Representing University of Minnesota on a Global Stage

Earlier this month, the University of Minnesota Marching Band performed at the World Expo 2020 in Dubai, UAE, as Minnesota’s invited representatives for the USA’s Specialized Expo 2027 bid. Thirty members of the Marching Band went on the trip, in which they were a featured ensemble in the US National Day Celebrations. 

As part of the US National Day Celebrations, the group led a special parade through the US Expo Pavilion, viewed by an international audience. The band also performed for the US State Delegation, featuring Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. Their performance gained national and international recognition, including personal acclaim from Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. 

The band split into three groups for the 28-hour travel day to Dubai, then spent some time the following day adjusting to their new surroundings and receiving briefings on upcoming performances. They visited the Burj Khalifa, which is the tallest building in the world, experienced a private tour of the USA Expo Pavilion, and held more rehearsals to get ready for their big performance. On the Expo’s US National Day, the band led the parade which kicked off at the Sustainability Gate, followed by a show in Al Forsan Park. Next was a performance for representatives from the USA and UAE, followed by a finale performance in front of the USA Expo pavilion. They had a few more casual performances the following days, with plenty of time to explore the area, and then began the long journey home. 

Director of Bands Emily Threinen took a moment to reflect on the experience and what it meant to her and the School of Music. “The trip to Dubai, UAE, where the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Marching Band performed and represented the state and nation, was the most powerful of my career. While there, I was beaming with pride in a way I had never felt before. This was not just because of my love for the University of Minnesota and its students and the immense honor felt to represent the United States, but also because the ‘Pride of Minnesota’ symbolizes freedom of expression, equality, inclusivity, community, creativity, achievement, pride, commitment, and so much more. To witness thousands of people from across the globe appreciate this ensemble for what it is and for what it represents was something that I still cannot find words to adequately explain.

This historic trip was all possible because of the work by Professor Betsy McCann (Director of the Marching and Athletic Bands). When she received the formal invitation from the US Department of State, she worked tirelessly for over six weeks to make this a reality for our students, our program, and our university. I am deeply grateful for her service and I am proud to be her colleague. Prof. McCann was assisted by School of Music staff and university administration and I am thankful to everyone for their support.”

Director of Marching and Athletic Bands Betsy McCann added “It was amazing to see an international audience at our performances, many of whom had never seen a marching band before. The students were great representatives of our University, our state, and our country.”

For the students and accompanying faculty members, this was an important, once-in-a-lifetime adventure filled with exciting memories. The trip provided a unique opportunity for the University of Minnesota and the School of Music to be represented on an international scale like never before, and will be continued to be shared for years to come. 

The School of Music and University of Minnesota Marching Band extends a note of thanks to the US Department of State, the Minnesota Expo 2027 Bid Committee, President Joan Gabel, Provost Rachel Croson, and CLA Dean John Coleman for assisting coordination of the visit. 

For more information on USA’s Specialized Expo 2027 bid, please visit this webpage. 
University of Minnesota Marching Band information can be found here. 
To support future Minnesota Marching Band travel, visit: z.umn.edu/mbtravel.
Photos courtesy of John Pilla, Gopher Photo.