The Performance of a Lifetime: UMD Marching Band Plays for the President of the United States

The Mighty Sound of Maryland Marching Band showed their true colors as they proudly performed live for President Obama and millions of Americans as they watched the 57th Presidential Inaugural Parade on Monday, January 21, 2013.

Their performance marks the fourth time in their 104 year history that the Mighty Sound of Maryland serenaded Inaugural audiences with their music. Prior performances included parades for Dwight Eisenhower in 1953, John F. Kennedy in 1960, and Ronald Regan’s 1985 Inauguration. The Band even performed for Queen Elizabeth II during her 1957 visit to Byrd Stadium to see an American football game here on campus.

During their fifteen block march down Pennsylvania Avenue, the 250-member Band sported brand new uniforms that were funded in part by their recent $25,000 first prize award in the CBS television “Hawaii Five-O Marching Band Mania” competition, making them not only sound marvelous, but look quite stylish as well.

Enjoy highlights of the press coverage the group received from local newspapers, TV and radio stations!

  • Fox45-TV captures the excitement of getting new uniforms and a bit of the Band’s history
  • WJZ-TV’s story includes the graduating Band members’ perspective on performing for the President
  • The Baltimore Sun describes the students’ appreciation for the leadership of Director Dr. L. Richmond Sparks
  • WTOP-FM talks to one of the Band’s section leaders about how they prepare for such an honor