Army Materiel Band, Drum Corps plan joint concert at space center

The Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps performs in competition. (CONTRIBUTED)

HUNTSVILLE – The Army Materiel Command’s (AMC) Brass Band and Drum Corp International (DCI) members will present a joint concert at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center on Thursday.

AMC Band members will welcome the musicians from The Crossmen and The Troopers drum and bugle corps at the space center’s Apollo Court on July 24 from 5 to 7 p.m.

The performance is free and open to the public.

In addition, a drumline battle will see the percussionists face off against each other at 6 p.m. “The special experience will showcase the extraordinary talents of both the Army musicians and the drum corps percussionists,” publicist Barbara Nash said.

Twelve drum corps are in town this week. The “DCI North Alabama 2014” stop on their summer tour will be held at Alabama A&M University in Louis Crews Stadium on July 25 at 6:30 p.m. The U.S. Army is a presenting sponsor for the event.

The Crossmen from San Antonio, Texas and the Troopers from Cheyenne, Wyo. will compete with ten other drum corps on Friday. In 1975, The Crossmen corps formed from a merger of two smaller corps, the 507 Hornets and Keystone Regiment in Philadelphia, Pa. area.

The Crossmen are the only DCI group from Texas. The organization has advanced to DCI Finals 23 times.

For 55 years, The Troopers have amassed a long and storied tradition. Every season, thousands of fans across the United States anticipate the Troopers’ field show.

DCI is the world leader in producing events for the world’s most elite and exclusive marching ensembles of student musicians and performers. Founded in 1972, DCI celebrated its 40th anniversary summer tour in 2012.

DCI headquarters are in Indianapolis, Ind.

For tickets to “DCI North Alabama 2014” at Alabama A&M, call 317-275-1212 or visit dcitickets.showare.com/ordertickets.asp?p=279.

For general information about the organization, visit DCI.org.