Students to show talent, creativeness in all bands

Exponent File Photo MARCH TO THE BEAT: Purdue’s "world’s largest drum" marches at the 2001 Tournament of Roses Parade Jan.1. The drum has long been a highly recognizable symbol with the Purdue Marching Bands.

By Jamie Teibel
Summer Editor

Some of Purdue's many traditions stem from its world's largest marching band.

Most famous is its "world's largest drum," which is run around during halftime of home football games. In addition to the 340-person ensemble, 10 other bands are included in the Purdue University band department. In all, there are between 600 and 700 students who participate in the bands each year; some perform in more than one.

Students play in the bands purely for enjoyment. Purdue does not have a school of music, so students cannot receive a degree in that field. Kathy Matter, public relations for Purdue bands, said many students say the bands are their release from school. "They come here and kick back a little bit, be creative," she said.

David Leppla, director of Purdue bands, said they limited the number of members in the marching band to 340 to make it more challenging and improve its quality. "We've become more selective, the students know and work harder," he said. "It also allows us to fit on one airplane to go to bowl games."

Matter said there is a fall concert band, a symphonic band, two to three jazz bands, and a symphony orchestra that, last year, had more members than the Lafayette symphony orchestra.

Not only is the marching band the most popular, but it is the band that requires the most work. Matter said that on game days alone at least 8 hours of involvement are required, depending on the length of the games and activities scheduled.

All of that hard work pays off. The marching band has performed at the Alamo, Outback and Rose bowls. It also performs at other events throughout the year. For instance, this year it will perform at the Indiana District Marching Band contest in Fort Wayne, Ind., and at the Marching Band Festival in Ohio on Oct. 13. Leppla said the band uses these events as recruiting tools as well as for fun. The band will travel to Ohio State for its budgeted away game this year.

There are also traditions affiliated with the Purdue bands that don't use a musical instrument. They are sections that feature a dance line, a twirling line and a flag corp. Dance line members are called Golddusters. The famous Golden Girl, The Silver Twins and the Woman in Black twirl their batons at football and basketball games.

Twirlers are chosen in the fall, on August 17, before community and Purdue judges. Those auditioning must perform a twirling routine and complete a private interview with the panel of judges. Matter said the interviews are used to find out the personality of the woman. She said (the chosen twirler) is in the public eye and may be called upon to speak, so she must have good people and twirling skills.

Leppla said the marching band is in the process of mailing applications for band camp to students they know are interested. For those who do not receive an application and are interested should call the band office. The camp begins on August 12, and by Friday the band members are selected.

Leppla said that band camp is beneficial to incoming freshman because it offers them the chance to get to know the campus as well as other students.

Auditions for the other bands are held the first week of classes. Those interested should go to Elliott Hall of Music to sign up for an audition time.