Since 1873, the Minuteman Band has been performing for UMass audiences while shaping the lives of its members. Established in 1966 as the Band Alumni Association, we partnered with the UMass Amherst Alumni Association in early 2017 and changed our name to ‘UMass Band Alumni Network‘ as part of the Association’s affinity network program.
We are a charter member of the National Association of Alumni Bands (NAoAB).
Through These Doors is the 240-page chronicle of the Minuteman Band from its 19th-century roots through 2003. Full of rich detail and photos, Through These Doors explores the stories of those individuals who shaped the band, including John Jenkins, Jerry Bilik, George Parks, Thom Hannum, Michael Klesch, and more! Written by band alumna and former drum major Kerstin H. Becker ’96.
The UMass Marching Band Celebrates 150th Anniversary
Massachusetts Daily Collegian • Dec. 4, 2023
UMMB named best band in Twitter poll
Mission College Football • Jun. 7, 2018
For more than a century, the Minuteman Marching Band has represented UMass at historic events, national celebrations, championship showcases, and some of the most recognized venues in the marching arts.
Here are some of the band’s most notable performances and appearances.
An index of published albums. View the UMMB’s catalog.
At a time when opportunities for women in collegiate marching bands were limited, the Precisionettes became one of the most visible organizations at UMass. Nearly 200 women would audition each year for the chance to take the field.
Read The Precisionettes’ story
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The UMMB named its first woman drum majors in 1937.
The Minuteman Band was the 17th band to receive the honor of the Louis C. Sudler Trophy, the nation’s top marching band award. The Sudler Trophy was officially presented on Band Day, October 10, 1998.
The national trophy, presented by the John Philip Sousa Foundation, is awarded by voting college band directors from across the country. The award honors “the close historical relationship and outstanding contribution of Intercollegiate Marching Bands to the American way of life,” and is given to a college marching band with a “superior program,” according to the foundation.
In 1977 at the age of 24, George Parks began a revolutionary change in the way the Minuteman Band operated and performed.
On September 16, 2010, George Parks left behind close to 400 students and 5,000 alumni, who have learned from his leadership, inspiration, and kindness. In honor of George Parks’ contributions to the University and to the Commonwealth, Gov. Deval Patrick declared October 16 as “George N. Parks Day” and ordered state flags lowered to half staff in his honor.
