Luke, the only child still at home, will be a sophomore at Carver Center for Arts and
Technology in Towson, MD in the theatre design and production prime.

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Biographical Sketch of Our Sponsor

John Miliauskas
Director of the TIGER Marching Band
Mr. John J. Miliauskas III has a lifetime of experiences in instrumental
music and marching activities. His father was the band director at LakeLehman High School (Lehman, PA) for thirty-six years. After
graduating from Lake-Lehman himself in 1981, John played
mellophone in the Penn State Blue Band (University Park, PA) in 1981
and 1982, as well as in the Garfield Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps
(Garfield, NJ) in 1982 and 1983. John continued his marching
experiences at West Chester University (West Chester, PA) as drum
major for three years, from 1984-1987. He also was drum major for the
Reading Buccaneers Drum and Bugle Corps (Reading, PA) in 1986.
Following his marching experiences, John moved on to gain many
accomplishments as a drill designer. He started with his father at LakeLehman High School, where he was a member of the instructional staff
from 1982-1988, performing various duties including marching and
music instruction, programming, drill design, and assistant director.
During these years, the band won the Cavalcade of Bands American
Class State Championships in 1984 and 1987, as well as the Tournament of Bands Atlantic Coast
Championships in 1984, 1986, 1987, and 1988.
After his father's retirement, John expanded his high school drill writing to numerous programs
including the 1989-2000 Red Land High School Marching Bands (Lewisberry, PA). During this
time, the program achieved three Tournament of Bands Atlantic Coast Championships, six
Chapter VI Championships, and a Macy's Parade appearance in 1998. John also wrote drill for
the 2001-2003 Quakertown High School Marching Bands (Quakertown, PA), as well as the
Cypress Creek High School Marching Band (Orlando, FL), which won its division and made
finals at the 1994 Bands of America Southeast Regional, placing fourth overall. In addition to
these advanced level programs, John has written dozens of shows at the basic and intermediate
levels for bands having anywhere from forty total members to over 250 total members.
In his twenty years of writing since his start at Lake-Lehman, some of the more notable
programs he has designed drill for beyond the high school level include the 1992 and 1993
Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps (Philadelphia, PA). Crossmen were Drum Corps International
World Finalists during both seasons. In 1992, the corps placed sixth in the DCI Finals
Championship, earning their highest finish ever to that point. John has also written for the West
Chester University Golden Rams Marching Band from 1984-1987 and 2000-present, the 1991
Magic of Orlando Drum and Bugle Corps (Orlando, FL), the 1988 and 1989 Reading Buccaneers
Senior Drum and Bugle Corps, and the 2001-2003 Govenaires Senior Drum and Bugle Corps
(St. Peter, MN).

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As a well-rounded drill designer, John has written for many indoor color guard and indoor
drumline ensembles, including the 1987 and 1988 Threshold Indoor Color Guards (West Chester,
PA), the 1996-2000 Red Land High School Indoor Color Guards (Lewisberry, PA), the 2002
Penn State Eclipse Indoor Color Guard (University Park, PA), the 2002-2003 Huntingdon High
School Indoor Drumline (Huntingdon, PA), which was the 2002 TIA All-Chapter Scholastic A
Champion, and the 2002-present Bpex Winter Guards (Wilmington, DE). Several of these groups
have achieved such accomplishments as Winter Guard International semi-finalists and finalists
on both the regional and national levels, along with regional circuit champions.
Mr. John Miliauskas was the Director of Bands at Crossroads Middle School in the West Shore
School District (Lewisberry, PA) from its opening in 1993 until 2002. During his tenure, the
Crossroads Band Program commissioned Robert W. Smith to compose At The Crossroads, A
Dedicatory Fanfare, which was published through Belwin Publications and is widely performed.
From 1994-2000, the Crossroads Bands received consistent superior ratings at PMEA
(Pennsylvania Music Educators Association) Concert Band Adjudication Festivals. This
culminated with a performance at the PMEA State Conference in April of 2001 by the
Crossroads Wind Ensemble. In addition to this honor, the Crossroads Bands have performed with
guest soloists including Dr. Brian Bowman on euphonium from the University of North Texas,
Mr. Matt Niess on trombone from the Army Blues Jazz Ensemble and Capitol Bones of
Washington, DC, and Mr. Seneca Black on trumpet from the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra of
New York, NY.
A brother of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and an honorary member of Kappa Kappa Psi, Mr. John
Miliauskas completed his Masters of Music in Music Education with a performance option in
conducting at West Chester University in May 2004. He is a member of the following
professional organizations: The National Association for Music Education (MENC), National
Band Association (NBA), and College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA). In
addition to his position at Towson, John presently is the drill designer for the West Chester
University Golden Rams Marching Band, and he is the Program Coordinator for the Crossmen
Drum and Bugle Corps (Allentown, PA).

