World's Largest Drum
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[edit] History
In 1921, Purdue Marching Band Director Spotts Emrick commissioned the Leedy Drum Company in Fort Wayne, Indiana to produce a massive bass drum. Since its inception, it has become a lasting symbol of the marching band as well as the university. The drum can be seen at all home football games as well as parades, alumni rallies, the Indianapolis 500 Race, and many other special events.
While the drum may have been the world's largest in overall size at the time it was constructed, other drums have claimed the title of world's largest, such as the University of Chicago drum [1] and the Millenium Drum. Officially, the University dubs it the "Big Bass Drum", rather than world's largest.
Though the drum easily towers ten feet high on its carriage, the exact dimensions of the drum itself are a closely held secret known only to the crew members. Many of the original components, the carriage, axle, wheels, and wood shell of the drum are all intact and well preserved. The carriage is built upon a Ford Model A (1903) axle and wheelbase.
[edit] Traditions
[edit] Spinning in the Block P
The Purdue All-American Marching Band was the first marching band to break ranks and form a letter on the field. During the pregame show, the drum is positioned in the 'P' formed by the marching band and spins while the band plays 'Hail to Purdue'.
[edit] Indianapolis 500
Being part of the official band of the Indianapolis 500, the drum can be seen on the back of a pickup truck driven around the track.
[edit] Aerials
When Purdue scores the drum crew can occasionally be seen performing aerials in the Southeast endzone of Ross-Ade Stadium. This is accomplished by first removing the 'third' wheel, which acts as kick stand. Two crew members pull down of the back of the drum as two other members are lifted on the front bar of the carriage, while performing acrobatic stunts, such as spinning on the bar, horizontal holds, and one handed balancing.
[edit] Pushups
Drum crew members perform pushups each time the Purdue Boilermakers score points. The pushups correspond to the total Purdue score achieved. Seven, Ten, Seventeen, Etc.
