The first practical idea for establishing a "band sorority" as a national entity to meet the expressed needs of the growing number of women in college and university bands was presented by band member Wava Banes (Henry), along with her classmates, Emily So Relle and Rose Nell Williams, to director D.O. Wiley of the Texas Tech University Band in the closing months of 1937. This discussion led to a group of bandswomen at Texas Tech University founding a local organization known as "Tau Beta Sigma," modeled in principle on the example of Kappa Kappa Psi. Much like the Fraternity, Tau Beta Sigma's purpose at Tech was to serve as an honorary service and leadership recognition society, but it was designed especially to provide the important additional social, educational, and other positive experiences needed by women in the band.

In June of 1943, the Tech women petitioned the Grand Council of Kappa Kappa Psi to become an integral part of the national Fraternity as an active chapter. Accepting the group under these circumstances, however, would have entailed a complete revision of the Kappa Kappa Psi constitution. Because of the war, doubt was expressed as to just when the next fraternity convention would be held so that the issue could be brought to debate. Rather than postponing action on the women's request indefinitely, a suggestion was made that Tau Beta Sigma form its own national organization, just as the National Fraternity had done in 1919. Until a national convention of Kappa Kappa Psi could be held and the matter clarified, Tau Beta Sigma could be considered the "sister organization" of the Fraternity. The Grand Council of Kappa Kappa Psi agreed that Tau Beta Sigma could share in all fraternal publications.

While applying for a national charter, the Tech Chapter encountered difficulties involving certain Texas state corporation laws. In 1945, Frank Martin, National Executive Secretary of Kappa Kappa Psi, was invited to meet with the women and work out a plan that would bring the Sorority the national status the Tau Beta Sigma women were seeking. Mr. Martin then suggested that the local band sorority currently in existence at Oklahoma State University apply for the charter, since fewer difficulties would be encountered in Oklahoma.

So, in January of 1946, the women of the Texas Tech Tau Beta Sigma Band Sorority, through their director, D.O. Wiley, graciously surrendered their name, "TAU BETA SIGMA," their constitution, ritual and jewelry designs to the local band club at Oklahoma State University, in order that the national organization could be established. By doing so, the Tech women understood that they were permitting the Oklahoma State group the title of "Alpha, the Mother Chapter," and accepted the status of "Beta Chapter," the second chartered chapter. On March 26, 1946, a charter was granted by the Department of State for the State of Oklahoma legally establishing "Tau Beta Sigma, National Honorary Band Sorority," later amended to "Tau Beta Sigma." On May 4 of 1946, the members of the Alpha Chapter traveled to Lubbock, Texas, to officially install the women of Texas Tech as the Beta Chapter of the National Sorority.

First New England Chapter, ΓΚ

Boundary lines are extended to the New England Region with the introduction of the Gamma Kappa chapter of Tau Beta Sigma.

The Gamma Kappa Chapter was established at the University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut on May 17th, 1964. Kappa Kappa Psi was established on the campus in the spring of 1962. It became evident that a Tau Beta Sigma chapter would be eventually made possible.

The Delta Omicron Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi sent two delegates to the 1963 National Convention at the University of Arizona. Their active participation in the work of the convention and the National Intercollegiate band created a desire to bring Tau beta Sigma to their campus.

In the early fall of 1963, William Dick, the president of Kappa Kappa Psi, made a survey of the band and found a keen interest in Tau Beta Sigma among the girls of the band. A local band club was organized, called the Kappa Sigma Club. Officers were elected and a constitution adopted. Projects for the year were worked out and a committee named to start work on their petition into the national organization. The petition was completed and presented to the National Council and accepted. Plans for the installation was worked out through the national office.

Since Director Allan Gillespie was a member of Kappa Kappa Psi and the District Governor of the Fraternity, he was authorized by Mrs. Wayman Walker, National President of Tau Beta Sigma, to be the installing officer. Full instructions, ceremonial robes, altar material and supplies were sent to Dr. Gillespie from the National Office to assist in the initiation and installation.

With the assistance of his wife, who was to be the sponsor of the local club, an initiation team was selected and trained for the ceremony. A beautiful and impressive initiation was presented, followed by the installation of the chapter by Dr. Gillespie.

The University of Connecticut band is recognized as one of the leading concert and marching bands in the New England States.

The new chapter had hardly been installed when they started plans for their first pledge class. Plans for the new year have been worked out and Mrs. Gillespie, as sponsor, is very much interested in the new program which includes cooperation with Kappa Kappa Psi in a greater interest in the band program.