Brief History of Towson Colony

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The Eta Sigma Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma was originally installed at Towson University
on March 22, 1987. In the early 1990s the chapter disbanded and the members received alumni
status or were absorbed into Iota Delta, Kappa Kappa Psi.
In fall 2007, Genevieve Yost heard about a band service sorority and wondered why there
was not a chapter at Towson University. From there she conducted a small amount of research
on what the sorority was, and their purpose as a service organization. After talking to Iota Delta,
Kappa Kappa Psi brother, Jackie Blinke, who was the Kappa Kappa Psi North East District
Member-at-Large about what Tau Beta Sigma was and why it was not on the campus, Genevieve
started gathering interest within the Tiger Band. Jackie Blinke helped set up an information
meeting between the interest group and Sisters of the Zeta Upsilon Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma
early November 2007.
After the informational meeting, members of the initial interest group, Genevieve Yost,
Kristen Thewes, and Carrie Lehman, started researching the colonization process and finalizing
an interest group by holding meetings every couple of weeks with those interested. The final
interest group consisted of 10 members. They fundraised for funds needed to start the colony
with the help from Iota Delta, Kappa Kappa Psi. Since the interest group consisted of primarily
non-music majors they had no real ties to the music department and all had a strong connection
with Marching Band Director and Assistant Director of Bands, John Miliauskas III, they asked
him to be the colony sponsor.
Paper work and fees were sent in January 2008. The interest group officially became a
colony in February 2008 and started working through the colonization process. Early April 2008,
two members had to discontinue their process due to personal reasons, and the colony became
eight members, Genevieve Yost, Kristen Thewes, Carrie Lehman, Taryn Chase, Ashley Jones,
Laura Fry, Heather Campbell, and Kristen Ulloa. At the colonys summer meeting they accepted
a new member into the colony, Kelly Green. With nine members under the advisement of Deena
Smith, Tau Beta Sigma National VP of Communication and Recognition, of Epsilon Lambda,
Tau Beta Sigma, and the Zeta Upsilon chapter of Tau Beta Sigma, the colony is on their way to
being reinstated at Towson University.

23

The Petitioning Group

From Left to Right: Kristen Ulloa, Taryn Chase, Heather Campbell, Kelly Green, Kristen
Thewes, Ashley Jones, Laura Fry, Carrie Lehman, and Genevieve Yost

Biographical Sketches of The Colonists

Heather Campbell
Heather is a sophomore and a biology/pre-med major at
Towson University, and she would like to become a doctor
and own her own practice. Heather was born on June 4, 1989
in Westminster, Maryland, and she is an only child. Heather
has two cats, Whiskers and Katie, and a fish, Mr. Fishie. She
was in color guard all 4 years of high school and is still in it in
college. Her favorite color is blue, but to be specific cerulean
blue. Yes, She likes to describe the colors of things by using
Crayola Crayons. Heather loves animals, oldies music, word searches,
playing games, color guard, and her friends and family. She is Irish, Scottish,
German, and Native American descent. Her favorite subjects are math and
human anatomy. Grey's Anatomy and Criminal Minds are her two absolute
favorite shows. Her favorite movie is Freedom Writers. The Glass Castle by
Jeanette Walls and Dry by Augusten Burroughs are definitely her two favorite
books. Heather hates pickles, spiders, bugs, black licorice, maraschino
cherries, and when people try to talk over other people.

24

Taryn Chase
Taryn is originally from San Diego, California but has spent most of her life
in Bordentown, New Jersey. Taryn is a sophomore at Towson University.
She is currently majoring in Psychology. Her future plans are to obtain here
BS in Psychology then go straight into a master program to get her Masters
in Clinical Psychology. Taryn has been a member of the color guard here at
Towson for 2 years. She also spent 4 years in her high schools color guard
and 2 years in Drum Corps but hopes to make it 3 this summer. She loves
marching band and has enjoyed being able to finally give back to the activity
that has given her so much enjoyment over the years. Her hobbies include
Bowling, color guard, reading, listening to all types of music, and
living life to the fullest. She is currently a member of the America Legion Auxiliary and has been
for the past 19 years and was a Girl Scout for 12 years.
Laura Fry
Laura Fry is a sophomore at Towson. She is a Computer Science Major from
Clarksville, MD in Howard County. This year is her fourth season as a
member of the Color Guard. Her favorite color is blue! She is always on her
computer, whether its talking to her friends via AIM or Facebook to making
signs/greeting cards or graphics. She loves being around little kids and
playing with their toys because they are so much cooler than the toys that she
had when she was little. Laura was a Girl Scout for 13 years (Kindergarden12th Grade) and earned her silver award! Laura has always loved community
service and is really excited to give back to something that has been a
rewarding part of her life!
Kelly Green
Kelly Green was born in Baltimore, MD on February 21, 1990. Her parents
made sure that she was involved in music at a young age, starting with piano
lessons when she was four. She started playing at the school talent show in
the second grade and continued up until my senior year of high school. I
started playing guitar in seventh grade and immediately became interested in
classic rock, especially the Beatles. While attending high school, Kelly
became a member of the Parkville High School Marching Knights Color
Guard. She graduated high school in 2007 as president of her class and a
member of Tri-M. She attended Tiffin University in Tiffin, OH for the 20072008 academic year as a Forensic Psychology major. After transferring back
home to Towson University, Kelly plans to major in music education. Kellys hobbies include

25

sewing, collecting Beatles memorabilia, music on vinyl, and cruising in her 1975 Volkswagen
Beetle convertible.

