Calgary – From pitch perfect music, spectacular choreography, and unbreakable team spirit, see firsthand what it takes to be a World Champion marching band during the 2019 Calgary Stampede. The Calgary Stampede Visiting Bands committee is excited to welcome more than 20 of the best bands from around the world to the 2019 World Association of Marching Show Bands (WAMSB) World Championships, July 6-8.
Travelling from as far away as Nigeria, Mexico, Taiwan and Germany, young band members will showcase their best in an effort to claim the title of World Champion. Representing Canada are the Red Deer Royals Marching Band, the Calgary Round-up Band, the Calgary Stetson Showband and the Calgary Stampede Showband.
“This event is about the music, but it’s also an opportunity to support and be inspired by some amazing and gifted youth from around the world” says Rory Siddall, Coordinator of Youth Campus Operations for the Calgary Stampede, adding “The Stampede is extremely committed to youth development in the performing arts. It will be exciting to see the abundance of young talent over the course of this world–renowned competition.”
Kicking off the event in Stampede style, many participating bands will join in the Stampede Parade on Friday, July 5. Open to the public and free with admission to Stampede Park, guests are invited to watch unique competitions throughout the weekend, with feature performances capping off each day at 6 p.m. in the Saddledome and on the Saddledome steps. On Monday July 8, the competition heats up with the Drumline Battle at 1:30 p.m., with the top bands going head to head in the highly anticipated Championship Finals at 6 p.m.
“The World Championship event attracts some of the best bands from around the world and gives the students an opportunity to learn about new and distant cultures,” says Kathryn Harris, Media Manager for WAMSB International.
The international band association works to promote communication and interaction between marching showbands worldwide. Joining together young musicians, the event is a globally-recognized showcase of youth achievement.
“Music is a language that transcends all cultures, and guests can expect a diverse and exciting showing from our participating bands. We'd like to invite all of our guests to sit back and enjoy the musical and performance stylings from around the world.”
Don’t miss out on any of the showband action! Take advantage of the Stampede SuperPass with unlimited entry, all 10 days, for only $39 plus GST, available until Monday, July 1. Visit CalgaryStampede.com to purchase.
To learn more about the 2019 WAMSB World Championships, visit www.calgarystampede.com/wamsb
Confirmed 2019 WAMSB World Championship Competitors:
* Participation of five additional bands pending.
Stars International Band - Nigeria
Fanfarenzug Dresden - Germany
Quetzalcoatl Marching Band -Mexico
Chien Kuo High School Marching Band - Taiwan
Fanfarenzug Greiz e.V. – Germany
Red Deer Royals Marching Showband - Canada
Musikverein Rühle 1958 e.V. - Germany
Calgary Round-Up Band - Canada
Calgary Stampede Showband - Canada
Fanfarenzug Strausberg – Germany
Taipei First Girls High School Marching Band - Taiwan
Goodness and Mercy Band - Nigeria
Showband Marum - Netherlands
Hettstedter Spielmannszug - Germany
Ostseefanfaren des KJFZ Sellin e.V. - Germany
Calgary Stetson Showband - Canada
About the Calgary Stampede
The Calgary Stampede celebrates the people, the animals, the land, the traditions and the values that make up the unique spirit of the west. The Calgary Stampede contributes to the quality of life in Calgary and southern Alberta through our world-renowned 10-day Stampede, year-round facilities, western events and several youth and agriculture programs. Exemplifying the theme We’re Greatest Together; we are a volunteer-supported, not-for-profit community organization that preserves and promotes western heritage and values. All revenue is reinvested into Calgary Stampede programs and facilities.
For more information, please contact:
Brooke Martine
Media Relations Coordinator
E bmartine@calgarystampede.com
