The UMMB community continues to make its mark well beyond the band field. Explore podcasts, interviews, films, and other media featuring the UMMB family, and discover how their voices and experiences continue to resonate across the worlds of music, education, and beyond.
BandWagon
Hosted by former drum major and UMMB Hall of Famer “Dr. Rob” Hammerton, BandWagon is a podcast for anyone who ever did band. Through news, commentary, and conversations with band leaders and performers, it celebrates the broader band community while creating a place where band geeks of every background can connect, reminisce, and feel at home.
- BandWagon podcast
- Episodes featuring UMMB alumni
Discussions in Percussion
Hosted by UMass Drumline alum Damon Grant, Discussions in Percussion partners with the Percussive Arts Society to document percussion history and educate the next generation. Each episode features conversations with drummers, percussionists, and educators from every genre, preserving the stories and experiences that shape the percussion community.
Eyes With Pride
Eyes With Pride traces the remarkable journey of a phrase born at the University of Massachusetts and carried by generations of students, educators, and performers across the country. This 2025 film explores how a lesson taught on a rehearsal field in Amherst became part of the culture of marching bands from coast to coast.
- Watch Eyes With Pride
2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
The UMass Dance Team joined the UMMB for its second appearance in the Macy’s parade, performing UMass alumna Natalie Cole’s “This WIll Be (An Everlasting Love).”
2018 Rose Parade
The Minuteman Band nails the 105-degree turn in 129th annual Rose Parade in Pasadena.
2013 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
The Minuteman Band’s debut in this holiday classic. The band performs fan favorite “Big Noise from Winnetka.”
Clash of the Corps
Five UMMB bandos and alumni who marched with the The Cadets and Blue Devils in 2016 were part of this reality series by Dwayne Johnson.
- Learn more about Clash of the Corps
- Watch on Apple TV
Contemporary Color
UMass Colorguard alumna Erika Jacob ’94 performs in the David Byrne film with NJ-based Emanon Winter Guard.
- Learn more about Contemporary Color
- Stream free on Kanopy. Available to rent on other services.
U.S. Army Field Band’s “Six String Soldiers”
UMass Drumline alum Glenn Robertson is a longtime member of the Six Strong Soldiers, who have performed with the UMMB.
Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers
The UMMB teams up with Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers (including band alum Keith Karlson and other UMass alumni) for this fun music video from their 2010 album The Bear.
“NCAA Football 13” for Xbox
“The largest band in New England”… check out the Minuteman Band in the first minute of this clip from ‘NCAA Football 13’.
Blast!
Among the performers and creative talent who helped make Blast! a worldwide phenomenon were many UMMB alumni, underscoring the band’s lasting influence on the marching arts. The Tony and Emmy winning Blast! opened in London’s West End before moving to Boston, Broadway, and national broadcast on PBS member stations.
Bando is up for MTV Best Music Award
Competing in mtvU’s best music on-campus Woodie Awards, Alex Schwartz is up for Best Breakthrough College Artist.
Band alumni featured on NPR’s “Only A Game”
This 2007 interview highlights the George N. Parks Drum Major Academy (DMA).
UMass Drumline alumni appear in People magazine
UMass Drumline alumni Glenn Robertson and Damon Grant keep the pulse for The Bomb Squad. People highlights their front person and “American Idol” competitor Brenna Gethers.
The Wall Street Journal
George Parks insists that his whistles include peas in their air chambers. “Anything else is simply a waste of time,” he says of his favorite model.
Building Power & Class
The documentary about the rise of the Minuteman Marching Band. It follows the UMMB through the 1993 season as it prepares for its first-ever exhibition at the Bands of America Grand National Championships.