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| * Purdue University Bands |
| RELATED NEWS RELEASE |
| * Purdue 'All-American' Band's historic Block P turns 100 |
October 23, 2007
Purdue Band to create giant Block P for Homecoming
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - |
Director of Bands Jay Gephart said the 500 signed up marks one of the largest turnouts ever for Alumni Band, which is held every two years. More than 50 of those returning are alumni from the era of director Paul Spotts Emrick, who led the band from 1905-54.
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It was Emrick, inspired by the autumn sight of Canada geese flying in formation, who came up with the idea to outline a letter - a P - with individual band members and executed it in 1907. Kathy Matter, Purdue Bands public relations director, said it is believed to be the first time a marching band broke ranks to create a formation of any kind on a football field.
Since then, thousands of Purdue bands members, including the baritone-playing astronaut Neil Armstrong – who also will be honored at Homecoming - have been part of the Block P.
Because traditions like the Block P are so important to the marching band, Gephart said he expected a huge turnout of alumni for Homecoming 2007.
"Our alums take a great deal of pride in continuing our traditions, and Purdue fans everywhere love our band because we so actively embrace our history and traditions," he said.
Alumni will form their own band to march in Friday night's Homecoming parade, and many of them are expected to light their instruments, following another tradition passed down through generations of band members. The "All-American" Marching Band also will participate in the parade, which steps off at 8 p.m. Friday (Oct. 26) at Third and Russell streets and ends at Slayter Hill.
Homecoming band activities include a Friday night barbecue in a tent outside Elliott Hall of Music and a Saturday morning breakfast there for the Emrick-era alumni and other non-marching alumni. Marching alumni and the "All-American" Marching Band will be polishing their halftime show at the band practice field on Third Street across from Shreve Hall.
The bands will perform on a stage at 10:30 a.m. Saturday (Oct. 27) near the Civil Engineering Building, and fans are encouraged to follow the band into Ross-Ade Stadium for the game and accompanying festivities.
During the past 100 years, the Block P has sported different looks - some of which will be showcased at a special Homecoming halftime show - and has accommodated varying numbers of marchers. But the tradition of creating the "P" before kickoff at every home Purdue football game and many away games has never changed.
Now, the Block P dominates much of Purdue's spirit apparel and has a prominent spot on the front of the "All-American" Band's uniforms.
Dan Montgomery, a senior tuba player, said the Block P is a source of pride.
"It symbolizes our history, our school and how solid block formations can be powerful and a source of strength," he said. "I point to it whenever I'm on the JumboTron and I protect it at all costs, that's how much it means to me."Writer: Christy Jones, (765) 494-1089, christyjones@purdue.edu
Source: Kathy Matter, Purdue Bands public relations director, (765) 496-6785, kcmatter@purdue.edu
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu
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