E-Mail Kelly

Kelly (Twomey) Eidson joined Tau Beta Sigma in the spring of 1996 with the Beta Sigma chapter at Purdue University. While at Purdue, Kelly served in numerous chapter leadership positions, as well as two terms on the North Central District council. As a member of Purdue University Bands, Kelly played clarinet and tenor saxophone with the Purdue “All-American” Marching Band, Spring Concert Band, and Spring Variety Band, along with serving in the Student Officer Corps and as Student Coordinator of the Purdue Jazz Festival for 2 years. One of the highlights of Kelly’s collegiate career was being selected for the Outstanding Bandswoman Award, presented by the Beta Sigma chapter in recognition of the service and dedication to Purdue University Bands. Upon graduation with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Management degree in 2000, Kelly moved back to her hometown of Arlington Heights, IL.

Kelly didn’t let graduation stop her love of music or service to the sorority. She became a Life Member in 2000 and quickly became involved as a Director with the National Alumni Association, representing the North Central District until summer 2007. In addition, Kelly was instrumental in the creation of the new Tau Beta Sigma Alumni Association.

Outside the sorority, Kelly continues to play her instrument in a local community band and has even recruited many fellow Boilermaker alumni to join her in performing music throughout the northern suburbs of Chicago. In addition, she volunteers with her husband, Bill (life member of the Gamma Pi chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi at Purdue), with the marching staff for a local high school marching band. Outside of her ongoing commitment to music, Kelly works for CDW in technology sales and enjoys spending time with her children.

Kelly is excited to continue serving the sorority and supporting women in music as a Trustee for the 2009-2013 term.

E-Mail Chris

Chris Mullen Gordon became a member of the Psi chapter of Tau Beta Sigma at the University of Arkansas in the fall of 1993. While active, she held the offices of Recording Secretary and President, as well as Vice President for the Southwest District. Chris served as piccolo drill captain and section leader for the Razorback Marching Band and played in the University Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band. She was also a member of the music department’s flute studio.

Chris holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Arkansas, and a Master’s in Child and Family Studies from Texas State University in San Marcos, TX. She works as a freelance writer and business consultant, specializing in people performance and business processes. She also moonlights as a private flute instructor for middle and high school students, and works with graduating seniors to connect them with Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma at their selected colleges and universities.

Chris served Tau Beta Sigma for seven years as the counselor for the Southwest District, from 2002-2009.  She was extended Honorary Membership to the Southwest District chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi in 2004. Chris is excited to continue serving the sorority as a member of the Board of Trustees.  She currently resides in Austin, TX with her husband (who is also named Chris).

E-Mail David

David Hammond, a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, joined the Delta Omicron chapter of Tau Beta Sigma at Clarion University in the fall of 1996. He served as Chapter President and Northeast District Vice President while playing tuba in the Golden Eagle Marching Band and Symphonic Band. David lives in Austin, Texas with his wife, the former Karon Miller, a Past National President of the Sorority. He is Operations Manager for Conspirare, the internationally acclaimed professional choir. David holds a Bachelor of Music from Clarion and has held fundraising positions at Austin Lyric Opera, Pittsburgh Opera and Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh. David and Karon are members of The First Baptist Church of Austin where he sings in the Sanctuary Choir, plays in the Handbell Ringers, and has served as Chairman of the Music & Worship Committee. David was elected to the Board of Trustees at the 2009 National Convention in Phoenix and is honored to continue serving Tau Beta Sigma.

E-Mail Melanie

Melanie (LeBlanc) Meehan is a Life Member of Tau Beta Sigma, initiated into the Delta Delta Chapter at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Since her initiation, she has served in a variety of leadership positions at the chapter level including Corresponding Secretary & Historian. On the district level, she served as the Northeast District Secretary and then as the Northeast District President for 2 terms. Two years later, Melanie served as the Northeast District Counselor.

During her time at UMass, Melanie was a member of the UMass Minuteman Marching Band, performing on flag and rifle in the Colorguard section. She now supports the UMMB as a member of the Minuteman Halftime Club.

Since graduating with honors and a B.S. In Political Science, Melanie has established a career in marketing, lived overseas in London, England, married & become the product-marketing manager for a multi-million dollar product line with SchlumbergerSema. After nearly 4 years in England, Melanie returned to the States with her family, currently residing in southern California.

Melanie  was elected to her first term on the Board of Trustees during the 2005 National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky and to her 2nd term during the 2009 National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona.

"Our love of music is contagious and makes a very positive impact upon everyone we come into contact with as students, performers, teachers, parents, community leaders and politicians. We have the potential to do so much with our enthusiasm and I am very excited by the possibilities that we have ahead of us as we plan for the future."

E-Mail Lisa

Lisa Croston was initiated into the Alpha Chapter at Oklahoma State University in November,
1985. She is a Life Member of Tau Beta Sigma and a member of the Tau Beta Sigma Alumni
Association. During her active membership she served in several positions including chapter
president and three years on the Southwest District Council, one term as treasurer and two
terms as president. Lisa served as National Secretary for the 1995-1997 biennium and National
Vice President for Special Projects for the 1999-2001 biennium. Lisa currently serves as
National Historian and Chair of the National History and Archives Committee.

