Purdue News

December 15, 2000 Rose Bowl tops bowl experiences for seniors in Purdue Band NOTE TO JOURNALISTS: Members of the Purdue band come from all over Indiana and surrounding states. Those interesting in interviewing students from their area to supplement this story should contact Kathy Matter, Purdue Bands Public Relations (765) 496-6785. WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Toes may be tingling from the cold, calf muscles may be aching from chair-stepping for miles and arms may be feeling the strain imposed by keeping elbows high to play for hours at a time, but no one in the Purdue "All-American" Marching Band complains. Blustery practice days marked by single-digit wind chill factors can't quash Rose Bowl fever, an infectious disease rampant in the 315 band members making the trip to sunny Pasadena to perform in the 112th Rose Bowl Parade and the 87th Rose Bowl on Jan.1. "It's almost unbelievable," said Meaghan Klontz, a senior clarinet player and food science major from South Bend. "Who would have ever thought after so many losing seasons we would be going to California." For the band's 65 seniors – the first in Purdue history to go to four consecutive bowl games – the Rose Bowl represents a dream come true. "Ever since I was a kid, I watched the Rose parade and the game on TV – almost like a tradition," said Kris Gibson, who was voted the Outstanding Marching Band Member for 2000. "When I joined marching band in high school, I always wanted to be part of a big parade such as that. Now I get to go." Like many of his fellow band members, Gibson, a senior electrical engineering major and trumpeter from Georgetown, Ind., has never been to California. "I'm anxious to sit in the sand in 85 degree weather and soak up the rays. I can't wait!" he said. With rehearsals, trips to Disneyland and Universal Studios, and multiple pep rallies on their schedules, there won't much time for sun and sand. With all the hype surrounding the Rose Bowl, band members find themselves anticipating the pressure points and preparing for them. "Nerves are going to be running high," said Jason Singer, a senior trumpet player and pharmacy major from New Palestine, Ind. "The exposure is so great, and I don't want to be the one to screw up on national television. Practices will be intense and frustrating at times, but come Jan.1 it will be worth it." The high-visibility of this particular bowl "adds a great deal of pressure to want to reach perfection," Klontz said. "I really think that the entire band is going to strive for reaching a level of excellence far beyond anything we've ever achieved." Before leaving the West Lafayette campus for Christmas break, the band is concentrating on endurance marching to prepare for the grueling 5.5 mile Rose Parade route. Many students planned on running every day during break to keep in shape. "I imagine it will be tiring. But we will be so pumped that it will not be noticeable," said Erik Olsen, a senior saxophone player and mechanical engineering major from Lafayette. Twirler Jennifer Herald, a senior electrical engineering technology major from Indianapolis, said experience plays a big part in dealing with pre-performance nerves. "I'm glad I'm at the point now where I can go out there and just twirl, and perform for the fun, and not be worried about making mistakes. It really makes the experience more enjoyable." No amount of experience, however, diminishes the rush of emotion that comes in performing at a bowl game. "Running onto the field is a feeling that can't be explained," said Dan Bihl, a senior mechanical engineering major and horn player from Richmond. "The surge of energy and the pride that I feel is a sensation that is beyond words. For those couple minutes, the world just stops and all seems to be right. "I am sure the emotions standing in front of 100,000 people in Pasadena will be too great for words. It is so great to be part of a game where people actually stay to see the bands instead of getting a hot dog at half time. The respect and compliments we receive from all the fans is incredible." Outside performances, the chance to be with friends and seek out the culture of southern California ranks high with band members. Sleep is not high on the agenda. "The hardest part for me will be the lack of sleep," said Christa Hooten a senior piccolo player and industrial engineering major from Evansville, Ind. "The most fun will definitely be getting to be with friends. The bowl trips are making memories that will last a lifetime." No one has to remind senior band members how lucky they are to have gone to a bowl game each of their years on campus. "I have followed Purdue sports since I was able to walk. My parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, all went to Purdue, so it's in my blood. I lived through the bad years, and knew that someday the good years would come. Luckily I have been able to be a part of them," said Singer. "From the very beginning of the year now, we begin talking about bowl travel. Five to 10 years ago, that would have never entered anyone's mind. How great it is to be a Boilermaker!" CONTACT: Kathy Matter, Purdue Bands Public Relations, (765) 496-6785; kcmatter@purdue.edu Compiled by J. Michael Willis, (765) 494-0371; jwillis1@purdue.edu To the Purdue News and Photos Page