![Picture](/uploads/2/4/8/9/24897146/_6556300.jpg)
Purdue University's band is steeped in rich tradition but innovation and lead the marching band world. Purdue's Band, the first band to break ranks and form a symbol on field, boasted the largest drum in the world for decades.
![Picture](/uploads/2/4/8/9/24897146/_7366102.jpg)
In the early 20th century Purdue's Band director, Paul Emrick, sought to make Purdue's marching band world famous. Through this, the idea for the "Big Bass Drum" was born. In 1921 Mr. Emrick commissioned the Leedy Manufacturing Company of Indianapolis, Indiana to produce the drum for $80.
![Picture](/uploads/2/4/8/9/24897146/_1386020702.jpg)
The Leedy Manufacturing Co. had to overcome two main factors limiting the maximum size of drums throughout the world. The only drumheads available were way too small and the drum had to be very mobile to be used in a marching band. Before the invention of synthetic materials, drum heads could only be as big as cow hides. The largest cow hides available were about 4.5 to 5 ft in diameter. The Leedy corporation solved this problem by importing massive hides from South America. They then solved the transportation issue by designing a carriage to move the drum easily on and off the field.