Purdue Dedicates New Building for Bands & Orchestras Program

Purdue University this past Friday dedicated Marc and Sharon Hagle Hall, a new home for Purdue Bands & Orchestras.

The four-story building is named for Marc and Sharon Hagle in honor of their $10 million leadership gift. Marc earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Purdue in 1971 and a master’s degree in business and industrial administration in 1972. Purdue Bands & Orchestras had operated out of Elliott Hall of Music since 1940.

“Students who are part of the Purdue Bands & Orchestras family enjoy life-changing experiences that enrich their lives and education,” the Hagles said in a joint statement. “We look forward to the positive impact this new home will make on both the university and those who study here.”

A dedicated environment for teaching and learning, Hagle Hall will promote students’ lifelong journeys with music. Approved by the Purdue Board of Trustees in 2019, the $22 million 37,500-square-foot facility is located at the southeast corner of Third and Russell streets. It stands along the Student Success Corridor, which connects student residential areas with the campus’s academic center. A total of 1,554 donors contributed to the project.

“Purdue’s musical ensembles raise our spirits and touch our hearts. Through this beautiful new building, we have taken a giant leap toward providing Purdue Bands & Orchestras with a world-class environment where students will develop and showcase their exceptional talents,” Purdue President Mitch Daniels said.

Hagle Hall features accessible and environmentally controlled rehearsal spaces, including individual, small and large practice rooms with state-of-the-art acoustics; three rehearsal rooms that can double as classrooms; and a glass display for the “All-American” Marching Band’s iconic Big Bass Drum.

“This building is a game-changer for Purdue Bands & Orchestras,” said Jay Gephart, the Al G. Wright Chair, director of bands and a professor of music. “With our new facilities, we open up brand-new significant opportunities for Boilermaker musicians for years to come. Marc and Sharon’s generous gift, along with the amazing support of our alumni and friends, has laid the foundation for decades of impact. Our cutting-edge facility will transform the way our students learn and how this department operates.”

More than 15,000 alumni have participated in Purdue Bands & Orchestras, including Marc Hagle. “I remember the traditions and experiences of my time with Purdue Bands and am excited to see the impact this new home will have for future students,” he said.

Today, nearly 1,200 students — spanning almost every academic discipline at Purdue — perform in more than 30 music ensembles.