National drum and bugle corps event marches into Hamilton

It may be held in Hamilton but it’s one of Fairfield Schools’ biggest annual fundraisers.

On Monday, the Summer Music Games will be hosted by Fairfield City Schools at Hamilton High School’s Virgil Schwarm Stadium, drawing drum and bugle performers and fans from across the nation.

Each of drum and bugle corps is comprised of up to 150 brass, color guard and percussionists that will give spectators an amazing display of athleticism, artistry and outstanding musical performances of 11 minutes each.

The event, a major fundraiser for Fairfield’s band boosters, is expected to raise around $25,000 to support the school’s music programs. The funds go toward music, instruments, uniforms and color guard equipment. More than 3,000 guests attended the event last year.

It will be the third year the event, which used to be held at the smaller Fairfield Stadium, will be held in the larger Hamilton stadium.

More than 1,000 youth and adult performers will be high-stepping across the newly replaced artificial turf at Hamilton’s stadium in the musical competition that showcases the bands and their color guards in elaborate marching formations.

Bands this year are traveling from as far as Texas, Wyoming and South Carolina.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Monday and the Fairfield High School marching band will start the competition with a playing of the national anthem at 7 p.m.

Tickets range from $15 to $30 and can be purchased at the stadium, which is located at 1165 Eaton Ave. in Hamilton.

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