Drum Corps competition July 26 in Siloam Springs
Posted on Wednesday, July 12, 2006
SILOAM SPRINGS — A Drum Corps International competition will be held July 26 at Glenn Black Stadium, 1500 W. Jefferson St.
Seven drum corps from as far away as California, Colorado, Massachusetts and Ohio will compete in the fifth annual event, which is coordinated by the Siloam Springs High School Band Booster Club.
“ It’s a combined volunteer effort. We just divide up the jobs and get them done, ” said Keith Rutledge, SSHS band director and event coordinator.
Each corps can have up to 135 brass and percussion musicians. Each group works to create a theme for its performances. Some groups play jazz music, and others play classical, Rutledge said.
Each corps also has a color guard group that performs while the corps plays.
Before the competition begins at 7: 30 p. m., participants of a two-day drum corps clinic in northwest Arkansas, sponsored by Yamaha, will play an exhibition performance.
DCI is a summer youth organization made up of marching groups from all over the country ranging in age from high school students to 22-year-olds.
Several students and graduates from SSHS are in drum corps but will not compete in Siloam Springs, Rutledge said.
Every summer, drum corps travel around the country and play at small competitions several times a season. This year’s competitive season will culminate with a championship competition in Madison, Wis., in August.
Two SSHS graduates, including Rutledge’s son, march with a group in Memphis, Tenn., which was a Division 2 finalist last year. Each corps is classified in one of three divisions based on its size.
“ This is a great educational experience for the kids and great entertainment for the community. It’s really a neat endeavor for us as a fundraiser, ” Rutledge said. “ We never lose money on the event. It always ends up being a fundraiser for the band. ”
The corps raise money for their travels through charging corps members a membership fee.
Tickets to the Siloam Springs competition cost $ 17 and $ 20, based on seat locations. Gates will open at 6 p. m., and the concession stand will be open to raise money for the SSHS Band Booster Club.
People are encouraged to buy tickets ahead of time to avoid standing in line on the day of the competition, as well as to secure good seats, Rutledge said.
To buy tickets, go to sssd. k 12. ar. us. / band / drumcorps or call (888 ) 547-6478.
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