Ashley Jones
Ashley Jones is an 18 year old sophomore at Towson University, and a
member of the color guard of the Towson Tiger's Marching Band. Her
birthday is November 4, 1989 which makes her a Scorpio. She grew up in
Baltimore County, Maryland. She is a political science major and she will be
attending law school after the completion of her undergraduate career. She
enjoys reading and writing more than anything else and often gets lost in the
world of make-believe. Her favorite books include Oryx and Crake, Pride
and Prejudice, A Tale of Two Cities, 1984, and Brave New World. She does not enjoy math and
science. Her favorite color is purple and her favorite food is crab cakes. She can mostly be seen
wearing jeans and a pretty t-shirt. She would rather be cold than hot. She procrastinates a lot.
She loves Sailor Moon and she continuously watches all of the episodes online. She also loves
House, Project Runway, Ninja Warrior, and Big Bang Theory. She likes stand-up comedy and is
kind of clumsy.
Carrie Lehman
Carrie Maddox Rae Lehman is a junior at Towson. She is majoring
English as well as Law and American Civilization.
She is from
Elizabethtown, PA. At her high school she was a member of key club for
four years and Habitat for Humanity for two years. She is currently the
managing editor of Grub Street, Towsons literary magazine. She is a
member of the College Republicans and has been a member of the Towson
University Tiger Marching Band for three years. She likes art, writing,
music, literature, trees, saving the planet, friends, and love!
Kristen Thewes
Kristen Thewes is a 3rd year Occupational Therapy student at Towson
University. This is her 3rd year in marching band. She is 20 years old, and
grew up in Montgomery County, Maryland. She enjoys dancing,
photography, and listening to music. Her favorite genre of music is country.
She was a girl scout for 12 years, loves working with children, and hopes to
one day work in a spinal cord recovery center.

26

Kristen Ulloa
Kristen Ulloa was born on September 29, 1989. She is an only child and
grew up in Finksburg, Maryland. She went to high school at North Carroll
High School where she was deeply involved with many of the arts programs.
She was in Marching Band for 4 years, Indoor Percussion 2 years, Indoor
Color Guard 3 years, as well as 1 year in Concert Band, 3 years in
Symphonic band, 3 years in Wind Ensemble, 3 years in Orchestra and 2
years in Jazz Band. She also had 2 years of All County Band and Orchestra. Outside of the band
program, Kristen was a part of 9 productions of plays and musicals throughout her high school
career. Early on she knew she wanted to become a band teacher, and followed her dream to
Towson University where she was accepted as a Music Education Major with a concentration in
Clarinet. She has spent 2 years in the program, as well as 2 years in the Tiger Marching Band.
She plans to find a teaching job in Maryland or Pennsylvania and continue on to Graduate
School in the near future. Her favorite color is green, her favorite season is fall, her favorite day
is Thursday, and her favorite food is still macaroni and cheese.
Genevieve Yost
Genevieve Yost is from Rockville, MD where she graduated from Rockville
High School in 2006. She came to Towson University as a freshman
undergrad in the fall of 2006. She has participated in marching band as a
member of a color guard starting her senior year of high school and has
continued it throughout her college career. Genevieve is a history secondaryeducation major in her junior year at Towson University. In her spare time
she participates in the Dodge ball club on campus and teaches the color guard
at Rockville High School.

27

Tau Beta
Sigma

28

Towson Colony Constitution

29

Preamble

Be it known that Tau Beta Sigma, National Honorary Sorority for members of the college band, is
an organization operating exclusively in the field of the college and university bands, for the
following purposes:
1. To promote the existence and welfare of the collegiate bands and to create a respect and
appreciation for band activities and achievements among the listening public everywhere.
2. To honor outstanding members of the band through privilege of membership, in the
Sisterhood, extended in recognition of musical achievement, demonstrated leadership, and an
enthusiastic approach to band activities.
3. To develop leadership through active participation with the band, and through it, to strengthen
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 musical organizations and societies in every manner
consistent with out mutual purposes and those of the institution at which Chapters are
located.

I.

General

1. Colony Name
a. The name of the sorority shall be the Towson Colony of Tau Beta Sigma,
National Honorary Band Sorority at Towson University located in Towson,
Maryland.

2. Rules of Order
a. Roberts Rules of Order, Newly Revised, unless specifically stated in this
Constitution, shall govern procedures of the Colony when assembled at
meetings.

3. Constitution
a. Constitution refers to the constitution of the Towson Colony, Colony
refers to the Towson Colony, and Sorority refers to Tau Beta Sigma,
National Honorary Band Sorority.
b. This Constitution is superseded by the National and Northeast District
Constitutions of Tau Beta Sigma respectively.
c. This Constitution is to be reviewed in the fall semester of every academic
year. Changes are to be made prior to the end of the spring semester of
every academic year.
d. In accordance with Title IX: All references to gender shall refer to
individuals of both genders.

4. General
a. The Towson Colony of Tau Beta Sigma recognizes the Iota Delta Chapter of
Kappa Kappa Psi as an equally affiliated organization with a similar purpose,
function, and role in the university band setting

30

II.

