Yamaha Sponsors 2004 DCM Championships

BUENA PARK, CA (June 25, 2004) — Yamaha Corporation of America, Band and Orchestral Division recently announced that it will sponsor the 2004 Drum Corps Midwest (DCM) Championships in DeKalb, Illinois.

"Yamaha has been a friend of the drum corps activity for several years, and is very generous in its support and promotion of music education and the arts," says Roman Blenski, executive director, Drum Corps Midwest. "Their enthusiastic support of our efforts is greatly appreciated."

The championships will take place over a two-day period, with a free concert to kick off the festivities on Friday, July 9. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Hopkins Park Band Shell in DeKalb, and will feature Michael Embry as Master of Ceremonies with performances by Pioneer, the Bandettes, Racine Scouts, Govenaires and Kilties.

Saturday, July 10 will feature a series of events and clinics, including a brass clinic at 2:30 p.m. with Jerry Kelsey and the Kilties and a percussion clinic at 3:45 p.m. with Mickey Hartzog and Pioneer. The day will culminate with the 2004 DCM Championships at 6 p.m. in Northern Illinois University's Huskie Stadium. The event, titled "Armed Forces Tribute," will open with "The Commandant's Own" Marine and Bugle Corps, who will also be the recipients of some surprise presentations in honor of the corps' 70th birthday tour. Tickets are $10 (general) and $15 (premium seating), both of which allow admission to all events.

"It is an honor to sponsor the DCM Championships this year," states Rick Young, vice president and general manager, Band & Orchestral Division. "We look forward to partnering with a great organization that truly has the mission of expanding both the playing and enjoyment of music to a wide and growing audience. The dedication and commitment shown by the participants and the corps staff is fully evident as they prepare for this year's championships. All of us at Yamaha salute everyone involved in making each show become a reality, and wish all of them a very successful season."

To order tickets for the 2004 DCM Championships, visit online at Drum Corps Midwest www.drumcorpsmidwest.org. You may also contact DCM by phone at (414) 327-2847; or via e-mail dbcpmilw@execpc.com.

For more information, write Yamaha Corporation of America, Band & Orchestral Division, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011; or e-mail percussionquestions@yamaha.com