Kevin Earnest Candidate for VPCM

kevin@tbsigma.org kearnest.weebly.com

Kevin Earnest Candidate for VPCM kevin@tbsigma.org kearnest.weebly.com To the Members of the Nominations Committee: July 23, 2013

Welcome to National Convention 2013 in the exciting Springfield, MA! This week is sure to be full of sisterhood, business, education, and fun. I am excited to present to you my ideas for the office of VicePresident for Colonization and Membership. Within this document, I have compiled a number of resources to help you with making an informed decision for the election of the 2013-2015 VPCM. These resources include my platform and goals, my biography, sorority resume, and letters of endorsement from students, national leaders, my employer, and my community bands director. Now that convention is underway, feel free to contact me using these methods: Cell: 219-863-6818 Website: kearnest.weebly.com Email: kevin@tbsigma.org Throughout convention I will be maintaining a blog at my website (kearnest.weebly.com) that will address the most significant questions I receive throughout the day. I invite you to explore that site as you can find a lot of information about me and my candidacy. Also, I have been preparing white papers on various membership-related topics that you can find on that site. You will surely have many questions to make an informed decision, feel free to contact me at the methods above and I will get back to you as soon as possible. Join me as we Start A Revolution in Tau Beta Sigma For Greater Bands. In The Bond,

Kevin Earnest National Vice-President for Special Projects, 2011-2013 Candidate for National Vice-President for Colonization and Membership, 2013-2015

Kevin Earnest Candidate for VPCM kevin@tbsigma.org kearnest.weebly.com

Platform
In order to set goals for this position, one must consider three criteria: the Vision, the History, and the Finances.

Criterion #1: The Vision

The 2020 Vision of Tau Beta Sigma as defined by the 2009-2011 National Leadership begins Tau Beta Sigma is a highly respected pre-eminent music organization comprised of over 160 collegiate chapters and more than 3,800 collegiate members Therefore, the vision-based goals are 160 chapters with over 3,800 members by 2020. Assuming the current trend of the average chapter containing just over 24 members, the goal of 3,800 members will be exceeded if there are 160 chapters. In order to stay on schedule with this goal, this next biennium must have a net growth of four chapters. GOAL #1: AT LEAST FOUR CHAPTERS OF NET GROWTH The chart below shows the sorority has maintained relatively steady growth over the past 18 years. However, it cannot be assumed that the minor deviations from the growth pattern directly correlates to lack of new colonies. In order to achieve four chapters of net growth, we must retain chapters. Action: I will engage both district and national leaders to support targeted chapter assistance.

Kevin Earnest Candidate for VPCM kevin@tbsigma.org kearnest.weebly.com

Criterion #2: The History

As discussed in the previous goal, we cannot rely on colonizing only four chapters to meet our target of 149 total chapters in the sorority in 2015 and 160 by 2020. In order to accommodate the potential loss of chapters throughout the nation, we will look at how we have historically colonized to maintain growth. Assuming that the best fit line represents the typical colony rate over the past 18 years to maintain chapter number growth, then my goal can be defined by extrapolating this line. GOAL #2: COLONIZE NINE CHAPTERS We are already on track with the two new colonies that will be installed within the next year. That means that I must begin an average of 3.5 colonies per year to meet Goal #2. This will be done by developing existing relationships, utilizing leads developed by past NVPCMs, and implementing the marketing plan developed by the previous NVPCM. This plan involves direct marketing methods that will introduce Tau Beta Sigma to many new universities. Action: Once introduced to directors I will cultivate relationships, as I do daily in my professional career, to further develop their interest in Tau Beta Sigma and colonize these universities.

Kevin Earnest Candidate for VPCM kevin@tbsigma.org kearnest.weebly.com

Criterion #3: The Finances

Every biennium, the delegation approves a budget based upon many estimates. The largest variable for the income is the estimate of the growth in dues-paying members. In order to stay financially viable in this economy, we must achieve growth greater than or equal to the inflation rates. Typically, we can count on inflation rates to stay around 3% per year. If this same rate is applied to our membership numbers, then this biennium we must have an overall growth of 213 members. GOAL #3: 3% ANNUAL GROWTH IN MEMBERSHIP The growth of membership numbers are an indirect product of the organizations leadership. As the NVPCM, I will not be able to personally recruit on your campuses for more members. To achieve this growth, I must empower chapter leaders to be able to: recruit new members, train new members to be great sisters, and keep returning members engaged. I have outlined examples how these can be achieved in your chapters in the white papers found at kearnest.weebly.com. Actions: I will achieve membership growth through Training of strong district leaders during the District Leadership Conference Thorough and consistent MEP review processes implemented by district counselors and National Headquarters Education through development of YouTube videos and workshops

