History of Delta Epsilon

Our chapter over time

The Delta Epsilon chapter of Tau Beta Sigma was colonized on January 23, 1969 by the Theta Chapter, from the University of Cincinnati. The 14 charter members at Miami University were called the Miami Band Women.  On December 5, 1969, Ladine Householder and the Theta Chapter officially chartered the Miami Band Women. All 14 members became active and Mr. and Mrs. Poccia (Mr. Poccia was the current band director at the time of colonization) were elected honoraries to the chapter.

In the 1970s, Tau Beta Sigma began participating in many philanthropic events. Over the summer of 1970, Delta Epsilon members contacted all female music students to inform them of the upcoming band camp. During this week of band camp, Delta Epsilon members, along with our brother chapter, Epsilon Xi, printed band shows and music, produced signs and nametags, and prepared the practice field for future use. Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma took care of the school's band equipment, in addition to loading buses for road trips. For a small fee, Delta Epsilon members shined shoes to raise money for the marching band.

Both TBS and KKY worked hard and were successful in achieving spirit throughout the band. In 1971, TBS and KKY built the famous band mascot, the "Marching Machine." The "Marching Machine" was a tank-like structure placed over a Volkswagen bug. This mascot was used at all of the marching band performances throughout the 70s. Two new honorary members were inducted into the chapter in 1972. These members were Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Clay. In 1978 Dr. Jack Liles was added to this list of selected inductees. In the late 70s, we began providing apples for members after the half-time shows and goody bags for long road trips to keep members refreshed.  In the early 80s, a new MUMB and Delta Epsilon tradition evolved.

Organized by TBS, the Spaghetti Dinner and Date Auction provide members of the marching band the opportunity to socialize over spaghetti and participate in the “date auction”, where everything from latin dancing to house cleaning is auctioned off. At the conclusion of this annual event, seniors are given the opportunity to read their wills and say their farewells to the band. In 1983, members began selling records of Marching Band Performances and MUMB jackets in an effort to raise money for Delta Epsilon. Another tradition, started in 1985, is the Date/Theme Party where all bandos are invited to dress up in accordance with the theme and dance the night away.

In the 90s, Delta Epsilon sisters committed to lots of service opportunities. We purchased a box to put under Fort Liles to hold yard markers, a new MUMB banner to hang on the CPA and built a podium for field commanders. We also began helping Girl Scouts earn music badges.

During band camp, we began handing out freezy pops on hot days and altering band uniforms for added comfort. A new honorary member, David Shaffer was inducted into the bond as well.

In the new century, Delta Epsilon is even more committed to service for the band. We continue to do many of the same service projects and fundraisers along with new ideas. Along with the brothers, we play our instruments with local high schools that don't have large band programs.

We also purchased new yard markers and a computer for the band. Recently hooded sweatshirts commemorating our trip to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade were bought by TBS for the entire band.