Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, May 20, 1993 TAG: 9305200467
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: W-11 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: CHARLES STEBBINS
DATELINE: LENGTH: Short
Promoters said Tuesday the Salem show will be one of 52 nationwide given by Drum Corps. The Crossmen of Bensalem, Pa., will be the headliner. The band, ranked as the No. 6 corps in the world, plays contemporary jazz.
Other participating corps include: Spirit of Georgia from Peachtree, Ga.; Bluecoats, Canton, Ohio; Carolina Crown, Charlotte, N.C.; and Dutch Boy, Kitchner-Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
Drum and bugle corps competitions have been held in Salem stadium since 1987. But until now the competitions have been among units that were in the early stages of training and experience, organizers said during a news conference. This summer's event, however, will feature units at the peak of development.
Jim Paxton, chairman of the Salem program, likened the difference to football. The previous drum corps events, he said, were like preseason exhibition games. But this year's event will be like postseason bowl games.
Paxton said organizers hope to make a show with "postseason quality" an annual event.
The Salem High School Band Boosters are sponsoring the event, and proceeds will go to the Salem High band.
A similar drum and bugle event will be held in Hampton Aug. 8, but different groups will appear.
by CNB