The Collegiate Marching Band Festival, also called the CMBF, is an annual event held in Allentown, Pennsylvania, which showcases college and university marching bands of all sizes and styles from across the Northeastern United States. First held in 1996, the event typically takes places in early October at J. Birney Crum Stadium, a renowned venue for marching band and drum corps performances. The festival is not a competition, but rather an opportunity for fans and band members alike to view bands that perform a variety of shows and exhibit different performance styles.
The festival is currently managed by Vivace Productions, Inc. out of West Chester, PA and is sponsored by Vivace Productions, Marching Show Concepts, and Dinkles Marching Shoes.
While many of the participating bands perform contemporary “corps style” shows using roll-step marching, other performance varieties abound. Morgan State University, from Baltimore, Maryland, performs a high-energy show typical of southern HBCU bands. Lehigh University and Penn State University, both of which have participated in the past, perform traditional "Big Ten" style shows with a high-step marching technique. Other bands, including Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Kutztown University, West Chester University, The University of Delaware, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst, have developed unique styles all their own.
Celebrating its 21th occurrence in 2016, the festival has a number of traditions, which spectators and performers have come to anticipate on an annual basis.
Order of performance
The order of performance is rotated on an annual basis although it still follows a pattern where smaller-sized bands perform early in the day and larger bands perform later. As a custom, the first band to perform also plays the National Anthem to signify the start of the festival.Vendors
The festival features an area for vendors to set up information booths. Vendors have included companies involved in the marching arts, drum and bugle corps from both Drum Corps International and Drum Corps Associates, and recruiting tables for participating schools.Concessions
J. Birney Crum Stadium boasts some eccentric food choices. Among them can be found fried pierogies and giant Hawaiian Shave Ices that resemble softball-sized snow cones. Many festival-goers make these treats a regular part of the annual event.Musical Organizations
The Collegiate Marching Band Festival is traditionally staffed by the Eta Rho Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi and the Zeta Upsilon Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma. Members of these organizations from several chapters use the festival as a time to gather together and socialize while engaging in their own particular traditions.Additional musical fraternities such as Phi Mu Alpha also congregate at this time. Alumni and members of area drum corps gather and socialize at the event; most notably the Reading Buccaneers gather annually at the end of the event on or near the field. Students, staff, and alumni from the participating bands take this opportunity to commingle with other members and before all the schools depart. Many of the organizations sing their respective hymn/song before departing the festival.
Tubas/Sousaphones
After the last band performs, the tuba and sousaphone players from several of the larger bands congregate at the center of the field to play traditional tunes, socialize with each other, and generally put on a humorous display for the exiting crowds. This congregation is called "The Clusterfun".Sunday, September 21, 2003 - Order of Appearance
Kutztown University Marching UnitLehigh University – Marching 97Lebanon Valley College – The Pride of the ValleyGettysburg College – Bullet Marching BandBoston University – Terrier Marching BandCalifornia University of Pennsylvania Marching BandMillersville University – Marauder Marching BandShippensburg University – Red Raider Marching BandShepherd University – Ram BandMorgan State University – The Magnificent Marching MachineIndiana University of Pennsylvania – The LegendLiberty University – The Spirit of the MountainUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst – Minuteman Marching Band The Power and Class of New EnglandMansfield University – The Pride of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Delaware – Fightin’ Blue Hen Marching BandWest Chester University – Incomparable Golden Rams Marching BandSunday, October 10, 2004 - Order of Appearance
Clarion University – Golden Eagle Marching BandLebanon Valley College – The Pride of the ValleyKutztown University Marching UnitBoston University – Terrier Marching BandGettysburg College – Bullet Marching BandCalifornia University of Pennsylvania Marching BandMillersville University – Marauder Marching BandTowson University – Tiger Marching BandTemple University – Diamond Marching BandShepherd University – Ram BandMansfield University – The Pride of PennsylvaniaSlippery Rock University – The Marching PrideMorgan State University – The Magnificent Marching MachineShippensburg University – Red Raider Marching BandWest Chester University – Incomparable Golden Rams Marching BandUniversity of Delaware – Fightin’ Blue Hen Marching BandIndiana University of Pennsylvania – The LegendUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst – Minuteman Marching Band The Power and Class of New EnglandSunday, October 2, 2005 - Order of Appearance
