‍The Charter Oak Brass Band (COBB) is an elite 30-piece music ensemble showcasing the best brass musicians in the area. Based on the British brass band model, the group combines cornets, flugelhorn, tenor and baritone horns, euphoniums, trombones, basses and percussion to produce its unique, thrilling, and dramatic sound. The Charter Oak Brass Band performs in a wide variety of musical styles. These include classical and symphonic pieces, marches, popular and nostalgic tunes from America’s musical past, music from Broadway, the Swing Band era and holiday music.

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‍History 

‍The British brass band tradition started during the Industrial Revolution, when many companies in England sponsored their own musical groups as a recreational diversion for their employees. Over time the bands evolved into highly skilled, professional-caliber ensembles. British-style brass bands have become part of the American musical scene as well, with groups such as Charter Oak Brass Band performing across the U.S. 

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‍Charter Oak Brass Band was founded in 1988 as Classic Brass by David Maker, a longtime University of Connecticut music faculty member. His goal was to give UConn alumni and local musicians a chance to continue performing after college. The band gave several public concerts early on, including a notable 1989 performance at the 1st Annual Wind Band Festival in Boston.

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‍From 1997–1999, under Corinne Zanetti’s leadership, the band established a regular performance schedule, including spring and holiday concerts and appearances at Hartford’s Festival of Trees & Traditions. After her tenure, manager Dave Yutzey helped guide the band’s growth, bringing in professional clarinetist Tom Labadorf as director in 2000. During Tom’s leadership, the band expanded its repertoire and adopted features of a traditional British brass band, including an upright Eb horn section.

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‍In 2003, U.S. Coast Guard Band tubist Adam Crowe became director, leading the band through its longest and most musically ambitious period, with repeated performances at the Boston Festival of Bands. In 2018, the group renamed itself Charter Oak Brass Band to honor its Connecticut roots. He stepped down in 2017 and that fall COBB was ecstatic to welcome Dr. Daniel D’Addio as its new music director.

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‍Dr. Daniel D’Addio, director 

‍Dr. Daniel D’Addio, Music Director of Charter Oak Brass Band has been leading COBB since 2017. He is Professor Emeritus at Central Connecticut State University. In addition, Dr. D’Addio teaches Suzuki trumpet and horn as well as traditional trumpet lessons at the Hartt School. Dan also  performs as a trumpet, cornet and flugelhorn soloist and chamber musician and has recently recorded a series of sonatas for trumpet and piano. Dr.  D'Addio is a Yamaha Performing Artist and a Wedge Mouthpiece Endorsing Artist.