Colony Operations

1. General
a. The Executive board shall consist of the following officers: President, Vice
President of Membership and Service, Secretary, Treasurer, and Historian
b. The Executive Board shall meet between scheduled Colony meetings
when called by the President. With simple majority of the officers, the
Executive Board is permitted to call an emergency meeting of the Colony.
c. No person shall hold more than one executive office.
d. Officers of the Towson Colony shall be elected by simple majority of the
eligible voting membership of the Colony.
e. The members shall not, when speaking as the representative of the
Colony, present their own views on Colony issues, but rather present the
views that reflect the majority opinion of the Colony membership.

2. Officer Responsibility
a. All officers shall serve a term of one year, beginning at the time of election and
ending at the next general election.
b. Each officer, except the President, shall have one vote at all meetings of
the Colony. The President shall only vote when the vote is by secret
ballot, or when their vote will affect the result.
c. Each officer shall be responsible for maintaining a notebook with instructions and
d.

suggestions on their respective office. Notebooks shall be passed on to new officers at the
time of their installation.
The responsibilities of the Colony President shall be as follows:

i. To oversee all Colony and Joint activities.

ii. To be the main link between the Sorority, the Colony Sponsor, the
local Chapter of Iota Delta, Kappa Kappa Psi, and the Band Staff,
and to make every effort possible to be available, receptive, and
informed about all possible areas of service to the University
bands.
iii. To keep a complete file of the Colony Minutes (to be supplied by
the Recording Secretary).
iv. To sign all checks for the disbursement of Colony monies and to
see that proper forms are filled out to transfer such powers of
disbursement to their successor as required by Nationals.
v. To obtain signature power for rooms in the Campus Center and
Student Union complexes.
vi. To send National Headquarters the Chapter Personnel Report with
Colony Dues by September 30, the Fall Activity Report by
December 1, and the Chapter Summary Report by June 1 with the
appropriate signatures. A copy of each must be sent to the
Northeast District Council and one copy must be retained for
Colony records.
e. The responsibilities of the Colony Vice President of Membership shall be as
follows:

i. To, in the absence of the President, act as President.

31

ii. To oversee the selection, training, and initiation of Membership

Candidates.
iii. To act as the chairperson of the Committee on Membership.
iv. To be the chair of the recommendation panel, which interviews
prospective Membership Candidates.
v. To organize 2-3 informational social/service events at the
beginning of each semester, which will be open to all Towson
University band members. These activities shall end with the
semester Informational Session, after which members of the
Sisterhood may recommend prospective members to be invited to
attend further, more intimate rush activities.
vi. To be in charge of the preparation of all rituals.
vii. To have the final say in Big Sister assignments.
viii. To, along with the Social Chair, determine and move all major
dates for the semester by the second set of meetings.
ix. To serve on the Committee on Social Activities.
f.

The responsibilities of the Colony Vice President of Service shall be as follows:

i. To be the chair of the Committee on Service.

ii. To be in charge of all Colony service activities.
iii. To assist the Committee on Service in holding at least one service
project per month for the benefit of the Department of Music
during the academic year.
iv. To update and maintain the service notebook to reflect the past
years projects, plans for each project, and the execution.
g. The responsibilities of the Colony Secretary shall be as follows:
Recording:

i. To record minutes at colony meetings.

ii. To provide Colony members and Colony Sponsor with copies of
the minutes.
iii. To take attendance at all activities and events.
iv. To compile and distribute a membership roster.
v. To maintain a permanent record of each member of the colony
including name, school/home contact information, and instrument
played
vi. To maintain a record of members grades, grade point average, and log of study
hours..
Correspondence:

i. To be in charge of inviting Honorary members to First, Second,

and Third Degrees.
ii. To update the alumni-mailing file.
iii. To submit all articles to the Podium and Northeast Notes.
iv. To be in charge of organizing and distributing the Colony
newsletter.
v. To keep a file of all correspondence.
vi. To send a mailing with important dates for the semester to alumni,
honorary members, and Chapters in the Northeast District by the
third set of meetings.
vii. To serve as the chair of the Correspondence Committee.
viii. To maintain contact with Alumni, Honorary, also with the District
Officers, the District Counselor, and other Chapters concerning

32

dates and places of major Colony events. Letters shall be

submitted to the Colony before being sent out.

h. The responsibilities of the Colony Treasurer shall be as follows:

i. To control the receipts and disbursements of all monies of the
colony.
ii. To create a Colony budget. This budget shall be presented to the
Sisterhood at the second set of meetings each semester and be
accepted by a simple majority (3/4) vote.
iii. To sign all checks for all disbursements of Colony monies and to
see that proper forms are filled out for their successor.
iv. To keep records of all colony finances.
v. To retain a copy of every financial transaction.
vi. To be the chair of the Committee on Fundraising and to be in
charge of all Colony Fundraising activities.
i. The responsibilities of the Colony Historian shall be as follows:
i. To be the Colony Photographer.
ii. To be in charge of updating and maintaining the Center for the
Arts bulletin board.
iii. To organize at least one Tau Beta Sigma History Night a semester.
iv. To maintain the Colony scrapbook.
v. To keep the history organized, clean and up to date.

