Press Release
By Charles Vayda
New York Skyliners Alumni Announce the 2010 N.J. BHoF Garfield Regional I&E Show
Written by Charles Vayda, Public Relations, N.Y. Skyliners Alumni
The N.Y. Skyliners Alumni Drum and Bugle Corps is proud to host one of the two Regional I&E shows of the 2010 Bugler’s Hall of Fame 4th North American Championships. This will include events for both Brass and Percussion, Individual and Ensemble, Mixed Ensemble, and Mini-corps.
The first Regional show will be held on Saturday, February 27, 2010 at the Benda-Roehrich VFW Post located at 340 Outwater Lane in Garfield NJ, starting at noon.
There will also be a second Regional show held in Boston, MA on Saturday March 20, 2010, sponsored by Saint Kevin’s Emerald Knights. This will be leading up to the eventual North American Championships show which will be held on Saturday, April 24, 2010 at the Germania Schwaben Hall in Bridgeport, CT.
The complete package of Rules / Instructions / Application for all shows participants can be found at / downloaded from: http://www.buglershalloffame.org/iande.asp
The ad form for the Skyliners Regional show program can be found on our website at the bottom of the Bugler’s Hall of Fame page: http://www.skyalumni.org/BHOF.html or directly by going to the URL:
http://www.skyalumni.org/BHoF_I_E_ad_form.pdf
http://www.skyalumni.org/BHoF_I_E_ad_form.pdfThe Skyliners are especially pleased and very excited to announce a guest appearance by AL CHEZ - Trumpet/Flugelhorn. Al is currently a member of the CBS Orchestra under Paul Shaffer, performing on the “Late Show with David Letterman”. He is a former soloist with the Woodbridge-Edison Saints Drum & Bugle Corps and then later, the Garfield Cadets. He will be offering a horn clinic for all those in attendance at the Garfield Feb 27 venue. Any current or perspective brass players and high school / college band members will definitely want to attend this event, to hear some master words of wisdom and pick the brains of one of the best local talents to make it big in the NYC area.
All brass players are invited to bring their horn(s), bring their family and friends, perform a little exhibition, jam a while, and get in on all the Fun !!
Additional information or any questions can be directed to john@mastercraftmusic.com
New York Skyliners Alumni Announce 2010 Staff and Music Program for the Alumni / Mini Corps
Written by Charles Vayda, Public Relations, NY Skyliners Alumni (Dec 13, 2009)
The New York Skyliners Alumni Drum & Bugle Corps, following elections held in October, would like to announce some staff changes for the 2010 season. After 6 years at the helm, Ray Priester made the decision not to seek a fourth term, opening the doors for a leadership change. The corps thanked Ray (who has been associated with this organization since 1967) for his timeless energy and devotion to both this corps, the NY Skyliners organization, and this activity we call drum and bugle corps, and presented him a plaque with a facsimile of the 1962 “Portrait in Brass” album cover. Also thanked and honored was Bill Moore, who ended his 6 year tenure as brass caption head/instructor due to a very busy “retirement” work schedule. In addition to his instruction/arrangement duties, Bill is also a super baritone known for his work with many a northeast corps. He too was presented with a plaque for his years of service.
Taking over the director reins is Rich Evans, corps business manager. Rich has been with the corps since 2001 and marched with the CW Townsmen and Garfield Cadets “back in the day”. For the foreseeable future, Rich will continue in a dual role, retaining his business manager position. The remainder of the Admin Team is as follows:
Assistant Directors- Jim Stanko and Charles Vayda
- Jim Stanko and Charles Vayda Secretary - Evelyn Krejci
- Evelyn KrejciTreasurer - Bob Gironda
- Bob GirondaStaff/Show Coordinator -Carl Ruocco
Carl Ruocco Business Manager -Rich Evans
-Rich EvansPublic Relations -Charlie Vayda
-Charlie VaydaQuartermaster-Ray Priester
-Ray PriesterBoard of Trustees -Greg Cinzio, Mike Collins, Matt Dennison, Evelyn Krejci, Frank Rogers
-Greg Cinzio, Mike Collins, Matt Dennison, Evelyn Krejci, Frank RogersThe Music Program for the 2010 season incorporates selections from the inspiring 2009 SKY Alumni Mini Corps, adding a number from the Skyliners field/alumni corps past, while retaining a portion of the 2009 program. The 2010 show will feature:
•The 1970 Fanfare
The 1970 Fanfare •“Gee, Officer Krupke”, the 1974 OTL, from Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story, arranged by Hy Drietzer
“Gee, Officer Krupke”, the 1974 OTL, from Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story, arranged by Hy Drietzer•“Big Noise from Winnetka”, a 1938 jazz composition by Bob Haggart performed in such films as “Let’s Make Music” (1941) and “Reveille with Beverly” (1943). This tune was performed by the Skyliners in 1981/1982 and by the Alumni corps in 2001/2002/2003.
“Big Noise from Winnetka”, a 1938 jazz composition by Bob Haggart performed in such films as “Let’s Make Music” (1941) and “Reveille with Beverly” (1943). This tune was performed by the Skyliners in 1981/1982 and by the Alumni corps in 2001/2002/2003. •“Misirlou”, retained from last year’s show, is a 1927 Greek tune first performed by Michalis Patrinos in Athens (actual composer unknown) and the Skyliners in 1964/1967, following the release of the Beach Boys rendition in 1963.
