Band Alumni News

 

With $500k pledged, Minuteman Band steps up fundraising for new building

October 2, 2008

More than $500,000 has been pledged towards the construction of a new permanent home for the Minuteman Marching Band, according to director George N. Parks.

Campaign support from band members, alumni and other supporters has picked up steam since last spring when interim Chancellor Tom Cole announced that $4.5 million in campus funds would be used for the future project. But Parks said more private fundraising is needed by the end of the month to keep momentum flowing.

“Because costs are rising, we need to raise a substantial amount of money by October 31,” said Parks.

The band has been without a home since 1997 when structural problems led to the closing of the Old Chapel. Although Grinnell Arena was renovated for the band’s use, the facility was too small to accommodate band operations, staff and rehearsals and those had to be spread to makeshift spaces across campus.

Plans call for the new building to be constructed near the Central Heating Plant and the playing fields that the band uses for practice. According to the design by Kuhn Riddle Architects of Amherst, the new facility will contain office and rehearsal space, storage for instruments and uniforms, a music library and a student lounge.

According to Parks, more than 1,000 people have pledged gifts, including nearly 350 who have committed $1,000 or more.

“The band is hoping that the UMass community can help support this campaign to provide a home to this perennially strong UMass program,” said Parks. “A commitment of $20 a year for 50 months will engrave your name on the Wall of Power and Class.”