TOP COLLEGIATE MARCHING BANDS
TAKE TO THE FIELD WITH YAMAHA DRUMS

BUENA PARK, CA (October 10, 2003)—Yamaha Corporation of America, Band & Orchestral Division's history of working closely with the finest collegiate marching bands in the country dates back to the early 1980's, when Yamaha began selling marching percussion products to the top colleges and universities. In the first 2003 USA Today/ESPN Top 25 coaches' poll for college football, 16 of the top 25 ranked schools in the country march Yamaha percussion products in the national spotlight every Saturday afternoon. In total, this season boasts 57 percent of college bands marching with Yamaha drums.

Michigan State University's Spartan Marching Band

"Yamaha drums offer a legendary quality of sound, appearance and durability for the Notre Dame Band," states Kenneth Dye, University of Notre Dame Band Director. "Whether it's a home game for 82,000 in Rockne Stadium, or TV coverage in the national spotlight, Yamaha is there to give us the sound and look to 'play like a champion' and 'win one for the Gipper.'"

Yamaha offers two distinct lines of marching products for both college and high school marching bands. Renowned for its distinctive sound, wide dynamic range and explosive rim shot, the SFZ™ marching snare drum incorporates structural innovations that enable the use of a high-tension Kevlar® drumhead, resulting in powerful projection, precise articulation and durable performance. The Field-Corps™ marching snare drum is designed for the traditional sound of a plastic drumhead and offers smooth response, impressive versatility and outstanding durability. Best known for its deep, rich sound, this drum has been a favorite of marching groups for more than 10 years. The 8200 series features a new lightweight aluminum die-cast lug design that facilitates enhanced tone production and greater flexibility.

"With Yamaha's long history of developing innovative products, it's no wonder that more than 80 of the top collegiate band programs in the country march Yamaha percussion," says Troy Wollwage, Manager of Percussion, Band & Orchestral Division. "These colleges and universities know that in order to be the best, they have to sound the best. With Yamaha Percussion products they can do that while maintaining their own unique sound and style."

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.