Our Story
Since its first performance on October 19, 1946, Morgan State's marching band has grown into an 80-year legacy of music, tradition and culture.
Communicate. Fellowship. Support.
MSU Band Alumni exists to keep former band members connected to each other and to the program that shaped them. We communicate with alumni, host fellowship events like our Homecoming tailgate, and support the students wearing the uniform today.
If you were part of a Morgan State band, as a musician, Foxxy, flag, drum major, manager or staff, you're part of this family.
Representing Maryland at the Macy's ParadeThe Machine on the map.
Eight decades of history, from 23 students in 1946 to the world's biggest stages.
Step Into the Time MachineHumble beginnings
William O. Smith is hired as Morgan State College's band director in the summer of 1946. His first day is September 1, and he has seven weeks to build a band from nothing.
The first performance
Smith's group of 23 students and former World War II soldiers performs at the dedication of the Carnegie Library, playing "America the Beautiful," the fight song and a John Philip Sousa march. One week later, the band doubles in size.
A 49-year baton begins
Melvin N. Miles Jr. ('73, '78) graduates and begins a career at Morgan that would make him the university's longest-serving director of bands.
On the big screen
The band makes a cameo in Chris Rock's film Head of State, after years of NFL games, inaugurations and regional TV appearances.
Leading the Macy's Parade
The Magnificent Marching Machine becomes the first HBCU band to lead the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, marching the 2.7-mile course through Manhattan in the 93rd parade.
Normandy, France
Under Director of Bands Dr. Jorim E. Reid Sr., Morgan becomes the first HBCU band to perform at the D-Day 80 Normandy parade.
Venice, Italy
The band performs internationally at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale.
The Rose Parade
The Machine makes its first appearance in Pasadena's 137th Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year's Day.
80 years of the Machine
The band celebrates 80 years since its first performance, honoring the directors, staff, musicians and auxiliary members who built the legacy, and the students carrying it forward.
On national stages
- Multiple White House performances
- NFL and MLB games
- The NBA HBCU Classic
- The US Open
- National Women's Soccer League
- A cameo in Head of State (2003)
Directors who built it.
Eight leaders have guided the Morgan State Marching Band since 1946.
01William O. Smith
02Dr. R. Hayes Strider
03Michael Mark
04Louis WellsStudent director
05Dr. Thomas De Laine
06John Newson
07Dr. Melvin N. Miles Jr.
08Dr. Jorim E. Reid Sr.
Dr. Melvin N. Miles Jr.
Alumnus and longtime Director of Bands, who led Morgan bands for 49 years before retiring.
Dr. Jorim E. Reid Sr.
Director of Bands, taking the Machine to Normandy, Venice and Pasadena.
Highly Motivated.
Deeply Dedicated.
All Pride. No Jive.
Just Do It!