Purdue All-American Marching Band
The Band marches with a distinctive step known as the “Boilermaker Strut.” It has credited to its name a number of firsts, which include: first to carry flags of the Big Ten Schools, first to use a giant bass drum (8’ in diameter and 4’ wide) nicknamed “monster,” first to play the opponent school’s fight song, first to have an organized majorette group (national acclaim brought them the title of “Rockettes of the Gridiron”), and first to be called the “All-American Marching Band.” This title resulted from performing at the Purdue-Northwestern football game in 1935. After the band’s half-time presentation, Ted Husing (who was broadcasting the half-time show) concluded by saying, “Certainly this Purdue Marching Band has been known as the “All-American Band.”

World's Largest Drum
The Purdue band’s “World’s Largest Drum” is over 8’ tall (more than 10’ tall on its carts), weighs 600 pounds and was made by the Leedy Company of Indianapolis in 1922. There are four drum handlers, selected particularly for their strength and agility, and two drumbeaters. The drumheads have been autographed by Presidents, governors, astronauts, and other dignitaries. As Professor Al G. Wright, Director of Purdue Bands Emeritus, said, “There may be a larger drum in Burma, Red China, or other exotic places; however, as far as we know, the Purdue drum is the largest in actual daily use.”

I Am An American
“ ‘I am an American.’ That’s the way most of us put it, just matter-of-factly. They’re plain words, those four. You could write them on your thumbnail, or you could sweep them clear across a bright autumn sky. But remember that they’re more than just words. They’re a way of life! So whenever you speak them, speak them firmly, speak them proudly, and speak them gratefully. I Am An American!”

The “I Am An American” tribute was written in 1964 by Dr. Al G. Wright and Jack Carroll as part of the football half-time show for the Purdue University All-American Marching Band. It was so well received that it has been used as part of every home football pre-game show since that time. The words to “I Am An American” have also been adopted by the Houston Oilers and Columbia Pictures.

Golden Taps
Purdue’s Golden Taps ceremonies give the university community the opportunity to formally honor and reflect on the lives of students who have died. Family members and friends are invited to be present for the brief, nondenominational ceremony. Sponsored by the Office of the Dean of Students, the ceremony is conducted on the steps of Hovde Hall. The ceremony begins with drummers and trumpeters from the Purdue bands processing from Elliott Hall of Music to the ceremony site where memorial cards list the names of the students being remembered. The Gimlet Leadership Honary will ring a bell once for each student, followed by a few moments of silence. “Echo Taps” and a performance by the Purduettes and the Black Voices of Inspiration conclude the ceremony. The Boilermaker Special stands nearby in silent tribute.

Golden Taps has been a tradition on campus since 1994 and was originally held in the courtyard at Cary Quadrangle.