It is time to VOTE!
Please take a few minutes now to cast your vote for two new board members and office of Vice President. Polls close at 12 midnight on November 30, 2025. Election results will be announced on December 1, 2025.
We look forward to your attendance at the Midwest Clinic & our annual awards breakfast and business meeting at the Chicago Marriott Marquis Great Lakes Ballroom, connected to the McCormick Place Convention Center. Midwest registration is open and PBM breakfast reservations are now open.
Outstanding Bandmaster 2025
Quincy Hilliard
Outstanding Contributor 2025
Larry Blocher
2025 recipients of Earl D. Irons Program of Distinction
North Shore Senior High School (Texas)
Shane Goforth
Director of Bands
Goshen High School (Indiana)
Tom Cox
Band Director
Josh Kaufman
Band Director
Welcome Rho Omicron Chapter, Poland!
At our Midwest meetings last December, International Past President Keith Bearden reported that he was in conversation with Dariusz Krajewski, director of a community band in Poland about forming a Phi Beta Mu chapter.
On July 7, 2024, the chapter became a reality as Rho Omicron Chapter was installed on July 7, 2024, in Krzysztof Penderecki’s Concert Hall of the Oskar Kolberg Music School of Radom with PBM International Past President Keith Bearden presiding. The meeting was also attended by Mu Alpha (Alberta) Past President Mike S. Townsend.
Brother Bearden reports that the new members are all outstanding band directors, and all have a desire for continued growth. Two additional members who had duties with student travel at the time of the meeting will be inducted soon. The new members wore their pins proudly and we’ll likely see some of them at Midwest.
President Dariusz Krajewski,
Secretary Alicja Sobczak-Dmuchowska,
Vice President Krzysztof Malicki
Music and Minds: Chats with Composers
At our recent Phi Beta Mu International meetings at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago, we were encouraged by Dr. Quincy Hilliard to archive interviews of band composers who have been leaders in the band movement by composing music for young and developing ensembles. This project is just in its infancy and we hope many of you will help with collecting these interviews. The recent passing of Robert W. Smith at age 64 adds urgency to the project as many of our noted composers are enjoying their senior years. Our initial approach will be for each chapter to take responsibility for interviewing composers from their state or chapter.
Those willing to do interviews can use our Outline of Questions as a guide. Thank you in advance for your willingness to help with this important project!
The first few interviews are complete and on our website & YouTube Channel for you to view.
Educational Outreach
Several of our members from a variety of chapters have reached out to share helpful articles and ideas to assist you this fall. Many thanks to the contributors – we appreciate their involvement in the project!
Members in the News
A new section features just a few of the most recent accomplishments of our talented Phi Beta Mu members!
Two sets of donated uniforms from great Texas Tech Alumni, Abby Crawford and Sara Steele Hill, were sent to Ireland (Keith Kelly) and Brazil (André Oliveira) from San Antonio! Thanks to Keith Bearden, June Bearden and Trisha Burrell for helping in this worthwhile project and to the Phi Beta Mu International Assistance Fund for helping with transit expenses.
Phi Beta Mu Reaches Out to International Band Scene
The Phi Beta Mu Board of Directors has created an International Assistance Fund (IAF) to provide assistance to school/community bands in foreign countries. Funding is to be used for supplies or classroom equipment purchased locally in the foreign country, or for assistance in the transport, shipping, or mailing of items. Awards will not exceed $500 to any one school or program.
Applications from Phi Beta Mu members will be received at any time during the year. Inquiries and submissions are to be directed to the Executive Secretary June Bearden. Requests will be approved or declined within seven working days.
Please use your member login and go the Forms & Documents page to access more information regarding the application process.
Chapter Special Projects
It is exciting to see the themes of mentorship, collaboration and leadership demonstrated by the actions of Phi Beta Mu members and chapters. The ideals of our fraternity are reflected in the special projects that local chapters focus their time and energy on each year.
Discover the common threads of service to our profession that bind our chapters and fraternity together.
Chapter Profiles
We want to know more about you!
Public relations chair Martin Carey-Becker is soliciting information in order to expand our awareness of each of our 35 chapters. Even though we have much in common, each of our Phi Beta Mu chapters is unique. By sharing this information we become more connected as a fraternity and the bonds of life, love and music are strengthened.
For more information about this project contact Martin Carey-Becker at becker.martinandjudy@gmail.com
View the profiles from 27 of our 35 chapters. Help us complete our roster by submitting your chapter profile today.
