MARCHING VIRGINIANS SELECT YAMAHA INSTRUMENTS

BLACKSBURG, VA–When faced with the dilemma of raising money for the purchase of 32 new sousaphones, the Virginia Tech Marching Virginians decided to put their creative minds to the test. The result was the establishment of a program where an alumnus or business could have their name engraved on the bell of the instrument for $100. One alumnus purchased three entire instruments and had the name of every sousaphone player since the inception of the Marching Virginians engraved on the instruments. Another alumnus, and a parent of a future Marching Virginian, even went so far as to sponsor an instrument with the understanding that his daughter would be allowed to perform on that instrument when reaching Virginia Tech.

The instruments were sold through Noteworthy Music, a music dealer based in Roanoke, VA. "Virginia Tech has always been a great supporter of Yamaha instruments," states Robert Chernault, president/owner of Noteworthy Music. "With the quality and our experience with Yamaha horns, it made the choice very easy."

Virginia Tech Director of Bands David McKee commented on the new instruments. "It was plain to see that when we tried different brands side-by-side, the best sousaphone on the market is Yamaha. Better durability and superior intonation were two points that really stood out for us."

During its nearly 25 year reign as the "Spirit of Tech," the Marching Virginians have performed at all home and away football games at schools such as the University of Virginia, Clemson, University of Richmond, Duke, West Virginia, and Syracuse. The band has also traveled to the 1981 Peach Bowl, the 1984 and 1994 Independence Bowls, the New Peach Bowl in 1986, the 1995 and 1998 Gator Bowls, the 1996 Sugar Bowl, the 1997 Orange Bowl, the 1998 Music City Bowl, and the 200th Anniversary of the Constitution Parade in 1986. The band has also performed at NFL games such as the Washington Redskins vs. Arizona Cardinals at RFK Stadium in 1992, the Buffalo Bills vs. Pittsburgh Steelers at Rich Stadium in 1992, and the Carolina Panthers vs. New Orleans Saints at Ericcson Stadium in 1996.

"Yamaha is pleased to be associated with the Marching Virginians of Virginia Tech," states Mike Bennett, Vice President/General Manager, Band & Orchestral Division. "The Marching Virginians are a highly respected band at a highly respected institution."

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

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