Brothers of the NCD,

Now is a truly exciting time for the North Central District, with your continued growth through colonization, leadership in meeting national obligations, development of new ideas and programs and work to incorporate music into your activities. With these areas of leadership and fun, this is a wonderful time to be a member of the North Central District.

In 2004, the NCD Officers and Brothers had the distinction of creating the most groundbreaking mission and purposes driven district convention in my memory. You are among the fastest growing districts in the country with three current colonies and the outstanding new chapters this district sponsored last biennium. Your chapters represent some of the historically significant and outstanding band programs in the country, and you represent a district membership that is driven to striving for the highest in so many ways. As this year continues, the opportunities to shine as a district will multiply and become more apparent.

Having the National Convention in your district gives you a unique opportunity to share your talents and Brotherhood with the entire nation. Hosting the convention is only one area of sharing that you as the NCD are doing this year. The NCD is providing the National Intercollegiate Band Conductor, award to Michael Haithcock, Director of Bands at the University of Michigan and honorary member of the Nu Chapter. You have two National Council members who are native sons and former officers of the NCD. Not since 1993 has the National Convention come to the North Central District. I hope that you will take every advantage of opportunities to not only attend this convention, but also to enjoy the national limelight.

I tell you these things not just to make you feel proud, but also to encourage you to take advantage of the many opportunities ahead and become part of our NCD and National history. Volunteer to help at National Convention, audition for the National Intercollegiate Band, attend NCD Convention, meet your NCD and National leadership, visit a chapter near you (or not so near you), help a colony, submit your paperwork on time and attend National Convention. Do the work to make your band program meet its maximum potential, and continue to show leadership in so many ways within our bands and our Brotherhood.

This is truly a special time for the Fraternity and the North Central District, and you have so much to share with the nation. Will you be part of the excitement? I look forward to finding out!