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Fall 2019
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Outfitting the Pride

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From mismatched military-inspired garb to the more traditional maroon and gold attire of today, the University of Minnesota Marching Band has donned an eclectic mix of uniforms over its 128-year history. The current ones—which come in three variations—were introduced in 2016 and made possible through philanthropic support. Here’s a look back at some of the Pride of Minnesota’s attire.

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1892-1918  The band was initially the U of M Cadet Corps, and its first uniforms drew inspiration from that affiliation. Unlike the standard cadet uniform, however, the band’s attire included decorative piping on the front of the jackets.
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA MARCHING BAND ARCHIVES
A close-up look at the jacket worn from 1892 to 1918
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA MARCHING BAND ARCHIVES
1918-1922  In response to World War I, the U of M’s Cadet Corps was abolished, and the band became part of the Student Army Training Corps. Band members’ new uniforms featured heavy wool army coats and wrap-around leg protectors.
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA MARCHING BAND ARCHIVES
1922-29  Responding to complaints from the student body about the band’s motley military garb, the U of M introduced new uniforms in the fall of 1922. These new navy blue outfits cost about $35 each and were the first to use the university’s colors—seen in the hat’s maroon and gold pompom.
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA MARCHING BAND ARCHIVES
A uniform jacket worn in the 1920s
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA MARCHING BAND ARCHIVES
1929-47  In 1929, the band’s 150 members embraced a more contemporary look that included a maroon coat and two pairs of slacks: one maroon and one white.
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA MARCHING BAND ARCHIVES
1947-60  In the fall of 1947, the U of M purchased a new set of uniforms—enough to outfit the entire band. The new attire included maroon and gold-striped slacks and a white bandolier for marching events. In bad weather, members wore a navy overcoat with a gold cape.
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA MARCHING BAND ARCHIVES
Band members wearing the 1950s-era uniforms
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA MARCHING BAND ARCHIVES
1960-73   Introduced in 1960, the band’s uniforms featured a white front and shimmering gold back and were punctuated by a large maroon M on the front and back. The ornamental shoulder pieces included a depiction of a gopher, paying homage to the school’s mascot, Goldy.
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA MARCHING BAND ARCHIVES
1973-81  From a small feature on the shoulder to front and center of the uniform, Goldy became the most prominent part of the band’s 1970s-era outfits. The new threads also made use of the school’s colors more than any other uniform before it—topped off by gold “wings” that glimmered in the sun.
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA MARCHING BAND ARCHIVES
1981-92  The band’s uniform through the 1980s was slightly more subdued than its predecessor—less shimmering gold and a more traditional stylized M on the front.
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA MARCHING BAND ARCHIVES
1992-2016  The uniforms introduced in 1992 served the band for 24 years, longer than any set before. Part of that longevity was due to the garb’s variety of looks, including a front overlay that could be gold with a white M or reversed as maroon with a gold M.
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA MARCHING BAND ARCHIVES
Band members in the 1990s
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA MARCHING BAND ARCHIVES
Introduced in the fall of 2016, the band’s current uniforms coincide with Besty McCann’s tenure as band director. McCann is the first woman to lead a Big Ten marching band. The current uniforms embrace versatility, with three variations of color combinations.
Gopher photo

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