In The News: Showman Transformed, Brought Fame To UMass Marching Band

For decades, he led them in a show of school spirit ? the football players, the cheerleaders, the students, and anyone else who cared about the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

George N. Parks was passionate, a ?ball of energy,?? as one colleague put it, who transformed the UMass Minuteman Marching Band from a group of musicians into a nationally recognized entertainment force ? ?The Power and Class of New England,?? as it has come to be known.

?It was the thrill, really, that he brings to practicing and performing, and it was just electric,?? said Jeff Cox, head of the university?s music and dance department. ?Students were drawn to it, and inspired by it.??

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