[2] 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.
[4] Cochran, Rucker, and Shrader agreed to assist Wiley and Irons in creating the framework for the organization.
[4] O'Neal and Irons chose the name Phi Beta Mu, with the subtitle National Bandmasters Fraternity.
[4] In 1976, the National Music Council installed a historical plaque at the University of Texas at Arlington to honor the work of Irons as the founder of the Phi Beta Mu.
Camphouse's "Homage to the Dream" premiered on July 21, 2013, at the annual Phi Beta Mu convention, part of the Texas Bandmasters Convention in San Antonio; it was performed by the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra Wind Symphony.
[4] The Phi Beta Mu name stood for "Life, Love, and Music" which is also the fraternity's motto.
[4] Originally, the fraternity's badge or member recognition pin consisted of the Greek letters ΦΒΜ 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.
[4] In 1954, the fraternity added recognition pins for the international executive committee members and former presidents of chapters.