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Scholarships

We’re proud to build scholarship endowments for members of the Minuteman Marching Band. Band members are invited to explore these awards, paying specific attention to criteria and deadlines.

Interested in creating a new scholarship to expand opportunity for members of the best band anywhere? We want to hear from you! Email us at info@umassband.com.

Avedis Zildjian Drumline Scholarship

In honor of former associate UMMB director Thom Hannum, the Avedis Zildjian Drumline Scholarship provides scholarship support to student members of the UMass Marching Band drumline.

Band Alumni Scholarship

In 1985, alumni from the class of 1965 created the Band Alumni Scholarship to recognize current band members who demonstrate the excellence, energy, and enthusiasm that defines the Minuteman Marching Band.

Class of 1945 Merit Scholarship

The Class of 1945 Merit Scholarship was established to provide scholarship assistance to an undergraduate student or students. The recipient must be in good academic standing with a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Preference will be given to a student who is a member of the Minuteman Marching Band.

Nancy M. Cullen ’76 Scholarship

The Nancy M. Cullen ’76 Scholarship supports Commonwealth Honors College (CHC) students with financial need who participate in UMass Minuteman Marching Band. Students may apply during their freshman, sophomore, or junior year. Learn about Nancy Cullen.

Thom Hannum Marching Band Percussion Scholarship

All during one week in 2019, we raised the funds needed to create and endow the Thom Hannum Marching Band Percussion Scholarship to recognize current percussionists in the Minuteman Band who demonstrates excellence, devotion, and heart in honor of the legacy of Thom Hannum.

Bryan Hilliard Memorial Scholarship

Established in 2026, the Bryan Hilliard Memorial Scholarship provides scholarship support to trumpet players in the Minuteman Marching Band. The scholarship honors the memory of Bryan “Deeb” Hilliard, a former UMMB trumpet section leader and 1993 UMass Amherst graduate who passed away doing what he loved—playing the trumpet. Continuing the family’s UMMB legacy, his son, Duncan, graduated in 2023 and served as trumpet section leader exactly 30 years after his father. 

Howard J. Holmes Scholarship

Established to provide scholarship support for student members of the UMass Marching Band. Recipients of the Howard J. Holmes Scholarship must demonstrate an ongoing commitment to the Marching Band, with preference given to students who demonstrate leadership, enthusiasm, and service.

Ken and Jean Sherman Kriedberg Scholarship

The Ken and Jean Sherman Kriedberg Scholarship is open to upperclass students in an Isenberg School of Management major. Eligible recipients will be Massachusetts residents and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better. Preference is given to members of the Minuteman Marching Band.

George N. Parks Endowed Scholarship

Established in 2021, we made our first award at Homecoming 2022 with the newly endowed George N. Parks Endowed Scholarship celebrating a band member who strives to be their very best for themselves and the Minuteman Band.

Jeff Poulton and Suzanne Jessee Drum Major Scholarship

Established in 2023, the Jeff Poulton and Suzanne Jessee Drum Major Scholarship provides scholarship support to drum majors in the Minuteman Marching Band. The recipients may only receive the scholarship once. Jeff served as drum major of the UMMB from 1982 to 1987 and years later, his daughter Rachel (Poulton) Bukoski marched alto sax in the UMMB.