[2] Sousa used Indian themes in this march, and later added field drum and bugle parts.

In October 1926, Sousa played an engagement at the old Lyceum Theatre in Minneapolis, and a committee of University officials was formed to wait upon him.

Pierce, Secretary of the General Alumni Association; Carlyle Scott, Professor of Music; and Otto S. Zellner, Associate Professor of Surveying; and a member of the University band's faculty advisory committee.

"The committee was cordially received by Sousa on October 16 in his suite at the Radisson Hotel, and he readily agreed to the request, though he said he would have to "wait for inspiration" before he could promise a delivery date.

[2] On Saturday, September 3, 1927 Sousa and his band premiered the march at the Minnesota State Fair before an "appreciative crowd of 12,000 that packed the grandstand.

"[2] James Davies, music critic of the Minneapolis Tribune, was present for the march's premiere and gave a strongly positive review; he described it as "vital" and "fine," and stated that it contained "the splendid old rhythmic power" and "reflected more than a passing glimpse of academic life.

[2] Michael Jalma, director of the university band—who first conceived the idea of asking Sousa to compose the march—wrote lyrics for "The Minnesota March" which are still used.