Purdue Bands and Orchestra

Feb. 5 Swing Dance offers lively climax to Healthy Planet 2010

Wed, 27 Jan 10 22:40 EST

Dancing feet will fill the Purdue Rec Center�s South Gym on Friday, Feb. 5, as the Purdue Bands� annual Jazz Swing Dance serves as a rousing conclusion to a week of Healthy Planet 2010 events sponsored by Purdue University.

The Rec Center atmosphere evokes the best memories of high school dances in the gym. Three bands will energize the evening, providing continuous music for dancing from 7:30 to 10 p.m. � the American Music Repertory Ensemble, the Lab Jazz Band and Concert Jazz Band.

'Evening of Romance' offers a big band valentine on Feb. 13

Wed, 27 Jan 10 22:40 EST

Tickets are now on sale for the Purdue Jazz Band�s 10th annual �Evening of Romance� which will celebrate Valentine�s Day on Saturday, Feb. 13 at University Plaza in West Lafayette.

The cabaret-style event which recreates the atmosphere of big band dance clubs of the 1940s - where couples came to enjoy music, dancing, food and each other�s company - offers seating at candlelit tables surrounding the dance floor.

New �Shooting Star� award honors young grads

Wed, 27 Jan 10 22:40 EST

Each year graduating Purdue band and orchestra members fan out across the world, changing their communities through vital jobs in countless industries and also through their involvement in local non-profit organizations. For many decades we have honored men and women who have spent decades building theirs career with the Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award.

Purdue�s original �Golden Girl� dies at 73

Wed, 06 Jan 10 16:30 EST

Juanita Carpenter Richardson, 73, Purdue�s first Golden Girl, died in San Diego, CA, on Dec. 25, 2009, following a short illness.

Director Emeritus of Bands Al G. Wright recruited Juanita to come to Purdue from Colorado and perform as a solo twirler with the �All-American� Marching Band in1954. Her blond hair, gold sequin costume and twirling talents combined to make her an instant fan favorite. She twirled two football seasons, in 1954 and 1955, but the name given to her - Purdue�s Golden Girl - created a tradition that continues to this day.