Founding Members of Nu Omicron
Christopher D. Zygmunt Jr. - President
Christopher D. Zygmunt Jr, also known as "ChrisZ" was a senior pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering at the time of our Chapter's founding. He was 21 years old and grew up in Wallingford, Connecticut. His main instrument was the Trumpet which he played for 13 years. Christopher, along with William Belke, and the Director of Bands at the University of New Haven, Jason DeGroff, started the chapter as a colony in response to the outstanding growth that the University of New Haven's Marching Band had from 2013-2016. Growing from 20 to 300 members, Chris saw the need to have a dedicated group of members to support the DOB and continue the growth of the program. Chris was an extremely hardworking and dedicated individual. He logged over 900 hours of volunteer work at a local retirement home and summer camps for children with Autism. Chris also had a strong passion for his hobby of model railroading; as well as a love for Disney. Chris hoped to combine his education and passions to pursue a career as a Disney Imagineer. “It’s kind of fun to do the Impossible” Walt Disney
William Belke - Vice President of Membership
William "Billy" Belke was a senior pursuing a degree in Music at the time of the Chapter's founding. He was 22 years old from Leonardo, New Jersey. Billy marched bass drum during his four years at the University, and was section leader for three years. He became part of the baritone section for his fifth year in the band. His primary instrument was bass clarinet, which he played for 11 years in concert band. William worked closely with his good friend, Christopher Zygmunt, to begin the colonization process at The University of New Haven. The two of them had seen incredible growth in the band during their time at the university, and were dedicated to the betterment and longevity of the program. Billy had a strong passion for music. After graduating, he hoped to pursue a Master's Degree and career in music education.
Leah Myers - Vice President of Projects
Leah was a sophomore majoring in Communication at the time of the Chapter’s founding. She graduated with two degrees in May 2018; B.S. in TV/Video Production and B.A. in Digital Media. She grew up in Wallingford, CT. Leah was involved with the UNHMB for her entire college career. She played clarinet for three seasons and was drum major her senior year. She was also in Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, and Brazilian Drumming. Outside of band, Leah was a member of the Communication Club and was the Station Manager of WNHU, the campus radio station. She had a Disney-themed radio show at WNHU with Beta brother, Jessie Brownstein. Leah currently works as a Digital Content Producer at WTNH News 8, an ABC-affiliated TV station in New Haven.
Justin Pelletier - Treasurer
Justin Pelletier was a Sophomore at the University of New Haven working towards his degree in Computer Engineering at the time of the Chapter's founding. He was 20 years old and was born and raised in Dix Hills, New York. Justin’s main instrument was trumpet and he played for roughly 13 years. Justin first picked up Marching Band his freshman year of college because it was not offered at his high school. He soon fell in love with the art and the amazing program here at the University. He was also a part of several other organizations on campus including Concert Band, the Admissions Team, PRIDE, and he was a brother of Alpha Phi Omega, a National Service Fraternity. Once he finished college, Justin hoped to get a job in his field that he would enjoy.
Christopher Jenis - Historian
Christopher Jenis was from Hopkinton, Massachusetts. He was a junior majoring in Sports Management at the University of New Haven. Chris also worked at the Recreation center on campus as a competitive sports supervisor. In the marching band he played alto saxophone for his first two years. Over the summer
of 2015, Chris was lucky enough to march with 7th Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps from New London, Connecticut. He learned to play the Baritone and marched that his junior year at UNH. His senior year, he played the Baritone in both marching and concert band, while still playing alto sax for jazz band and wind ensemble. In the marching band, Chris was one of the Horn Sergeants. His eventual goal in life was to work in the front office for one of his favorite sports teams and hopefully work his way up to general manager.
of 2015, Chris was lucky enough to march with 7th Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps from New London, Connecticut. He learned to play the Baritone and marched that his junior year at UNH. His senior year, he played the Baritone in both marching and concert band, while still playing alto sax for jazz band and wind ensemble. In the marching band, Chris was one of the Horn Sergeants. His eventual goal in life was to work in the front office for one of his favorite sports teams and hopefully work his way up to general manager.
