Origin
The Focus On Five campaign was first developed by the 2013-2015 NVPSP Jonathan Markowski in 2014. It was created as a way to guide Chapters toward specific initiatives and activities that fulfill the Mission of the Sorority and its core operations.
2026-2027 Focus On Five Campaign
As Tau Beta Sigma continues to grow and evolve, the 2026–2027 Focus on Five Campaign challenges Chapters to transform our shared ideals into meaningful action. Throughout the year, Chapters will strengthen their operations, engage their communities, elevate women in music, cultivate leadership throughout their band programs, and advance musicianship. Each experience should be guided by our Purposes, Mission, Vision, Eight Essential Factors, and Five Qualities while creating a lasting impact within the Chapter, the band program, the campus, and the surrounding community.
The theme for this year’s campaign is: “From Purpose to Impact: How will your Chapter build greater bands?”
Submission
This year, we will be utilizing a different format for submitting your Focus On Five submissions. There will be a form link for each stripe, which can be found below in each Stripe and Lyre Piece description, unless otherwise noted. Please do NOT submit anything on Discord.
Recognition
Chapters will be recognized during the 2027 District Conventions, and 2027 National Convention.
Participation
Please ensure that 2/3 of your Active Chapter Members can participate in the events that you are submitting, unless stated otherwise.
Focus on Five Approval Tracking: To track your Chapter’s progress, please use the Focus on Five Dashboard below. The dashboard provides a real-time view of submissions, approvals, and overall participation so chapters and advisors can easily monitor progress throughout the year.
If you have questions or concerns about your submissions or approval status, please reach out to your District VPSP or the National Vice President for Special Projects. If you have any questions or concerns about your Chapter’s participation in Tau Beta Sigma National Programs or the Focus on Five Campaign, please contact David Alexander, National Vice President for Special Projects, at [email protected].
Focus on Five Tracker
Instructions
All Focus on Five submissions can be completed using the submission button above. You will be prompted to select the Stripe or Lyre Piece you are submitting. See below for details and requirements for each Stripe and Lyre Piece.
Red Stripe - Participation and Risk Management
The Red Stripe helps position Chapters for a successful year by focusing on awareness of Tau Beta Sigma’s risk management policies, and participation in District and National educational opportunities.
Chapters must complete both parts to earn the Red Stripe.
Part One: Risk Management
Complete and submit both of the following:
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- Overture Module 0
- Take a Stand activity and photograph
Participation Requirements
The Chapter must watch Overture Module 0 together, either in person or virtually. After watching the module, take a group photograph or screenshot of the Chapter displaying the “Take a Stand” card. For virtual participation, all participating members must have their cameras on and be visible in the screenshot.
Submission
All submissions must be submitted using the designated submission forms. Deadline: October 15, 2026
Part Two: District and National Participation
At least one Active member of the Chapter must attend two qualifying workshops or events hosted by a District Officer or member of the National Leadership Team. The same member may attend both events, or different members may attend one event each. The Chapter must submit documentation showing attendance at both workshops or events.
Qualifying workshops and events must take place after July 15, 2026.
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Qualifying District Opportunities |
Qualifying National Opportunities |
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Examples may include:
Chapters should contact their District VPSP with questions about whether a District event qualifies. |
Examples may include:
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Bonus: If a Chapter co-hosts an event with NMDP, this can count towards one of your two events! |
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Activities That Do Not Qualify
The following do not count toward Part Two:
- Chapter visits conducted by Chapter Visitation Assistants, Counselors, or District Council members
- Workshops or events developed specifically for one Chapter
- Designee meetings
- Regular Chapter meetings or internal Chapter programs
Submission
Submit attendance documentation for both qualifying workshops or events using the designated submission form. Deadline: June 1, 2027
Additional Information
Attendance at District or Chapter events with multiple sessions will only count as one event. For example, attending a District Convention is the event. Individual workshops at District Convention do not count as separate events.
White Stripe - Community Engagement
The White Stripe focuses on community engagement as reflected in Tau Beta Sigma’s Mission Statement. Our community extends from our Band programs and campuses to the broader communities we serve. Tau Beta Sigma’s National Programs support different areas of the Sorority’s Mission. Two programs specifically designed to strengthen community engagement are Crescendo and Coda.
Chapters must complete one of the two program options below to earn the White Stripe.
Option One: Crescendo
Plan and host a Crescendo event designed to introduce children or younger students to music, Band, or auxiliary activities. Chapters should use the Crescendo Program Guide to plan and complete their leadership development experience. Examples may include:
- Sharing how participation in Band provides value and builds community
- Instrument petting zoo
- Beginner-friendly auxiliary clinic
- Crafting instruments
- Section or small ensemble showcase
- Facilitating an activity during a high school Band Day
- Story time with instruments
Participation Requirements
At least two-thirds of the Chapter’s Active members must participate in the event.
