Drum, bugle corps contest set in Salem

At least 1,000 competitors are expected to be in town for the event.

By D.A. WILKINSON

VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU

SALEM — Don’t call them bands.

Audrey Null, executive director for the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce, said she learned the correct phrase is “corps,” as in “drum and bugle corps.”

The chamber is hosting “Salem’s Champion of Sounds” at 8 p.m. July 28 at Reilly Stadium.

The competition is expected to bring 1,000 to 1,200 competitors and support staff to town.

Five groups will take part, and a sixth, the Erie Thunderbirds, will perform but not compete.

The event came at the suggestion of The Empire Statesmen, a corps from Rochester, N.Y., which has taken part in the city’s annual summer parades. The Statesmen have been five-time world champions, according to the chamber.

Null said that the idea for the program came about because the Statesmen have really enjoyed coming to Salem.

The other participants are the Kilties from Racine, Wis.; the Governairs from St. Peter, Minn.; the Minnesota Brass from St. Paul., Minn.; and the Atlanta CorpsVet Drum & Bugle Corps from Atlanta.

Miss Ohio 2005, Marlia Fountaine of the Akron-Canton area, will sing the national anthem.

The competition

The groups will be housed at district schools and will practice on school athletic fields or in city parks.

According to the chamber, the event is different from other competitions since this one features performers from the south, north and mid-west portions of the country. There has not been a competition in this area before.

Judging is based on a number of factors, including musical and visual performance. Each group performs for about 15 minutes.

The judges will be staying in local hotels.

Gary Abrams of the chamber said, “There’s no estimate of what the event will pump into the [local] economy. It’s a good thing for the community.”

Some 3,000 seats are available all on one side of the stadium so everyone will face the performers. General seating is $10 and reserve seating is $15. The reserve seating will be in the center of the one side of the stadium.

The chamber is also offering ticket packages for supporters.

The stadium will open at 7 p.m. Tickets will also be available at the stadium.

wilkinson@vindy.com

XFor more information, or to obtain tickets call (330) 337-3473.