University Bands director announces plans to retire

Leppla, an associate professor of bands, will continue to conduct the Concert Band and the "All-American" Marching Band until the end of the semester, including all activities associated with the Indianapolis 500. He will step down as director of University Bands immediately.

"David has been an inspiration to all the students he has worked with during his time at Purdue and has done so much to help the program grow," said Thomas B. Robinson, vice president of student services. "Because of him, the great traditions of the 'All-American' Marching Band will remain with thousands of students long after they graduate."

To ensure a smooth transition, Robinson said the university would act quickly to appoint an acting director of University Bands and to name the next director of the "All-American" Marching Band.

Prior to coming to Purdue, Leppla was an instrumental music director in the public and parochial schools of Ohio for 13 years. In 1989 he became director of the "All-American" Marching Band, the fourth individual to hold that position in the band's 115-year history.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my association with Purdue University Bands, particularly with the talented and dedicated students who have worked so hard to achieve great success for which the department has been noted," Leppla said. "The band has progressed and achieved even greater prominence over these years as the direct result of their commitment and efforts.

"Having gained many great and lasting friendships among this group, I will treasure the memories of the great times my activities as director of the 'All-American' Marching Band have afforded me."

Leppla received his bachelor's degree from the University of Dayton and his master's and doctorate from Ohio State University, where he was a member of the marching band staff. He also has been active in organizations including the John Philip Sousa Foundation, Indianapolis "500" Festival Associates Parade and Pre-race Band Pageant Activities, Big Ten Band Directors Association, Lafayette's TubaChristmas Concerts, and the National Band Association.

University Bands is a department that falls within the scope of student services. While Purdue does not have a school of music or offer a music degree program, more than 600 students are enrolled in 13 band-related course offerings each semester. Groups including concert band, orchestra and jazz band are offered on a curricular basis, and there is private instrumental study available.

Writer: Christy Jones, (765) 494-1089, christyjones@purdue.edu

Source: David A. Leppla, (765) 494-0770

Thomas B. Robinson, (765) 494-5776

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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