YAMAHA SUCCESS AT 2003 DRUM CORPS INTERNATIONAL
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

BUENA PARK, CA (September 19, 2003)—Drum corps using Yamaha instruments put in a strong showing at the Drum Corps International (DCI) Division I World Championship held in August. The 31st annual competition for the world's top drum and bugle corps took place at the Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando with more than 16,000 fans in attendance.

Yamaha ensemble The Cadets

Both Yamaha brass and percussion instruments were played by defending champions the Cavaliers of Rosemont, IL, who this year placed second with a score of 97.25; the Cadets of Bergenfield, NJ, who placed third with a score of 97.1; and the Crossmen of Bergenfield, NJ, who placed ninth with a score of 86.9. The Cadets won the high percussion award for the third consecutive year, while the Cavaliers took home the "Spirit of Disney" award for translating imagination and fun into an educational experience.

"DCI is such a well-respected organization, and its member corps perform at such a high level, that Yamaha's longstanding association with them has certainly been a proud experience," says Kurt Witt, Manager, Wind Instruments, Yamaha Corporation of America, Band & Orchestral Division.

Additional groups using Yamaha percussion include the Madison Scouts, who placed eighth; the Spirit from Jacksonville State University, who placed 12th; the Capital Regiment, who placed 19th; the Kiwanis Kavaliers, who placed 20th; Southwind, who placed 21st; and Pioneer, who placed 23rd.

The Yamaha Band & Orchestral Division's involvement with the drum corps is important for field-testing future products, and several prototypes - including the upcoming YBB-202MS marching tuba - were in action this summer. Used by the Cavaliers, Cadets, and Crossmen, the tuba drew a positive response among the corps staff and educators for their deep, rich tone and excellent projection.

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