3. Officer Eligibility
a. Candidates for the office of President, Vice President of Membership and Service
shall have been Active members of the Colony for at least two consecutive
semesters, beginning the semester immediately prior to the semester in which
they are nominated.
b. Candidates for the office of Secretary, Treasurer, or Historian shall have been
Active members of the Colony for at least one semester.
c. Candidates must be Active for the entire semester in which they are nominated
and remain Active throughout their entire term.
d. Colony members are exempt from the previously stated clauses during the
colonization process.

4. Nomination and Elections

a. Officers will be Active members of the Colony at the time of their election.
A member who has been elected to an office, but does not enroll in a
band during the course of their term of office, is ineligible to continue as
an officer of the Colony. A request for a waiver may be written and
submitted to be approved by the Colony Sponsor as well as the simple
majority vote by the Colony members.
b. The process for nominating and electing new officers shall be as follows:
i. Regular elections shall begin with nominations at the third to last
meeting during the spring semester; all offices will have elections.
ii. At the second to last meeting of the semester, candidates will give
a two-minute speech followed by a three-minute question and
answer session from the floor.
iii. At the final meeting, elections will be held in new business.

33

iv. If an officer leaves their position at a time other than the end of a
semester, one set of nominations will be held before elections.

5. Relief of Officers
a. Any active member may submit a letter to the sisterhood requesting a voluntary
resignation of any active officer. The member shall state the reasons for the
aforementioned action. This letter shall be anonymous. The name of the author
shall be withheld from said officer.
b. A three-fourths (3/4) vote by secret ballot of the Colony shall be necessary for the
relief of an officer. In the event a three-fourths (3/4) vote is not reached the
officer shall retain their position.
c. Should a member resign or be relieved of their office, nominations shall be
opened to fill the vacant office.
6. Meetings
a. A regular meeting of the Colony shall be held at least biweekly during the regular
academic year. The dates of all meetings shall be determined at the beginning of
the semester by the Colonys officers and a schedule should be drawn up and
distributed to all active and prospective members.
b. Meetings may be held more frequently as deemed necessary by the officers of the
Colony.
c. Meetings shall be announced at least 72 hours in advance either at regular
meetings or via e-mail.
d. Twenty-four (24) hours notice shall be given prior to the date of all emergency
meetings. If twenty-four (24) hour notice is not possible, then attendance at the
emergency meeting shall not be considered mandatory.
e. A quorum shall consist of one more than one-half of the active membership,
including at least three Colony officers.
f. Executive Board meetings shall be held twice a month during the academic year.
g. Meetings shall use the following agenda:
i. Opening
ii. Officer and Committee Reports
iii. Old Business
iv. New Business
v. Good of the Order
vi. Closing
h. Each member shall be limited to speaking twice on the same subject, with
the exception of the person making the motion.
i. Discussion of items already addressed during announced committee
meetings shall be limited to fifteen minutes.
j. All Active members shall attend all regularly scheduled meetings, all
special meetings, and all meetings of committees on which the member is
serving.
k. Joint meetings shall be held with the Iota Delta Chapter of Kappa Kappa
Psi monthly.

7. Amendments
a. Proposed amendments to this Constitution shall be presented to the President
prior to a regularly scheduled meeting. The proposed amendments will be
introduced for discussion by the President during New Business and will be
adopted if they receive a 75% favorable vote of the total active membership.
b. If a proposed amendment receives a favorable vote less than 75% but still a
majority, it shall be tabled until the next regularly scheduled meeting of the

34

Colony. If at the next meeting it receives at least a 67% favorable vote, it shall be
declared adopted. If it does not receive at least 67%, it can no longer be tabled.

8. Committees
a. The standing committees of this Colony shall be:
i. Committee on Service
ii. Committee on Fundraising
iii. Committee on Correspondence
iv. Committee on Social Activities
b. Special committees shall be formed as the need for them arises. The President
shall appoint committee chairs to all special committees.
c. The members of all committees shall be approved by the Colony President.
d. Members of standing committees shall serve for one full semester. Members of
special committees shall serve until relieved by the President.
e. Those sisters who wish to chair the Committees on Social Activities or a special
committee shall provide a letter to the President stating this wish each semester
the position is desired. The letter will be given to the President on a date
established by them. The Executive Board will aid in determining the chairs with
the final decision being made by the President.
f. Committee chairs shall state a rough agenda when announcing their meeting
time.
g. The Chair of the Committee on Social Activities will be a Colonist who has been
an Active member for at least one semester. She will also present reports at
Colony meeting. The responsibilities of the Committee on Social Activities shall
be as follows:
i. To plan and organize all official social events. These activities should be
geared towards the educational and bonding experiences that occur
during the membership education program.
h. The responsibilities of the Committee on Service shall be as follows:
i. To plan all service projects and activities.
ii. To present suggestions of service functions to the Colony.
iii. To work closely with the Directors of Bands and the Band Staff.
i. The responsibilities of the Committee on Fundraising shall be as follows:
i. To research the means by which the Colony can remain financially
secure, and report the results of the research to the Colony membership.
ii. To oversee the execution of all fundraising events.
j. The responsibilities of the Committee on Correspondence shall be as follows:
i. To collect and edit articles for the semester newsletter.
ii. To distribute the newsletter to all Chapters and officers of the Northeast
District and Chapter Alumni, Life members, and Honorary members.

