New Ensemble in Indianapolis Will March with Yamaha Percussion

BUENA PARK, CA (October 01, 2004) The Indianapolis Independent Percussion Ensemble (I-2) is a not-for-profit group based in Indianapolis, IN that operates out of the city's northwest side. It was founded in early 2004 by Co-Directors Jim Bailey and Jason Trigg in response to a lack of such an ensemble in Indianapolis. Michael McIntosh serves as I-2's Design Consultant, and Richard Hinshaw is Visual Technician.

I-2 competes in both the state (IPA Indiana Percussion Association) and national (WGI Winter Guard International) circuits. Auditions and rehearsals will be held October 10 and October 17 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and October 24 from 9 a.m. to noon at Pike High School in Indianapolis. To schedule an audition, email jtrigg@i2percussion.com and visit www.i2percussion.com for complete details. The season will conclude with national championships in the spring.

"Indianapolis Independent Percussion Ensemble is the culmination of the efforts and passions of many of the top percussion educators in the nation," states Jim Bailey, Co-Director, Indianapolis Independent Ensemble and Music Teacher at Doe Creek Middle School. "Many work and live in the Indianapolis area, and all are great friends. Our ensemble is dedicated to providing quality performance opportunities to the young musicians of Indianapolis and the surrounding areas."

I-2 is an educational ensemble open to all potential performers. The number of performing members each season will depend on the show and the level of talent at the audition camps. I-2 strives to involve as many people as possible, while still forming an ensemble that is competitive and challenged with the show. Keeping current with attendance and dues, exhibiting a positive and driven attitude and a willingness to perform in whatever capacity the ensemble needs you are what it takes to become a member of I-2.

The ensemble has an official relationship with percussion instrument manufacturer Yamaha Corporation of America, and will use Yamaha marching percussion products exclusively. Both Bailey and McIntosh are Yamaha artists. "We are very proud to have a relationship with Yamaha and believe their superior instruments will help us reach our highest goals," adds Bailey.

"That fact that Yamaha can truly help impact the face of music education is what we are all about. We fully expect I-2 to become a heavy contender within the WGI circuit, and become another local music outlet for the youth of Indianapolis for many years to come," states Troy Wollwage, Manager, Percussion, Yamaha's Band & Orchestral Division.

For more details, please visit www.i2percussion.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 infostation@yamaha.com.