Howard J Holmes Scholarship in honor of George N. Parks

Established to provide scholarship support for student members of the UMass Marching Band. Recipients must demonstrate an ongoing commitment to the Marching Band, with preference given to students who demonstrate leadership, enthusiasm, and service. Three scholarships of $2,000 each should be awarded each year.

George Parks was an incredibly charismatic leader. He helped develop the 180-member band into what it is today, unquestionably one of the best collegiate marching bands in the country. He motivated individuals to be the very best that is possible and then even more than that. He would yell “Again!” until the band achieved perfection. He was taken away from UMass way too early in life. But while he was with the band, he made a lasting impression on literally thousands of former, current, and future UMass Band members.