Yamaha Corps Dominate At 2010 DCI World Championships

Yamaha Corporation of America President Takuya Nakata receives Yamaha's participation award from John DeNovi, Director of Marketing for DCI, after the DCI World Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — The 2010 Drum Corps International (DCI) World Championships rocked Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis this year with the sounds of some of the world's finest drum & bugle corps, finishing an amazing summer of competition and music making. Corps playing on Yamaha instruments once again showed strong, finishing 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th and 10^th. This year's festivities also marked two important Yamaha anniversaries - Yamaha Corporation of America's 50^th year in the United States and the 25^th year Yamaha has supported the DCI activity. Yamaha president Takuya Nakata was on hand in Indianapolis to help cheer on the ensembles playing Yamaha, and to take part in the celebration of the two major Yamaha anniversaries.

The Cavaliers once again showed strong, finishing second in a close battle with Bluecoats who finished third. This was The Cavaliers' 24^th year with Yamaha, and Bluecoats' fifth. Placing 4^th, Carolina Crown also took home the DCI Fan Network Fan Favorite Award for their show "A Sec2nd Chance." The Cadets placed fifth in their 10^th year marching with Yamaha, while Madison Scouts placed 10^th overall. This year marked Scouts' 25^th year marching with Yamaha, the longest tenure of any corps in this year's competition.

There were 23 groups competing for top honors in the World Class division, comprised of up to 150 performers ages 14 to 22. Over the course of the summer, the corps clock more than 10,000 miles, rehearsing an average of 10 hours each day.

"This time of year is always very special to us," said Roger Eaton, Director of Marketing for Yamaha Corporation of America's Band and Orchestral Division. "It's inspiring to see these great young performers come together and share their passion with the world. DCI is such a great example of young people coming together to create something special. DCI, and the other fantastic marching activities in the US, have long been an important part of Yamaha's outreach, and celebrating 25 years with DCI was truly special. This season was so great, and we're happy to have been a part of it."

As part of the three-day long competition, this year's corps were treated to a special performance by the Star of Indiana Alumni Corps. Alumni from the legendary corps, which was active in DCI from 1985-1993, presented a full field show containing highlights of their DCI shows, many of which are considered groundbreaking by today's DCI enthusiasts. Star Alumni Corps took the field this year as an All-Yamaha Ensemble.

Drum Corps International is the world leader in producing events for the world's most elite and exclusive marching ensembles for student musicians and performers. Founded in 1972, Drum Corps International has developed into a powerful, nonprofit, global youth organization with far-reaching artistic, educational and organizational influence. Drum Corps International is also known as Marching Music's Major League™.

For more information about Yamaha Corporation of America, write Yamaha Corporation of America, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; call (714) 522-9011; e-mail infostation@yamaha.com; or visit http://www.yamaha.com/press.