NFL MARCHING BANDS ON THE RISE WITH THE HELP OF YAMAHA

GRAND RAPIDS, MI (November 1, 2002)—Baltimore’s Marching Ravens and the Houston Texans Bull Pen Pep Band, the former boasting a long, rich history, the latter currently enjoying its first season, play percussion instruments supplied by Yamaha and are at the forefront of a reemerging trend in the National Football League: bands.

The Marching Ravens are the largest marching band in the NFL. All 400 members, which includes the musicians, flag line members and equipment crew, are volunteers who range in age from 14 to 65, many of them from local high schools. The second oldest band in the National Football League, the members pack the trucks, line the fields, design the routines and play the music all by themselves. In existence since 1947, the 2001 season proved to be an incredibly successful one, as the Ravens performed at the inaugural parade for President George W. Bush, with world-renowned composer Marvin Hamlisch and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, and at the victory parade for the SuperBowl Champion Baltimore Ravens. This year, they will perform at the Navy/Notre Dame game in November at Ravens Stadium.

"Great sound, durability, excellent craftsmanship and professionalism can all be summed up in two words," says band president John Ziemann. "Yamaha percussion."

The Houston Texans Bull Pen Pep Band, currently in their first season, also use Yamaha percussion, and this year begin their season at the new Reliant Stadium. In fact, the band played the first ever half-time show at the new stadium in August. "I have consistently used Yamaha Marching Percussion in past public school, collegiate, and Percussion One settings," says NFL Houston Texans, Music/Band Director and Yamaha percussionist Lamar D. Burkhalter. "I continue to be impressed with product development and commitment to quality, thus the choice to use Yamaha percussion with our NFL Houston Texans drum line and percussion section."

The 35-member band is active in the community and have already become fan favorites. They perform at tailgating events and in Budweiser Plaza prior to the game, in the stands during games and post game concerts. In addition, they conducted performances all over Houston during "Go Texans Week" prior to the season’s opening game.

For more information on Yamaha percussion, contact Yamaha Corporation of America, Band & Orchestral Division, 3445 East Paris Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49518; call (616) 940-4900; send e-mail to infostation@yamaha.com; or visit www.yamaha.com/band.