Yamaha Partners with Sacramento Drum Corps

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Yamaha Corporation of America is pleased to announce an exclusive partnership with world-class competitive junior drum and bugle corps, the Sacramento Mandarins. Founded in 1963 as an activity for youth of Asian-American heritage, the Sacramento Mandarins has grown to develop both a national and international presence, with a commitment to youth development and performance excellence. With this partnership, Yamaha becomes the sole provider of percussion instruments to the corps, which promotes an ideal balance of education, family values, personal time and the blending of Asian traditions with drum corps.

"After an exhaustive evaluation of percussion instrument providers, the excellent service and support that Yamaha provides made this an easy choice," says Jim Tabuchi, Corps Director, Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps. "So far, we have been absolutely pleased with the partnership that we have developed with the Yamaha team."

Led by Executive Director, Ray Mar and Corps Director, Jim Tabuchi, the Mandarins, a 501 (c)(3) musical organization, is sponsored by an all-volunteer booster club of parents and supporters. Recent honors and awards include twice receiving the prestigious Spirit of Disney award, signifying outstanding achievement in educational and entertainment programs for youth; Drum Corps International Division III World Champions in 1987, 1988, 1992, 1996, 1997, 1998 and 1999; Drum Corps International Division II World Champions in 2001; Drum Corps International Pacific Division III Champions in 1996, 1997, 1998 and 1999, and DCI Pacific Division II California State Champions in 2000 and 2001; and Drum Corps International Division I Semifinalist in 2001, 2005, and 2006.

The Sacramento Mandarins are scheduled to appear in a full slate of West Coast shows and a nationwide tour, including appearances at the DCI regionals in Palo Alto, San Antonio and Atlanta on then on to Bloomington, Indiana for the DCI World Championships.

"Over the years, the Mandarins have come to rely on Yamaha for the sound, quality, durability and reliability of their instruments," says Troy Wollwage, Percussion Marketing Manager, Yamaha Corporation of America, Band and Orchestral Division. "We look forward to strengthening our relationship and continuing to provide the level of excellence they enjoy."

For more information about Yamaha products, write Yamaha Corporation of America, P.O. Box 6660, Buena Park, CA 90622-6600; telephone (714) 522-9011; ; email infostation@yamaha.com; or visit http://4wrd.it/USAYAMAHA.