History
National History
Tau Beta Sigma traces its origins to Texas Technological College (now Texas Tech University) in 1939, when bandswomen Wava Banes, Emily SoRelle, and Ruth La Nell Williams envisioned an organization dedicated to supporting women in collegiate bands. Inspired by the mission of Kappa Kappa Psi, they sought to create a sorority that would recognize leadership and service while also providing educational, social, and personal development opportunities for women musicians.
Over the next several years, the women at Texas Tech developed the organization's symbols, traditions, ritual, and governing documents. As plans for a national sorority took shape, the Texas Tech members worked closely with leaders of Kappa Kappa Psi and collaborated with a similar women's band organization at Oklahoma A&M College (now Oklahoma State University). In an effort to establish the strongest possible national foundation, the Texas Tech chapter generously transferred the name Tau Beta Sigma and much of its organizational work to the Oklahoma A&M group so that the national charter could be filed in Oklahoma. As a result, the Oklahoma A&M chapter became the Alpha Chapter, while Texas Tech—recognized as the birthplace of the Sorority and home of its earliest development—became the Beta Chapter. The agreement also designated Wava Banes as the Founder of Tau Beta Sigma and ensured that the first National President would come from the Texas Tech chapter.
On March 26, 1946, Tau Beta Sigma was officially chartered as a national organization. Since that time, the Sorority has grown to serve college and university bands across the United States. Guided by its enduring principles of leadership, service, and sisterhood, Tau Beta Sigma continues to support and strengthen the collegiate band experience for generations of musicians.
If you are interested in learning more, you can visit the TBS National Website!
Beta Sigma
The Beta Sigma chapter at Purdue University was founded on April 12, 1959 where it became the 66th chapter of Tau Beta Sigma. Founding chapter members included Joyce Wimmer, Eleanor Rotz, Sandra Hutchinson, Phillis Baker, Connie Crook, Frances Eisenberg, Eleanor Glanville, and Diana Rhinebeck. Our big sister chapter, Rho, is close by at Indiana University. They are also our little sister chapter as Beta Sigma helped with Rho's re-installation in 1974. Our current chapter sponsor is Dr. Lucas Petersen, Clinical Assistant Professor with Purdue Bands & Orchestras and we are very greatful to have his support. Since our founding, the chapter has grown from its original 8 to a wonderful 45 active members and continues to expand each year.
Joint Relations
Beta Sigma is proud to have a very close relationship with the other service organizations at Purdue, including Kappa Kappa Psi and the Volunteer Management Teams. Purdue's Gamma Pi became the 88th chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi on March 18, 1956. The chapters work together in many ways with joint recruitment, social and service activities such as Joint Yard Games, reading ensembles, Joint Formal, and Slayter Day of Service. Members also have the opportunity to get a big and little in both organizations, encouraging strong bonds between the chapters! We also work with the VMTs to do larger service projects within more specialized areas of the department. This has included projects such as assisting the Technology Team with auditions recordings, helping the Supply Team with testing instruments, and working with the Operations and Logistics Team to clean out the Hull Garage!
Timeline of Events
1886
The Purdue Military Band, which would later become the "All-American" Marching Band, was organized in 1886, one year before Purdue's first football team.
1907
The Purdue Band became the first band to break military ranks to create a formation on the field, making the "Block P."
1919
Purdue became the first band to carry the colors of all of the Big Ten schools.
1920
Wava Banes Turner Henry, the founder of Tau Beta Sigma, was born.
1920
Purdue became the first band to play the opposing school's fight song.
1921
The World's Largest Drum was created.
1935
The Purdue Band got the name the "All-American" Marching Band after their first lighted halftime show.
1944
Tau Beta Sigma became a subordinate organization of Kappa Kappa Psi.
1946
The first chapter of Tau Beta Sigma was installed at Oklahoma State University.
1956
The Gamma Pi chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi was founded at Purdue University.
1959
The Beta Sigma Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma was founded at Purdue University!
1975
Tau Beta Sigma became a co-ed organization.
1989
The Beta Sigma and Gamma Pi chapters commissioned the piece "Old Gold and Black," a medley of songs associated with Purdue University.
1991
The first female drum major of the "All-American" Marching Band was a sister of TBS.
1995
Purdue became the first university without a music school to win the Sudler Trophy.
2022
Purdue Bands & Orchestras moved into our new home, Hagle Hall.