Collection is open for research; access requires at least 48 hours advance notice. Because of the nature of certain archival formats, including digital and audio-visual materials, access will require additional advanced notice. Unless noted, digital media are not available online. Copies of unrestricted digital files will be provided for use in the SCRC Reading Room upon request. Access will be provided to use copies of unrestricted digital files rather than carrier media, such as CDs, DVDs, and floppy disks. Some or all electronic files may be unavailable or restricted due to privacy reasons, agreement with the donor, software is not available to interact with files, or because files cannot be retrieved from original media.
This collection contains a single label pin from the Alpha Chapter of Mu Beta Psi, NC State's National Honorary Musical Fraternity. The pin was owned by C.D., or Christian D., Kutschinski, the university's music director from 1933-1956.
The Alpha Chapter of Mu Beta Psi was founded by Percy W. "Daddy" Price at State College, now NC State University, in 1925. The gender-inclusive organization, which still exists today, serves the NC State Music Department, connects musicians of all genres, honors outstanding musicians, encourages music education, and raises funds for non-profit music organizations.
The owner of the pin, Major Christian D. Kutschinski, served as State College's Director of Music from 1933 to 1956. As Director, Kutschinski led the university's marching band, drum and bugle corps, concert orchestra, and men's and mixed choruses. He also established a community orchestra and founded the Raleigh Community Music Series. Kutschinski was National Executive Secretary of Mu Beta Psi in the mid-1930s. After his academic career, he gave private music lessons and performed with the North Carolina Symphony as a violinist. Kutschinski died in 1979 at age 87.
The Mu Beta Psi pin is approximately one inch long with etchings of musical instruments and a treble clef line on the front. Engravings on the back state, "C.D. Kutschinski Honorary A '35."
Christian D. Kutschinski Obituary, News and Observer
NC State Performing Arts and Technology Timeline
NCSU Alumni News, Vol. 45 No. 5
The Music Department: 75 Years Young and Still Making Music, The Herlad-Sun
The NC State University Libraries generally claims only physical ownership of most Special Collections materials. These materials are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to U.S. Copyright law. Libraries staff are unable to advise on copyright and other legal matters; the user assumes full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Helpful resources for assessing copyright include Cornell Libraries’ “Copyright Services: Copyright Term and the Public Domain” and copyright.gov. This collection may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information about identifiable living individuals, which may be protected under federal or state laws and regulations. Researchers are advised that there may be legal ramifications for disclosing this information.
The University Archives operates in accordance with the State Public Records Act, with unrestricted access to records not covered by state and federal statutes and regulations.
[Identification of item], Christian D. Kutschinski Pin, MSS 00509, Special Collections Research Center, North Carolina State University Libraries, Raleigh, NC
Gift of Anna Grant (Accession 2026.0122)
Processed by: Ella Mayfield, 2026 November.
Collection is open for research; access requires at least 48 hours advance notice. Because of the nature of certain archival formats, including digital and audio-visual materials, access will require additional advanced notice. Unless noted, digital media are not available online. Copies of unrestricted digital files will be provided for use in the SCRC Reading Room upon request. Access will be provided to use copies of unrestricted digital files rather than carrier media, such as CDs, DVDs, and floppy disks. Some or all electronic files may be unavailable or restricted due to privacy reasons, agreement with the donor, software is not available to interact with files, or because files cannot be retrieved from original media.
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[Identification of item], Christian D. Kutschinski Pin, MSS 00509, Special Collections Research Center, North Carolina State University Libraries, Raleigh, NC
The NC State University Libraries generally claims only physical ownership of most Special Collections materials. These materials are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to U.S. Copyright law. Libraries staff are unable to advise on copyright and other legal matters; the user assumes full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Helpful resources for assessing copyright include Cornell Libraries’ “Copyright Services: Copyright Term and the Public Domain” and copyright.gov. This collection may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information about identifiable living individuals, which may be protected under federal or state laws and regulations. Researchers are advised that there may be legal ramifications for disclosing this information.
The University Archives operates in accordance with the State Public Records Act, with unrestricted access to records not covered by state and federal statutes and regulations.