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Pioneer Bands

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Contents

Overview

Pioneer Bands is a well-known organization at Sacred Heart University, which is located in Fairfield, Connecticut. The Pioneer Band Program was founded in 1992, and is now entering its 13th full year. The Pioneer Bands are made up of the following: Marching Band, Pep Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band, and Winter Guard. The Pioneer Bands have also announced the creation of the Lambda Nu chapter of KKPSI, National Honorary Band Fraternity. The Pioneer Bands are most popular for their Marching Band program, creating unrivaled success in being known as "The Heart of Connecticut." The Pioneer Bands have much to look forward to in 2005-2006 involving a Recruiting Tour, Trip to Disney/Orlando, and other exciting events.

History

In the summer of 1992 Sacred Heart University played host to an unknown, Crossmen?, drum corps while they were in CT for a DCI competition at Bridgeport's Kennedy Stadium. 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(Now with Fairfield University) 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 1993 the band had grown to 30 players and presented its first halftime field show. This was followed shortly there after by exhibitions at regional highschool band competitions and their first performances in the NYC Columbus Day and St. Patrick's Day Parades. By the fall of 1996 the band had grown to 60+ members and the program included Marching Band, Pep Band, Concert Band, Brass Ensemble, and Jazz Band.

1996-1997 Ms. Deena Vasilakos, assistant director 1993-1996, took on the task as interim Director, continuing the growth and development of all of the ensembles now making up the program.

In 1997, following the departure of Deena Vasilakos, the University appointed Marvin McNeil(Now with University of Connecticut) 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. McNeil also wrote the Pioneer Fight Song, which is still the current fight song played at all Basketball, Football, and Hockey games.

In 2002, Marvin McNeil left to take a position with UConn, at time when Charles Bennedum was named interim director. In 2003, Keith Johnston was hired as the new Director of Bands, and Charles Bennedum was appointed Assistant Director of Bands.

With back and support from the University, the Pioneer Marching Band has begun another period of significant growth. The band has quickly developed a reputation for presenting fun and challenging field shows, and for turning football games into exciting events. As the band's reputation has grown they have an increasing number of offers to perform at various shows 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.

Conveniently located an hour outside of NYC, the Pioneer Marching Band is developing a reputation among area TV and film producers who seek a talented University Marching Band for a variety of projects. In 2004 the band appeared in a national television commercial for Verizon Wireless, and in 2005 members of the band appeared in a sketch for MTV's "Stankervision."

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 it's many appearances the Marching Band brings the name of Sacred Heart University to communities near and far, and helps raise awareness of the quality of both the individual students, and the University.

Key Figures and Personnel

The following people are all major contributors to the success of the Pioneer Band program. Without everyone, it wouldn't be nearly as successful as they have been.

Band Council Officers 2005-2006

The Band Council decides and finds fundraising, activities, and overall ways to improve the band.

Marching Band

The most popular of the band programs, and the most well known. The Marching Band is made up of 70+ individuals of wonderful and execeptional talent. The members of the Pioneer Marching Band play at Home and Away Football games, NYC Halloween Parade, Stamford Thanksgiving Day Parade, Bridgeport Columbus Day Parade, at various High School Exhibitions and has appeared in the past at the St. Patrick's Day Parades in NYC and Boston. The Pioneer Marching Band for the 2005 season is traveling to Robert Morris University to play at a visiting football game. The members of the Pioneer Marching Band hope to embarrass those at RMU much like they did on a visiting football game at Marist College in 2004. The Pioneer Marching Band also is kicking off a recruiting tour on during September traveling to Lancaster, PA. The Pioneer Marching Band will be traveling to Orlando, FL during January of 2006 to recruit and show-off.

The Pioneer Marching Band has been in the news gaining experience on television. The Pioneer Marching Band was filmed in a commercial for Verizon Wireless in the fall of 2004. The commercial aired for 13 weeks, and gave the band members a chance to see what hard work and determination can lead to. Also in the summer of 2005, a limited number of Pioneer Marching Band members were allowed to appear in a skit on MTV's new television show "Stankervision." The Pioneer Marching Band is currently working on obtaining other possible television deals.

Members of the Marching Band move-in two weeks before the start of classes in the Fall Semester for "Band Camp." Band Camp entails countless hours of work and preparation for the upcoming year learning music, drill, and proper marching techniques. As well as activities featured everynight along with a few surprises. Shows being prepared for 2005 include a Beethoven Themed Show, Malaguena, and the ever popular student created show with an IllumiNations themed show.

Pep Band

The ever evoking Pep Band at Sacred Heart University which enlivens every game they play at. The Pep Band plays at selected Men's and Women's Baskeball games, and Men's Ice Hockey games. The Sacred Heart University Pep Band has impressed fans around the state, and out of state. Other Bands such as Holy Cross and Quinnipiac do not even match the integrity, spirit, and passion the SHU Pep Band contains. Rowdiness, and face painting often accompany these members in the band. Certain band members are known for their vicious verbal attacks at players, aimed at the opposing players team. The worst of these attacks come at Men's Ice Hockey Games, when such attacks have led to various opposing players glaring back at the members of the band. The Pioneer Pep band is an important and crucial part to the success of these teams. The records of the teams when the Pep Band is in the stands shows how much of an effect they have.

Concert Band

The Sacred Heart University Concert Band is a group of individuals dedicated to the fine likes of classical music, and traditional pieces and rhythms. Members learn and practice the music once a week during the Spring Semester, for a concert at the end of the Spring Semester. The Concert Band contains sweet, smooth sounding sensations not found anywhere else.

Jazz Band

The Sacred Heart University Jazz Band led by Joe Carter is a group of individuals wanting to stand out from the crowd and perform music from Latin America and the Caribbean. The mellow sounds of the instruments and the lively upbeats lead to a nicely sounding ensemble. They perform at various functions around the year, and in a concert at the end of the Spring Semester.

Winter Guard

The Winter Guard (or "Terpsichore" as they are called) of Sacred Heart University is a unique group who all share their passion for music wonderfully. This elite group of 10 girls perform throughout competitions during the winter in the Independent A Class (MAC). World Champions in 2003, and a close finish to first in 2005 has led to the success of the program. A complete in-house written show based on Broadway's "Wicked" was produced by these females and drew many cheers from the crowds. The group worked hard throughout their whole season, and managed to get better every performance. Sparring a situation in which a member of the crew was locked inside a "Teacher's Restroom" for an hour, all went well for everyone involved in Terpsichore.

KKPsi Lambda Nu

The SHU Pioneer Bands are proud to announce the creation of the Lambda Nu chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi, National Honorary Band Fraternity on May 21, 2005. The Lambda Nu Chapter is a group of special people who are active members in the band, and who go out of their way, shown through dedication and spirit. Through service projects, the members of KKPsi actively promote the band and the importance of music. The Chapter went through the process of being installed in less than one year.

Founding Fathers include:

External links

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