The University of New Haven Chargers Marching Band
The University of New Haven Marching Band was refounded by students Robert Hughes and Jordan Byron in reaction to the return of the football program in 2009. The first show, Cirque du Soleil: Quidam , was fielded with a band of 20 students using borrowed uniforms from Brian McMahon High School in Norwalk, Connecticut. The band met a set of challenges in its first year, struggling to retain interest and support from the university, resulting in the 2009 band camp being cancelled.
Jason DeGroff and the Marching Band
Jason DeGroff was appointed as Director of Bands in the Spring of 2010, and he set a goal to increase the size of the band to 100 members in five years. With increased support from the university, the band was able to purchase a set of brand new, unique uniforms. Under his guidance, he sought to solidify the band’s presence on campus and establish a powerful organization.
Early on, the band met challenges of recruiting new members to the small and seemingly unknown group. However, with diligent efforts, generous support of the University, and student’s faith in his vision, Jason was able to build a foundation for the band to grow. He set a goal to have 100 members in the next five years, aiming for 150 by year ten. However, his goal was well surpassed in only his second year as Director. By his fourth year, the band met a powerful membership of 150 performers, and soon skyrocketing to almost 300 performers in only six years. Soon, the band’s exponential growth caught the eyes of institutions all around, giving the band the title “The Fastest Growing Band in New England” and soon in the country. The band receives numerous requests yearly to perform for parades, high school band competitions, and local events in the New Haven area.
Early on, the band met challenges of recruiting new members to the small and seemingly unknown group. However, with diligent efforts, generous support of the University, and student’s faith in his vision, Jason was able to build a foundation for the band to grow. He set a goal to have 100 members in the next five years, aiming for 150 by year ten. However, his goal was well surpassed in only his second year as Director. By his fourth year, the band met a powerful membership of 150 performers, and soon skyrocketing to almost 300 performers in only six years. Soon, the band’s exponential growth caught the eyes of institutions all around, giving the band the title “The Fastest Growing Band in New England” and soon in the country. The band receives numerous requests yearly to perform for parades, high school band competitions, and local events in the New Haven area.
The University of New Haven Marching Band had the honor of attending the first annual New England Collegiate Marching Festival in 2014. In addition to the tremendous milestones achieved with the Marching Band, Jason DeGroff continues to set foundations for musical and academic excellence in the Music Department. Upon his arrival at the University of New Haven, Jason took the preexisting Jazz/Rock Ensemble, full of guitars, basses, and drummers, and quickly transformed it into the standard big band it is today. The jazz band has grown tremendously in skill since its formation, being regularly invited to play for community events and on-campus functions.
Robert Hughes
Robert Hughes was a student at the University of New Haven. Hughes approached the administration to create a Marching Band, and dedicated much of his student life to the band, as well as the musical arts.
Lucille Spoldi of the University of New Haven Business Office tells a story of a dedicated student at the University who was one of 8 students that made up the Chargers Marching Band. This student came to the business office distraught that the students had no location to store their instruments. The student was allowed by the University of New Haven Business Office to store the band's instruments in their storage trailers in the back parking lot until adequate storage facilities were provided, and the school eventually obtained a designated building for students to store their instruments. The student responsible for finding the original makeshift storage space for the band's instruments, was Robert Hughes.
Robert Hughes has since become the band director of the Naugatuck High School marching band. There he teaches Concert Band, Concert Band 4X, Guitar Class, Jazz Band, Marching Band, Marching & Symphonic Band, Music Production & Technology . Kappa Kappa Psi Nu Omircon Chapter have named a monetary award in honor of Robert Hughes. It is the Robert Hughes Award, which is awarded to any dedicated member of the University of New Haven Chargers Marching Band who has gone above and beyond during the fall band season.
Lucille Spoldi of the University of New Haven Business Office tells a story of a dedicated student at the University who was one of 8 students that made up the Chargers Marching Band. This student came to the business office distraught that the students had no location to store their instruments. The student was allowed by the University of New Haven Business Office to store the band's instruments in their storage trailers in the back parking lot until adequate storage facilities were provided, and the school eventually obtained a designated building for students to store their instruments. The student responsible for finding the original makeshift storage space for the band's instruments, was Robert Hughes.
Robert Hughes has since become the band director of the Naugatuck High School marching band. There he teaches Concert Band, Concert Band 4X, Guitar Class, Jazz Band, Marching Band, Marching & Symphonic Band, Music Production & Technology . Kappa Kappa Psi Nu Omircon Chapter have named a monetary award in honor of Robert Hughes. It is the Robert Hughes Award, which is awarded to any dedicated member of the University of New Haven Chargers Marching Band who has gone above and beyond during the fall band season.
Shows and Themes
2019
|
California Dreamin'Songs:
California Dreamin - Sia/The Mamas and the Papas/Beach Boys Surfer Girl/California Gurls - Beach Boys/Katy Perry Wipeout/ Misirlou - Safaris/Dick Dale and the Del Tones I Love L.A. - Randy Newman L. A. Devotee - Panic! At the Disco |
2018 |
Power of Love
Songs:
One Love - Bob Marley Can't Help Falling in Love - Elvis Presley Crazy Little Thing Called Love - Michael Buble cover Perfect/Thousand Years - Ed Sheeran/Christina Perri I Wanna Dance With Somebody - Whitney Houston Power of Love - Huey Lewis Can't Help Falling in Love - All Shook Up |
2017 |
BridgeSongs:
Cecilia - Paul Simon The Boxer/Bridge Over Troubled Water - Paul Simon Mrs. Robinson/Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard - Paul Simon Bridge Over Troubled Water - Paul Simon 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover - Paul Simon Sound of Silence - Disturbed cover Late in the Evening/Bridge Over Troubled Water - Paul Simon You Can Call Me Al - Paul Simon |
2016 |
5 Songs:
Take 5 - Dave Brubeck Daylight/Never Gonna Leave this Bed Medley - Maroon 5 Moves Like Jagger - Maroon 5 Mambo Number 5 - Lou Bega I Want You Back - Jackson 5 I'll Be There - Jackson 5 The Love You Save - Jackson 5 Let the Sunshine In - Fifth Dimention |
2015 |
Styx and StonesSongs:
Paint It Black - Rolling Stones The Best of Times - Styx Too Much Time on My Hands/Mr. Roboto - Styx You Can't Always Get What You Want/Come Sail Away - Rolling Stones/Styx |
2014 |
SteelSongs:
Superman Theme Song - Man of Steel It's Not Easy (Superman) - Five for Fighting Kryptonite - Three Doors Down Waiting for Superman - Daughtry |
2013 |
Thanks for the MemoriesSongs:
We Didn't Start the Fire - Billy Joel Piano Man - Billy Joel We Are Young - fun. Take On Me - Aha Thnks fr th Mmrs - Fall Out Boy |
2012 |
OleSongs:
Zorro - James Horner Spain - Chik Corea Malaguena - Arnesto Lecuona Party Rock Anthem - LMFAO |
2011 |
GagaBad Romance - Lady Gaga
Edge of Glory - Lady Gaga Poker Face - Glee Poker Face - Lady Gaga |
2010 |
Movin' On OutInnocent Man - Billy Joel
Piano Man - Billy Joel Tell Her About It - Billy Joel So it goes - Billy Joel Pressure/Scenes from Italian Restaurant - Billy Joel Only the Good Die Young - Billy Joel |