Obituary: Jim Kierstead, 1952-2016
We’re saddened to announce that the UMass Band’s Jim Kierstead died in an accident at his home in Windsor, MA.
Memories of George Parks shared with bandos
Members of the Minuteman Band and dozens of band alumni gathered at the recently-renovated Old Chapel to hear band alumna and assistant director of the band Christine (McHugh) Sirard ’90 share her thoughts and memories of the man whose name is on the building they call home.
Christine Sirard ’90 dazzles fans through color & movement
Assistant Band Director & Visual Coordinator for the UMass Color Guard Christine Sirard ’90 dazzles fans through methodical movement.
The Band Is Back: St. Ambrose Forms First Band In Decades
St. Ambrose band director (and former Minuteman Band graduate assistant) Megan Cooney ’14MM leading a group of 30 students as they recreate their band program from scratch.
Finding a Voice with Tony Lechner ’93, ’97MM
Minuteman Band fans might remember Tony Lechner ’93, ’97 MM as “the Phantom” from 1990s halftime shows, but he’s been taking his love for singing and sharing it with everyday folks who also love to sing.
Drum major among ‘29 Who Shine’ honored at State House
Michael Nicholson, of Gardner, a University of Massachusetts Amherst senior majoring in political science and history, was honored May 9 at the State House.
Alumna Rachel Rivard builds music program in Springfield, MA
Rachel Rivard ’15 says music ed is important because all students, even the exceptionally gifted, need a creative outlet.
Two graduating bandos named 21st Century Leaders
UMass honored the achievement, initiative and leadership of some of its most accomplished graduates, including two drum majors of the Minuteman Band.