By Mark Ambrogi
For Katie Hardman, it’s a matter of coming full circle.
The 2013 Carmel High School graduate is a member of the Purduettes, the mostly female choir at Purdue University, who will join the Purdue Glee Club, the men’s choir, in a performance at 8 p.m. Sept. 24 at the Palladium. The choirs’ last appearance at the Palladium was April 2013.
“My last high school choir concert was at the Palladium, so returning four years later as a senior at Purdue feels like coming home,” Hardman said. “There are two other senior Purduettes (Katie Camp, Sarah Zoubaa) from Carmel who were also in high school choir with me, and we can’t wait to return.”
Hardman said she has become a better musician and a better person because of her experience in the Purduettes.
“Auditioning for Purduettes was the best decision of my life,” she said “I’ve created lifelong friendships and gained unforgettable memories from my time in the group.”
One of Hardman’s favorite memories is meeting one of the original 13 Purduettes when the group was formed in 1942. CHS graduate Ashley Otero is another Purduettes singer.
Purduettes senior Jessica Peine, a 2013 Zionsville Community High School graduate, said she is eager for the Palladium show, as well.
“I haven’t been to the Palladium, but I’ve heard that it’s a spectacular space and I feel so lucky that I will get to experience it for the first time as a performer,” Peine said. “It’s always amazing having friends and family in the audience, but this show will be special because it is so close to home. It’s also my senior year, so my family and I are cherishing every last performance I have with (Purdue Musical Organizations).”
Purduettes member Alexis Miller also is from Zionsville. There are six members from Fishers: Casie Blair, Caroline Gruver, Lauren Hayes, Caroline Shanley, Kylee Switzer, and Ashley Straut.
There are three Glee Club members from Fishers: Rob Mantock, Patrick Montgomery, and Trevor Peters. Zane Wright of Fishers is one of two male members in the rhythm and sound section on Purduettes.
There are two from Noblesville, Brian Carter and Aaron Corbett. Other members include Caleb Wood, Carmel, and Alex Brooks, Westfield.
For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
