FANFARE FALL 2025
FROM THE DIRECTOR FACULTY & STAFF
Greetings from West Lafayette!
Without missing a beat, Purdue Bands & Orchestras hit the ground running this fall. We kicked off the semester with three back-to-back home games and a rainy trip to Notre Dame with the “All-American” Marching Band. Meanwhile, our indoor ensembles—Orchestras, Jazz Bands, and Concert Bands—are flexing their musicianship with challenging repertoire and are in full swing with their fall performances.
Here on campus our students are skillfully balancing full schedules of classes, callouts, VMT meetings, social events, and rehearsals. As we look around Hagle Hall and the Hull “AllAmerican” Marching Band Complex, we’re filled with gratitude. The bustling lobby, full practice rooms, and ever active drill field remind us that students choose to make Purdue Bands & Orchestras an integral part of their day, and we’re excited to share some of the wonderful things they’re doing with you.
Please enjoy the Fall 2025 issue of Fanfare! Inside, you’ll find news of upcoming concerts, featured student volunteers, faculty achievements, opportunities to get involved, and much more. We also want to take a moment to thank you for your continued encouragement and engagement. Our faculty and staff work tirelessly to grow and strengthen our department for future generations—but your support remains a vital part of our success.
Hail Purdue,
Jay S. Gephart
Director & Al G. Wright Chair
Purdue Bands & Orchestras
Jay S. Gephart
Director and Al G. Wright Chair
Matthew R. Conaway
Professor, Interim Director of the “All-American” Marching Band
Dr. Pamela J. Nave
Associate Professor, Director of Percussion
Adam Bodony
Assistant Professor, Director of Orchestras
Bethany Robinson
Clinical Assistant Professor, Director of Jazz
Jarrard Harris
Clinical Assistant Professor
Dr. David M. Blon
Clinical Assistant Professor
Dr. Lucas Petersen
Clinical Assistant Professor
Douglas R. Fletcher Director of Operations
Jeffrey Parthun
Visiting Instructor, Orchestras
Esther Kirgiss Director of External Relations
Caitlin Cotten
Manager of Recruitment & Student Success
Humza Nasir Multimedia Designer
Susan Lipscomb
Senior Administrative Assistant
Kim Delks Business Assistant
Morgan Loetz
Assistant Director of Operations, Director of Auxiliaries, and Twirling Coach
Natalie Hess Golduster Dance Team Coach
Jef Furr
Golden Silks Color Guard and Purdue Winter Guard Coach
Amy Brandfonbrener Chamber Music Instructor
Adisyn Nichols
Student Office Assistant
Elora Ifeguni
Graphic Design Intern
REMEMBERING GLADYS STONE WRIGHT
It is with heavy hearts that the Purdue Bands & Orchestras family shares news that our dear friend and former first lady of PBO, Gladys Stone Wright, passed away peacefully at the age of 100, on the evening of Wednesday, October 29th, 2025. She was a pioneering American band director, composer, author, educator, and champion for women in music education.
Gladys was born on March 8, 1925, in Wasco, Oregon. She grew up in a lumber camp there and discovered her lifelong passion for music at a young age after receiving a year of free piano lessons and a $5 clarinet. She graduated from Lebanon High School in 1943 and later earned both her undergraduate and master’s degrees from the University of Oregon.
Gladys began her teaching career at a time when few women were hired as band directors, but she quickly distinguished herself through talent, perseverance, and leadership. She became the first woman high school director in Oregon as director of bands at Elmira Union High School from 1948-1953 and was one of the earliest female members of the American School Band Directors Association. Wright proceeded to work as a high school band director in Otterbein, Indiana and West Lafayette, Indiana from 1954 through 1984.
Throughout her remarkable career, Gladys founded the Women Band Directors National Association, served in numerous professional organizations, and became the first woman to guest conduct both the United States Navy Band and the Goldman Band. Her school bands consistently earned “superior” ratings for 22 consecutive years. In addition to teaching and conducting, she composed works such as “The Big Bowl March” and “Trumpets and Tabards” and contributed to national music publications as an author and clinician.
Her achievements were recognized with many honors, including the National Band Association Citation of Excellence (1969) and the Tau Beta Sigma National Award for Service to Music (1971). In 1999, she became the first woman inducted into the National Hall of Fame of Distinguished Band Conductors. The Gladys Stone Wright Scholarship, established in her honor, continues to support women pursuing careers in band directing.
Gladys was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Dr. Al G. Wright, longtime Purdue University band director. Together, they shared a deep love of music and education that shaped the lives of countless students and colleagues.
