Some of the most important life skills I learned in college were in the band room. That’s right, folks – band can be so much more than just playing notes.
One hundred years ago today, a couple of men made great strides in music education and the college band experience. If not for them, and others like them, I believe the United States would not have nearly as many young musicians who graduate with not only a talent in the craft and an appreciation of music, but also a treasure trove of leadership skills, a lifelong support network, and an uncommon willingness to continue playing music beyond their college years.
Here’s why I say this.
The Professor
With both parents deceased and only six years of formal education, Bohumil Makovsky came to America from Frantisky, Bohemia (now part of the Czech Republic) at the age of 17. Thanks to music lessons from his uncle Tomas he played clarinet and violin, but began work as an apprentice in a cigar shop in Nebraska, where his sister lived.
Boh (as he was called by friends) then spent some time touring with carnival bands and other traveling bands as he learned English, likely from his new musician friends. He made his way to Oklahoma and led various other groups, and he also became a Freemason, which would have a profound influence on his life. He helped establish local town bands around Oklahoma City and, following the example of John Philip Sousa, he soon put together his own Makovsky Concert Band that toured throughout the Midwest.
The head of Oklahoma A&M (Agricultural & Mechanical) University (now Oklahoma State) eventually asked Boh to be the band director and head of the music department. He accepted and proudly wore both titles from 1915 to 1945. During his tenure, Boh became known for his unswerving loyalty to music education, attention to detail, and high expectations from his students. His trademarks became his uncrushed black bow tie and his “miniature saxophone” smoking pipe.
Boh soon became friends with luminaries like Sousa and Henry Fillmore, and he is listed in the Oklahoma Hall of Fame and in Who’s Who in American Music, among other honors and awards. But to many, his greatest accomplishment is his assistance in starting Kappa Kappa Psi, National Honorary Band Fraternity.
The Student
Although present-day Kappas mention Boh’s name most often, it was William Scroggs, a student cornet player at Oklahoma A&M, whose initiative founded the fraternity. Scroggs envisioned an elite group that would emphasize and develop not only the highest musicianship, but also service, leadership, education, and fellowship in college and university bands. With Boh’s help, and the help of a hand-selected group of nine fellow musicians, Scroggs’ dream was realized when the Alpha Chapter’s charter was granted on November 27, 1919.
The fraternity’s mission statement has not changed since then:
Kappa Kappa Psi is a fraternal organization that promotes the advancement of college and university bands through dedicated service and support to bands; comprehensive education; leadership opportunities; and recognition; for the benefit of its members and society.
Scroggs was the founder, but he could not have done it without Boh, who to this day is considered to be the “Guiding Spirit” of the fraternity.
The Chapters
According to the official website, there are more than 200 active chapters all over the United States, many having performed great services for their bands and associated schools. While Kappa Kappa Psi is a fraternity that functions socially, the goal is band service, and so the membership should not automatically be associated with the negative “drunken frat brother” image.
Notable honorary Kappas include John Philip Sousa, Karl King, Frederick Fennell, Frank Simon, Herbert L. Clarke, Harold Bachman, William Revelli, Van Cliburn, Al Hirt, Dizzy Gillespie, Maynard Ferguson, and Buddy Rich, among others.
So, the next time you play in or listen to a professional or community band, please remember that many of the musicians on stage (both men and women, since most chapters are now co-ed) have been shaped by the upheld ideals of Mr. Scroggs and Professor Makovsky. Most of these players are better people because of their time in Kappa Kappa Psi, and the groups in which they perform are better for their presence.
Happy 100th, fellow Kappas!
Thanks for reading!