It has been a heck of a year for the Huskies: 10-1 in non-conference play, 18-2 in Big East play, a Big East tourney title with 3 wins by an average score of 85-69, and 4 NCAA tourney wins over the past 2 weeks by an average score of 81-54 to clinch a spot in the Final 4 this weekend. Earlier today HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with UConn baritone player Jaden Mayer-Costa about his school trying to win back-to-back NCAA titles.
You are from Oakland, NJ: what made you choose UConn? When I was applying to colleges, UConn was a last-minute addition. At the time I was unaware of how great their marching band was and how much the pep band got to travel with our extremely talented basketball teams. It was not until I went to an admitted students day and walked on campus that I felt a gut reaction that this was the right university for me, and based on the past two years here I still feel the same way and could not picture myself anywhere else.
You are majoring in Statistical Data Analysis and minoring in Economics/Music: why did you choose those subjects? Originally, I was undecided when I started here, but through fulfilling all my general education requirements my freshman year I discovered a surprising taste for Statistics that most people grimace at. Being stronger in History and English, I was surprised to find myself enjoying this kind of math. I picked Data Analysis specifically because it combines stats with programming, another field I am interested in. I am getting an Economics minor because my concentration for my major is in Financial Analysis, so it only feels logical. Finally, I want to get a minor in Music because since the beginning of my freshman year I have been involved in so many ensembles and programs with the music department so I want something that I can show for it after graduation.
You are a sophomore: what is the post-graduation plan? That is a very good question, and one that I am asking myself a lot. I have to say that I am uncertain of what exactly I want to do post-graduation. I am planning to participate in internships related to the field next summer though so I should hopefully be able to narrow down what I would like to do soon!
You are a baritone player: how long have you been playing that instrument, and what is your favorite song to play? I have been playing the Baritone since 5th grade, so it has been about 9 years since I started. For those who may not know what a Baritone is, I like to describe it as a tuba, just smaller. My favorite song that I get to play with the band would have to be “Neck” due to how it hypes up the crowd and energizes us to continue cheering on our team.
You are 1 of the pep band’s managers: what kind of work does that involve? A lot of it is making sure everything is running from the back end well: making sure we have two drum sets ready for rehearsal, moving the van if necessary, doing food pickups, taking attendance, and distributing jerseys. It is a job with many responsibilities…which is why there are 7 of us to lighten the load and make it manageable. With that said, everyone in the band is great at helping to move equipment and contribute to help in whatever way they can.
1 of your hobbies is baking: what is your favorite thing to bake? My favorite thing to bake is something that I am trying to recreate from the dining hall: Pear Mousse Cheesecake. The light and delicious juice is a perfect complement to the cheesecake, and I knew the instant I tried it that I would have to recreate it once I got back home. I made it and it was close to the original, but I plan to make it again in the summer to improve it even more.
You got to attend the Final 4 last year with the men’s team in Houston: how do you describe the experience to someone who has never attended a Final 4 in person? The experience was unlike anything else I have done in my life. I think what surprised me the most was just how large a stadium can be, as the venue was a football arena that had been converted into a basketball court. The atmosphere in the arena was electric, which makes sense when you consider that there were over 70,000 fans present! It was also emotional because after following the team and supporting them for an entire season, it was endlessly gratifying/satisfying to cheer them on in person to a well-deserved national title.
How does your school decide who gets to go to the Final 4, and what will it mean to you to see your group doing its thing in front of a national TV audience? Our school holds an audition at the beginning of every pep band season to determine placement into either the travel band or Husky band. The travel bands are the ones that play at postseason games and the Final 4. This year there are two travel bands: Red and Blue. Red band was assigned to the women’s Final 4, while Blue band was assigned to the men’s Final 4. Additionally, if any member of a travel band cannot make it for any reason, a Husky band member will be asked to play in their place. It means a lot that our band can get recognition on a national TV scale along with the cheer/dance teams. We are grateful to have such amazingly talented basketball players and a strong program that allows us to always be at games supporting the team.
Does the band have anything extra-special planned for Phoenix? Be on the lookout for an intro Final 4 video before the game. Our band, along with the other 3 Final 4 bands, got to record ourselves as part of the intro video! We will also be performing at an alumni reception before the game and will send the team off from their hotel. Depending on how the game goes on Saturday, we could also provide entertainment for the NCAA Dribble event in downtown Phoenix and will later participate in a bike-building event for the community.
Any predictions for the defending champs this weekend?! As Coach Dan Hurley has said, I expect us to Reign and Repeat!
