Athletic Bands

Purdue Bands are always on hand to keep Boilermaker spirits at fever pitch at all women's and men's home basketball games as well as women's volleyball.

In the fall, an energetic, auditioned band rallies to form the “Boiler Box Band” and bring their unique enthusiasm to all home women's volleyball matches.  This year, the Boiler Box Band helped propel the volleyball team into the NCAA playoffs.

Beginning in late fall, and extending into early spring, two basketball bands are in high gear on campus. In 1999 Gold and Black Sound followed the Purdue women's basketball team all the way to the NCAA national championship in San Jose, California.  Most recently Gold and Black Sound traveled to Minneapolis and Dallas in the women’s NCAA tournament to cheer on the Lady Boilermakers into the Elite Eight.  In 2007, members of Boiler Brass enjoyed Purdue’s return to the men’s NCAA tournament with a trip to New Orleans

Both are select ensembles consisting of woodwinds, brass and a rhythm section (guitar, bass and drum set. Membership in both is by audition. To qualify, students participate in another band department ensemble. Regular required rehearsals are held on weekday evenings for each group. Gold and Black Sound is under the direction of Dr. Pamela Nave.  Boiler Brass is under the direction of Professor Max Jones.

In late spring, the “Boiler Hot Club” Dixieland combo from the Purdue Jazz department entertains fans at various Purdue Baseball and Softball Games.  This group is under the direction of Mo Trout.

While participants in any of the athletic bands do not earn academic credit, they have ringside seats for some of the finest basketball and volleyball action in the county. And they play a vital role in creating an atmosphere in both Mackey Arena, and the Indoor Athletic Facility (volleyball) that annually makes them two of the most difficult venues in the country for visiting teams to handle.

Traditionally, these bands follow their respective teams through post-season tournament action, offering travel opportunities that have taken Purdue musicians from the Atlantic coast to the Pacific coast.

Interested in joining the Purdue Athletic Bands?

Click here for audition information