Nikolas Decker - Secretary
Nik found his start in music following in the footsteps of his siblings. Since 3rd grade he began his passion of music and performing on saxophone. His first season of marching was in 7th grade, starting a career of marching band, indoor groups, and competitive drum corps that would last until his graduation from the University of New Haven. At UNH, he studied Music & Sound Recording specializing in performance, technology, and education. There he would become a multi-instrumentalist, performing in a variety of ensembles on saxophone, trumpet, and french horn as well as working as a studio musician for recorded projects. In 2014 and 2015 he served as the Music Director for the student-run Chargers Pep Band, stepping down to serve as the Secretary for KKPsi working to receive its charter. In ‘14 and ‘15 Nik performed in 7th Regiment Drum & Bugle Corps on mellophone and trumpet, which eventually lead to his teaching experience on visual and woodwind performance with Trumbull High School. After graduating with a B.A. in Music & Sound Recording in 2017, Nik went on to teach visual performance for the Connecticut Hurricanes Drum & Bugle Corps. He now lives in Knoxville, Tennessee working for a regional bank.
Melissa Bannon - Parliamentarian
Melissa Bannon was born in Plainville, Massachusetts and was a sophomore at the University of New Haven working towards a double major in forensic science and chemistry. She began playing music in the fourth grade on alto saxophone. By the time she graduated high school, Melissa played alto, tenor and baritone saxophone as well as flute, trombone, and tuba. In college, Melissa played baritone in the marching band and tuba in the concert band, pep band, and wind ensemble. Outside of the marching band, she was a lab assistant as well as a member of PRIDE, theater club, and the pep band, in which she was the executive assistant. After graduation, Melissa hoped to become a crime scene investigator, working in field as well as in the lab.
Lolly-Elizabeth Beichner
Lolly-Elizabeth Beichner was raised in Wallingford, Connecticut. She was a sophomore at the University of New Haven studying Criminal Justice with a concentration in Forensic Psychology and a National Security double major. She planned to get a masters in Forensic Psychology. After completing an undergrad Lolly wanted to become a Special Agent in the FBI. She was a member of the social sorority, Alpha Sigma Alpha as well as Paranormal Investigation Research Organization and the Psychology club. Lolly was a member of the University marching band and concert band. She played flute in both ensembles and had played the flute since third grade. In the marching band, Lolly held the position of rank leader and was a member of the uniform committee.
Kristen Cianci
Kristen Cianci was a Freshman at the University of New Haven. She was from Killingworth, Connecticut, and was working towards a double major in Criminal Justice, with a concentration in forensic psychology, and General Psychology. Kristen aimed to work as a forensic psychologist or in any form of law enforcement. Her passion for music used to lie within playing bass guitar in a band with friends and learning piano in her free time. Kristen decided to pick up the clarinet and join the Marching Band when she came to the University of New Haven. Alongside marching band, she participated in the Paranormal Investigation Research Organization club on campus, various club sports, and worked as a mentor for the Connecting through Literacy: Incarcerated Parents, their Children, and Caregivers (CLICC) program.
Samantha Cosnoski
Samantha "Samii" Cosnoski was from Pemberton, New Jersey. She was a freshman studying Music and Sound Recording as well as Electrical Engineering. Nine years ago, Samii began playing the flute, and learned to play many instruments since then including piccolo, marimba, vibraphone, baritone, and tenor saxophone. She was a member of the University of New Haven Marching Band, and was an active alumni of the Bushwackers Drum and Bugle Corps. On campus she was involved with the theater program as a stage manager and a sound engineer, the secretary for the UNH Audio Engineering Society, and was a member of Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society. In the future, Sam hoped to become a live sound engineer and front-of-house technician while traveling with a performing group, and eventually design and build professional audio equipment.
Aimee Curtis-Travaglini
Aimee Curtis-Travaglini was born in Tongling, Anhui, China and raised in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania. She was a junior at the University of New Haven majoring in Criminal Justice with a Forensic Psychology concentration and working toward a double minor in Sociology and Chinese Language Area Studies. She began playing the piano at age 4 but considered her main instruments to be the flute and the french horn. In addition to these, she also played violin, trumpet, mellophone, piccolo, and saxophone. In high school, she was an active member in the marching band as well as captain of the indoor color guard. At the University of New Haven, Aimee was in the marching band, wind ensemble, concert band, and the Chargers Pep Band where she held the position of Treasurer and President. After graduating, Aimee planned on getting her masters degree and eventually a doctorate in Forensic Psychology.
