Band fraternity returns a decade later

The Delta Iota chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi return after 10 years. Photo Courtesy Chapter president, Matthew James

The Delta Iota chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi crept back on “the Hill” after a decade of silence.

In a visual of precision and poise, 18 FAMU band students in blue and whiterevealed their identities on Instagram disclosing the return of Delta Iota. With thundering praise, Rattlers and other band Greek accounts congratulated the new line called Tri-Aeolian Anastasis.

Matthew James, the chapter president, was elated at the return of the organization.

I feel great about the fraternity coming back to the campus,” he said. Being the chapter president as well as holding the office of student assistant to the director of bands, I understood the impact of bringing this organization that is dedicated to serving the FAMU bands and the positive effects that it will have for years to come. What sets our organization apart from any other is our devotion to service of not only the bands that we love, but also the people.”

According to the chapter adviser and sponsor, Nicholas Thomas, the process was long and arduous.”

The chapter was eligible to return to campus in May of 2017,” he said. We applied literally every semester for its return, with the support of our director of bands and the FAMU administration. The national body felt it best that we wait a bit longer. The student leadership, headed by now chapter president Matthew James, was phenomenal throughout. We had been working on this for about three years. It was great to see it come to fruition.”

As a spring 1998 initiate of the fraternity, Thomas is excited about the chapters return.

It really makes me feel good to see these now brothers be able to share some of the same experiences that have shaped my life and career,” he said. The Delta Iota alumni are equally excited. Weve raised over $15,000 to support the chapter and its main interest, the FAMU Marching 100, in less than a month. The support has been inspirational.”

He added, Im hoping to see the chapter continue its unwavering support of the Marching 100 through service to university bands. At the chapter level, we will continue to nurture and develop leaders for all future endeavors.”

Moises Martinez says he is honored to be part of Kappa Kappa Psi’s legacy.

Honestly being a part of this fraternity means so much to me,” he said. Its been almost a decade since this fraternity has been here and now that we are back theres so many things that can happen now. So much room for improvement and change and just bringing back steps of what was lost in the past.”

Part of [the HBCU] experience is the marching band and part of the marching band is Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma. Now that we have both organizations here, I hope that the band will progress forward,” he added.

Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity announced the recolonization of the FAMU chapter in October and they were thrilled to welcome Delta Iota back with open arms.

To keep up with the brothers of Delta Iota, follow their Instagram page @di_kkpsi.