Kevin Earnest Candidate for VPCM kevin@tbsigma.org kearnest.weebly.com Sorority Membership: Initiated, Gamma Mu Chapter (Ohio Northern University) Life Member Tau Beta Sigma Alumni Association Honorary Membership Kappa Kappa Psi Gamma Pi Chapter (Purdue University) Honorary Membership Tau Beta Sigma Beta Sigma Chapter (Purdue University) Midwest District Southwest District

Winter 2005-2006 Spring 2010 Spring 2010 Spring 2011 Spring 2011 Spring 2012 Spring 2012

Sorority Leadership: National Office 2011-2013 National Vice-President for Special Projects Chapter and District Offices 2009-2010 North Central District Vice-President for Special Projects 2009-2010 Membership Committee Chair 2008-2009 Service Committee Chair 2007-2008 Recording Secretary 2007-2008 Ways and Means Committee Chair 2006-2007 Social Committee Chair Musical Honors and Awards: 2010 Rosemary Zika Williams Award 2010 The Baton 2008 The Symphon Award 2007 Outstanding Bandsman Award Gamma Mu Chapter; Valuable Contributions Outstanding Contribution by a Student Leader Music Department; Dedicated Leadership Gamma Mu Chapter; Band Achievement

Convention Experience: 2013 SWD, Huntsville, Texas. Presented Workshop. 2013 SED, Tallahassee, Florida. Advised Programs Committee, Presented Workshop. 2013 NED, Amherst, Massachusetts. Advised Programs Committee, Presented Workshop. 2012 SWD, Houston, Texas. Presented Workshop. 2012 NCD, Fort Wayne, Indiana. Advised Programs Committee, Presented Workshop. 2012 MWD, Rolla, Missouri. Advised Convention Site Committee. 2011 National, Colorado Springs, Colorado. Advised Sisterhood and Spirit Committee. 2011 NCD, Merrillville, Indiana. Advised Sisterhood and Spirit Committee. 2010 NCD, Dearborn, Michigan. District Officer, Coordinated on-site Girl Scout Program. 2009 National, Phoenix, Arizona. Seated as a Proxy Delegate. 2009 NCD, Toledo, Ohio. Member of Communications Committee. 2008 NCD, Indianapolis, Indiana. Chapter Delegate, Chair of Jurisdiction Committee. 2007 NCD, Cincinnati, Ohio. 2006 NCD, Charleston, West Virginia.

Kevin Earnest Candidate for VPCM kevin@tbsigma.org kearnest.weebly.com Education: Master of Science, Civil Engineering, December 2011 Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering, May 2010 with Distinction Ohio Northern University, Ada, OH 2nd Major in Mathematics Career Experience: Strand Associates, Inc.: 12/11-Present Work closely with clients to develop efficient, cost-effective designs. Design wastewater treatment processes under minimal supervision and 10% under budget. Environmental Protection Agency: 5/11-8/11 Develop prosecution cases against air quality law violations. Coordinate with private third-parties to develop legal action. Purdue University: 8/10-12/11 Teach recitation for two sections (80 students) of Pre-calculus and two sections of Calculus. South Dakota State University: 6/10-8/10 Research and Quantify Dissolved Metals on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Investigate the distribution of Human Pharmaceutical Compounds (HPCs) in Wastewater. Co-Operative Education Program; City of Findlay and Village of Bluffton: 6/07-8/09 Perform construction inspections for sewer taps, sidewalk installations, and capital projects. Carry out topographical surveys, layout staking, and as-built surveys. Execute design work, specification book writing, and answer questions from contractors. Additional Information: Band Experiences Purdue Wind Ensemble, Tuba Purdue Symphonic Band, Principal Tuba Ohio Northern Wind Orchestra, Bass Trombone/Principal Tuba Ohio Northern Symphonic Band, Principal Tuba ONU Marching Band, Section Leader/Field Commander Blue Stars Drum & Bugle Corps, 2006 Tuba Other Musical Experiences Church Pianist Accompanied Numerous Weddings Ohio Northern Student Accompanist and Pep Band Arranger Ohio Northern Mens Chorus Other Relevant Experience Boy Scout, Eagle Scout Rank Senior Resident Assistant, ONU Residence Life Ohio Northern Presidential Merit Scholar

