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Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity

Phi Beta Mu was established as a result of the respect and appreciation our founder, Colonel Earl D. Irons, had for his professional associates, school band directors. Col. Irons was Bandmaster and Chairman of Fine Arts at the University of Texas at Arlington, then known as North Texas Agricultural College. He envisioned an organization that would honor outstanding band directors whose dedication and devotion to their profession was paramount, but whose admirable traits and services were not necessarily known nationally. 

Phi Beta Mu - Eta Chapter
Tennessee Chapter of Phi Beta Mu

FORMED: 1955 

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CHARTER MEMBERS INCLUDE:

  • Odell Willis - First President: 1955-1956

  • Wilkes Bobbit

  • A.E. McClain

  • WJ Julian

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CURRENT MEMBERSHIP:  75 Active, 40 Retired Active, & 15 Honorary Members

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OFFICERS:

  • President – Lafe Cook

  • Immediate Past President – Joel Denton

  • President Elect (Vice President) - Justin Scott

  • Secretary/Treasurer – Debbie Burton

  • Board Members - Lisa Burden, Susan Waters

 

ANNUAL MEETING: The Eta Chapter meets annually at the Tennessee Music Education Association Professional Development Conference. 

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PROJECTS: 

The Eta Chapter selects the conductors for the two Tennessee All State Bands each year. 

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The Eta Chapter has been involved in several commissioning projects making monetary donations to help fund the projects. The chapter completely funded a work in memory of four iconic members of the Eta Chapter. The work was written by Dr. Francis McBeth and premiered with the Tennessee All State Band with the composer conducting.

 

Eta Chapter members are actively involved in mentoring young directors.

Phi Beta Mu logo

Phi Beta Mu is a non-political, non-profit fraternity organized to promote fellowship among its members, to encourage the building of better bands and the development of better musicians in schools throughout the world, to foster a deeper appreciation for quality wind literature, and to encourage widespread interest in band performance.

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