9. Delegates and Proxies

a. The Colony shall officially be represented at National Conventions and District
Conventions by a delegate, an alternate delegate, and a second alternate delegate
or a Proxy.
b. In the absence of a Delegate and an Alternate Delegate to a National Convention
or District Convention, each chapter may designate the Alternate Delegate of
another chapter in attendance at the Convention to serve as Proxy. A written
Proxy must be submitted to and approved by the Convention President no later
than one week prior to the opening session of the Convention. The chapter
issuing the proxy and the chapter designated as the proxy holder must be active
and in good standing with the National Headquarters. All proxies not meeting

35

c.
d.

e.

f.

g.

h.

the above requirements are void. All seats of chapters in good standing with the
National Headquarters that are vacant shall be filled alphabetically with proxies
from the chapters present.
The active members of a chapter shall elect its delegates at a regularly called
meeting of the chapter.
Each chapter delegate shall be an active member of the Sorority in good standing
at the time of election. Each Delegate shall possess more than ordinary business
ability and shall be capable of representing the chapter under all conditions at the
Convention to which delegated. Each delegate shall have the best interests of the
Sorority at heart and shall be willing and able to devote the necessary time to the
execution of the duties imposed.
The election of chapter delegates to the regular District Convention shall be held
at least thirty (30) days prior to the opening date of the Convention. The election
of chapter delegates to the National Convention shall be held at least sixty (60)
days prior to the opening date of the Convention.
Each chapter delegate shall make the necessary arrangements to be in attendance
at each session of the Convention to which delegated and shall be prepared to
take an active part in the business of the Convention and to execute such duties
as may be imposed by the Convention.
Chapter delegates shall serve without compensation. Expenses of chapter
delegates, when authorized by the chapter, shall be paid by the chapter upon
presentation of a written statement approved by the Chapter President and
Treasurer.
Elections for Colony Delegates shall proceed as follows:
i. Nominate candidates.
ii. Vote for three (3) of the nominated candidates.
iii. Hold a second election for the three (3) receiving the highest number of
votes to determine an ordered list of primary delegate, first alternate, and
second alternate.

III. Membership
1. Membership
a. Membership may not be denied based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual
orientation, or physical disability.
2. Terms of Membership
a. All active and prospective members must be Towson University Undergraduate
students who are enrolled or participating in a band activity once a school year as
defined by the TU academic calendar.
b. Prospective members must have a GPA of 2.5 upon entering candidacy and active
members must maintain a GPA of no lower than a 2.0 in order to remain in active
status, be in good standing with the chosen band (i.e. maintaining a letter grade
of B or higher).
c. All members must log 16 hours of time spent on studying/homework every two
weeks and turn in logs to the recording secretary to be filed with grades.
d. All members must have paid their membership dues for the next year.
e. If a member is unable to participate in a band ensemble, she/he may be allowed
to continue to be an active member provided that the Colony members vote on
and approve the action, the Colony Sponsor must approve all such exceptions.
f. It is mandatory that all previous semester grade reports be turned in two (2)
weeks after the commencement of the semester to the Recording Secretary.

36

Upon receipt, if a sisters cumulative GPA has fallen below 2.00, that sister is
immediately placed on academic probation, for reasons of bettering said persons
GPA, explained their rights and shall remain anonymous to the sisterhood.
(Academic probation gives the sister the same rights and privileges as conditional
status)
g. Upon going on academic probation for GPA reasons, a sister has two (2)
semesters, including the semester she/he went on academic probation, to increase
her/his GPA to at least 2.00.
h. Any sister who does not turn in grades will have voting privileges revoked until
grades are submitted.
i. The President and Recording Secretary will review all submitted grade reports on
said deadline.
j. Service requirements shall be determined each semester by the Vice President of
Service. Sisters who fail to meet the set requirements shall lose voting privileges
until previous and current requirements have been met. Sisters who fail to meet
requirements after two (2) consecutive semesters may have their Active Status
brought before the sisterhood.
k. All dues will be paid two (2) weeks before National dues are mailed to Nationals.
All sisters must pay in full by that date. If a sister needs an extension on their
dues, they will be put on a payment plan set by the treasurer until it is paid off.
3. Membership Candidacy
a. Any prospective member must complete the requirements of the membership
education program as stated in Guide to Membership Education given to the
prospective member at the start of the membership education process.
b. All interested members of the band who are in their second semester or later at
Towson University must submit a cumulative Towson University GPA of 2.50 or
higher in order to receive a complete bid.
c. The training of all member candidates shall take place at the discretion of the
Vice President of Membership.
d. The Vice President of Membership must submit membership training materials to
the sisterhood by one (1) meeting prior to first degree for approval of two-thirds
(2/3) vote.
e. All membership-training activities must terminate by seven (7) days prior to
commencement of final exams.
f. Membership training shall last for a period of no longer than nine (9) weeks.
g. All membership candidates will be voted on by the active Colony membership
prior to second degree. Another vote may be conducted at the discretion of the
sisterhood at any time during the membership-training period.
h. All procedures and activities involving membership training shall comply with
guidelines stated in the Towson Colony Membership Education Program.
4. Membership Statuses
a. The pursuit of Membership will be open to all Towson University students
enrolled in a band, who possess unusually good character and demonstrate
leadership potential.
b. Colony Membership shall consist of the following statuses: Active, Conditional,
Inactive, Honorary, Alumni, Life, and Associate.
c. An Active Member shall:
i. Be a registered student at Towson University.
ii. Have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0.
iii. Participate in at least one band per academic year, which includes:

37

d.

e.

f.

g.

h.

i.

