Celebrate the Big Bass Drum’s 80th with us this fall
Ever since 1921, the Big Bass Drum has been a symbol of Purdue pride. Its sentimental and actual value has multiplied countless times beyond the $800 spent by Paul Spotts Emrick to build it. During the 2001 football season we salute the irreplaceable nature of the Big Bass Drum with a special birthday celebration.
We invite you to celebrate with us. Most of the special birthday activities are concentrated between Sunday, Oct. 14, and Homecoming on Saturday, Oct. 27.
Orchestra “Pops,” 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 14, Long Center – The drum will be center stage for a concert that features music from the 1920s, the era that not only gave birth to the drum but to the Long Center as well. Both celebrate 80th birthdays this year! Admission is free.
80th Birthday Bash and Marching Band Educational Concert, 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 17, Elliott – Fourth, fifth and sixth graders from Tippecanoe and surrounding counties are invited to a special educational concert with the Purdue “All-American” Marching Band. A Study Guide with Big Bass Drum-inspired exercises in reading comprehension, mathematics, science, social studies, art, music and physical education can be found elsewhere on this web site. Printed versions have been mailed to area teachers, but we invite you to print out sections and use them as the basis for fun family activities!
Community Birthday Party, Friday, Oct. 19 (tentative). WAZY Radio is working on plans for a celebration at a Lafayette-area business where you can bring your cameras and take family pictures with the drum.
The Big Bang: Science Meets Art, Imagination Station Children’s Museum, 600 N. Fourth St., Oct. 20-21 - Percussion workshops, live music and more at this two-day celebration for elementary-age children. The Big Bass Drum will be in residence throughout the weekend with all kinds of festivities planned. Call (765) 420-7780 for more information.
Homecoming, Oct. 27, Purdue campus – The return of Alumni Marching Band sets the stage for a special halftime salute to the drum. In attendance will be Bands’ special guest Marcus Gilbert, who at 96 may well be our oldest alum. He was a member of the original drum crew in 1921.
For more information on the Big Bass Drum and the scheduled activities call (765) 496-6785 or email bandsinfo@purdue.edu Also look for updated information on these and all activities on this web site as fall progresses!