Penn State University band director marks last home game
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STATE COLLEGE – When Richard Bundy first stepped into Beaver Stadium carrying a trombone in 1966, the Penn State student was planning to become a music teacher.
Bundy, instead, led the Blue Band for a final time on home turf Saturday after directing the band for more than 30 years.
“There are a lot of memories,” Bundy told the Centre Daily Times. “I’ve been getting a number of notes and letters. I have a little box started at home.”
Some top memories include the James Bond-themed program he created as a graduate student for the 1983 Sugar Bowl; a second national title win at the 1987 Fiesta Bowl; and an appearance at the 2009 Rose Bowl.
“Who doesn’t want to take a band to the Rose Parade?” Bundy said.
Bundy is just the fifth director in the band’s 115-year history. He took thousands of students under his wing, including Brad Townsend, a Blue Band alumnus now leading the University of Pittsburgh marching band.
“What makes college football unique is the traditions. The Blue Band is the soundtrack of Saturday afternoons,” former assistant coach Jay Paterno said.
Bundy plans to retire next spring. He promises, though, that he and his wife will still be watching the big show on Saturdays.