Counting toward a century, Purdue 'All-American' Marching Band part of Indy 500 festivities

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The Purdue "All-American" Marching Band will mark the 99th anniversary of its participation at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway this weekend.

The band will march in the IPL 500 Festival Parade in downtown Indianapolis on Saturday (May 26) and then will take its usual spot in the lineup of pre-race activities on Sunday (May 27) before the start of the 102nd running of the Indianapolis 500.

The theme for this year’s parade is “Illuminate. Innovate. Indianapolis.” The parade will honor the history, tradition, and sacrifices of heroes on Memorial Day weekend, while looking forward and saluting Indy’s commitment to innovation.

Race Day will feature the Purdue “All-American” Marching Band under the Pagoda performing pop tunes, patriotic songs and the Indy 500 ceremonial music. The band will accompany guest vocalists for “God Bless America” and “Back Home Again in Indiana.”

 “Our ongoing relationship with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is really something special,” said Jay Gephart, director of Purdue University Bands. “The excitement that comes with performing at one of the most storied traditions of our state’s history is truly incredible. And we count it a deep privilege to continue being a part of it.”

Each year Purdue invites high school bands from across the Midwest to participate in a parade of bands, which occurs at the race track on the day of the race. These bands march the length of the track performing for spectators before the race.

It was the marching band’s first director, Paul Spotts Emrick, who forged the initial relationship with the Indianapolis 500 in 1919. The band has played for the opening ceremonies at the track for every running of the 500 since that time. The 500 Festival Parade was added to the race activities in 1957, and the Purdue “All-American” Marching Band has appeared in every parade since its creation.

Writer: Kelsey Schnieders Lefever, kschnied@purdue.edu

Source: Aaron Yoder, yoder50@purdue.edu