The Derby City Knights Performing Arts Association, Inc. announced today the formation of The Derby City Knights Drum and Bugle Corps.

The Drum and Bugle corps is an all-age (senior) corps open to anyone age 14 and up with prior experience in marching brass, color guard, drumline or drum & bugle corps.

“Drum and bugle corps is a marching and musical activity, similar to marching band in many ways. The instrumentation is much more specific - only brass and percussion instruments are allowed, as well as color guard - dancers who also perform with equipment such as flags, sabers and rifles,” said Matthew Basey, Corps Director.

The corps will perform and compete in various venues including parades, civic events and compete heavily in Drum Corps International (DCI) and Drum Corps Associate competitions (DCA) around the country.

The inaugural season will lead up to a 2007 Drum Corps Associates World Championship.

“We are excited about representing both Louisville and Kentucky in the activity,” said Jon Grant, Assistant Executive Director. “There are such talented marching performers in the Louisville area; we are providing a new avenue for these performers to explore.”

The Knights will hold their first rehearsal in November and is open to anyone 14 years old and older.

“The best part is everyone can participate.” said Basey, “Mothers, fathers, sons and daughters, you can be in your 20's, 30's, 40's or older as long as you can still march and play.”

The Derby City Knights Performing Arts Association, Inc. is a non-profit organization with the mission to provide a wide variety of performance opportunities for adults and youth of all ages. The first phase of this mission is the establishment of the Derby City Knights Drum & Bugle Corps. Their goal is to be a high quality, highly sought after group that will entertain thousands of people and enrich the lives of our members on many different levels.

Potential members, volunteers and sponsors may visit the Derby City Knights on the web by visiting www.derbycityknights.com.