Minnesota State University Marching Band

The Minnesota State University Marching Band (also known as The Maverick Machine) is the marching band of Minnesota State University, Mankato. The band generates enthusiasm and excitement by promoting school spirit and morale.^[1] The group performs at home football, hockey, and basketball events. The Maverick Machine consists of five ensembles: the marching band, drumline, color guard, pep band, and the indoor winds, which is the first collegiate WGI winds group in Minnesota.

Minnesota State 'Maverick Machine' Marching Band
School	Minnesota State University, Mankato
Location	Mankato, Minnesota, United States
Conference	Northern Sun Intercollegiate
Founded	1929
Director	Michael Thursby
Members	200
Fight song	"The Minnesota State Rouser", "The Minnesota State Hymn", "Mankato War Song[a]"
Uniform
Black and purple jacket with a splash of gold, black pants, black shakos with purple plumes, black gloves and black shoes
Website	www.mnsu.edu/maverick-machine

The group originally formed in 1929 as one of the first instrumental music offerings during the transition from the Mankato Normal School to the Mankato State Teachers College. The name 'Marching Machine' was added when Clayton Tiede took reins of the band in 1960. The band had a longstanding tradition of excellence crossing many decades until the 90s when budgets became tighter and transitioned to a pep band only. The current band reformed in 2013 as a result of the current director, Michael Thursby, leadership.^[2]

On average, the Maverick Machine plays at over 80 events per school year for approximately 170,000 people.^[2]

The Maverick Machine playing at a home football game at Blakeslee Stadium in the Fall of 2019.