Thomas DeGroff
Thomas DeGroff was born in New Britain, CT, and lived in Berlin, CT. Tom was a junior at the University of New Haven and graduated with the Class of 2017. He was a Criminal Justice major with a concentration in International Justice & Security. Tom was an active member of the marching band for three years where he played the Baritone. He was a part of the uniform committee and the truck crew for the marching band. After graduation, Thomas planned to work in Homeland Security.
Shirley Duong
Shirley Duong was a Junior from Alhambra, CA majoring in Psychology and minoring in Mathematics at the University of New Haven. She was a member of the University of New Haven Chargers Marching Band, in the color guard section. Shirley had spun since her freshman year in high school and planned on continuing to spin for a few more years. She marched with the Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps in Sacramento, CA in 2012 and 2015, where they traveled around the country competing in Drum Corps International World Class competitions. Shirley aged out with the Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps in the summer of 2016. She worked as a research assistant at the Yale Social Cognitive Development Lab, a math tutor at Mathnasium, a colorguard instructor at Naugatuck High School and Central Connecticut State University, and a student staff member at the UNH Career Center. In the future, Shirley hoped to work in higher education and perform social science research, as well as continue to teach color guard with an ultimate goal to share her passion for performing and spinning with others.
Jacob Orion Eckert
Jacob Orion Eckert was from Cheshire, Connecticut, and came to the University of New Haven in 2013 to study Music Industry, where he later added a minor in behavioral economics. Jake was a percussionist that played marimba in the marching band’s front ensemble. He was also a member of the university’s radio team. In addition to marching for five consecutive years and being a part of various ensembles for around eleven years, Jake had also participated in many service projects, including some in other locations of the country. Jake was also involved in the Boy Scouts of America, and earned the highest ranking of Eagle Scout before his 18th birthday. Music above all else; he aspired to be a successful A&R man for a major record label after graduation from the University of New Haven.
Sarah Catherine Flynn
Sarah Catherine Flynn was from West Haven, Connecticut and was able to stay in her hometown when she came to the University of New Haven to study mechanical engineering in 2015. She played flute, piccolo and piano but learned how to play baritone to help better balance the marching band.
Justin Gaumond
Justin Gaumond was born in Worcester, MA and lived in Rutland, MA. He was a freshman in the University of New Haven Class of 2019 pursuing a double major in Forensic Science with a biology concentration, Genetics and Biotechnology, with a minor in Chemistry. Justin started to play music on alto saxophone. Throughout middle school he played alto, tenor, and baritone saxophone. Throughout high school, Justin didn’t play an instrument but when he came to the University of New Haven he joined the marching band. He was involved in the marching band, but wished to branch out to other ensembles such as jazz band. He was also involved with the Admissions Team, along with the Paranormal Investigation and Research Organization, Forensic Science and Chemistry Club, and Westside Hall Council as Head of Public Relations. Outside of school, Justin was a substitute teacher for the Wachusett Regional School District along and also worked at a veterinary hospital.
Emily Haynes
Emily Haynes was a Junior at the University of New Haven. She was born in Charlottesville, VA, and was raised in Attleboro, MA. Emily was pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Investigative Services. She played the clarinet in high school, but switched to tenor saxophone when she came to the university. In addition to band, Emily was also a second degree black belt in Shaolin Kenpo and a member of Alpha Phi Omega, a National Service Fraternity. She was also a member of Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society and Alpha Sigma Tau, the Criminal Justice Honor Society, as well as the student programming board. After graduation, Emily hoped to work in the federal government as an investigator.