1. Being active with the Symphonic Band, Marching Band, Jazz

Band, or Pep Band,
2. Meeting the requirements as set by the professor in the syllabus,
if not enrolled in that class,
3. Receiving a grade of "B" or better in that band,
4. Meet the attendance requirements.
iv. Pay all dues by the given deadline.
v. Submit to the Colony Sponsor for written special excuse from the GPA
or band requirements for one semester if either requirement cannot be
fulfilled.
vi. Be placed on suspension for failure to meet all these requirements.
Conditional Status:
i. May be requested by an Active Member, in a letter to the Colony stating
the specific reasons, when that member cannot, without undue hardship,
continue to meet the requirements for Active Status.
ii. Must be approved by a majority vote of the Colony, along with approval
of the Colony Sponsor.
iii. Shall not be maintained for more than one year, unless an extension is
requested in writing, following the same procedure.
A Conditional Member shall:
i. At the discretion of the Colony, be entitled to attend Colony meetings,
participate in Ritual, participate in Colony fundraisers and service
projects, and attend Colony social functions.
ii. Neither hold office, propose candidates for membership, vote on any
matters, nor act in the capacity of a Big Sister.
iii. Have paid National Member dues for the current academic year.
An Inactive Member shall:
i. Be one who has not been enrolled in Towson University Bands for a
period of one academic year without special permission, or one who
wishes to become Inactive.
ii. Not vote, act in the capacity of a Big Sister, or attend Ritual.
An Honorary Member shall:
i. Be recognized as outstanding in their field of endeavor or have
performed outstanding service to the Towson University Bands, the
colony, or Tau Beta Sigma.
ii. Need not be enrolled or affiliated with Towson University.
iii. Have their initiation fees paid to the National Chapter prior to installation
by the Colony Treasury.
An Alumni Member shall:
i. Be one who has completed their education or has terminated affiliation
with Towson University.
ii. Be entitled to reactivate with the Colony as long as they can meet the
requirements.
iii. Have the privileges of an Active Member except voting, introducing
business and acting in the capacity of a Big Sister.
iv. Be entitled to become a member of the Northeast District Alumni
Association [NEDAA], and/or the Tau Beta Sigma Alumni Association
[TBSAA].
A Life Member shall:

38

i. Be any Alumni Member or Undergraduate senior, within a year of

graduation, who pays a Life Membership Contribution to be set by the
National Chapter and submits an application to the National Office.
ii. Be entitled to all Life Membership privileges as set by the National
Council.
iii. Be entitled to become a member of the Northeast District Alumni
Association, and or the Tau Beta Sigma Alumni Association [TBSAA].
j. If the status of a member or disciplinary action against a member is in question, a
special meeting of the Executive Board shall be called by the President. If
necessary, a special meeting of the entire Colony may be called.
k. Probation:
i. Any member of the Colony may be placed on Probation by a 75%
favorable vote of the total active membership and with the Sponsors
approval if she fails to meet the Colony Membership requirements, or for
good cause.
ii. A member on Probation must follow the terms of the Probation as
determined by the Colony and presented to them in writing, which shall
include:
1. The reasons for Probation.
2. A specified time period in which to make restitution.
3. The obligations needed to be fulfilled during that time period.
iii. A member on Probation, unless overruled by specific terms of their
probation, may:
1. Attend Ritual as a spectator.
2. Serve on a committee.
iv. A member on Probation, unless overruled by specific terms of their
probation, may not:
1. Participate in Ritual.
2. Hold an office or chair a committee.
3. Vote on Constitutional Amendments, matters of membership, or
their own status.
4. Act in the capacity as a Big Sister.
v. Failure to meet the obligations of Probation will result in either extension
of Probation or the initiation of Suspension proceedings.
vi. A member returns to their previous membership status upon completion
of their terms of Probation as determined by the Colony and the Sponsor.
l. Suspension:
i. Upon due cause, a member may be Suspended with a favorable vote of
75% of the total active membership and with the approval of the Colony
Sponsor.
ii. Prior to a vote to suspend a member, the Chapter Sponsor, District
Counselor, and said member shall be informed in writing of the reasons
for the disciplinary action.
iii. Suspended members shall not participate in any Sorority business,
projects, or activities.
iv. A member on Suspension must follow the terms of the Suspension as
determined by the Colony and presented to them in writing, which shall
include:
1. The reasons for Suspension.
2. A specified time period in which to make restitution.
3. The obligations needed to be fulfilled during that time period.

