The University of Massachusetts Minuteman Marching Band (UMMB) is the marching band for the University of Massachusetts Amherst. The band currently has about 390 members and was directed by George N. Parks from 1977 until his sudden death in September 2010. Assistant Thomas Hannum was named interim director, assisted by Michael Klesch and Frederick Omega Pye. On May 9, 2011, in an e-mail to students, chancellor Robert C. Holub announced the appointment of Timothy T. Anderson as director of the band. Mr. Anderson previously has directed the marching band at California State University, Fresno.
The Minuteman Band plays halftime and post-game shows at all home football games and frequently travels to away games. The band has also performed at Bands of America in 1993, 2001, 2004, 2007 and 2011. In 1998, the Minuteman Marching Band was awarded the prestigious Sudler Trophy, the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a collegiate marching band.
In recent years, The Minuteman Band has performed hits from Madonna, Elton John and Earth, Wind, and Fire as well as songs from West Side Story and the movie Troy. A tradition from 2004 to 2008, UMass Night at the Pops, featured the UMMB alongside the Boston Pops orchestra at Symphony Hall. This event is an annual celebration of all things UMass, though the UMMB does not always attend.
In the fall of 2011, the George N. Parks Minuteman Marching Band Building was completed, giving the band its first home since the Old Chapel was closed in 1997.
Read more about University Of Massachusetts Minuteman Marching Band: History, Traditional Songs, Instrumentation, Colorguard, Percussion, Style, Directors
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