Phi Beta Mu

The idea for Phi Beta Mu originated with Earl D. Irons, bandmaster and chairman of fine arts at North Texas Agricultural College (now The University of Texas at Arlington),.irons wanted to honor the dedication and devotion of the school band directors who he felt did work was important but lacked national recognition. Cochran, Rucker, and Shrader agreed to assist Wiley and Irons in creating the framework for the organization. == Symbols and traditions ==

The Phi Beta Mu name stood for "Life, Love, and Music" which is also the fraternity's motto. Its colors are blue and white. Originally, the fraternity's badge or member recognition pin consisted of the Greek letters '''''' on a black enamel bar across the center of four gold spaces of the music staff in a vertical position and closed at each end. In 1954, the fraternity added recognition pins for the international executive committee members and former presidents of chapters. The fraternity's music includes "Men of Music March", composed by members Harold L. Walters and Karl L. King, and "Hail to the Fraternity" by Irons. == Membership ==

Membership in Phi Beta Mu is through invitation. == Activities ==

Phi Beta Mu chapters meet twice a year. The Outstanding Bandmasters Award is given to band directors of militaries, universities, and high schools. The Outstanding Contributor Award is given to outstanding assistant band directors. The fraternity also issues the Outstanding Band Student Award. == Chapters ==

The fraternity was designed to honor outstanding band directors at the state level, with only one potential chapter per state. == Notable members ==

• Karl L. King – march music bandmaster and composer'''' == See also ==