Kevin Earnest Candidate for VPCM kevin@tbsigma.org kearnest.weebly.com

Biography
I grew up in the small town of Rensselaer, Indiana. My family consisted of my parents, two older brothers, and a twin sister. Both of my parents are former music educators and my eldest brother is the Music Director for a church in Georgia. My other brother is a cast member at Walt Disney World and my twin sister is an elementary school teacher in Florida. My siblings and I have had music as a passion since we were very young. All of us started piano lessons when we were in third grade and continued through high school. It was a family expectation to participate in band, chorus, and theater. Therefore, following in my eldest brother's footsteps, I chose to play tuba in sixth grade. I still enjoy playing tuba and occasionally euphonium in the Columbus City Band. Although practicing wasn't the most fun, I am now deeply indebted to my parent's dedication to the arts and passing on that passion to me. My family was known throughout the area for our community involvement. From children's theater acting and directing to Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, we were very active. It was an honor to receive the title of Eagle Scout just as my father and two brothers had before me. In high school I was a three-sport athlete (tennis, basketball, and track) while being an active member in band, chorus, and school drama. I was also an active participant in various academic clubs (Quiz Bowl, Science Olympiad, Spanish Club, etc.) and student government. In college at Ohio Northern University (ONU), other than bands and Tau Beta Sigma, I was heavily invested into the Residence Life program where I spent three years as a Resident Assistant. I was also a member of the Mathematics Association of America, American Society of Civil Engineers, Kappa Mu Epsilon (Math Honorary), and the Student Planning Committee. In band, I was the principle tuba player in the universitys Wind Ensemble for three years and was also Drum Major for the marching band. I graduated in May of 2010 after 5 years at ONU (including one year spent in co-op). In December of 2011, I graduated from Purdue University with a Masters Degree in Civil Engineering. At Purdue, I had the opportunity to help out the Gamma Pi Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi and the Beta Sigma Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma occasionally while still being active in the band program. After graduation, I began working for Strand Associates, Inc. where I am a process/project engineer working mainly on Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant projects. I now reside in Columbus, IN with my wife Lisa and our dog, Spunky.

Kappa Kappa Psi

National Honorary Band Fraternity
Sisters and Brothers of Tau Beta Sigma, It has been my pleasure to know National Vice-President for Special Projects Kevin Earnest for the past three years. Throughout this time, I have come to know Kevin as not just a sister of Tau Beta Sigma, but also have had the pleasure of knowing Kevin as a friend, honorary brother of the Gamma Pi Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi, and a true role model for all things band-related. When first meeting Kevin during my tenure as an undergraduate student at Purdue University, my very first impression was that he was truly an inspirational person. His positive personality and realistic outlook on all things band related (and many aspects of life as a whole!) shined through in every conversation that we had. His fantastic tuba playing for our Wind Ensemble on campus highlighted his outstanding musical abilities. Kevins willingness to help whenever the department or local community needed a hand displayed his earnest desire to serve others. His positive energy exuded in all his activities certainly stood as a model to all of those around him in the Purdue University Bands Department. I have also interacted extensively with Kevin throughout travel over the course of my terms as an officer of the North Central District. On the trips back to Indiana from both the 2012 District Leadership Conference in Orlando, Florida, and the 2013 Southwest District Convention in Huntsville, Texas, we had fantastic opportunities to discuss many issues as they pertained to the fraternity and to the sorority. His ideas about positively influencing band programs and community events across the country were mindboggling, and certainly sparked many ideas off which I tried to guide my tenure as an active member. His insight into the incredible strengths and realistic view of how to capitalize upon certain weaknesses in the sorority certainly made him a clear and front-running candidate for the position of National Vice-President for Colonization and Membership. For his love of bands, his caring demeanor to all of those around him, and to his steadfast commitment to service to those things that he holds most dear, I heartily recommend Kevin Earnest for the position of Tau Beta Sigma National Vice-President for Colonization and Membership.

Musically Yours,

Jason A Mlady

Immediate Past President Kappa Kappa Psi North Central District

www.kkytbs.org National Headquarters P.O. Box 849 Stillwater, Oklahoma 74076-0849 800-543-6505

To: Members of Tau Beta Sigma From: Stephen E. McGrew, Director - Columbus City Band (est. 1843) Re: Kevin Earnest, Candidate for VPCM, Tau Beta Sigma Kevin Earnest is a relatively new member of The Columbus City Band (Indiana), having moved to our area in the Spring of 2012. He is a valued member of our tuba section and has gone above and beyond the call to help in other support areas. Kevin is an excellent musician, and even more importantly, relates well to other players within and outside of his section. He has an outgoing personality and gets acquainted easily. It certainly seems as if the CCB has known Kevin for much longer than his actual time with us. Kevin shows natural leadership skills, and I am certain he has been an asset to TBS in his current capacity as Vice President for Special Projects. I know that should he be elected to Vice President for Colonization and Membership, he will continue to do a stellar job. We are very proud to count Kevin as a member of the Columbus City Band. We are hopeful of a long future of making music together. We wish him every success in the office he is pursuing. Stephen E. McGrew