UConn Band to Honor Parkland Shooting Victim Who Became Honorary Husky
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When UConn takes the field against defending national champs UCF in their season opener Aug. 30, Huskies fans can anticipate a heartfelt, musical tribute.
At halftime, the UConn Marching Band, 300 strong, will dominate the field with their brassy brilliance, wrapping up with Chicago’s show-stopping “25 or 6 to 4.” They’ve played it before, but this time they will be playing it to celebrate Alex Schachter and to raise money for the band scholarship in his name.
Alex was one of 17 students killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. on Feb. 14.
No one in the UConn band knew him. But Alex, a high school freshman who played trombone in the band, knew everything about UConn. It was his dream school.
When the UConn band heard his story, and learned about his love of music, his death became personal. Alex was real. Alex was them. “We were grieving the loss of who Alex might have become,” said David Mills, director of bands.
Mills wrote a letter to Alex’s family expressing the band’s condolences and their decision to make Alex an honorary member.
The letter inspired the Schachter family to create a marching band scholarship, named for Alex and the family, through the UConn Foundation. It will keep his memory alive through ongoing support of students who also love music.
Members of the family will be in the stands to enjoy the performance of Alex’s favorite song, and to encourage fans to help them reach their goal of creating an endowed scholarship.
On August 30, this is what the UCMB will do – they will honor Alex’s life at Rentschler Field. Please join Alex’s family, the UConn Marching Band and the rest of UConn Nation in supporting the Alex Schachter and Family Memorial Scholarship.