West Texas Drums Competition to be held at WT’s Buffalo Stadium

CANYON. Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — West Texas A&M University announced that six top drum corps will thunder into Bain-Schaffer Buffalo Stadium on July 15 at 7:20 p.m. with the return of West Texas Drums.

According to officials, Drum Corps International’s West Texas Drums will kick off at 7:30 p.m. on July 15 in the Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium on WT’s campus. Tickets range from $35 to $55 for reserved seating and $25 for general admission.

WTAMU officials provided a list of performers:

• Blue Knights from Denver, Colo.
• Pacific Crest from Diamond Bar, Calif.
• The Academy from Tempe, Ariz.
• The Seattle Cascades from Seattle
• Genesis from Austin
• Santa Clara Vanguard from Santa Clara, Calif.

Corps members travel the country throughout the summer to perform in various competitions, such as West Texas Drums. The season will culminate at the 2023 Drum Corps International World Championship Finals on Aug. 12 in Indianapolis, said officials.

This is the fourth year WT has hosted West Texas Drums, and audiences continue to grow, said Dr. B.J. Brooks, director of the School of Music in WT’s Sybil B. Harrington College of Fine Arts and Humanities.

“We are excited to welcome a corps that is new to our show but that is known by everybody—Santa Clara Vanguard,” Brooks said. “Audiences here for the last three years have been thrilled with a competition that showcases the incredible talent and dedication of these young performers. These groups create a spectacular fusion of rhythm, energy and creativity.”

DCI, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2022, features the world’s most elite and exclusive marching ensembles of student musicians and performers, said university officials.

“Whether you are a devoted follower of drum corps or simply curious about marching music, attending West Texas Drums promises an unforgettable experience,” Brooks said.

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