Founded 1950 Members 110 | Conference Northern Sun Director Michael Thursby Active from 1950 | |
 | ||
The Minnesota State Marching Band also known as The Maverick Machine is the athletic marching band of Minnesota State University, Mankato. The band generates enthusiasm and excitement by promoting school spirit and morale. The group performs at home football, hockey, and basketball events. The Maverick Machine consists of five ensembles including the marching band, the drumline, the colorguard, the pep band and the indoor winds - the first collegiate WGI winds group in Minnesota.
The group was originally formed in the 1950s as part of the transition to NCAA Divisional Athletics. During the subsequent years the group has formed and reformed based on participation and costs. The current Maverick Machine was reformed in 2014 as a result of the leadership of the current director Michael Thursby.
On average the Maverick Machine plays at over 50 events for approximately 170,000 people.