Raiders Form Partnership With Yamaha
The Raiders Drum & Bugle Corps from Wayne, New Jersey has crossed a threshold with its recent purchase of a full marching battery and front-line pit ensemble, which marks the beginning of a commitment to play Yamaha instruments exclusively for well into the future.
"Yamaha is exactly what we were looking for in a percussion company," says Percussion Caption Head Steve Rodriguez. "Their field percussion, combined with their front ensemble pit equipment, will bring our music and on-field performance to a new level. Yamaha was the only choice for our students and staff."
Not only are the Raiders crossing new territory in their choice of instruments, they are also crossing boundaries with their 2006 production "Coast to Coast," which will take audience members on a whirlwind adventure across the nation.
Beginning in New York City, the audience is introduced to the life of a New Yorker with the Adam Gorb piece "Awayday," a throwback to the days of the great Leonard Bernstein and George Gershwin Broadway musicals. Next the corps takes its spectators to the Great Plains states with Pat Methenys "Letter from Home," which depicts the winds blowing over the plains and the carefree attitudes of a warm summer day. The journey culminates on the West Coast with Don Ellis "Strawberry Soup," portraying the passion, power and pure excitement of living in Las Vegas.
The Raiders were the Drum Corps International (DCI) 2005 Divisional and World Champions for Best Percussion and Best General Effect. They have also been named DCI World Finalists for eight out of the last ten years, and were awarded the 2001 Silver Medal for Best Brass and Best General Effect. More information on the Raiders Drum & Bugle Corps can be found at www.raidersdbc.org.
"Competition is the second part of the activity," says Raiders Director Tom Maiello. "The kids are there to grow and socialize first. We hope to educate and influence these kids the right way and make sure they have an outlet to express themselves."
Founded with the goal of affording any young adult the opportunity to march in a world-class drum corps, the Raiders aim to develop artistic and musical virtues as well as build life enhancing skills and self confidence.
"The Raiders have figured out a way to support music education through the use of drum corps and do it in a way that adds value to their community," says Troy Wollwage, Marketing Manager, Percussion, Yamaha Band & Orchestral Division. "It is wonderful that Yamaha will be able to play a role in helping this organization grow so that more young people are able to have not only a great musical experience but a fantastic life experience."
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 [at] yamaha [dot] com; or visit www.yamahapercussion.com.
