On Sunday, Oct. 11, Penn State Blue Band alumni, friends and family gathered to celebrate the legacy of O. Richard Bundy Jr. by dedicating the Blue Band Building in his name. Bundy played in the Blue Band as an undergraduate student at Penn State before returning as acting assistant director in 1983 (the position became permanent in 1986). In 1996, he became the fifth director of the Blue Band, a position he held until his retirement in June. At the dedication of the O. Richard Bundy Blue Band Building, Penn State president Eric Barron, current Director of Athletic Bands Gregory Drane, Dean of the College of Arts and Architecture Barbara Korner, and O. Richard Bundy III all spoke of Bundy's significant contributions to the Penn State community before he himself took the podium to express his gratitude. The event finished with an alumni pep band leading the crowd in the singing of the Penn State Alma Mater.
O. Richard Bundy Blue Band Building Dedication
The O. Richard Bundy Blue Band Building, named for Dr. O. Richard Bundy, director of the Penn State Blue Band from 1996-2015. Dr. Bundy received his undergraduate and doctoral degrees in music education from Penn State before joining the faculty as acting Assistant Director of the Blue Band in 1983 (it became a permanent position in 1987). He retired from Penn State in June.
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O. Richard Bundy Blue Band Dedication
New lettering was installed on the building on September 30, 2015.
O. Richard Bundy Blue Band Building Dedication
The O. Richard Bundy Blue Band Building
O. Richard Bundy Blue Band Dedication
On Sunday, October 11, 2015, Blue Band alumni, friends, and family came together for the dedication of the building in Dr. Bundy's name. An alumni pep band played Penn State fight songs, as well as favorites from the Blue Band repertoire.
O. Richard Bundy Blue Band Dedication
Guests were invited to sign their name on an enlarged photo of the building, showcasing its new lettering. The signed photo was given to Dr. Bundy in gratitude for his years of service.
O. Richard Bundy Blue Band Dedication
Dr. Bundy greets guests at the dedication of the O. Richard Bundy Blue Band Building
O. Richard Bundy Blue Band Dedication
Dr. Bundy's wife, Chris, an employee of Penn State for more than thirty years
O. Richard Bundy Blue Band Dedication
Dr. Bundy poses for a photo with his grandchildren
O. Richard Bundy Blue Band Dedication
Current Drum Major of the Penn State Blue Band, Jimmy Frisbie. Jimmy marched in the Blue Band under Dr. Bundy for two years, and his parents also marched in the Blue Band while Bundy was the director.
O. Richard Bundy Blue Band Dedication
Dr. Bundy greets guests at the dedication of the building in his name
O. Richard Bundy Blue Band Dedication
Current Director of Athletic Bands, Gregory Drane, with Penn State University president Eric Barron
O. Richard Bundy Blue Band Dedication
Members of a Blue Band alumni pep band play at the dedication of the O. Richard Bundy Blue Band Building
O. Richard Bundy Blue Band Dedication
President Barron's wife, Molly, laughs as her husband teases about her enthusiasm for the Blue Band. Mrs. Barron visits and takes a turn conducting the band during each Penn State Football home game.
O. Richard Bundy Blue Band Dedication
Current director of the Penn State Blue Band, Gregory Drane, reflects on Dr. Bundy's legacy, including the band's move from three trailers to the state-of-the-art building that now bears his name.
O. Richard Bundy Blue Band Building Dedication
The Penn State Blue Band traces its history back to 1899. In 2004, under Dr. Bundy's leadership, the band moved to its permanent home, the newly named O. Richard Bundy Blue Band Building.
O. Richard Bundy Blue Band Building Dedication
Dean Barbara Korner of the College of Arts and Architecture spoke at the dedication, and shared anecdotes from Blue Band alumni.
O. Richard Bundy Blue Band Building Dedication
Dr. Bundy's son, O. Richard Bundy III (Rich), reflected on the importance of the Blue Band for his family, and announced the status of the scholarship in his father's name as permanently endowed.
O. Richard Bundy Blue Band Building Dedication
Dr. Bundy and his wife, Chris, listen to speakers at the dedication of the building in his name
O. Richard Bundy Blue Band Building Dedication
Blue Band alumni and friends, family, and colleagues of Dr. Bundy express their appreciation for his years of service with a standing ovation
O. Richard Bundy Blue Band Building Dedication
Blue Band alumni and others in attendance at the dedication of the O. Richard Bundy Blue Band Building "Raise the song" once again with Dr. Bundy as an alumni pep band leads the room in the singing of the Penn State Alma Mater.
O. Richard Bundy Blue Band Building Dedication
Dr. and Mrs. Bundy join in the singing of the Penn State Alma Mater
O. Richard Bundy Blue Band Building Dedication
Dr. Bundy and his successor, current Director of Athletic Bands at Penn State, Gregory Drane. Mr. Drane served as Dr. Bundy's graduate assistant for the Blue Band before becoming Assistant Director in 2005.
O. Richard Bundy Blue Band Building Dedication
Dr. Bundy poses for a photo with some current members of the Blue Band
O. Richard Bundy Blue Band Building Dedication
Current and former band directors at Penn State share a light moment (from left: Assistant Director of Athletic Bands Eric Bush, Director of Concert Bands Dennis Glocke, O. Richard Bundy, Assistant Directors of Athletic Bands Carter Biggers and Darrin Thornton)
O. Richard Bundy Blue Band Building Dedication
The Penn State band directors strike a more dignified pose. (from left: Assistant Director of Athletic Bands Eric Bush, Director of Concert Bands Dennis Glocke, O. Richard Bundy, Assistant Directors of Athletic Bands Carter Biggers and Darrin Thornton)
