Formed in 1845, the Holy Cross Goodtime Marching Band is one of the oldest organizations at The College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts, USA, and one of the oldest college bands in the United States. The Crusaders Marching Band first began performing at football games in 1910 and the band's role has expanded significantly since to include other athletic appearances, performing at all home football games, selected away games, in exhibition at high school band competitions, and at various events throughout the country. In the spring, the marching band converts into the Holy Cross Bettertime Pep Band and plays at all home basketball games, and travels with the teams to the NCAA tournament. The Marching Band performs at Fitton Field while the Pep Band plays in the Hart Center. In March 2025, the band appeared in the Worcester County St. Patrick’s Parade.

The Goodtime Marching Band consists of wind players, on-field battery, and a contemporary front ensemble with an electric guitar, electric bass, keys, and drum set. The band also hosts a featured twirler, who performs during the football halftime shows and spirit events in addition to representing Holy Cross at regional and national competitions. Band membership is open to students throughout the Worcester Consortium of Schools (as Holy Cross is the only school in the city that has a Division I affiliated marching band), and students from Clark University and Worcester State University are currently represented.

Membership consists of primarily non-music majors, with current students coming from more than 20 academic majors, minors, and concentrations. Participation is accessible for students from a variety of musical and marching backgrounds, and members have the opportunity to move into the college early for an August Band Camp to practice music and drill. During the fall season, students rehearse twice a week for 90 minutes, in addition to performances at home football games that include a pre-game field show of traditional Holy Cross music, pop-music in the stands, a halftime show, and a post-game concert. Despite their commitment to the band, members are able to and usually do remain in good academic standing as well; the HCGTMB boasts and average grade point average of 3.55.

The Holy Cross Bands Program is one of the oldest organizations on campus. It is only two years younger than the college, dating back to 1845 and the founding of the College Brass. The band was led by the founding director, Samuel Reeves Leland (1817-1885) who taught at the college 1843–1864. The Marching Band played its first football halftime show in 1910 and has been an active presence at Crusader football ever since.

The band was led by J. Edward Bouvier (1884-1970), Director of Holy Cross Music Clubs. In addition to the band, he directed the Glee Club and Philharmonic Orchestra and conducted over 1000 performances of these groups during his 31 years on Mount St. James.

Frederick "Doc" Mirliani, class of '32, was hired by Bouvier and was director of the band, orchestra, and glee club from 1947 until 1966. His glee club was nationally recognized when it was awarded First Place (twice) in the US for catholic colleges. The glee club did annual tours of various cities in the US, and was recorded on Capitol Records three times. His arrangements for the glee club and band were known for exhibiting the iconic "Mirliani Idiom".

Robert "Bob" A. Principe

Rob Hammerton, Matt Glenn, Frederick "Doc" Mirliani ('32)