Band alumna Alexa Nickandros pens feature story for the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage website.
The Smithsonian Folklife article argues that the experience of being a “band kid” never truly ends. Using the University of Massachusetts Minuteman Marching Band as its lens, the piece explores how the band’s traditions, language, humor, and shared values create a lifelong sense of belonging that extends well beyond graduation. Nickandros reflects on how lessons learned in the band—particularly the “Starred Thoughts” of legendary director George N. Parks—continue to shape alumni as leaders, professionals, and friends, demonstrating that the UMMB is more than a collegiate ensemble; it is a lifelong community and way of life.