Option Two: Coda
Plan and host a Coda event designed to create meaningful musical engagement with older adults or senior communities. Chapters should use the Coda Program Guide to plan and complete their leadership development experience. Examples may include:
- Music bingo
- Story time with instruments
- Instrument petting zoo
- Crafting instruments
- Mini concert
- Section or small ensemble showcase
Participation Requirements
At least two-thirds of the Chapter’s Active members must participate in the event.
Chapter Responsibility
The Chapter must take an active role in planning, organizing, and facilitating the submitted event. An event hosted or facilitated solely by the Band program, university, school, organization, or facility does not qualify as a Chapter-hosted Crescendo or Coda project.
Chapters may partner with another organization, but the Chapter’s role and contributions must be clearly demonstrated in the submission.
Permissions and Participant Safety
- Before hosting an event, Chapters must obtain all required permissions from the participating school, organization, or facility.
- If photographs are not permitted but the Chapter is still able to complete the event, contact the National Vice President for Special Projects for alternative documentation instructions.
- Chapters must also receive permission before photographing participants, particularly minors or residents of care facilities.
Submission
Submit the required event information and documentation using the designated submission form. Deadline: June 1, 2027
Additional Information
Chapters are encouraged to participate in both Crescendo and Coda or host multiple National Programs throughout the year. However, only one qualifying Crescendo or Coda event is required to earn the White Stripe.
Blue Stripe - Promoting Women in Music
The Blue Stripe focuses on Tau Beta Sigma’s commitment to empowering women in music. The Women in Music Speaker Series is a hallmark National Program of Tau Beta Sigma. It was created to provide women in music with a platform to share their experiences, perspectives, and professional journeys. The program also connects our members, Band programs, campuses, and communities with music professionals whose stories can educate, inspire, and encourage others.
Requirements
Host a qualifying Women in Music Speaker Series event for the Chapter’s Band program, campus, or broader community. The selected speaker should have a meaningful connection to music and be able to provide an educational, professional, or personal perspective that supports the purpose of the program.
The Chapter must take an active role in planning, organizing, and facilitating the event.
Program Planning
Chapters should use the Women in Music Speaker Series Program Guide to plan and complete their event. The event should include:
- A speaker with meaningful experience, expertise, or perspective connected to music
- An intentional effort to engage the Band program, campus, or broader community.
- A connection to the experiences, contributions, leadership, or advancement of women in music
- An educational presentation, interview, panel, discussion, or interactive activity
Participation Requirements
At least two-thirds of the Chapter’s Active members must participate in the event. Chapters should invite members of the Band program or broader community to participate.
Submission
Submit the required event information and documentation using the designated submission form. Deadline: June 1, 2027
Additional Information
Women in Music Speaker Series events may be held in person or virtually. Chapters should make the event available to their Band program, campus, or community whenever possible. However, the event must be planned and facilitated by the Chapter to qualify for the Blue Stripe.
Green Stripe - Leadership Development for Band Programs
The Green Stripe focuses on cultivating leadership within our Chapters, Band programs, and communities. Strong leadership can positively influence a Band program’s performance, culture, morale, and long-term success. Through intentional leadership development, Chapters can help Band members strengthen the skills, confidence, and mindset needed to lead effectively in a variety of settings.
Beginning with the 2026–2027 campaign, the Green Stripe is supported by Tau Beta Sigma’s new National Leadership Development Initiative for Band Programs, For Greater Leaders, which provides Chapters with a framework for creating meaningful leadership development experiences that move beyond discussion and encourage practical application, reflection, and continued growth.
Requirements
Plan and host a qualifying For Greater Leaders leadership development experience for the Chapter’s Band program or broader community. The event should provide participants with an opportunity to develop, practice, or reflect upon skills that support effective and service-minded leadership.
The Chapter must take an active role in planning and organizing the event.
Program Planning
Chapters should use the For Greater Leaders Program Guide to plan and complete their leadership development experience. The event should include:
- An educational component, discussion, or activity
- An opportunity for participants to apply or reflect upon what they learned
- A clearly identified leadership topic or learning objective
Presenters and Campus Partnerships
Members of Tau Beta Sigma are not required to serve as the primary presenter or facilitator. Chapters are able to partner with individuals or offices that can provide relevant expertise, including:
- Band directors and Band staff
- Other qualified campus or community resources
- Community leaders
- Greek life professionals
- Leadership development offices
- Student activities staff
- Career services professionals
Participation Requirements
At least two-thirds of the Chapter’s Active members must participate in the event. The intended audience for this is members of your Band program.