Ryan Heller
Ryan Heller was born in Hamilton, NJ and grew up in Robbinsville, NJ. He was a freshman in the University of New Haven Class of 2019. Ryan was a Forensic Science major with a concentration in biology. He played saxophone from 4th-6th grade then decided to switch to percussion in 7th grade. He was involved in his high school's jazz band, concert band, and marching band. His main instrument, however, was the tenor drums. Throughout his four years of high school, he played the tenors in the drumline. He was also the drumline section leader his junior and senior year. He marched with Cadets2 Drum Corps cymbal line during the Summers of 2013 and 2015 where he competed in the DCA circuit, and the Cadets Winter Percussion cymbal line in the winter of 2015 where he competed in the WGI independent world class circuit. He also played auxiliary percussion and bells in the Cadets2 front ensemble during the summer of 2014. He was a member of the University of New Haven Marching Band and was the tenor section leader in the drumline his sophmore, junior, and senior year.
Danielle Jacoby
Danielle Jacoby was a freshman at the University of New Haven. She was from Newark, Delaware and was part of the Color Guard in the Marching Band. She was pursuing a degree in Forensic Science with a concentration in Chemistry and planned to declare a double major in Chemistry. She also played the violin, cello, and piano and was a part of both the Chorus program and Drama Club in high school. Danielle was involved in the Admissions Team, Honors Student Council, Improv/Comedy Club, and the American Criminal Justice Association. Upon graduating, Danielle hoped to work as a ballistics/firearms expert for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Kelly Jeffery
Kelly Jeffery was from Trumbull, Connecticut and was a sophomore at the University of New Haven, studying Psychology with a concentration in Forensic Psychology. She began playing the clarinet in fourth grade and continued to play for ten years. Kelly performed in her high school’s concert band, jazz band, pep band, and marching band programs. Throughout her high school marching band career she was given the opportunity to be a section leader for her junior and senior years. She also travelled to Florida to participate in the Citrus Bowl Parade and Arizona for the Fiesta Bowl Parade and field show competition. In addition to being a part of the University of New Haven marching band, she had a passion for working with horses, and had been riding for eleven years.
Shannon Killough
Shannon Killough was from Glenwood Landing, New York and was a sophomore at the University of New Haven studying criminal justice with a concentration in forensic psychology. Shannon played piccolo in the marching band and flute in the concert band. She was also part of the psychology club on campus. In her second year Shannon was a rank leader in the flute section.
Trent Lenkarski
Trent Lenkarski was a Freshman, majoring in Forensic Science at the University of New Haven. He was from Belchertown, Massachusetts. Trent had been a percussionist since he picked up drumsticks in the fifth grade. Trent performed in Belchertown High School’s concert band, symphony band, wind ensemble, and both percussion ensembles. Trent was part of the drumline at the University of New Haven. After college, Trent hoped to work at the Massachusetts State Police Crime Lab and to continue living with music.
Zak Levenstein
Zak Levenstein was a Sophomore at the University of New Haven. He was born and raised in Roslyn, NY. He was on the Drumline for the Chargers Marching Band where he played the snare drum. He had played the snare drum for six years, and had played drums for 16 years, starting at the age of 5. Zak played in various ensembles through middle school and high school including jazz bands, pep band, orchestra, and concert band. Zak started becoming active in high school marching band and a DCA corps when he was in 8th grade. He was Drumline Section Leader his junior and senior year in high school. He participated in the Sunrisers Drum and Bugle Corps in 2010 and 2011, as well as the Macy’s Great American Marching Band in 2011 and 2012, in which he was the cymbal section leader in 2012. While in high school, Zak’s marching band was invited to play in the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida and in Walt Disney World his sophomore and senior year. He was a Music Industry Major at the University of New Haven . Zak was also a part of the Music Industry Club, where they booked shows and events on campus. Postgraduation, Zak hoped to be a producer at a major record label.
Shawn Lewis
Shawn Lewis was a freshman at the University of New Haven. At the University of New Haven, he studied Criminal Justice with a concentration in Investigative Services. Originally from Swansea, Massachusetts, Shawn attended Joseph Case High School, where he participated in band for six years, three of which were dedicated to being a drum major. Throughout high school, he played alto saxophone and in college he played mellophone. In college, he was involved in the concert band, wind ensemble, and marching band. In addition, he was also involved in the Paranormal Investigative Research Organization. After college, Shawn aspired to become a crime scene investigator.
Joshua Lodge
Joshua Lodge was born in Swindon, England. He came to the University of New Haven to study music and sound recording. He played clarinet in the marching band but could also play the piano. He was a member of the admissions team and the student committee of programming events on campus as well.
