Yamaha Artist Mike Jackson to be Inducted into WGI Hall of Fame

Mike Jackson

BUENA PARK, Calif.—For over two decades Mike Jackson has been a leading performer and teacher in the Drum & Bugle Corps world, and now his work is being honored by his induction into the Winter Guard International Hall of Fame. Mr. Jackson is one of four being inducted this year, joining the 37 previous inductees.

Mr. Jackson began his Drum & Bugle Corps career in 1988 with the Velvet Knights; moving on to march with Suncoast Sound and eventually aging out with the 1992 Blue Knights under Ralph Hardimon. In 1989 he began arranging and designing shows for prominent California based Drum & Bugle Corps, including the two-time World Champion Mission Viejo HS & Riverside Community College. He is currently the percussion caption head at the Bluecoats Drum & Bugle Corps and a sought after teacher and writer.

"Mike is one of those percussion educators who has this quiet confidence about him. He is very humble and extremely patient with his students, both wonderful attributes to have as a teacher," says Troy Wollwage, marketing director, Band & Orchestral Division, Yamaha Corporation of America. "Every year Mike sends another group of young musicians into the world with a greater knowledge of music and with valuable life experiences. Not everyone has this ability and Mike makes it looks easy."

Founded in 1977, WGI is the world's premier organization and leading governing body producing indoor color guard and percussion ensemble competitions. The Hall of Fame Induction ceremony will take place before the 2010 Sport of the Arts World Championships in Dayton, Ohio. Last year’s Percussion World Championship had over 11,000 participants, and many more expected this year.