ESPN2 to Broadcast Drum Corps International Championships; Network Seeks to Capitalize on Growing Movement of Youth Drum and Bugle Corps.

ADDISON, Ill. -- Drum Corps International (DCI), the world leader in producing and sanctioning touring marching music competitions for youth, today announced the first primetime broadcast of its award-winning World Championships program. The program will air September 6 on ESPN2 at 10 PM EDT.

"Drum Corps International wanted to bring its exceptional television program to as many people as possible - in primetime," said Dan Acheson, executive director of DCI. "ESPN2 is available in over 88 million households and can certainly help us to achieve that goal."

The broadcast, sponsored by NAMM, the International Music Products Association, will feature highlights of the DCI 2005 World Championships, held August 13 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass. The telecast will also show a "behind-the-scenes" look at the event by presenting insights, profiles and perspectives from youth participants, corps directors, parents and fans.

"Being part of a program that has consistently been recognized for its excellence as it debuts in national cable, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, "said Joe Lamond, president of NAMM. "Drum Corps International and its corps represent the pinnacle of scholastic music, providing NAMM a strong platform from which we can increase music participation and awareness."

DCI has experienced unprecedented growth since 2000, with more than 350,000 people attending DCI sanctioned events during each of the 2004 and 2005 seasons, and close to 50,000 in attendance at the 2005 World Championships. Additionally, some 18,000 fans watched a live simulcast of this year's World Championship Quarterfinals at 70 Regal Cinema theatre locations throughout the U.S.

DCI member corps also performed at INVESCO Field at Mile High Stadium for the 2004 World Championships and other major stadiums including the RCA Dome, the Alamodome and the Florida Citrus Bowl as part of the Summer Music Games tours.

This year, more than 7,000 young people auditioned for approximately 3,400 places available in competing drum corps units, which are comprised of up to 135 members between the ages of 13 and 22.

"Over the last five years, Drum Corps International and its member corps have come to exert a strong influence on scholastic band programs throughout the United States," said Dr. John Villella, chairperson of Applied Music and marching band director at West Chester University in West Chester, Penn. "Annually, the programs and performances offered by the corps represent marching field performances that are state-of-the-art. The intense rehearsal techniques and wonderful performance memories experienced by drum corps members are valuable experiences for any future music educator desiring to work with a high school marching band."

DCI expects more than one million viewers to watch the ESPN2 broadcast and anticipates fans and advocates of music, the arts and sports from around the country to tune-in.

Additionally, the program will be rebroadcast later in the year as two one-hour specials. Airdates and times for the rebroadcasts will be announced when available.

DCI + NAMM

"NAMM is proud to sponsor a program that has consistently been recognized for its excellence as it debuts on national cable television," said Joe Lamond, president of NAMM, the International Music Products Association. "Drum Corps International and the kids who participate in its corps are living proof that playing music builds character and improves scholastic performance. We hope our members, parents and music advocates across the country will tune into this broadcast to learn more about the proven benefits of making music."

NAMM has more then 9,000 members worldwide, many of them already actively involved with DCI and its member corps. Leading NAMM members Yamaha, Conn-Selmer, Inc., a subsidiary of Steinway Musical Instruments, Pearl Percussion, Remo Inc., the Avedis Zildjian Company and Vic Firth, Inc., have long been active supporters of DCI and its member corps. Sibelius, the industry leader in scoring and notation software, is also a NAMM member and DCI corporate partner.

"Being partners with DCI has helped establish Sibelius as the clear market leader in music notation and educational software." said Larry Marchese, director of educational markets, Sibelius USA.

About Drum Corps International

From modest beginnings more than three decades ago, Drum Corps International (DCI) has developed into a powerful, global youth activity with far-reaching artistic, educational and organizational influence. DCI is now recognized as the world leader in producing and sanctioning marching music competitions. For additional information on the ESPN2 broadcast, the 2005 World Championships, the Summer Music Games tour, DCI or the competing groups, go to http://www.dci.org or contact DCI at 630.628.7888. DCI is located at 470 South Irmen Drive, Addison, IL 60101.

About NAMM

The International Music Products Association, commonly called NAMM in reference to the organization's popular NAMM trade shows, is the not-for-profit association that unifies, leads and strengthens the $16 billion global musical instruments and products industry. The association's activities and programs are designed to promote music making to people of all ages. NAMM is comprised of nearly 9,000 Member companies. For more information about NAMM, interested parties can visit namm.com or call 800-767-NAMM (6266).