Lisa graduated from Oklahoma State University with a BA in Sociology and works for the
Seretean Wellness Center at Oklahoma State University. She is the Coordinator of Sponsored
Programs where she is the Chief Fiscal Officer for over twenty different Sponsored Programs
totaling over three million dollars. She also coordinates the Wellness Center's Residential Care
Administrators Certification Program for Residential Care/Assisted Living Facilities.

Lisa resides in Stillwater, Oklahoma with her husband, Dale and their son Jared. She is the
Chair of the Special Events Committee for the OSU Alumni Band Association and a member of
the Stillwater Community Band. She is also very involved in her community where she serves
as Secretary on the Parkview Home Owner's Association Board as well as Treasurer of the
local Cub Scout Pack. In her spare time, Lisa is a Certified Balloon Artist and the owner of a
small business, Plan It Events, which specializes in Event Planning, Wedding Coordination and
Balloon Decorations.

E-mail Kris

Kris is the Programs Coordinator for Miraval Resort in Tucson, AZ. A member of Tau Beta Sigma since 1992, Kris has been active in Sorority leadership at the local, district and national levels. Her experience includes 9 years as Counselor for the Western District, author of the National Memorial Ceremony of TBS, and presenter of workshops on various topics to district and local chapter members. She was initiated into the Omega Chapter at the University of Arizona.

Kris brings a talent for data organization and idea development to the Board of Trustees. Her background in marketing design and advertising as well as creating operational procedures for groups will be strong additions to the skill set of the Board team. She looks forward to helping shape the direction of the BOT over the next 4 years, and interacting with students and alumni in this role.

E-Mail Dollie

Dollie McDonald O'Neill was initiated into the Psi Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma at the University of Arkansas in December 1995 and has served the sorority Nationally as National Chapter Field Representative from 2000-2002 and all 4 elected National Offices on the National Council from 2003-2011. During Dollie's biennium as National President, the accomplishments she focused on were growth, strategic planning, marketing, finances, communication, and improving joint relations. Membership growth was also at its highest, with welcoming 10 new chapters during the 2009-2011 biennium, and 17% of overall membership growth in the previous 15 years, being the highest active members to date for the sorority. The sorority was fiscally sound and had the highest growth in finances in sorority history. Also during the 2009-2011 biennium, Dollie spearheaded the movement to have a new Strategic plan that resulted in the New Mission Statement, Vision Statement, and the alumni liaison on the National Council from Tau Beta Sigma Alumni Association.

Dollie's efforts improved a working relationship with Kappa Kappa Psi & jointly with the Kappa Kappa Psi National President, introduced the web base movement for paperless operations for chapters & students. Also jointly with the Kappa Kappa Psi National President, the new 'District Convention Host Guide' was introduced for those chapters interested in putting in a bid for District Conventions.

Dollie presided over the 35th National Convention in Colorado Springs, CO. During this National Convention the sorority celebrated its 65th anniversary and the National Historian, Lisa Croston introduced the "Chapter One" documents & book. This research documents Tau Beta Sigma History from 1939-1946 and during National Convention the National Council made the 1939-1946 Beta Chapter members, the women who originally commissioned for a National Tau Beta Sigma sorority, National Life members as they were not on the National member roster the previous 65 years. Also during the National Convention the Patsy Drury Hejl scholarship for Musical Achievement was officially named & the newly redesigned 'tbsigma.org' website was unveiled for all members.

Also at the 35th National Convention Scott Stowell received the Stanley G. Finck Memorial award and the Delta Kappa Chapter of Kansas State University was awarded the Chapter Leadership award. Women in Music Speaker Cora Coleman-Dunham received the OSMA, and Women in music speaker Dr. Lisa Hunter received the Paula Crider award. Dr. Bruce Moss received the Johnny Vinson award and both Chris Gordon & Chris Vanacore were awarded the Wava Banes Henry award.

Dollie has had the privilege of being named an Honorary Member of the National Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi, Lambda Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi at the University of Arkansas and holds several Honorary memberships in Tau Beta Sigma on the chapter & District level. She is a Life Member of the Psi Chapter and is also a charter member of the TBSAA. Dollie is also a wife and mother of 2 daughters.

E-Mail Dawn

Dawn Farmer was initiated into Tau Beta Sigma in the Fall of 1997. As a member of the Omega Chapter, she served as President, Membership Educator, and Parliamentarian. She was also active at the district level, serving as President and Vice President of Colonization and Membership of the Western District. While attending the University of Arizona, Dawn played in many ensembles including the Marching Band, Pep Band, and the Wind Symphony. A clarinet and French horn player, Dawn graduated with her Bachelors Degree in Music Education in May of 2002.

