[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 158 (Thursday, October 12, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1942]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         PURDUE RECEIVES HEISMAN TROPHY OF COLLEGE BAND AWARDS

                                 ______


                           HON. JOHN T. MYERS

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 12, 1995

  Mr. MYERS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today and congratulate the 
Purdue ``All-American'' Marching Band on receiving the ``Heisman 
Trophy'' of college band awards--the 1995 Sudler Trophy.
  For over 109 years this collegiate band has won coveted honors and 
generated excitement at home football games. Look to the Purdue 
Marching Band for a number of firsts--first band to break ranks and 
form a letter on the football field (the Block ``P'') to the first band 
to place a bandsman, Neil Armstrong, on the moon. Known for its 
trademark Big Bass Drum and internationally famous Golden Girl, the 
band has carried its proud heritage throughout the world, through a 
multitude of televised and worldwide appearances, and 77 consecutive 
showings as the host band of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race.
  Under the leadership of Band Director David A. Leppla, now in his 8th 
year at the helm, the band continues a tradition of excellence 
characterized by creative musical arrangements with no two halftime 
shows alike. Leppla's innovative talent has persuaded the percussions, 
rousted the reeds, and hammered the horns to a dazzling display of show 
tunes, marches, rock and jazz selections.
  For many people, the Purdue Marching Band has come to symbolize a 
part of the American spirit. A spirit that embraces life solely out of 
sheer enjoyment. Generations of band members have come to Purdue to 
become part of that spirit--the world's largest permanently organized 
marching ensemble.
  This Saturday as band members march on the Purdue Homecoming field at 
halftime, let us salute that spirit and watch the Boilermaker band go 
out on their ``highest note'' ever enriching the life of the college 
and instilling a sense of pride in all alums. ``Hail, Hail to old 
Purdue!''