Western Carolina’s Kappa Beta chapter is only the sixth in the state.

“Nomination and election to membership in Pi Kappa Lambda is a singular honor for a select group of students whose achievements are outstanding in both musicianship and scholarship,” said Andrew Adams, WCU visiting instructor of music.

The first initiates into the chapter are Jennifer Cloughly, Laurel Fisher, Rebecca Frank, Tiffany Lamb, Brandon Meeks, Katherine Palmer, Erin Pugh, Ashley Setzer, Patrick Thomas and Christy Waymouth.

“WCU’s School of Music faculty established this chapter in order to recognize students who achieve the highest levels of proficiency both in academic work and in musical performance,” said William Peebles, director of WCU’s School of Music. “Pi Kappa Lambda membership is open to no more than 10 percent of a school’s student body, so the process is highly selective. Membership is recognized by the music profession nationwide as a sign of superior achievement.”

Founded at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., in 1918, Pi Kappa Lambda is one of the oldest among the approximately 70 societies recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies and it the only one devoted exclusively to music. Nationally, the honor society has approximately 200 active chapters on as many college campuses. In its 88-year history, it has elected approximately 64,500 musicians into membership.

For more information about WCU’s School of Music, call (828) 227-7242.

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Last Modified: Wednesday, May 7, 2008