TEXAS TAU BETA SIGMA
WELCOME TO THE
BETA GAMMA CHAPTER OF TAU BETA SIGMA!
Serving the University of Texas Longhorn Band since 1957
A LETTER FROM OUR CHAPTER PRESIDENT
Welcome to the Beta Gamma chapter of Tau Beta Sigma at The University of Texas at Austin, a co-ed sorority dedicated to serving college and university bands! My name is Emma Balsamo and I’m so glad you stopped by! Serving as chapter president is an immense honor, and I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside a chapter filled with such amazing people. I am so thankful that I have the privilege to represent an organization that means so much to me.
When I first joined TBS, I had zero clue how much it would shape my college experience. Through my time here, I have met some of my best friends along with people who inspire, challenge me, and celebrate me through all seasons. TBS has given me friendships that make Austin feel like home. I was unsure of how I would meet these life-long friends everyone talks about meeting in college, but TBS gave me that opportunity. The organization also helped me rediscover my love for music, not that it was ever lost. However, it reminded me that music serves as a way to connect deeply with others, not just going to rehearsal and games. Our sisterhood goes much beyond that in an indescribable way. TBS is where I found a home away from home, and a family that supports me in and out of the band hall.
Service is at the root of our organization. Internally, our work with the Longhorn Band helps to strengthen the ensemble but also the community within it. We provide water during home games as well as carrying medical kits at all rehearsals and games. We also host numerous fundraisers throughout the year with a majority of proceeds going to our philanthropy, Anthropos Arts which offers free music education to low-income youth. Fundraisers include selling merchandise, TBakeSale, LHThrift, Profit Shares, and more. Externally, we are proud to serve the Austin community through projects such as volunteering with local Austin ISD bands, Habitat for Humanity, the Austin Animal Center, Keep Austin Beautiful, the Austin Marathon, and UT Farm Stand. Regardless if internal or external, our goal remains the same, which is to uplift others through service and music.
One aspect of Beta Gamma that makes it so special is the diversity of our members. We come from different majors, walks of life, and musical experiences, yet our shared values tie us together. The variety allows us to gain new perspectives as well as skills and reminds us that there is no one track path for leadership or sisterhood. Every voice in our chapter matters and each story has value. This year, one of my main goals is to continue fostering a community where every person feels welcome, appreciated, and excited to be here. I want Beta Gamma to be a space people look forward to coming to, where contributions are valued, and everyone knows they belong.
All in all, TBS has been more than just an organization for me. It has been a place to grow as a leader, a musician, and a friend. I am proud of the accomplishments our chapter has made and excited for the opportunities ahead. Whether you are a sister, prospective member, alumni, or just poking around, I hope I have given you a glimpse of who we are as a chapter and just how special it really is.
MLITB,