RAVENS GIVE MARVIN HAMLISCH A BALTIMORE SENDOFF
–Marchers Join in Master’s Last Performance with Baltimore Symphony Orchestra–

Marvin Hamlisch (center) conducts the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra while members of the Marching Ravens pour out "76 Trombones."

GRAND RAPIDS, MI (July 21, 2000)—Baltimore’s own Marching Ravens Band, a Yamaha-affiliated corps of more than 400 musicians, was at Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in Baltimore June 11 to join renowned composer, musician and conductor Marvin Hamlisch for his last performance as SuperPops Conductor for the 1999-2000 Baltimore Symphony Super Pops Series.

With the Ravens flag line performing colorfully in the hall’s choir loft and members of the Ravens filling the aisles amid members of the audience, the band’s trombone players took the stage along with Hamlisch and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra to play a rousing version of Seventy-Six Trombones.

The evening concluded a four-night engagement that included a variety of American pop favorites from Irving Berlin, John Philip Sousa, John Williams and George Gershwin. Internationally renowned banjoist Buddy Wachter appeared in a special performance.

Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall resounds with the music of the Marching Ravens and their Yamaha percussion instruments as they fill the aisles, stage and choir loft to join the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and SuperPops Conductor Marvin Hamlisch in "76 Trombones."

More than simply the musical affiliate of the Ravens organization of the National Football League, The Marching Ravens are full-fledged ambassadors of the City of Baltimore. More than 400 members of the Marching Ravens, ranging from ages 14-65, perform under Director Harry Wacker at events throughout the year. The Ravens use Yamaha percussion instruments exclusively.

Hamlisch is a living legend of Broadway, Hollywood and the concert stage. His resume includes three Oscars®, four Grammys®, three Golden Globe Awards and a Tony® Award, and he won the Pulitzer Prize for penning A Chorus Line. His Broadway hits include The Goodbye Girl and They’re Playing Our Song, and he has written music for films such as Sophie’s Choice, The Sting, Ordinary People and The Way We Were. He regularly performs and conducts with leading orchestras throughout the United States.

For more information, write Yamaha Corporation of America, Band & Orchestral Division, 3445 East Paris Ave. S.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49518; call (616) 940-4900; send e-mail to info@yamaha.com or visit the Yamaha web site at www.yamaha.com/band.

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