The Drum Corps International Hall of Fame

posted on 24th May 2008

James Campbell, Provost's Distinguished Service Professor and Director of Percussion Studies at the University of Kentucky School of Music, has been elected into the Drum Corps International Hall of Fame.

Professor Campbell is responsible for much of the modern look and sound of today's drum corps percussion ensembles. With a legendary background as an instructor and arranger for the Guardsmen (Schaumburg, IL) and Cavaliers (Rosemont, IL) from the '70s through the '90s, Campbell's credits include winning three High Percussion Awards and two World Championships in the process. He is credited with helping to introduce World music concepts and contemporary performance practice into marching percussion arranging. As an equipment designer, he also helped design the modern tenor drum array, holds two patents for drum head design, and pioneered the use of the front ensemble (pit) percussion.

The Drum Corps International (DCI) Hall of Fame is where the legends of the drum corps activity are remembered for the indelible impressions they have left on the activity. From modest beginnings more than three decades ago, Drum Corps International has developed into a powerful, nonprofit, global youth activity with far-reaching artistic, educational and organizational influence. Through the annual Summer Music Games Tour and more than 35 World Championships in 16 North American cities, Drum Corps International provides entertainment to millions through live performances and nationally-televised events. Drum Corps International delivers the message of "excellence in performance and in life" to more than 7.2 million young people, ages 13-22 involved in performing arts in the United States.