Gladys Stone Wright will be missed by all who knew her, but her legacy will endure through her music, her family, and the many people she inspired to lead with confidence and creativity in the world of band and music education.
CONCERT
ORCHESTRAS
Long Center for the Performing Arts 111 N 6th St, Lafayette, IN
NOV 22 7:30 PM DEC 6 8:00 PM DEC 7 2:30 PM DEC 5 7:30 PM NOV 23 2:30 PM
13 1:30 PM
JAZZ BANDS
Loeb Playhouse - Stewart Center 128 Memorial Mall
BAND 140 MARCHES STRONG
This fall, we unveiled the 140th edition of the Purdue “All-American” Marching Band under the direction of Interim Director, Professor Matt Conaway, at our End of Camp Performance on Saturday, August 23rd at Hull Field. 395 members strong, the Purdue “All-American” Marching Band represents Purdue University with class and passion on and off the field.
Our season started strong with three back-to-back home games at Ross-Ade Stadium. In just three short weeks, the band prepared brand-new halftime shows for every game– no small feat for full-time college students! Despite the challenge, the band demonstrated their signature sound and swagger with ease and followed it up with an away trip to the Notre Dame game.
The Halloween homecoming show was a smash, featuring live vocals from our very own, “Sanderson Sister,” Esther Kirgiss on “I Put a Spell on You” from Hocus Pocus, and an incredible new arrangement of Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra.” While we battled the rain early in the season, by November 8th, the sun shone down on the AAMB – just in time for a rousing performance of the “Boilermaker Buffet” halftime show. As our season comes to a close, we look forward to sending the seniors off in style Thanksgiving weekend at the Old Oaken Bucket Game.
Subscribe on YouTube to be the first to know when our Pregame and Halftime recordings drop during every season of Boilermaker Football. YOUTUBE
SANDRA YOVER HAAS STRING QUARTET
The Sandra Yover Haas String Quartet embodies a spirit of outreach for all of Purdue Bands & Orchestras. Students audition on a yearly basis and are members enrolled in a curricular ensemble in Purdue Bands & Orchestras. This year’s quartet consists of:
Rohan Eapen - Violin - Freshman in Neurobiology & Physiology
Akirin Au - Violin - Sophomore in Computer Science
Loxea Hipsky - Viola - Senior in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences; Linguistics, minor in ASL and Psychology
Tiana Lin - Cello - Senior in Computer Engineering
All four students perform in the Purdue Philharmonic Orchestra. The Quartet has performed for The Purdue President’s Council in Naples, Florida and appears annually at The Bug Bowl as the “Cricket Quartet,” for which they were recently featured in Science magazine!
ALUMNI CONCERT BAND
We are ready to see you back on stage! Brush up your scales, oil your valves, and come play with us for our Alumni Concert Band performance. More information will be posted on our website and social media in the coming months. SAVE THE DATE - APRIL 18, 2026
JAZZ EDUCATION NETWORK
SETH DEWHITT CHAPTER PRESIDENT
The Jazz Education Network (JEN) is a national community where inquiry, exploration, and innovation are nurtured and encouraged to grow through education and performance. Our chapter here at Purdue is centered around building off this mission by expanding and developing our own Purdue jazz community through engaging educational events. Notably, we also seek to expand our local jazz community by directly marketing to anyone with a remote interest in jazz, not just students enrolled in Purdue Jazz Bands.
I launched this chapter in Fall 2024 alongside an all-star officer team of 4 other dedicated jazz students. Since then, we have successfully run events like audition and improvising workshops, themed reading ensembles, and jam sessions featuring student talent. This year, we are thrilled to launch a new system of JEN Jazz Combos, small ensembles that provide a space for students to sharpen their individual abilities while learning important collaboration and professional skills.
Getting to lead this community while developing it from its very roots has been a highlight of my time at Purdue. In the past year, I have witnessed our community grow from the 5 officers all the way to packing Hagle Hall B078 full of interested students, as well as the significant progress our members have made in their own musical journeys.
To learn more about our chapter, visit our Linktree https://linktr.ee/jenpurdue or follow us on Instagram: @purdue.jen
THE ROCKETTE AND THE GENTLEMAN WITH A TUBA
THE STORY OF MARIANNE AND JIM KRAHULEC
The year was 1966, and an aspiring young dancer named Marianne Flynn decided to leave her home and make her way to NYC for a chance to perform under the bright lights of Radio City Music Hall. She had grown up rather sheltered and described herself as “a Catholic girl from Long Island who spent all her time in the dance studio.” Despite being quiet and lacking support at home, she took the giant leap to reach for what most would consider an unattainable dream, and at only 18 years of age, her life changed forever.
