The “All-American” Marching Band’s Top 10 Traditions

By: Alexis Piskulic, Silver Twin

Established in 1886, the “All-American” Marching Band has been building rich traditions here at Purdue University. As a freshman member of the best band in the land, it’s a pleasure to share my top 10 list of “All-American” Marching Band traditions I’ve been honored to take part in during the 2018 season!

10. TURNING THE HATS, FLIPPING THE P’S

The Boilermakers take no football win against another Big 10 school lightly. As soon as the clock hits 0 seconds, if Purdue has reached a victory, every band member and director will turn their hats backwards. The auxiliaries also take part in this tradition, including the twirlers, flipping their hairpiece “P” upside down!

9. GOLD DAY

Every Friday before game day, the “All-American” Marching Band celebrates by wearing a matching t-shirt and baseball cap during rehearsal. If the football game is played against another Big 10 school, at the end of Gold Day rehearsal, the drum major leads the band throughout the University parking garage while they play “Hail Purdue” and show their Boilermaker pride!

8. TUBA CADENCE

The tuba players play alone in this tradition as the entire band dramatically falls to the ground and chants about their aching bodies. At the end, they sing, “Well, maybe just one more time…” and everyone stands to continue on their march!

7. SCORES FOR PUSH-UPS

The Big Bass Drum Crew are a large part of the “All-American” Marching Band. Other than being in charge of the World’s Largest Drum, every time a touchdown is made by the Boilermaker football players, the crew does one push-up for each point scored!

6. BLOCK “P” FORMATION

The Purdue “All-American” Marching Band was the first to break military ranks by forming a shape on the field, the Block “P”. After this grand achievement, the Block “P” was showcased around the world, including: on top of Mount Fuji, at the Grand Canyon, on the Great Wall of China, at the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland, and underwater in Hawaii!

5. THE INDIANAPOLIS 500

Each year, the “All-American” Marching Band marches the length of the Indianapolis 500 track, performing for an amazing audience before the race. In 2019, the date will mark the 100th anniversary of the band taking part in this event since the marching band’s first director, Paul Spotts Emrick, began the tradition of the Indianapolis 500 in 1919.

4. “I AM AN AMERICAN”

During the extravagant pregame show, this expression of patriotism is recited by John Hultman, the “voice” of the Purdue “All-American” Marching Band, as the 30-yard United States and Indiana State flags are rolled out on the field.

3. AUXILIARIES

The auxiliaries in the “All-American” Marching Band are considered one of the most unique in marching bands around the country.

• In 1954, the Golden Girl became a prominent figure in the “All-American” Marching Band, serving as one of the nation’s best twirlers, ambassador, and leader of the band.

• In the year of 1962, the Girl-in-Black position emerged after an announcer said, “Who is that girl in black?” The name stuck, and the legacy of the Girl-in-Black position remains today.

• In the 1960s, twin baton twirlers attended Purdue. Their names were Karon and Sharon Roeske. Al G. Wright, the band director at the time, loved the idea of having twins add a splash of silver to the football field.

• In 2009, the title of Miss Boilerette could be found in the Purdue twirling program. The “All-American” Marching Band is proud to welcome this position back today based on exciting growth.

• The All-American Twirling Team began in 1939, when Paul Spotts Emrick allowed women to be members of the marching band, resulting in the first majorette line. To this day, the twirling team performs outstanding routines with intricate exchanges.

• The Purdue Golduster Dance Team performs many styles of dance during football games, other sporting events, and performance venues around campus. Their wonderful technique and upbeat routines keep all audiences entertained!

• The Golden Silks Color Guard provide remarkable visual displays during halftime shows, pregame performances, pep rallies, and many other performance opportunities. Their precise choreography and strong Boilermaker pride makes this guard essential to the “All-American” Marching Band.

• As the first college marching band to carry the Big Ten Flags, this original staple to Purdue University has captured the attention of many viewers as they can see the respect and class of the “All-American” Marching Band.

2. DRUM MAJOR BREAKDOWN

To finish off the exciting events of game day, the “All-American” Marching Band is the last to leave Ross-Ade Stadium as they line up in parade fives and march toward Elliott Hall of Music. Along the way, there is a stop at the engineering fountain for a drum major breakdown. The drum major continuously high steps as each section of the band is released. Towards the end, the drum line plays as the drum major continues to high step with their mace in between their teeth. To close the event, the Big Bass Drum runs full speed, stopping inches from the director and audience.

1. BIG BASS DRUM

The Big Bass Drum is known around the globe as the World’s Largest Drum. This title was awarded to Purdue when the University of Texas Longhorns did not bring their drum to the national convention, failing to complete a competition between Kappa Kappa Psi honorary band fraternity brothers.

We would love to see you in Ross Ade Stadium this season! Boiler Up!