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania – Warrior Marching BandClarion University – Golden Eagle Marching BandKutztown University Marching UnitLebanon Valley College – The Pride of the ValleyShepherd University – Ram BandSlippery Rock University – The Marching PrideLiberty University – The Spirit of the MountainBoston University – Terrier Marching BandCalifornia University of Pennsylvania Marching BandTowson University – Tiger Marching BandMorgan State University – The Magnificent Marching MachineMillersville University – Marauder Marching BandShippensburg University – Red Raider Marching BandMansfield University – The Pride of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst – Minuteman Marching Band The Power and Class of New EnglandUniversity of Delaware – Fightin’ Blue Hen Marching BandWest Chester University – Incomparable Golden Rams Marching BandIndiana University of Pennsylvania – The LegendSunday, October 8, 2006 - Order of Appearance
Clarion University – Golden Eagle Marching BandEast Stroudsburg University – Warrior Marching BandShepherd University – Ram BandSlippery Rock University – The Marching PrideLebanon Valley College – The Pride of the ValleyKutztown University Marching UnitCalifornia University of Pennsylvania Marching BandMillersville University – Marauder Marching BandMorgan State University – The Magnificent Marching MachineTemple University – Diamond Marching BandTowson University – Tiger Marching BandIndiana University of Pennsylvania – The LegendUniversity of Delaware – Fightin’ Blue Hen Marching BandShippensburg University – Red Raider Marching BandMansfield University – The Spirit and the PrideUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst – Minuteman Marching Band The Power and Class of New EnglandWest Chester University – Incomparable Golden Rams Marching BandSunday, September 30, 2007 - Order of Appearance
Moravian College – Greyhound Marching Band & Color GuardEast Stroudsburg University – Warrior Marching BandBoston University – Terrier Marching BandMillersville University – Marauder Marching BandClarion University – Golden Eagle Marching BandSlippery Rock University – The Marching PrideCalifornia University of Pennsylvania Marching BandKutztown University Marching UnitShepherd University – Ram BandShippensburg University – Red Raider Marching BandTowson University – Tiger Marching BandLebanon Valley College – The Pride of the ValleyMorgan State University – The Magnificent Marching MachineGettysburg College – Bullets Marching BandIndiana University of Pennsylvania – The LegendWest Chester University – Incomparable Golden Rams Marching BandLiberty University – The Spirit of the MountainUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst – Minuteman Marching Band The Power and Class of New EnglandMansfield University – The Spirit and the PrideUniversity of Delaware – Fightin’ Blue Hen Marching BandSunday, September 28, 2008 - Order Of Appearance
Bloomsburg University – Maroon & Gold Marching BandMoravian College – Greyhound Marching Band & Color GuardMillersville University – Marauder Marching BandEast Stroudsburg University – Warrior Marching BandCheyney University – Wolves Marching BandClarion University – Golden Eagle Marching BandGettysburg College – Bullets Marching BandBoston University – Terrier Marching BandKutztown University Marching UnitLebanon Valley College – The Pride of the ValleyCalifornia University of Pennsylvania Marching BandSlippery Rock University – The Marching PrideShepherd University – Ram BandTowson University – Tiger Marching BandTemple University – Diamond Marching BandShippensburg University – Red Raider Marching BandMorgan State University – The Magnificent Marching MachineMansfield University – The Spirit and the PrideUniversity of Delaware – Fightin’ Blue Hen Marching BandIndiana University of Pennsylvania – The LegendWest Chester University – Incomparable Golden Rams Marching BandUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst – Minuteman Marching Band The Power and Class of New EnglandSunday, October 4, 2009 - Order Of Appearance
Moravian College – Greyhound Marching Band & Color GuardBloomsburg University – Maroon & Gold Marching BandMillersville University – Marauder Marching BandEast Stroudsburg University – Warrior Marching BandClarion University – Golden Eagle Marching BandCheyney University – Wolves Marching BandGettysburg College – Bullets Marching BandLebanon Valley College – The Pride of the ValleyKutztown University Marching UnitCalifornia University of PA Marching BandSlippery Rock University – The Marching PrideUniversity of New Hampshire – Wildcat Marching BandShippensburg University – Red Raider Marching BandTowson University – Tiger Marching BandShepherd University – Ram BandMorgan State University – The Magnificent Marching MachineUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst – Minuteman Marching Band The Power and Class of New EnglandMansfield University – The Spirit and the PrideUniversity of Delaware – Fightin’ Blue Hen Marching BandIndiana University of Pennsylvania – The LegendWest Chester University – Incomparable Golden Rams Marching BandSunday, October 3, 2010 - Order Of Appearance
