Convocation
Banquet (Council)
Location
Finances
Program
Awards
Menu
Transportation
Guests
Banquet Committee Guide
Social Activities
Pre-season night time activities
Weekly “Spirit Days”
Section activities
Apparel/Merchandise (Council)
Necessary Merchandise
Official-t-shirt/hat/headband
Shoes
Gloves
Folios
Optional sportswear
Non-Member sportswear
Hand/foot warmers
Student Fundraising (Council)
Huskython
Ignite
Other
Student Support
Senior Recognition
- UCMB Paperweight
Alumni Awards
Banquet Awards
Scholarships
- Letters of Recognition
Alex Schachter Memorial
Member Enhancements
Our members organize and carry out numerous things that are extensions of the band activity outside of its role as a performing organization. These special events and activities that enhance the band experience for the students. They are important Traditions and are high points for the students and create special memories. Members also are engaged in ways to enhance the band band in beyond outside traditional funding sources or in outreach or pubic service.
These activities unify the band socially and point to special meanings that grow out of sharing hard work and dedication toward unified goals.
A. Convocation
Convocation is a formal program officially marking the beginning of each new season for the UCMB and is held on the first night of full-band rehearsal (Monday). The band has its first parade experience after the first music rehearsal marching across campus from the Music Building to Jorgensen Auditorium. Returning members take their place in the Auditorium while new members catch their breath outside and get in line. With leaders and officer all dressed in fine attire on stage, the new members file into the auditorium into the front center sections surrounded by the returning members playing the Huskies Fight Song. All band officers and instructional leaders are introduced, major officers offer words of welcome, insight, encouragement, and enthusiasm. Members are welcomed with speeches from a prominent alumni and university personnel. Video presentations highlight UCMB history and recent accomplishments, directors offer words of wisdom, and the night is concluded with the band singing the UConn Alma Mater for the first time that year. Everyone leaves with high spirits ready to try yet again to produce the "Best UCMB Ever."
Pre-season Guide (inc. Convocation)
B. Banquet
UCMB Banquet: The first Saturday in the Spring Semester is the time for the annual UCMB Banquet. Students pay $20 (just less that half the actual cost) for a wonderful evening of live entertainment, hors d'oeuvres, a great dinner, important guests, recognition and celebration, and dancing with the best DJ in the state! The members come dressed to impress and cap the year with festivity and shared memories.
(Banquet Program)(Banquet Committee Guide)(Pictures from Banquet)
C. Social Activities
D. Member Apparel/Merchandise
As part of our uniform each member receives 1 Nike Warm-up suit (jacket and pants) for use during their band career, 2-t-shirts first year and one each year afterward, a pair of marching shoes, a pair of black gloves each year and a band "baseball hat" every two years. Color Guard members receive guard shoes and gloves and a warm-up suit.
Fall Pep band members also receive a warm-up suit if they audition for and make the Spring Pep Band. Other pep band uniform pieces may be issued.
Beyond the official uniform, the UCMB has many apparel pieces that serve as alternative uniforms and personal wear. The band elects a "Merchandise Coordinator" every year. This person oversees a committee that selects items that will be popular with band students that will bear band ensignia that students can purchase and other merchandise for band parents and fans. Some items are perennial favorites and offered from year to year. The Mechandise Committee assists with distribution of all the uniform related apparel listed above.
Some examples
E. Student Fundraising
Huskython
Ignite Program
F. Student Support
Senior Recognition: Seniors are video taped saying their name and hometown and during the final football game that video plays on the stadium video board. Pictures are taken of each person on the video board, the picture is framed and presented to each senior at the band banquet in January.
- UCMB Paperweight: Each senior is presented with the official "token" of the UCMB this crystal paperweight is can only be given to UCMB Members.
Alumni Awards
Banquet Awards: numerous awards are elected by band members and sections for presentation at the annual band banquet.
- Letters of Recognition: UCMB directors are often called on for letters of recommendation for employment, graduate school or other such application. Few other faculty members have the privilege of working so closely with students for four or more years and have seen the students perform under many situations, directors are very repay that dedication with letters detailing the wonderful contributions made by the members, their outstanding traits, and how those things will lead to the success of the member about which they are writing. The directors have the unique ability to show how a student's academic talents unite with their leadership and dedication to make a band alum a top choice for whatever the member is applying.
- Scholarships: Several small scholarships are available to band members selected by the criteria for each award.