Marianne was cast as one of the legendary Rockettes—Russell Markert’s “dancing daughters,” as their director affectionately called them. Marianne found a sisterhood among the Rockettes. The girls looked out for one another, with the older dancers taking on a “house mother” role and guiding the newcomers into adult life in the public eye. Their director protected his performers fiercely, even holding etiquette classes for stagehands to ensure that no “stage door Johnnies” got too close. However, when the Midwestern musicians from Purdue’s “All-American” Marching Band were invited by Leon Leonidoff to perform with them, everyone could tell they were different—and could be trusted. Marianne reminisces, “They were such gentlemen—humble and kind.”
As the two groups rehearsed their show and approached opening night, Marianne and her fellow Rockettes made plans to meet up with some of the bandsmen that weekend for some post-performance celebrating and camaraderie. That night, she met a tall tuba player named Jim, who reminded her of Hoss Cartwright from the TV show, Bonanza. Even though she was technically someone else’s date that evening, she was struck by Jim’s warm demeanor, effortless popularity, and the way he spoke about his family with such pride.
They made plans to get ice cream together, but Marianne developed a toothache that day and couldn’t go. Instead of canceling, Jim took her to the dentist and waited patiently to escort her home. “That was all my roommates needed,” she laughed. “They said, ‘He’s the one.’” Still, Marianne insisted they were just friends.
When the marching band returned home to Indiana, Marianne and Jim stayed in touch. He wrote letters, sent small gifts, and promised to return to New York to visit. Marianne teased that if he ever made it back to the city, she’d cook him dinner. One Saturday, not long after, Jim surprised her by flying back and showing up at the theater. Marianne made good on her promise of a home-cooked meal that night—and the next day, he proposed.
They met in July 1966 and were engaged by March 1967. Jim gave her his Kappa Kappa Psi fraternity pin as a sign of his intentions until he could get an engagement ring. They planned to marry after he graduated in 1969 but hated the long distance, so they moved up the wedding to August 24, 1968—just one week before Jim had to return to campus to “kick ass” at band camp as the tuba section leader.
Once married, Marianne (Krahulec now), left the Rockettes to join Jim in West Lafayette and quickly made a place for herself in his world. Encouraged by Gladys Stone Wright, the wife of Al G. Wright (former director of the Purdue Bands & Orchestras), she began choreographing majorette routines and leading dance and baton clinics for the Klondike Majorettes. She continued teaching dance and worked at the University Book Store, while Jim balanced pharmacy school, his role in the band, and a job at the Purdue Union Hotel. They lived in the married student quarters—busy, happy, and surrounded by music. “The band was what brought Jim to Purdue,” Marianne recalls, “and it’s what brought us together.”
After Jim graduated in May 1969, the couple moved to Chicago, where he attended law school full-time while also working full-time as a pharmacist to support their family. His work ethic and warmth left a mark on everyone he met—Marianne described him as “the life of the party, everyone’s friend, and someone who always left an impression.” Together they raised four children— James, Christine, Deborah, and Melinda—and Marianne built a career for herself. She earned a certificate in English education and went on to lead a gifted student program for 19 years. Jim went on to have a long and successful career in law, working with pharmaceutical companies and was lovingly nicknamed “Generic Jim” due to his tireless efforts to expand access to more affordable generic medications across the country.
Sadly, Jim Krahulec passed away from a heart attack while on a work trip in 2006. Marianne shared that some of his bandmates who had stood beside him at their wedding 38 years earlier served as pallbearers at his funeral. They were truly lifelong friends who supported each other to the very end. She is eternally grateful for the role that Purdue Bands & Orchestras and the “All-American” Marching Band played in her life and promises that she wouldn’t change a single thing—except to wish Jim had been around longer. As she reflects over their marriage, looks at their children and grandchildren, the home they built, and the traditions they shared, Marianne lives with no regrets.
To this day, Marianne still loves performing and recently started acting in her local community theater. She also values being a grandmother, sharing the holiday traditions that she and Jim made together with their family, and telling the story of how they met with pride. “It’s the greatest love story ever,” she says, believing firmly that “God had a plan for us to meet.” From the grandeur of Radio City Music Hall to the heart of Purdue’s campus, Marianne and Jim Krahulec’s life together is a reminder of the many friendships, memories and lives that have been touched and shared because of a mutual love of music.
VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT TEAM
Purdue Bands & Orchestras relies heavily on our incredible student volunteers to assist in our day-to-day operations. The Volunteer Management program is comprised of eight teams, involving hundreds of students from every area of the department and provides unique leadership experience and opportunities to get to know fellow PBO students, staff, faculty, alumni and donors. We are proud to have these dedicated students representing the department.
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
TECHNOLOGY TEAM LEADER: LINDSEY KAMERAD
My name is Lindsey Kamerad, and I am the Technology Team Leader for the 2025-2026 academic year. The tech team is focused on supporting Purdue Bands & Orchestras through technology management. We primarily do this by recording all indoor ensemble concerts, assisting with marching band audio systems, maintaining the website, audio mixing for jazz concerts, and developing and maintaining the new Project Emrick lights system.
This year is an exciting one for our team as we have recently begun working on a new project! We are creating an interactive display board that will live in the lobby of Hagle Hall and be available to everyone who visits our building. This will allow current and prospective students and their families to learn about Hagle Hall, our department, and how they can get involved in Purdue Bands & Orchestras.
Another focus of our team this year is Project Emrick lights. After the official debut of the new lights last fall, we are working hard to make necessary changes and perfect the system for current and future use of the Purdue “AllAmerican” Marching Band. I have been working with the Technology Team for three years and have loved getting the opportunity to support our department in this unique way. I started by working with our old lights system, so it’s amazing to be able to work with the Project Emrick lights and see the impact we have made on the Purdue “All-American” Marching Band and Purdue Bands & Orchestras overall.
This experience has been so fun. I’ve grown as a leader within the department and connected with people who I otherwise would not have known, from all different ensembles and backgrounds. I’m excited to see what this year has in store for the Tech Team and what we can accomplish by supporting and giving back to Purdue Bands & Orchestras.
FACULTY FEATURE
Dr. Pamela J. Nave, Associate Professor of Bands, serves as Purdue Bands & Orchestras’ Director of Percussion. In her role, she leads the Purdue Drumline, Boiler Beats Drumline, the World’s Largest Drum Crew, and the Percussion Ensemble, while supporting the percussionists in the other ensembles throughout the organization. She completed her undergrad and two master’s degrees in music education and performance at Ball State University and was honored as a two-time recipient of the James L. Lane Percussion Award, and winner of BSU’s Concerto Competition. She went on to pursue her Doctorate of Musical Arts at The Ohio State University where she won the graduate concerto competition as a marimba soloist. Between getting her degrees, and as an active member of Pi Kappa Lambda, she operated a private percussion studio in Noblesville and performed as a freelance percussionist throughout Indiana. Dr. Nave has been a cherished faculty member with Purdue Bands & Orchestras for 26 years and in 2025, was awarded Purdue University’s Helen B. Schleman Gold Medallion for her significant contribution to the advancement of women students and women’s issues. She is known for being direct, passionate, and caring, while fostering a creative and fun environment for the students she teaches.
DR. PAMELA NAVE STUDENT SPOTLIGHT BIDDYCLAIR MOORE
MAJOR
Multidisciplinary Engineering
Concentration in Theater Class of 2027
ENSEMBLES
Concert Orchestra - Cello
“All-American” Marching Band - Big Ten Flags
Gold and Black Sound - Electric Bass
Jazz Education Network Combos
DEPARTMENT SERVICE
Tau Beta Sigma
There’s no path I’ll choose where music won’t be a part of my life. Through PBO, I’ve found a diverse community of passionate people coming together with a shared interest in many forms.
DRUM CORPS AT PURDUE
Participation in Drum Corps International, Marching Music’s Major League™ by members of Purdue Bands & Orchestras continues to soar! Featured here are several students who have or are currently performing with DCI. We are proud to be the college band and orchestra home for so many elite student musicians dedicated to spreading “enjoyment of marching music performing arts to more people worldwide.”
“Drum Corps has been the single most formative experience of my life. I would not be who I am today without it. Drum Corps builds more than just musicianship, it builds character.”
