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AMHERST, MA (Sept. 17, 2010) — University of Massachusetts officials announced that legendary band director George N. Parks passed away Thursday night while traveling with the UMass Minuteman Marching Band.

Parks was a beloved man who touched many facets of the marching world through roles including UMass band director, founder of the George N. Parks drum major academy and director of the Bands of America Tournament of Roses Parade Honor Band.

A statement to the UMass campus community from Chancellor Robert C. Holub and Provost James V. Staros said, "This is an extraordinary loss. George's devotion to excellence, his creativity and his passion for teaching inspired us all and shaped the lives of thousands of students during the three decades that he directed The Power and Class of New England. Truly, he represented the best of UMass."

A new Minuteman Marching Band building, named in Park's honor, is currently under construction on campus.

For updates about memorial services and Parks' legacy, visit this related information on MassLive.com:

George N. Parks, UMass band director, dies after performance in Ohio

UMass community, marching band alumni remember late director


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