Leader of the band: Justin Daly advances at UConn
by Sarah Barr
Staff Writer
Courtesy Photos
“It’s like coming back home” were the first words out of Justin Daly’s mouth when speaking about his full-circle moment.
Another way of saying it is all roads lead back to the University of Connecticut for this Newington native.
Newington LIFE readers were introduced to Daly back in 2018. That’s when the former Newington High School Marching Band drum major became leader of the UConn Marching Band.
The article is still framed. Back then, he called that drum major moment a dream come true.
Well, don’t wake him up from this “pinch me” moment. Daly is back with the 320-plus member ensemble nicknamed “The Pride of Connecticut,” this time as the new assistant director of athletic bands. He started with it this fall semester.
“I’m just in awe,” he said of the opportunity. “Amazing students. Supportive colleagues. Every day I enjoy coming to work.”
His responsibilities include directing the band through instruction, designing of the field shows for football games, leading the pep band for basketball and hockey games, and providing administrative governance.
Daly has come a long way since first picking up the trumpet at 10 years old. Just ask his instructor Kenneth Bell Jr., the Martin Kellogg Middle School director of bands.
“Justin is an interesting story,” he began reminiscing about the youngster in fifth, sixth and seventh grade. “He was what you would call just an average student. He had a lot of potential but didn’t really tap into it.”
Then they “had a little chat,” as he put it.
“If he just put in a little effort, he could really be something,” Bell said.
Something clicked because Newington High School Band Director Stephen Brookes remembers it the same way.
“What’s funny is that Justin started at NHS as an unmotivated freshman. In the middle of high school, he decided to pursue music and became laser focused. From that moment, he looked for every opportunity to gain leadership experience and broaden his musical skills,” Brookes said.
“He became the drum major of the NHS Marching Band, President of Tri-M Music Honor Society, and auditioned for Regionals and All-State festivals. He gave back to the NHS program by volunteering and mentoring younger high school musicians. I couldn’t be more proud to see him finding this level of success and joy in his career as a music educator.”
Brookes and Bell, along with Brian Kelly at John Wallace Middle School, are all not only mentors, but also all UConn alums and now friends and colleagues.
“Newington truly is a remarkable community for music education,” Daly said. “I realized it as a student. As an educator, there are not many places like it. It’s an amazing team of educators. They put so much effort into the program”
He credits Bell for instilling that desire to do marching band, in particular.
“Having that training set me up for success at college and as an educator. Without that music education experience at NHS, I wouldn’t be where I am now,” he said, noting that “something about being on that football field and being outdoors with my friends” propelled his interest in his major.
Bell helped Daly prepare for his college auditions including the one at UConn. Daly graduated in 2019 with a bachelor of arts degree in music and a bachelor of science in music education. He then earned his master of arts degree in curriculum and instruction from UConn in 2020.
After several years teaching in Connecticut public schools – most recently as director of bands at East Lyme High School – the now resident of Norwich returns to UConn to lead the same athletic band program that had such a powerful impact on him. With that return comes reflection.
“It has been especially meaningful to reflect on the progression, from being a young musician in the Newington band program to now helping teach and lead hundreds of college students,” Daly said.
He emphasized the development of his work ethic, musical curiosity and sense of responsibility to others. That developed even further at college.
“I’ve always wanted to do this since coming to UConn. I wanted to be a college band director. I very quickly got involved with marching band, did everything I could do in the band program, knew I had to teach, and did so in East Lyme for six years.”
If you think this full-circle moment is a milestone, think again, because there’s more. This November, Daly will travel with the UConn Marching Band to New York City to perform in the 100th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. This national showcase is a first for the Huskies.
“Having grown up watching events like the Macy’s parade and dreaming about a career in music it is difficult to imagine a more exciting opportunity than helping represent UConn and the state of Connecticut on that stage,” he said.
“It’s cool national exposure” he said, acknowledging UConn is accustomed to being on national television, but this is a great reveal for the band’s new uniforms.
“I’m along for the ride, having gotten the position this year. As an alum of the program, I’m proud of the work the band has done over the past eight to 10 years. To teach and direct these amazing students is a dream job.”
He’ll get to put those efforts on display at about 100 events this year. Each time the band takes the stage or the field, he will think about that fourth grade trumpet player and about the high school version of himself. What would he tell his younger self?
“I think he would never believe what I would tell him. But I would say keep doing what you’re doing. Keep loving band. Keep close to your teachers, they’ll be important in your life,” he said.
“Buckle up, it’s going to be a wild decade or so. Keep being the best person you can. Make sure you get enough sleep.”
What do the mentors say about seeing an unmotivated trumpet player grow up to be a proud musician mentoring others?
“He is a perfect example of why we do what we do as teachers. Today, I call Justin one of the best success stories of my career,” Bell said. NL
For more information about the University of Connecticut Marching Band go to band.uconn.edu.