After graduating, Dawn moved to the Los Angeles area where she was the director of elementary bands in the Manhattan Beach Unified School district for four years. During this time, the Psi chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi made her an Honorary Member of their Chapter. While living in California, Dawn was a member of the NAA, held multiple offices on the alumni level, played clarinet in community band, and became a Life Member of Tau Beta Sigma. Dawn is a member of many professional affiliations such as MENC, MMEA, and WBDI.

In 2008, Dawn earned a Master of Arts degree in Music Education from the University of Maryland, College Park. Her thesis research analyzed the contributions of women to scholarly music education journals. After completing that degree, Dawn was a public school instrumental music teacher in Prince George's County, Maryland where she taught middle school band, orchestra, and general music.

Currently, Dawn is a doctoral student in the music education department at Arizona State University. In addition to working on her Ph.D., she is also a member of the community-based Arizona Wind Symphony. Dawn is serving a term on the Board of the Arizona Music Educators Association as the CMENC Liaison, and when she finds the time enjoys reading, golf, and painting.

E-Mail Wava

Wava Banes Turner Henry was born in Cleveland, Oklahoma on March 14, 1920. She grew up in the oil fields of Oklahoma and Texas. Wava attended schools in California, Oklahoma and Texas and graduated from Wink, Texas High School in 1936. In the summer of 1937, Wava entered Texas Tech University and graduated in the summer of 1940 with a Bachelor’s Degree and a major in Band Music. In the fall of 1939, she had succeeded in getting Sorority status for Tau Beta Sigma at Texas Tech. We were the Alpha Chapter until we went National.

Most universities were not allowing women in the band at that time and certainly there were no women Band Directors around. No positions seemed to be available. Finally, she got her first position in Avoca, Texas in the fall of 1940. Wava’s band directing position consisted of vocal music in all grades and band in all grades. Because of World War II, universities began to accept women in their bands and positions opened up for women. The following year she accepted a position in Andrews, Texas. In December 1941, Wava married H. Jack Turner, Jr. who was a charter member of Alpha Omicron Charter of Kappa Kappa Psi. In 1943, Wava became band director in Sundown, Texas. After the war, she and Jack had a business in Lubbock. During that time Wava went to Texas Tech and received a Masters Degree. After Jack’s death in 1958, she received her certification in math and counseling. She taught math in Lubbock before moving to Aspen, Colorado in 1961 to teach in Aspen Schools. Later, she became counselor and administrator until her retirement in 1981. 

In 1971, she attended National Convention and has not missed one since. She is a Charter member of Beta Chapter; a Life Member of National; an Honorary Member of Alpha Chapter; A Life Member of the Board of Trustees; a Life Member of the National Alumni Association; and an Honorary Member of Alpha Omicron Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi. Beta Chapter has set up a scholarship in her name at Texas Tech. Among other awards are Beta’s 50th Anniversary for Outstanding Service award, the Kappa Kappa Psi Richard E. Tolley Service award, the Distinguished Alumni Award for the School of Music at Texas Tech University, and the Stanley G. Fink Memorial Award.

Wava and Reese, who is an Honorary Member of Tau Beta Sigma and Kappa Kappa Psi, were married in 1981. Wava plans to be active in Tau Beta Sigma until she joins the Great Sorority in the Sky!! Through the years, Wava has enjoyed rafting, camping, skiing, golfing, traveling and other fun activities. 

E-Mail Janet

Janet West Miller lives in San Antonio, Texas, with husband DeWayne A. Miller, Jr. They have two children: Dorothy Karon lives in Austin, Texas, and DeWayne A.,III (Trey) lives in San Antonio. Trey and his wife Michelle have three children: James Thomas (J.T.), Nicole Elaine, and Michael Wystan.

Janet was a Charter Member of the Iota Chapter at Baylor University in 1948; she served as petition editor, Vice President, and President. She received a B.M.(1950) and a M.S.(1953) from Baylor. In 1953 she was elected 1st National Vice-President and in 1955 President of Tau Beta Sigma. She played in the National Intercollegiate Band in 1951, 1953, 1955, 1957, and 1961. Janet presided over the 1957 National Convention in Salt Lake City, Utah, the highlight of which was the performance of the NIB in the Mormon Tabernacle!!! What an amazing sound!!!

After having served on and off as a member of the Tau Beta Sigma Board of Trustees, she was elected a Life Member in 1995 at the convention in Orlando, Florida. She was the first past national president to be elected to the Board (1957).

A percussionist, Janet was the first full-time woman band director of a 5-A high school in Texas. She was a music educator in Texas for 32 years (junior-senior high school bands and elementary music, K-5). She is a Life Member of Texas PTA, a retired member of TMEA and TBA, a Life Member of the Baylor University Alumni Association, a Life Member of Tau Beta Sigma, and an honorary member of Kappa Kappa Psi (Beta Sigma). She currently plays in the Trinity Baptist Church Orchestra in San Antonio, and the Baylor University Alumni Band (BUGWAB). In 1981 she received the Wava Banes Turner Award.

Janet and her daughter, Dorothy Karon, were the first mother - daughter to be elected presidents of Tau Beta Sigma!! Of this Janet is very, very proud!!!