Submission
Submit the required event information and documentation using the designated Green Stripe submission form. Deadline: June 1, 2027
Additional Information
Leadership development experiences do not need to be large or complicated to create meaningful impact. Smaller, focused programs often create stronger engagement and deeper learning than overly ambitious events. Successful For Greater Leaders experiences should prioritize participant growth, engagement, accessibility, collaboration, reflection, and practical application over complexity or scale.
Black Stripe - Musicianship and Performance Development
The Black Stripe focuses on musicianship and music appreciation, which are central to Tau Beta Sigma’s Mission, Vision, and Purposes. One of the most important ways members serve their Band programs is by contributing positively to rehearsals and performances. Developing proficiency, confidence, and healthy performance habits helps strengthen individual musicians and the ensemble as a whole.
Requirements
Chapters must complete one of the three options below to earn the Black Stripe.
| Option One: Musicianship Skills |
Plan and host a workshop or activity that helps participants improve their instrumental, vocal, or general musicianship skills.
Examples may include:
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| Option Two: Marching and Movement Skills |
Plan and host a workshop or activity that helps participants improve marching, movement, or auxiliary skills used within the Band program.
Examples may include:
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| Option Three: Vocal or Instrumental Recording |
Create and submit an original vocal or instrumental recording or performance of a Tau Beta Sigma song. The performance may be performed by a small ensemble, or a larger group. Chapters should ensure that the arrangement demonstrates musical preparation and respect for the original song. Examples may include:
*Performances should follow all applicable Tau Beta Sigma music-use and performance guidelines. *If your performance file is too large to submit using the form, please email your submission to National Vice President for Special Projects, David Alexander, at [email protected]. |
Program Planning
Chapters may review the For Greater Practice Program Guide for ideas on planning and completing their workshop or activity. Your workshop or activity should be planned outside of scheduled rehearsals that are already being done by the band program.
The event should include:
- A clearly identified musicianship, marching, movement, or auxiliary skill
- Instruction or guided practice appropriate for the participants’ experience level
- An opportunity for participants to apply or practice the skill
- A connection to improved participation, performance, or confidence within the Band program or community
Participation Requirements
At least two-thirds of the Chapter’s Active members must participate in the event. Chapters should invite members of the Band program or broader community to participate.
Submission
Submit the required event information and documentation using the designated submission form. Deadline: June 1, 2027
Additional Information
The submitted event should be intentionally designed as an educational or skill-development experience. Regular rehearsals, sectionals, practices, or performances do not automatically qualify unless the Chapter adds a clearly defined instructional component and takes an active role in planning or facilitating the activity. Workshops should prioritize participant safety, accessibility, constructive feedback, and practical skill development.
Left Lyre Piece - Achievement & Recognition
The Left Lyre Piece focuses on recognizing musical achievement, academic excellence, leadership, service, and the accomplishments of outstanding Chapter and Band members. Tau Beta Sigma Chapters and Band members achieve remarkable things throughout the year. Applying for District and National awards helps celebrate those accomplishments, preserve a record of Chapter impact, and ensure deserving members and programs receive meaningful recognition.
Requirements
Apply for two qualifying District or National awards.
The two applications may include:
- Two District awards
- Two National awards
- One District award and one National award
Applications may recognize an individual member, Chapter, Sponsor, Band Director, program, project, or other eligible recipients, depending on the award criteria.
Award Selection
- Chapters should carefully review all eligibility requirements, submission instructions, and deadlines before selecting awards.
- Each application must be fully completed and submitted through the official District or National award process.
- Draft applications, nominations that are not submitted, or applications that do not meet the award requirements will not qualify.
Submission
Submit documentation showing that both award applications were completed and submitted using the designated submission form. Deadline: June 1, 2027
Additional Information
District and National award deadlines may occur before the Focus on Five deadline. Chapters are responsible for identifying applicable awards and submitting materials by each award’s individual deadline. Chapters are encouraged to begin preparing award applications early and to maintain records of accomplishments, supporting materials, photographs, and impact data throughout the year.
Center Lyre Piece - District
The Center Lyre Piece connects each Chapter with a project or initiative developed by its District. Requirements vary by District, so Chapters should review the information below carefully.
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District |
Project |
Requirements |
Submission |
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Midwest District |
Community Service Project |
Complete a community service project benefiting a community outside of the Chapter’s university or Band program. At least two-thirds of the Chapter’s Active members must participate.The project may not also count toward another Focus on Five Stripe or Lyre Piece, including Coda or Crescendo.
Full Details can be found here: 2026-27 MWD Center Lyre Piece |
Submit the required documentation through the Midwest District Center Lyre Piece Submission Form. |
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North Central District |
Building Our Chord |
Host an intentional event that allows members to reflect on the relationships, values, and experiences that shape their Chapter and identify ways to strengthen belonging and sisterhood. The event may be incorporated into a Chapter retreat, sisterhood activity, vision planning session, officer transition, anniversary, wellness initiative, or another appropriate Chapter program. At least two-thirds of the Chapter’s Active members must participate. The event must include intentional reflection and discussion, and each participant must contribute by completing an individual worksheet or participating in a facilitated group conversation. The event may not also count toward another Focus on Five Stripe. Full Details can be found here: 2026-27 NCD Center Lyre Piece |
Submit the required documentation through the North Central District Center Lyre Piece Submission Form.
