Students enjoy band programs

By Nathan Dean
Editor in Chief

Despite not having a school for music and the fine arts, Purdue has the world’s largest marching band as well as 10 other bands.

The marching band, which includes about 400 members, has the responsibility of showcasing Purdue to audiences around the world every year.

David Leppla, director of Purdue bands, said that there were between 600 and 700 students involved with the bands each school year.

"Besides the marching band, we have five different concert bands, three jazz bands, a jazz band with vocals called the American Music Review and a full symphony orchestra," said Leppla.

Purdue students who perform in bands do it for the love of the music; nearly all will receive degrees in other areas than fine arts. Purdue does not have a school of music; therefore all of the members are taking other classes than music.

Besides the bands that offer credit, there are many extra-curricular bands such as the ones that perform at the men and women's basketball games.

Although the entire band system shows off Purdue pride, the main attraction is the "world's largest marching band," which can have up to 450 members.

Leppla, who is going into his 12th year as director of the bands, is expecting to condense the marching band from 400 people to the upper 300s.

"We are doing that because it's getting harder to move people around because of bowl games and so forth. It's hard to find a plane that can seat everyone," he said.

The last three years the band has attended bowl games at San Antonio, Texas, and Tampa, Fla. The band has also made an appearance at the Indianapolis 500 in May and will make appearances at an Indianapolis Colts game, an away football game at Michigan State University and possibly at the first formula one race in Indianapolis in September.

"We've been asked to play for that but it's not official, but we will likely play for that," said Leppla.

Also on the travel list is a stop at Concord High School in Elkhart, Ind., for a school competition. As the only college attending, the trip will serve as a recruitment tool as well as a chance to show off Purdue's pride.

One of the highlights of the marching band's quality is the sense of tradition that comes with it. The band contains the "world's largest drum" and also has special sections in the band as well.

The drum, which is the largest in use, is run across the field during halftime ceremonies at home football games.

"There are drums that are bigger, but they are only played once a year or so. Our drum is played all the time," said Leppla.

Other traditions that are focused in the band are the special sections. The band features a dance line (known as the Golddusters), a twirling line and a flag corp.

There is also a story behind the traditions as well.

In the band, there are some characters that are used as twirlers. The most famous would be the Golden Girl. Also used is the Woman in Black and The Silver Twins. All are selected by audition at the end of band camp.

For freshmen interested in joining the band, a week-long band camp is held the week before classes begin. According to Leppla, about 75 percent of those who attend make it into the band.

"Band camp is a time in which we teach techniques that aren't taught in a high school environment. We aren't going to sacrifice quality for quantity."

It isn't just the freshmen either who have to try out.

"Everyone tries out every year. They have to do it all over again," said Leppla.

Those interested in attending band camp and trying out for marching band should contact the Purdue Bands office before July 1. Those interested in other bands will audition the first week of classes. For more information, call 765-494-0770.