Corps Encore Returns to WSU

OGDEN, Utah – Weber State University’s Stewart Stadium will light up as Corps Encore brings several of the nation’s top drum and bugle corps to Utah for a one-night competition July 12.

The competition, organized by Ascend Performing Arts, is the only Utah stop on Corps Encore’s West Coast tour and gives many of the drum corps a chance to practice their craft and refine their performances in front of their loyal supporters before heading east for a series of competitions, ending with the Drum Corps International World Championship Finals.

The gates open at 5:30 p.m, and the featured competition among the traveling groups will begin at 7 p.m.

“Our Group has been coming to Ogden for 11 years now, and this event has been in the area for longer than that,” said George Lindstrom, Ascend Performing Arts board member. “We don’t see ourselves leaving Ogden or Weber State. The community support is amazing, and the venue is one of our favorites.”

This year there are eight participating groups: Battalion, Salt Lake City; Blue Devils, Concord, California; Blue Knights, Denver; Cascades, Seattle; Columbians, Pasco, Washington; Mandarins, Sacramento, California; Oregon Crusaders, Portland, Oregon; and Pacific Crest, Diamond Bar, California.

In addition to the competition, Ascend will host a clinic dedicated to teaching junior high, high school and collegiate music instructors how to improve their craft and expand their professional network.

“For Weber State, that has been one of the draws of this event in recent years,” said Shannon Roberts, WSU bands director. “Educators and performers get the opportunity to learn and improve their craft under the guidance of professionals who are world-renowned for their skills. It is a unique opportunity that we relish here.”

Sponsors include, McDonald’s, Kimber Kable, Coca-Cola, Utah's Federal Credit Unions, Xerox, Standard-Examiner, Summerhays Music, Valcom and Mansell Real Estate.

“We hope to host this event here for years to come,” Roberts said. “Stewart Stadium provides a venue unique to drum corps and marching bands, and for Utah families, it creates an experience that is second to none.”

The public is welcome. Tickets start at $25. For more information about the event and clinics, as well as for ticketing information, visit ascendperformingarts.org.

Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University.

Contact:

George Lindstrom, Ascend Performing Arts board of directors
303-550-4123 • lglindstrom@yahoo.com

Shannon Roberts, WSU bands director
801-626-7073 • shannonroberts@weber.edu

Author:

Charles Bowker, Office of Marketing & Communications
801-626-7295 • charlesbowker@weber.edu