– Arman Pathan
WARD
Sophomore - Computer Science Trombone
AAMB
Pacific Crest
JESSICA KNULL
Senior - Chemistry
Golden Silks Color Guard, Winter Guard
Blue Stars
DANIEL HENZE
Sophomore - Mathematics Trombone
AAMB, Wind Ensemble, Boiler Brass
Boston Crusaders
Senior - Mechanical Engineering Baritone
AAMB, Gold & Black Sound, Concert Band Crossmen, The Cadets, The Cavaliers
GABRIEL LERNER
Senior - Planetary Science
Baritone and Euphonium
AAMB, Boiler Brass, Concert Bands
Carolina Crown
EVAN LORENZ
Junior - Aero Astro Engineering
Mellophone and Trumpet
AAMB, Concert Bands, Jazz Bands
Jersey Surf, The Cadets
Junior - Animal Science, Pre-Veterinary Medicine
Baritone and Euphonium
AAMB, Concert Bands
Legends, Phantom Regiment
TREVOR STOYER
Senior - Aero Astro Engineering
Mellophone and French Horn
AAMB, Concert Bands, Boiler Brass
Boston Crusaders, Madison Scouts, Spartans
PATHAN
Junior - Computer Science, Mathematics Trombone and Euphonium
AAMB, Wind Ensemble, Philharmonic Orchestra
Genesis, Blue Stars, Boston Crusaders
ARMAN
QUIN DUMOUCHELLE
MEREDITH
PARKER WICKER
MEET THE ADVISORY BOARD
JOE BEAN
Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering - 2019 Concert Percussion and Big Ten Flags Purdue “All-American” Marching Band, Collegiate, Varsity, and University Bands Technology Team Volunteer, VMT Executive Team Leader, and member of Tau Beta Sigma
My first connection to Purdue Bands & Orchestras was as a spectator and fan when my older sister Kaley (B.S. in Computer Science ‘17) joined the “All-American” Marching Band, which later convinced me to audition. The time I spent in the department was formative and led to countless memories, many dear friends, and is how I met my lovely wife, Lizzie (B.S. in Chemical Engineering ‘20). We will forever be diehard Purdue fans and love coming back to West Lafayette to cheer on the Boilermakers and support Purdue Bands & Orchestras
STUDENT LIFE UPDATES
Student life is thriving in Purdue Bands & Orchestras. As a department that values wellbeing and celebrates the uniqueness of all members, we offer a multitude of student success initiatives including Mock Interviews, a fully equipped Wellness Room, Weekly De-Stress Activities, Social Outings, Networking Mixers, and an FYE Learning Community.
We love nothing more than seeing our students succeed and build a strong network while music-making.
FACULTY AND STAFF HONORS
Adam Bodony: Promoted to Associate Professor with Tenure
Jay Gephart: Special Boilermaker Award for significant contributions to enhancing the quality of life and improving the educational experience for Purdue students.
36th ANNUAL PURDUE JAZZ FESTIVAL
JANUARY 22 - LONG CENTER - 7:00 PM
The Purdue Jazz Festival kicks off with a free Community Jazz Showcase at the Long Center for the Performing Arts in Lafayette, Indiana. The concert features Artist-In-Residence, Kirby Fellis, alongside the Purdue Jazz Band and four high school jazz bands from Tippecanoe County.
JANUARY 23 - LONG CENTER - 8:00 PM
Purdue Convocations, in partnership with Purdue Bands & Orchestras, presents the Yellowjackets as our Purdue Jazz Festival headliner concert. With a 43-year legacy, the Yellowjackets have released 26 albums, earned 16 Grammy® nominations, and built a reputation as one of jazz’s most influential groups.
JANUARY 24 - FESTIVAL DAY
Over 100 high school and middle school jazz ensembles compete in various divisions throughout Stewart Center and the Purdue Memorial Union. The Purdue Jazz Band performs twice during the festival:
12:45 PM - Loeb Playhouse - Featuring Artist-In-Residence, Kirby Fellis 7:00 PM - Elliott Hall of Music – Featuring Guest Artist, Marshall Gilkes
Throughout the day, our Guest Artists and Clinicians will host lectures and demonstrations that are open to all festival participants.
JANUARY 31 - ELLIOTT HALL - 8:00 PM
In their annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Event, Purdue Convocations presents the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, led by trumpeter and artistic director, Wynton Marsalis. Established in 1987, it serves as the resident orchestra of Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City, dedicated to preserving and advancing the legacy of jazz.
If you’re interested in opportunities to sponsor the 36th Annual Purdue Jazz Festival, please contact Director of Jazz Bands and Festival Director, Bethany Robinson - berobins@purdue.edu
SUPPORT PURDUE BANDS & ORCHESTRAS
Scan the code on the left or visit www.purdue.edu/bands/donate to support Purdue Bands & Orchestras today. Your generosity directly contributes to our students’ success through ensemble travel, scholarships, new instruments, and more! We would not be the program we are today without the ongoing support from alumni, family, and friends.
Scan the code on the right or visit www.purdue.edu/bands/sponsorship to become a Purdue Bands & Orchestras corporate sponsor today! We offer a variety of sponsorship opportunities and enjoy creating ways to support your organization in return. When you become a corporate sponsor, you become part of the Bands & Orchestras family.
