Kappa Gamma Psi


Kappa Gamma Psi is a performing arts fraternity in the United States that was founded in 1913. Its last surviving collegiate chapter went inactive in 2008, but the National Organization continues and is founding alumni chapters. Its membership was restricted to males, before it became coeducational in the 1970s.

Founding

Kappa Gamma Psi was founded on December 11, 1913 by twelve faculty members at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, Massachusetts.

Chapters

The fraternity originally had chapters at 13 universities throughout the United States. Iota Chapter, at Ithaca College in upstate New York, the last active chapter, went inactive in 2008. Members of several former chapters remain in contact and gather periodically.

Composition contest and commissioned works

Kappa Gamma Psi Iota chapter used to sponsor a competition for new compositions. The widely performed band composition The Leaves Are Falling, by the American composer Warren Benson, was commissioned by Kappa Gamma Psi in 1963. Deux Preludes, a work for flute, clarinet, and bassoon by the Czech-born composer Karel Husa, was commissioned by the Iota chapter in 1966. Elie Siegmeister's Sextet for Brass and Percussion was commissioned in 1966. In 1974, the Iota chapter commissioned Alfred Reed's Double Wind Quintet.

Notable members

William L. Whitney