Pioneer Bands
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[edit] History
In the summer of 1993 Sacred Heart University played host to an unknown drum corps while they were in CT for a competition. Their presence on the quickly growing campus set off a chain of events that resulted in the formation of the first band at Sacred Heart University. Duane Melzer was hired as the first Band Director, and he put together a small Pep Band of 13 players to play for football and basketball games. By the fall of 1994 the band had grown to 30 players and presented its first halftime field show. This was followed shortly there-after by their first performance in the NY City Columbus Day Parade and St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
In 1997, following the departure Mr. Melzer, the University appointed Marvin McNeill to the post of Director of Bands. Under McNeill’s direction the Pioneer Marching Band experienced steady growth, ultimately numbering 65 members. During this time the band began to make appearances at local and regional Marching Band events, showing off their new uniform design. The band also made its first appearance at the Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The band also made its first visit to an away football game, traveling to Pittsburgh as the team played against Robert Morris University. McNeill wrote the Pioneer Fight Song, which is still the Fight Song of SHU, and played at football, basketball, and hockey games.
In 2002 Marvin McNeill left to take a position with the University of Connecticut Band program, at which time Charles Bennedum was appointed interim Director. In 2003 Keith Johnston was hired as the new Director of Bands, and Charles Bennedum was appointed Assistant Director of Bands.
[edit] Marching Band "The Heart of Connecticut"
With backing and support from the University, the Pioneer Marching Band quickly developed a reputation for presenting fun and challenging field shows, and for turning football games into exciting events. As the band’s reputation grew, they received an increasing number of offers to perform at various shows and competitions both in CT and throughout the Northeast. In 2004 the Pioneer Marching Band made its first appearance at the highly regarded Halloween Parade in NY’s Greenwich Village, performing for almost 2 million spectators. This was followed shortly thereafter by an appearance at the annual Thanksgiving Day Parade in Stamford, CT.
The Pioneer Marching Band has developed a reputation among area TV and film producers who seek a talented University Marching Band for different projects. Recent media appearances include a national television commercial for Verizon Wireless in 2004; an appearance on MTV in 2005; and an appearance in a national television commercial for Publisher’s Clearing House, also in 2005.
The Pioneer Marching Band has performed in Lancaster, PA for Tournament of Bands, and at the Cavalcade of Bands PA Championship in Hershey, PA. Additionally, the Marching Band makes regular appearances at Walt Disney World’s Magic Music Days parade at the Magic Kingdom. The bands next trip to Disney will be in 2008.
The pride, dedication, and commitment to excellence of the Pioneer Marching Band has contributed to making it the largest and most visible organization on the campus of Sacred Heart University, and allowed it to serve as musical ambassadors for the University. Through its many appearances the Marching Band brings the name of the Sacred Heart University to communities near and far, and helps to raise awareness of the quality of both individual students, and the University as a whole.
[edit] Pep Band "The Beast of the Northeast"
“If he doesn’t play basketball, I want him to join the band!”
-Women’s Basketball Head Coach Ed Swanson speaking about his newborn son, March 2006
The driving force behind the atmosphere at SHU basketball and hockey games, the SHU Pep Band is comprised of highly spirited players who entertain fans, and distract the other team. With its hallmark SHU x 4, the band cheers on the Pioneers, and plays some great music (ever hear of Brass Bonanza? Go Whalers!) In 2006 CSTV.com’s Rink Rat rated the Pioneer Pep Band better than Cornell’s “Big Red” band, especially praising the SHU bands varied repertoire, and performance of Soul Bossa Nova. The Pep Band performs at pep rallies, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s ice hockey and special events. We turn games into events.
[edit] University Concert Band
The University Concert Band performs music from the traditional wind band repertoire, as well as contemporary and modern works. The University Concert Band also commissions new works for band/wind ensemble. Membership is open to all students with a background in performing instrumental music who are enrolled at Sacred Heart University. A placement audition is required. The Concert Band meets Monday evenings from 7:30-9:30 both fall and spring semester. The schedule is flexible to allow for marching band practices, and pep band performances. The University Concert Band performs a Christmas Concert, and Spring Concert each year. Concert Band is offered as a one credit course.
[edit] Jazz Ensemble
The Jazz Ensemble gives students the opportunity to develop their musical skills within the context of a variety of styles of jazz music. The Jazz Ensemble is often asked to perform for various events on-campus, and performs several concerts each year. The Jazz Ensemble meets during both semesters and is offered as a one credit course.
[edit] Winter Guard
Sacred Heart University’s Winter Guard program, Terpsichore, practices from January through April. The guard performs at local and regional Musical Arts Conference (MAC) events, and regional and national Winter Guard International (WGI) events. Membership is open to any Sacred Heart University student.
[edit] Support Organizations
The Pioneer Bands programs are supported by two organizations: the Band Council and the Lambda Nu chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi.
The Band Council is the official representative body for the Sacred Heart University band programs. The Band Council bridges the communication gap between the band directors and students. The Band Council organizes events at band camp each year, as well as the annual band banquet. They also fundraise for band activities such as the Band Banquet and a trip to Disney World every other year.
Kappa Kappa Psi is a National Honorary Band Fraternity that promotes excellence in college bands. The Lambda Nu chapter at Sacred Heart University was installed on May 21, 2005. The brotherhood currently has 18 active brothers, and 3 alumni. At Sacred Heart University, Kappa Kappa Psi brothers host activities to promote friendship among band members, maintain storage facilities, and provide overall support and service for all Pioneer Band programs and the community.