Brian Mac Kenzie
Brian Mac Kenzie was a sophomore at the University of New Haven, studying Music Industry. He was born and raised in Staten Island, NY. Brian played guitar in the front ensemble for the Chargers Marching Band. The show Styx and Stones was his first experience in any marching band. In addition to the marching band, Brian served as the Treasurer for the school’s Music Industry Club. Upon the completion of his degree, Brian hoped to either attend law school and work in entertainment law or go into artist management.
Jennifer Montesanto
Jennifer Montesanto was from East Haven, Connecticut. She was a junior at the University of New Haven pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Investigative Services. Jen had played the flute since the age of 3 and performed in her elementary, middle school, and high school bands. She was a member of the East Haven High School award winning Yellow Jacket Marching Band for all four years of her high school career. Jennifer served as the flute section leader during her junior year and then in her senior year was given the privilege to be one of the Drum Majors. At the University of New Haven she played the mellophone in the marching band, the french horn in our concert band, and the flute in the wind ensemble. Jenn also held the positions of Horn Sergeant, Band Manager, and Recruitment chair for marching band. Other involvements on campus included the Admissions Team and the Victimology Club, and she was a brother of Alpha Phi Omega, a National Service Fraternity.
Kayden Pintarelli
Kay Pintarelli was a member of the University of New Haven Class of 2019. He was born in Providence, Rhode Island and was raised in Marshfield, Massachusetts. Kay was pursuing a degree in Forensic Science with a concentration in Chemistry. He played the flute and the piccolo in the marching band. Kay had played the flute since he was in the 4th grade and had marched piccolo since his freshman year of high school. Kay was involved in many organizations on campus including the marching band, PRIDE, and theater. Kay hoped to work at a crime lab based out of Massachusetts as well as continuing with music on the side after graduation.
Jenna Racz
Jenna Racz was raised in Trumbull, Connecticut, and was a member of the University of New Haven Class of 2017. Jenna started playing the Trumpet in fourth grade and played for 12 years. She was also a member of the Trumbull Golden Eagles Marching Band during high school. Jenna was pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Law Enforcement Administration. Jenna was also the Vice President of the University of New Haven Legal Society, Committee Head in the American Criminal Justice Association, in addition to being a member of the University of New Haven Marching Band. Jenna was a former Trumbull Police Cadet Captain, and acted as a civilian advisor for the program. She planned on pursuing a career as a Law Enforcement Officer after graduation.
Gabriel Dee Raj
Gabriel Raj was born in New Haven, CT, and moved to West Haven when he was three. He was a junior at the University of New Haven, and graduated in the Class of 2017. Gabe was a Forensic Science and Bio PreMed double major. With his degree, Gabe wanted to become a DNA analyst and help combat trafficking of persons across the globe. Gabe participated in band for most of his life. Gabe was in the concert band from his elementary and middle school years, playing everything from recorder, to percussion instruments, and even a little guitar. In fifth grade, Gabe first picked up a flute and never put it down. He played it in his High School concert band, and also played it in the Marching Band, where he was the section leader, and the in concert band at the University of New Haven.
Mike Stanziale
Michael Stanziale was born and raised in Middletown, New Jersey. He was a senior preparing to graduate in May of 2016. Michael studied at the University of New Haven and majored in Criminal Justice with a concentration in International Justice and Security, and a minor in Sociology. Michael played trumpet while in the bands at New Haven and had been playing for nine years prior to entering New Haven. Michael played in the University’s Marching Band along with their concert band. He hoped to one day become a special agent in the CIA or FBI.
Justin Wilbur
Justin Wilbur was born and raised in Middleborough, Massachusetts. He began attending the University of New Haven in the fall of 2014. Justin majored in Paramedicine with a minor in Fire Science. He was a trumpet player, and had played since the 4th grade. In high school, Justin participated in concert band and marching band, and was a member of the Tuesday Night Jazz Band. At the University of New Haven, he was a member of the marching band. Justin also worked as a volunteer Firefighter and an EMT. Back home in Massachusetts, he was a member of the Lakeville Fire Department. Justin’s career goal was to become a fulltime Firefighter/Paramedic, and to become an officer in the fire service.