Lehigh University – Marching 97East Stroudsburg University – Warrior Marching BandMillersville University – Marauder Marching BandCheyney University – Wolves Marching BandMoravian College – Greyhound Marching Band & Color GuardClarion University – Golden Eagle Marching BandBloomsburg University – Maroon & Gold Marching BandLebanon Valley College – The Pride of the ValleyKutztown University Marching UnitCalifornia University of PA Marching BandMorgan State University – The Magnificent Marching MachineTowson University – Tiger Marching BandShepherd University – Ram BandShippensburg University – Red Raider Marching BandSlippery Rock University – The Marching PrideMansfield University – The Spirit and the PrideIndiana University of Pennsylvania – The LegendWest Chester University – Incomparable Golden Rams Marching BandUniversity of Delaware – Fightin’ Blue Hen Marching BandUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst – Minuteman Marching Band The Power and Class of New EnglandSunday, September 25, 2011 - Order of Appearance
College of the Holy Cross - "Goodtime" Marching BandClark UniversityGettysburg College – Bullets Marching BandEast Stroudsburg University – Warrior Marching BandClarion University – Golden Eagle Marching BandMoravian College – Greyhound Marching Band & Color GuardCheyney University – Wolves Marching BandKutztown University Marching UnitLebanon Valley College – The Pride of the ValleyBloomsburg University – Maroon & Gold Marching BandMillersville University – Marauder Marching BandCalifornia University of PA Marching BandMorgan State University – The Magnificent Marching MachineRutgers University – Marching Scarlet KnightsShepherd University – Ram BandTowson University – Tiger Marching BandShippensburg University – Red Raider Marching BandSlippery Rock University – The Marching PrideUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst – Minuteman Marching Band The Power and Class of New EnglandMansfield University – The Spirit and the PrideIndiana University of Pennsylvania – The LegendWest Chester University – Incomparable Golden Rams Marching BandUniversity of Delaware – Fightin’ Blue Hen Marching BandSunday, September 30, 2012 - Order of Appearance
Boston University - BU Marching BandEast Stroudsburg University – Warrior Marching BandClarion University – Golden Eagle Marching BandMoravian College – Greyhound Marching Band & Color GuardCheyney University – Wolves Marching BandMillersville University – Marauder Marching BandKutztown University Marching UnitGettysburg College – Bullets Marching BandBloomsburg University – Maroon & Gold Marching BandCalifornia University of PA Marching BandMorgan State University – The Magnificent Marching MachinLebanon Valley College – The Pride of the ValleyIndiana University of Pennsylvania – The LegendShepherd University – Ram BandShippensburg University – Red Raider Marching BandTowson University – Tiger Marching BandRutgers University – Marching Scarlet KnightsSlippery Rock University – The Marching PrideUniversity of Delaware – Fightin’ Blue Hen Marching BandUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst – Minuteman Marching Band The Power and Class of New EnglandMansfield University – The Spirit and the PrideWest Chester University – Incomparable Golden Rams Marching BandSunday, September 29, 2013 - Order of Appearance
Lock Haven University - Bald Eagle Marching BandClarion University – Golden Eagle Marching BandCheyney University – "Soulful Sound" Marching BandMoravian College – Greyhound Marching Band & Color GuardBoston University - BU Marching BandEast Stroudsburg University – Warrior Marching BandKutztown University Marching UnitShepherd University – Ram BandMillersville University – Marauder Marching BandUniversity of New Hampshire - Wildcat Marching BandMorgan State University – The Magnificent Marching MachineGettysburg College – Bullets Marching BandLebanon Valley College – The Pride of the ValleyBloomsburg University – Husky Marching BandCalifornia University of PA Marching BandIndiana University of Pennsylvania – The LegendShippensburg University – Red Raider Marching BandSlippery Rock University – The Marching PrideRutgers University – Marching Scarlet KnightsTowson University – Tiger Marching BandMansfield University – The Spirit and the PrideWest Chester University – Incomparable Golden Rams Marching BandUniversity of Delaware – Fightin’ Blue Hen Marching BandUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst – Minuteman Marching Band The Power and Class of New EnglandSunday, September 28, 2014 - Order of Appearance
Lock Haven University - Bald Eagle Marching BandBoston University - BU Marching BandClarion University – Golden Eagle Marching BandMoravian College – Greyhound Marching Band & Color GuardMillersville University – Marauder Marching BandCheyney University – "Soulful Sound" Marching BandKutztown University - Marching UnitShepherd University – Ram BandBloomsburg University – Husky Marching BandMorgan State University – The Magnificent Marching MachineGettysburg College – Bullets Marching BandLebanon Valley College – The Pride of the ValleyCalifornia University of PA Marching BandTowson University – Tiger Marching BandIndiana University of Pennsylvania – The LegendShippensburg University – Red Raider Marching BandSlippery Rock University – The Marching PrideUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst – Minuteman Marching Band The Power and Class of New EnglandMansfield University – The Spirit and the PrideWest Chester University – Incomparable Golden Rams Marching BandUniversity of Delaware – Fightin’ Blue Hen Marching Band
