Meet Jordan Bellucci, a senior at UCONN studying Speech, Language, and Hearing Science. Jordan is a member of UCONN’s iconic Pride of Connecticut marching band. He has been a part of the UCMB since freshman year and plays the mellophone. Jordan is currently a band captain for the 2015 season. Â
What does being a band captain entail?
The duties of a band captain are to act as instruction and development coordinators for the Section Leaders throughout the year, and assist with the consistency and cohesion of individual member instruction. Band Captains assist the Drum Majors to build and maintain the spirit of the Pride of Connecticut.
Has being in this position helped to prepare you for future endeavors? If so, how?
Serving as a band captain has been a great leadership experience. This position has taught me so much about team dynamics. One aspect of the band captain role that is so important is understanding how to be a leader without overpowering the rest of the band. I have learned how to contribute while still relying on the input from the other members of the upper leadership team.
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What’s your favorite part about being in band and being a band captain?
My favorite part about being both a band captain and band member is still getting to enjoy performing on the field with all my friends. The UCMB is such a great bonding experience and there is nothing quite like performing our halftime show in front of thousands of fans.
What is the most challenging part about being in band?
The most challenging part of being in band making sure everyone’s personal needs are met. Within a group of over 300 members, it can be difficult to teach music and movement in a way that works best for each person. This is where conflicts can sometimes arise, but I believe our leadership team is very good at resolving these situations.
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What other activities are you involved with?
I am a member of Kappa Kappa Psi, an honorary band service fraternity. I have also been an Orientation Leader for new students and parents the past two summers.
Has being a part of any of these activities helped to prepare you for being band captain?
The Orientation Leader position has especially helped to prepare me for my role as a band captain. I have become very comfortable speaking in front of large groups and facilitating discussions throughout the orientation program. These are invaluable skills that I can use not only in my position as band captain, but in future employment opportunities.
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Do you have a favorite memory or moment from your UCONN band career?
My favorite memory as a UCMB member is from my first preseason as a freshman. The first time all the new band member played with the returning members was out by Mirror Lake and the sound and power of that moment is something I will never forget. Coming from a small high school band of only 50 members, it was definitely awe inspiring getting to hear the strength and emotion of 300 UCMB members playing together. Â
Aside from Jordan’s duties within the band, he was able to represent the UCMB while competing for the crown as one of the  Homecoming King nominees this year. At last week’s Homecoming Pageant Jordan performed a spoken word mash-up of several hit Taylor Swift songs, and expressed his interest in improving certain aspects of CLAS. Although he was crowned third-runner up , Jordan Bellucci has proved that he truly is royalty.
(Photos courtesy of Jordan Bellucci)
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