The Her Campus article, written by UMass student Lily Gatto, offers a fan’s guide to ten songs that showcase the energy, versatility, and personality of the Minuteman Marching Band. Through conversations with tenor saxophonist April, Gatto explains how the UMMB blends classic marching band staples with pop hits, Broadway favorites, and funk classics to create halftime shows that appeal to audiences of all ages. The featured repertoire—from West Side Story‘s “Mambo!” and “Maria” to Earth, Wind & Fire, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Dua Lipa, Katy Perry, and Fountains of Wayne—illustrates why every performance feels fresh while celebrating the band’s 150-year history.
More than a playlist, the article captures the culture of the UMMB itself. April describes the band as an organization where anyone can participate regardless of experience, emphasizing that the fun comes from performing together rather than striving for perfection. Gatto highlights the band’s signature mix of music, choreography, and crowd interaction—from dance breaks and freestyle “Good Time Charlies” to the electric atmosphere the band creates at football, basketball, and hockey games—making the case that watching the UMMB is about much more than listening to great music.
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