The Pride of Oklahoma relies on support from the fraternity Kappa Kappa Psi and the sorority Tau Beta Sigma.
The Delta chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi, Honorary Band Fraternity, was founded at the University of Oklahoma on May 21, 1921. Located at over 200 colleges and universities with over 5,000 active brothers, this student led fraternity promotes student service and leadership. The fraternity is a student-led service-based organization with the purpose of serving the university and college band programs. We support our band program through a multitude of service projects which ensure the continued success of our band departments.
Be it known that Kappa Kappa Psi, National Honorary Fraternity for College Bandmembers, is an organization operating exclusively in the field of the college and university bands, and for the following several purposes:
Kappa Kappa Psi was founded on November 27th, 1919 by five band members who wanted to do more for their programs. The Delta chapter at the University of Oklahoma was founded May 21st, 1921.
In the spring of 1919, a small group of our founding fathers began considering the formation of a band fraternity at the University of Oklahoma, but the idea didn't come to fruition until the following spring. On April 19, 1921 ten men came together to petition and compose the charter for a new chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi.
On May 21, 1921, seven members of the Alpha Chapter came to the University of Oklahoma and installed the Delta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi. Louise Gerlach was the chapter's first sponsor. The ten founding OU bandsmen became the first brothers of the Delta Chapter.
Three Delta brothers have had the honor to serve as the National Kappa Kappa Psi President:
Bouga came to be the Delta chapter's mascot in 1996 when our brothers William Davis and Gene Leiterman were camping at Lake Thunderbird. They came across a three foot long stick that was deemed Bouga. Later, when back at Lake Thunderbird, a new seven foot stick was found and became the new mascot of the Delta chapter. This stick opened chapters and was kept safe by our Sergeant at Arms & Parliamentarian until it fell apart seventeen years later.
In 2023, we commissioned a new Bouga to be made highlighting symbols and figures of our history and traditions. Bohumil Makovsky, the founder of KKΨ, is guiding our way at the top of Bouga along with our crest, our letters are on the side, and our motto "AEA" is inscribed on the bottom. Bouga continues to serve as tradition as our chapter's mascot and bring Delta joy.
Tau Beta Sigma is a co-educational national honorary sorority dedicated to supporting collegiate band programs. Guided by the motto For Greater Bands, the organization is committed to enhancing and serving the bands at the University of Oklahoma. Members contribute through a wide range of service activities, including assisting with gameday needs for The Pride of Oklahoma, helping with large events such as “High School Band Day,” assisting with uniform and apparel distribution and collection, and many other ongoing projects that benefit the program.
Beyond service, the sorority promotes and uplifts women in the musical arts through its annual Women in Music Speaker Series. Tau Beta Sigma also encourages musical development in both school-aged students and older adult communities through its Crescendo and Coda outreach initiatives. Students interested in becoming active members must be enrolled in a collegiate band ensemble each semester.
We provide exceptional service to collegiate bands and promote equality and diversity, including empowering women in the band profession. We cultivate leadership, educational achievement, music appreciation and community development.
Tau Beta Sigma is a highly respected music organization that creates an equitable and inclusive environment where all band members grow through leadership, musicianship, and service. Through shared values across an engaged membership base, we are empowered to flourish beyond our collegiate careers in all areas musical, professional, and philanthropic. We are committed to fostering connections and creating a meaningful experience for our members, band directors, college communities, and the band world.
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:
We are the Delta Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma from the University of Oklahoma, originally organized as the Alpha Mu Eta Honorary Band Sorority in 1942. The chapter aspired to promote University Bands among women. With the help of A. Frank Martin and the Delta chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi, thirty members were initiated into the chapter. In 1946, the chapter petitioned to join the newly chartered Tau Beta Sigma Honorary Sorority. On April 28, 1946, thirteen women were granted charter status. Though our chapter was the second to join the national chapter, we chose to name ourselves Delta, to ensure that the Delta chapters of Tau Beta Sigma and Kappa Kappa Psi would become the first “twin” chapters.
