Fall Sports Season Postponed – How it Impacts Purdue Bands & Orchestras Activities
On Tuesday, August 11, the Big Ten Conference announced the postponement of all fall sports for 2020. The announcement directly affects two Purdue Bands & Orchestras ensembles, including Boiler Box Band, which supports Purdue Women’s Volleyball, and the Purdue “All-American” Marching Band. With the postponement of the volleyball season, the extracurricular Boiler Box Band will not meet this fall. The Purdue “All-American” Marching Band, which meets as a class at Purdue University, will continue to rehearse during the fall despite the postponement of all football games.
The health and safety of students, faculty, and staff remains the top priority for the department. Every ensemble in Purdue Bands & Orchestras will adhere to the guidelines of the Protect Purdue Pledge. The marching band will rehearse exclusively outside and will meet in smaller platoons to meet safety and social distancing requirements throughout the semester. The “All-American” Marching Band will wear protective masks for the entirety of every rehearsal and performance. Wind players will receive uniquely designed masks, allowing students to play instruments while keeping their faces covered. All brass instruments will be outfitted with bell covers as well. All marching drill will be designed to meet social distance requirements.
The “All-American” Marching Band will livestream selected performances and make recordings throughout the fall semester, bringing the spirit of Purdue to the University, Purdue alumni and friends, and to our local community.
The Purdue “All-American” Marching Band was founded in 1886, one year before Purdue University had a football team. For more than 130 years, the band has served the Purdue community with its innovative performances, spreading the Boilermaker spirit across the globe. The fall semester will be so different without the excitement and passion of Purdue Football games. The Purdue “All-American” Marching Band will move forward though, seeking out safe opportunities to lift the spirits of the Purdue family during this challenging time.
As the situation changes, Purdue Bands & Orchestras will continue to make decisions in cooperation with Purdue University, and local and state governments.