About the Pi Chapter

Since 1942, Rutgers University has seen three music Fraternities serve the Rutgers Band. The first fraternity to service the Rutgers Bands was the National Honorary Band Fraternity Kappa Kappa Psi where they were known as the Alpha Phi Chapter.  In 1972 when women were not allowed to become Brothers of KKPsi, the Alpha Phi Brothers at the time broke away and formed Mu Upsilon Alpha: The Honorary, Co-Educational Service Fraternity of the Rutgers University Bands. (More information about these two fraternities can be found under the Mu Upsilon Alpha History link.) The most recent Fraternity to serve Rutgers Athletic Bands starting October 7, 2007 is Mu Beta Psi National Honorary Musical Fraternity, where Rutgers Brothers form the Pi Chapter. Even though the Brothers have gone through three different names over the past 65 years, the ideals and motives have remained the same.

Brothers of the Pi Chapter hold the three ideals of Music, Service and Brotherhood very close to their hearts. As Brothers we try to incorporate these three ideals into everything we do as a Brotherhood. Music is the utmost important thing to us because this is what ties us together. All of the Brothers have or continue to march in the Marching Scarlet Knights Marching Band. Outside of Marching Band, many Brothers also participate in Pep Band, Concert Band and various other ensembles on and off campus. We also share our musical talents with one another when we put on our own little performances in front of the Brotherhood at least once a month. Besides sharing our music interests with ourselves we also try to branch out into the community and share it with others which ties into service. Besides just doing service for the Marching Band at practices, game days, band camp, preparing for band camp, and throughout the year we also assist surrounding communities. We have marched in local Columbus Day Parades and Saint Patrick Day Parades; volunteered at local USSBA competitions; taken small ensembles to K-12 schools and performed for them; as well as have supported fellow Fraternities and Sororities on campus with their philanthropy events. Lastly, Brotherhood is the ideal many Brothers hold closest to their hearts. Within Brotherhood, we know that being Brothers of Mu Beta Psi is being more then friends, but truly going outside of the box to learn more about their fellow Brothers. When it comes to Brotherhood we hold an annual Formal, Alumni Picnic, and Retreat to strengthen our bonds with the new and old Brothers. Besides the formal type of activities we also hold informal activities such as going out to dinner, going to the movies, bowling, putt-putt golf and many other events to allow us to relax and have fun with our Brothers.

Since being installed as the Pi Chapter of MBPsi, the Brothers are also incorporating the four purposes of Mu Beta Psi which are: to honor outstanding musicians; stimulate interest in musical ensembles; advance music to its proper place as an educational subject; and to actively promote fellowship among musicians everywhere. 

Outside of the Brotherhood itself, the Pi Chapter also holds activities and events for members of the Marching Band and Rutgers Community to attend and participate in. During Band Camp the Brothers plan activities for the end of the day after grueling practices for Band Members to attend such as dodge ball tourneys, a bon fire with s’mores, board/card game night, a talent show and last but not least a dance the last night of camp. When we make it back to the Rutgers campus after camp many other events take place such as tailgates, movie viewings, and board/card game nights to name a few. We also have many fundraisers the band members participate in/support such as our annual ghost-a-gram sales, our MBPsi store, and our cow related fundraiser at Ag-Field Day.

FAQ's

Why pledge Mu Beta Psi?

Everyone has different reasons. Those who have pledge in the past have cited these as reasons why they pledged. “I’m very service oriented and I wanted to help the Marching Band after all it has given to me.” “I wanted to express my love for music.” “I wanted to get to know the Brothers more and hopefully become one of them.” “The Brothers seem like they have so much fun with one another and care for them, that’s something that really interests me.”

Do you have to be in a music ensemble?

Yes. As of right now, eligibility is open to those in any Musical Ensemble at Rutgers University. This includes Marching Band, Pep Band, Concert Band, etc.

What are the requirements to pledge Mu Beta Psi?

Anyone interested in pledging must be a Rutgers University full time student (12 credits), 12 credits must have been completed before pledging (these do not included any AP test credits you may have obtained), must have a GPA of 2.25 or better, and must be a member of the marching band. Freshmen are not allowed to pledge their first semester (normally fall semester).

How do I begin Pledging?

In order to pledge, you must attend at least one rush event and formal rush. At formal rush, you will need to bring a letter of intent explaining why you want to pledge Mu Beta Psi. The letter is required to be signed by two Brothers to be considered as a pledge. After this is done, the Brothers will then hand out bids and if you receive one there will be directions and the pledge process will begin. 

What is Rush?

Rush is a week of social events during the end of September and the beginning of February. This week is used to welcome anyone in the Marching Band who might be interested in joining Mu Beta Psi to get to know us better. There is absolutely no pressure to Pledge during the informal rush events - it's just meant to be FUN and inform you of who Mu Beta Psi is and what we stand for. The formal rush event is when you let the Brotherhood know you are interested in pledging.

What does Pledging involve?

Pledging is basically a semester of getting to know the Fraternity and its Brothers while they get to know you. The Pledging season usually lasts eight weeks. During this time, Pledges are expected to attend a weekly Pledge meeting on Sunday, and then during the week meet with Active, Inactive, and Alumni Brothers, as well as study Fraternity materials. This is lead by the Pledge Educator and his/her committee, who carefully guides the Pledges through the semester. Just remember the more time and effort you put into the pledging process, the more rewards you will reap from it at the end.

What time commitment is required?

Outside of the pledging process, the Brothers hold weekly meetings on Sunday afternoons/evenings, where the length of time will vary depending on what needs to be discussed. Brothers also show up early or leave later from band practice Monday, Wednesday, Friday to help set up and take down the practice field; this is also the same for football game days in the fall, and for basketball season.  There are also other various fundraisers and service events thrown into the mix where the time also varies. The Brotherhood also has ongoing activities and events planned for themselves and band, which Brothers elect to go to/help with.

How much does Mu Beta Psi cost?

National dues are $60 which is paid once a year in the fall and you are termed an active Brother from October 15, year 1- October 14, year 2 (unless you pledge in the spring and you will pay then).  There are also chapter dues which can range anywhere from $40-$60 each semester, this money goes towards anything we do as a local chapter such as picnics, formals, and other fun activities strictly for the Brotherhood as well as events for band members.

Do you have a house?

The Brothers do not own a house. There is a strict zoning area for all Fraternity and Sorority houses at Rutgers University and at the time there are no available lots, and there are other Fraternities and Sororities on the waiting list. Because the Brothers do not own a house, this is one of the reasons our fees to be a Brother are lesser then other National Fraternities and Sororities you may have looked at. 

What is Mu Beta Psi's Hazing policy?

ABSOLUTELY NO HAZING occurs in Mu Beta Psi. Strict policies have been set at our national level, as well as at Rutgers University Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs, to prevent any sort of hazing. No is forced to do anything against their own will and it is not tolerated when others do so. For more information you can contact our National Office and OFSA at Rutgers.