Post a photograph from the event on social media, tag @NCD_TBS and include #BuildingOurChord. |
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Northeast District |
Encore: Leave the Music Playing |
Design and complete one legacy project that creates a lasting impact within the Chapter’s Band program, campus, local community, or the broader music community. The project must address a meaningful need or opportunity, reflect the Chapter’s unique strengths and identity, and include a plan for how it will be sustained, maintained, or continued by future members or community partners. Create one creative showcase documenting the project. The showcase must include the project’s purpose, planning and execution, impact, sustainability plan, and a reflection on what the Chapter learned about service, leadership, or sisterhood. Full Details can be found here: 2026-27 NED Center Lyre Piece |
Submit the completed creative showcase through the Northeast District Center Lyre Piece Submission Form.
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Southeast District |
SED Stories Untold: Notes Between Us |
Complete both components: Chapter Exchange: The Chapter Exchange must last at least 45 minutes and include at least 30% of the Chapter’s Active members. Chapters must make initial contact by December 15. Exchanges should preferably be completed by March 1 and must be completed by May 1. Eighth Note Reflection: Submit a 150–300 word reflection highlighting your experience and what your chapter learned about one another. Full Details can be found here: 2026-27 SED Center Lyre Piece |
Submit the final Chapter Exchange and Eighth Note Reflection documentation by June 1 using the Southeast District Submission Form. |
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Southwest District |
Pen Pal Chapters and District Workshops |
Complete both parts. Part One: Correspond with the assigned pen pal Chapter at least three times during the year. Correspondence may include letters, Chapter or Band updates, care packages, or handmade gifts. Part Two: Send at least two members to a LEAD District workshop. Two members may attend one workshop, or one member may attend two different workshops. Full Details can be found here: 2026-27 SWD Center Lyre Piece |
Submit photographs of the letters or gifts to the Southwest District Part 1 Submission Form. District workshop attendance will be recorded through a Google Form at the event. |
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Western District |
Snarky’s Monthly Challenges |
Complete at least six of the ten monthly Snarky’s Challenges. At least half of the Chapter’s Active members must be represented in a group photograph or collection of individual photographs for each completed challenge. Chapters must compile the photographs into a digital yearbook. All photographs should be suitable for publication in our organizational materials. Full Details can be found here: 2026-27 WD Center Lyre Piece |
Submit a QR code linking to the completed digital yearbook to the Western District VPSP at [email protected] no later than one week before the Western District Convention. |
General Deadline
Unless a District provides an earlier deadline, all Center Lyre Piece requirements and documentation must be completed and submitted by June 1, 2027.
Right Lyre Piece - National Intercollegiate Band Audition Event
The Right Lyre Piece focuses on encouraging musical excellence and increasing awareness of the National Intercollegiate Band audition process. The National Intercollegiate Band provides outstanding college and university musicians with an opportunity to rehearse and perform with talented musicians from across the country. By hosting an audition event, Chapters can help Band members become more confident, prepared, and informed about the audition process.
Requirements
Plan and host a qualifying National Intercollegiate Band Audition Event for members of the Chapter’s Band program or campus community. The event should introduce participants to the National Intercollegiate Band, explain the audition process, and provide meaningful preparation or support for students interested in submitting an audition.
The Chapter must take an active role in planning, organizing, and facilitating the event.
Program Planning
Chapters should use the National Intercollegiate Band Audition Event Program Guide to plan and complete their event.
The event should include:
- An introduction to the National Intercollegiate Band and the audition opportunity
- An overview of audition eligibility, requirements, materials, and deadlines
- Guidance on preparing and recording a successful audition
- Information about how participants can access the official audition materials and submission process.
- An opportunity to record their audition for submission.
Participation Requirements
- At least two-thirds of the Chapter’s Active members must participate in planning, hosting, facilitating, and supporting the event.
- The event must be made available to eligible members of the Chapter’s Band program or campus music community.
- Participants are not required to submit an audition for the Chapter to earn the Right Lyre Piece. However, Chapters are encouraged to provide continued support to anyone who chooses to audition.
Submission
Submit the required event information and documentation using the designated submission form. Deadline: June 1, 2027
Additional Information
Hosting a general rehearsal, sectional, or practice session does not automatically qualify. The event must intentionally address the National Intercollegiate Band audition opportunity and include an educational, preparatory, or audition-support component. Chapters should consult the most current National Intercollegiate Band audition materials and deadlines when planning their event.