In 1986 Purdue Bands’ published Hail Purdue to mark its centennial. Long out of print, this book has been wonderfully revised and updated.

Heartbeat of the University: 125 Years of Purdue Bands, is a beautifully-illustrated coffee table book that traces the history of Purdue University’s Department of Bands from its humble origins as a drum unit for the student army training corps to the 2010 appearance of the “All-American” Marching Band as leader of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York, seen by over fifty million television viewers.

It follows the lives of the organization’s members and legendary directors, such as Paul Spotts Emrick and Al G. Wright. It highlights some of the band’s icons, such as the “World’s Largest Drum” and the “Golden Girl,” along with the department’s many highly respected concert, jazz and orchestral ensembles.

New pictures and copy have been added to capture the spirit of the last 25 years.

Two versions are available. The Deluxe edition (limited to 500) with leatherette, gold foil embossed cover and a book plate personally autographed by Al G. Wright is $60 (plus sales tax of $4.20). The regular cloth bound book with full color book jacket is $44.95 (plus sales tax of $3.15).

To order please call Bands Account Clerk Karen Itin at (765) 496-2579. Shipping charges will be added for those not able to pick the book up on campus.

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