The National Intercollegiate Band (NIB) is one of Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma's most significant and prestigious contributions to American music education. It represents the Fraternity and Sorority's commitment to advancing college band music and recognizing excellence in wind band literature.
Dr. F. Lee Bowling (Grand President 1941-1947) envisioned the NIB as a way for Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma to make a lasting contribution to the field of collegiate music.
Rather than simply being a performance ensemble, the NIB was designed to:
Dr. Bowling spent his entire tenure as Grand President (1941-1947) developing and perfecting the plan for the National Intercollegiate Band. It was his "cherished idea" that he was determined to make a reality.
The NIB was established in 1947, just 2 years after World War II ended. This shows the Fraternity's commitment to rebuilding and expanding during a time of national transition and recovery.
One of the most exciting aspects of the NIB is its commissioning program. The Fraternity and Sorority commission major composers to write new works specifically for the NIB.
Composers who have written for the NIB include:
Selection to the National Intercollegiate Band is a tremendous honor. Only about 200 musicians from the best college bands across the nation are selected to participate. Being chosen for NIB is equivalent to being selected for an All-America band.
The NIB features prestigious guest conductors who are recognized leaders in the band world. These conductors often include:
The NIB performs at the National Convention in front of the entire fraternal delegation (often 2,000+ people) and the general public. These concerts are highlight events of the convention.
The NIB has now been operating for over 75 years, making it one of the most enduring and respected collegiate music ensembles in America.
Participation in the NIB is recognized on college resumes and is valued by music schools and employers as evidence of exceptional musical ability and achievement.
The NIB continues to commission new works regularly (biennially), ensuring that new band music is constantly being created and premiered.
Vision Conceived - Dr. F. Lee Bowling, newly elected Grand President, begins developing his plan for a National Intercollegiate Band that would be a lasting contribution to college band music.
Development Phase - During his tenure as Grand President, Bowling works tirelessly to design the NIB's structure, purpose, and operational framework.
Official Founding - The National Intercollegiate Band is officially established by Kappa Kappa Psi (with the support of Tau Beta Sigma, once it was chartered in 1946). The NIB is held as part of the National Convention.
Establishment Period - The first several National Intercollegiate Bands perform at conventions, establishing the tradition and reputation.
Robert Russell Bennett Commissioned - Composer Robert Russell Bennett is commissioned to write "Songs for Band" for the 19th Biennial Convention at Salt Lake City. Lt. Col. William F. Santelmann conducts the National Intercollegiate Band.
Paul Creston Commission - Composer Paul Creston is commissioned to write a special work for bands. Creston serves as both composer and guest conductor at the 20th Biennial Convention at Florida State University.
Expansion and Growth - The NIB becomes increasingly prestigious and selective. More major composers are commissioned to write works.
McBeth Student Musicianship Award - In connection with the National Intercollegiate Band, W. Francis McBeth is commissioned to write a work. Later, the W. Francis McBeth Student Musicianship Award is created (2011) to honor excellence in musical achievement.
Continued Excellence - The NIB maintains its status as one of America's premier collegiate wind ensembles. Selection becomes even more competitive.
Modern Era - The NIB continues its tradition of commissioning new works and premiering important band compositions. Each biennial convention features an NIB performance that is a highlight event.
The NIB performs every odd-numbered year at the Biennial National Convention:
To be selected for the National Intercollegiate Band:
Participation in the NIB is recognized as:
Musicians who have participated in the NIB form an ongoing alumni network and often maintain connections throughout their professional lives.
The NIB represents more than just an excellent musical performance. It embodies:
The NIB gives Kappa Kappa Psi significant visibility and prestige within the music education profession. It is known by band directors across the country as a flagship program of the Fraternity.
Many college students join Kappa Kappa Psi specifically because of the NIB and the opportunity to participate in this prestigious ensemble.
Major composers view commission opportunities from KKPsi/TBS as significant opportunities to:
For college musicians, selection to the NIB is:
The band music profession recognizes the NIB as:
Dr. F. Lee Bowling's vision has proven to be one of the most successful and enduring contributions a student fraternity has made to American music education. The National Intercollegiate Band continues to:
Seventy-five years after its founding, the National Intercollegiate Band stands as a testament to Kappa Kappa Psi's commitment to Musicianship, Leadership, and Service.
Every musician who performs in the NIB carries forward Dr. Bowling's vision and contributes to the Fraternity's most visible and enduring service project to the music profession.