Honoring the Legacy of Wava Banes Turner Henry

In loving memory of Wava Banes Turner Henry (1920-2012).

Today, I learned of the passing of Wava Banes Turner Henry, the Founder of my musical sisterhood, Tau Beta Sigma. I joined the Alpha Delta chapter at Ohio University when I was an undergraduate studying music and psychology. Wava's inspiring life story and the mission she championed to further the agenda of women in music were the first facts I learned about the organization. I decided to pursue membership.

"She graduated in the summer of 1940 with a Bachelor’s Degree and a major in Band Music. While attending Texas Tech, Wava succeeded in getting sorority status for Tau Beta Sigma in 1939. Most universities were not allowing women in the band at that time, and there were no women Band Directors around. Finally, she got her first position in Avoca, Texas, in the fall of 1940." www.tbsigma.org

As a service-oriented professional organization, we commissioned new compositions, supported our university ensembles with equipment and other supplies, provided instruments and financial support to local school districts without sufficient music program budgets, helped Girl Scout troops earn their music badges, and so much more. We made an impact not only in the musical community on campus, but in our neighboring communities. And this work continues.

Wearing my letters for Wava!

With 139 active chapters across the country, 234 chartered, over 3,800 collegiate members and over 47,000 alumni members, Wava's legacy endures. Just as I'm inspired by Constanze Mozart for advocating her husband's music with entrepreneurial savvy in an era when women were considered second class citizens, so am I inspired by Wava's success in achieving recognition for women wielding a baton in the early 20th Century. Whenever tradition is questioned, a great challenge lies ahead for those who contest it and these exceptionally gifted women conquered all. Their pioneering spirit instills me with hope and courage to continue along my own path as I continue to develop a new professional ideal as Mozart Preservationist.

On this chilly October evening, I'm wearing my letters for Wava, the letters which meant so much to her and continue to inspire the hearts of all brothers and sisters within the organization. They stand for more than just a fraternal bond. They represent unwavering affection, ambition and altruism, not only for the advancement of women, but for music as a vehicle for the greater good of us all. Thank you, Wava. I'm forever proud to be your sister.

ITB,
Sherry