University of Minnesota Marching Band

The University of Minnesota Marching Band (also known as The Pride of Minnesota) is the marching band of the University of Minnesota. The band performs before, during, and after all home Golden Gopher football games and bowl games, numerous pepfests

History

The Minnesota Marching Band was formed with 29 members as the University Cadet Band in 1892.

The band performed its first field show in 1910. Among the formations included was the "Block M" that now serves as the University's logo. The "Block M" formation is still present in the band's pregame show.

In 1961, marching band director Dr. Frank Bencriscutto decided that, in addition to performing at football games, the band should also put on an indoor concert at which the band would be the sole performers, instead of taking a role secondary to that of the football team. This was the first concert of its kind; many other collegiate marching bands have adopted this practice since. The Indoor Concert has been continuously performed at the University of Minnesota's Northrop......
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