Purdue News

December 15, 2000 Band's Rose Bowl trip includes Disneyland, Universal Studios WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue's "All-American" Marching Band heads to Pasadena, Calif., for the second time in its 114-year history on Dec. 28 as it accompanies the Boilermaker football squad to the 87th annual Rose Bowl. For one "performer," this is a return trip. Purdue's "World Largest Drum" was at the Rose Bowl in 1967 and celebrates a special occasion at this year's bowl. The big bass drum celebrates its 80th birthday year on Jan. 1. An appearance at Disneyland and several pep rallies, including a huge New Year's Eve "Boilermaker Bash" at Universal Studios, are part of the band's Rose Bowl itinerary. The trip also includes marching in the 112th annual Tournament of Roses Parade. For the Rose Bowl halftime show, the 315-member Purdue Band will present tunes from "Jerome Robbins' Broadway." Selections include "Sunrise, Sunset" from "Fiddler on the Roof," "America" from "West Side Story" and "Shall We Dance" from "The King and I." The pregame bowl show will contain a nostalgic moment for Boilermaker fans: the reading of "I Am An American." The reading, which accompanies Purdue's flag ceremony, was introduced in 1967, the first year Purdue competed in the Rose Bowl, and has been a special part of pregame ceremonies ever since. Founded in 1886, the band's roots are firmly planted in military traditions. The "All-American" Band inherited discipline and precision drilling from its military ties, but the Purdue band and its directors have always been willing to break out of the mold as well. In 1907, the band, then under the direction of Paul "Spotts" Emrick, formed the letter "P" on the gridiron, becoming the first band in history to break military ranks to create a formation of any type. Each football Saturday at Purdue's Ross-Ade Stadium, fans see an historical reenactment of that event, and it also will be presented at the Rose Bowl. In 1995, the "All-American" Marching Band was presented the Sudler Trophy, the most prestigious award given to college marching bands, and considered by student musicians to be the musical equivalent of football's Heisman Trophy. Purdue offers no degree in music and approximately 55 percent of the band department's 700 students come from the schools of engineering and science. Highlights of the Purdue "All-American" Marching Band's Rose Bowl schedule: Dec. 14-15 - All Purdue drum heads replaced with new ones bearing Rose Bowl logo Dec. 22 - Moving van loaded with all instruments and big bass drum, leaves for California Dec. 28 - Band's charter flight leaves Indianapolis at 2 p.m.; arrives at 4:30 p.m. PST Dec. 29 - Marches in Disneyland Parade and performs concert, 3 p.m. PST Dec. 30 - Tapes CBS special, tours float building in morning; pep rally at 3 p.m. PST Dec. 31 - Various morning pep rallies and Santa Monica Pier performance; New Year's Eve performance at 9 p.m. PST at Universal Studios Jan. 1 - 112th annual Tournament of Roses Parade; pep rallies; 87th annual Rose Bowl CONTACT: Kathy Matter, director of public relations, Purdue Bands, (765) 496-6785 NOTE TO JOURNALISTS: &nsbp;Students from around Indiana and surrounding states are band members. To obtain names and phone numbers of students from your area and schedule interviews, call Kathy Matter at (765) 496-6785. To the Purdue News and Photos Page