39

v. Failure to meet the obligations of Suspension will result in either

extension of Suspension or the initiation of Expulsion proceedings.
vi. A member returns to their previous membership status upon completion
of their terms of Suspension as determined by the Colony and the
Sponsor.
5. Relief of Membership
a. The Colony Sponsor must be made aware of the situation prior to any other
actions.
b. There must be a meeting between the Colony Sponsor, President, and Colony
member at least one week before any further actions may occur.
c. At least one (1) week prior to the expulsion hearing, the member, Chapter
Sponsor, District Counselor, and National Headquarters shall be notified of the
reason for the disciplinary action.
d. Relief of membership shall be initiated by a petition stating the reason(s) for
relieving a member of their privileges. This petition must be signed by threefourths (3/4) of the full and active membership. The petition must be presented to
the Colony sponsor with a written explanation as to why relief of membership is
necessary.
e. Before the petition is presented to the Colony, the member must be notified in
private, by the President and the Parliamentarian of the intended action against
her/him.
f. The petition shall be read to all members of the Colony. The member shall then
have the right to appear before the sorority to hear the charges, present her/his
defense, and answer any questions that the Colony may have.
g. The members shall then discuss the matter in the absence of the member in
question. At the end of the discussion, the President shall call a vote by secret
ballot.
h. A member may request a review of her/his case by submitting a letter to the
Colony Sponsor, and President stating the reason(s) her/his membership should
be restored. The request will then be discussed in the regular meeting. The
member will be allowed to restate her/his point(s) and defend her/his petition for
restored membership. Her/his membership can be restored by a three-fourths
(3/4) vote of the active sisterhood.
i. Written notification will be sent to the Director of Bands, District Counselor, and
National Headquarters within 7 days of expulsion proceedings.
6. Big Sister Eligibility
a. A member must be active the semester immediately preceding taking a little
sister.
b. The member must be in good standing with the sisterhood, including cumulative
GPA, service, dues, and attendance.
7. Attendance
a. Attendance at sorority meetings, functions, and projects is very important to the
maintenance and promotion of the sorority and its ideals and purposes.
Therefore any active sister who is absent from a meeting, a mandatory function,
or a mandatory service project will be required to submit a note prior to the
mandatory event or up to fourteen (14) days post absence explaining the reason
for her/his absence.
b. A note shall be passed by a majority vote of the active members, not including
the sister whose note is being voted on. The sisterhood reserves the right to bring

40

c.
d.

e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
k.
l.

any sisters membership status up before the sisterhood at any time for any
attendance related reason.
After the reading of a submitted note, the President will then open the floor for
discussion on the validity of the absentees absence. There must be a motion to
close discussion on the note before any voting may proceed.
Any sister having three (3) unexcused absences from mandatory functions per
semester shall have her/his membership brought before the sisterhood to be voted
upon. Exceptions will be made for those who have academic conflicts. All
circumstances shall be taken into account and a final vote shall be taken at the
discretion of the sisterhood.
Missing a mandatory event for a class session, religious service or holiday,
employment, or funeral service will count as an acclimated absence after
submitting a note. An acclimated absence shall not be counted against the sister.
For every unexcused absence, a service requirement shall be added to the base
service quota for the semester for that individual at the discretion of the Vice
President of Service and the Recording Secretary.
Three (3) excused absences shall equal one (1) unexcused absence.
Two (2) unexcused absences from committee meetings shall equal one (1)
unexcused absence.
Excuses approved one (1) week prior to the mandatory event shall not count as
an absence.
All mandatory functions shall be deemed so by the chairperson of the committee
they represent.
Sisters must be notified of mandatory functions at least two (2) weeks in
advance.
Prior to the third meeting of the sorority, the President, Vice President of
Membership, and Service must meet and prepare a calendar of events pertaining
to degree dates, mandatory service functions, meeting time and day, and social
events related to third degree. These dates will be voted on for approval by twothirds (2/3) majority vote one week after calendar is proposed for personal
schedule review.

IV. Finance
1. Dues
a. All Active and Conditional members shall pay National Dues as prescribed by
the Tau Beta Sigma National Constitution.
b. Active members shall also pay Colony Dues determined by the Colony.
c. All members are required to pay dues in full by the date given. If any sister
cannot for any reason pay their dues and needs an extension, they will be put on a
payment plan set by the treasure until it is paid off.
2. Expenses
a. The Colony shall create an operating budget at the beginning of each academic
semester.
b. A rough draft of the budget must be researched and written by the Treasurer by
the second meeting of the academic semester, assisted by the Committee on
Fundraising.
c. The budget will be voted on by the third meeting of the academic year.
d. All Colony members shall be reimbursed for any expense, sorority related
i. Any purchase must be sponsored by a Colony officer.
ii. Receipts shall be submitted to the Treasurer along with a written
reimbursement request.

41

iii. The request will be presented to the Colony for approval by a simple
majority vote.

Letter of
Recommendati
on from
University
President

42

Letter of
Recommendati
on from Head
of music
Department

43

Letter of
Recommendati
on from
Director of
Bands

44