The Alumni Touring Band was founded in 1985 when the well-known Director Emeritus of Bands at Michigan State University, Leonard Falcone, was preparing for a Farewell Concert tour of Italy (his home country). Director Falcone became ill and was unable to make the trip and he recommended Kenneth G. Bloomquist to be his replacement. Thus began a tradition which continues to this day.

The members of the Band are mostly graduates of Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan. They now teach in public schools, Universities and Colleges, and play professionally in Bands in their respective areas. They played in the University Bands while attending Michigan State and joined the Alumni Association on graduating from the school. It was from these graduates that Director Falcone selected his players.

The Band performs a concert tour every three years. They have played in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Hungary, the Czech Republic, England, Ireland, Belgium, The Netherlands, France and Italy. Their repertoire consists of marches, classical band literature, popular favorites, and sometimes features the trombones, clarinets, trumpets and other sections of the band. Members of the larger Band have also formed a Dixieland Band which plays a set during the concerts

Kenneth G. Bloomquist is a well-respected conductor who is in demand as a clinician internationally. He has conducted in most of the European countries as well as Japan. He was formerly Director of Bands at Michigan State, as well as Director of the School of Music there.