“Misirlou”, retained from last year’s show, is a 1927 Greek tune first performed by Michalis Patrinos in Athens (actual composer unknown) and the Skyliners in 1964/1967, following the release of the Beach Boys rendition in 1963.•Drum Solo (still under consideration)
Drum Solo (still under consideration)•Exit medley of “Slaughter on 10th Ave” / “Little Old New York” from the 1971 show into the memorable
Exit medley of “Slaughter on 10th Ave” / “Little Old New York” from the 1971 show into the memorable•“Every Streets a Boulevard” SKY signature, from the 1953 musical “Hazel Flag”, and of course, the standard SKY encore.
“Every Streets a Boulevard” SKY signature, from the 1953 musical “Hazel Flag”, and of course, the standard SKY encore.•“Elk’s Parade” – the 1940 Bobby Sherwood hit
“Elk’s Parade” – the 1940 Bobby Sherwood hitThe Creative Team which will bring this program to life for 2010 are:
Brass
Joe “JD” Jacobs, (NJDCHoF) caption head / instructor, reprising his role from the early years, assisted by
Bob Farrell (NJDCHoF) and John “Grass”Urspruch (Bugler’s HoF)
Arrangements are by the late “Hy” Dreitzer and Bill Moore (NJDCHoF)
Percussion
Wes Myers, (WDCHoF/NJDCHoF) caption head / instructor, assisted by
Bob “Jomba” O’Connor (WDCHoF/NJDCHoF), and the dynamic duo of
Jack Murray / Joe Fontana
Color Guard
Janis Quinn, designer / instructor
Visual
Frank Rogers, designer / instructor, assisted by
Brad Coleman
The Corps will be lead onto the field (or stage as the case may be) by:
Drum Majors
Brad Coleman and Joe Jacobs, assisted by
Bob “Jomba” O’Connor and Ken Sealy
The newest addition to the Skyliner family and an outgrowth of the alumni corps, is the Alumni Mini Corps, which performed for the first time at DCA’s I&E in Rochester this past Labor Day weekend, placing sixth. Attempting to build on its inaugural season and to continue to perfect the “mezzo-forte” technique, the music selections for the 2010 season are solidifying nicely. While the program isn’t quite complete, numbers currently being rehearsed are:
•“New York State of Mind”, from the 1992 season, written by Billy Joel, arranged by Danny Lutz
“New York State of Mind”, from the 1992 season, written by Billy Joel, arranged by Danny Lutz•“Harlem Nocturne”, also from the 1992 season, a jazz standard written by Earle Hagen and Dick Rogers in 1939, arranged by Danny Lutz
“Harlem Nocturne”, also from the 1992 season, a jazz standard written by Earle Hagen and Dick Rogers in 1939, arranged by Danny Lutz•“Come In From The Rain”, retained from last year and performed by the 1982 corps, a tune written by Melissa Manchester, arranged by “Hy” Dreitzer
“Come In From The Rain”, retained from last year and performed by the 1982 corps, a tune written by Melissa Manchester, arranged by “Hy” Dreitzer•“New York, New York”, from the 1978 season and the 1977 Martin Scorsese film of the same name, written by John Kander, arranged by Bob “The Phantom” Pearson
“New York, New York”, from the 1978 season and the 1977 Martin Scorsese film of the same name, written by John Kander, arranged by Bob “The Phantom” Pearson The Mini Corps is under the able direction of long time SKY alumnus Mike Collins.
The Brass Instructor is Joe “JD” Jacobs, assisted by Bob Farrell, Rich Evans, and GregCinzio.
The Percussion section features the duet phenomenons – Jack Murray and Joe Fontana.
The Drum Major is Brad Coleman.
You can look for the Mini Corps once again this year, at the DCA’s I&E in Rochester. The corps is also considering the possibility of performing at some of the Bugler HoF I&E’s in Feb/Mar 2010.
The Skyliners Alumni corps will be celebrating its 17th season and has openings in all sections. The corps is based in Garfield, NJ and is sponsored by and affiliated with AL Post 1523 Staten Island NY and VFW Post 2867 Garfield NJ. The corps continues its mission of providing an outlet for those wishing to be a part of traditional drum and bugle corps by performing in a variety of parades and exhibitions while maintaining a twice a month rehearsal schedule. Perspective brass / percussion / keyboard players are invited to attend any of our rehearsals and are more than welcomed to “sit in”. Visitors are also encouraged as the door is always open. For this upcoming year, the corps is aggressively pursuing a full color guard. Anyone with any experience and/or interest in “old school” color guard is encouraged to stop by one of our rehearsals. We look forward to meeting you and for you to become a part of our fine tradition and legacy.
For more information, complete rehearsal/performance schedule, corps history, pictures and audio/video of the corps, please visit our website at: http://www.skyalumni.org/ or visit us in person at the BENDA-ROEHRICH VFW POST 2867, 340 Outwater Lane, Garfield NJ, 07026; phone (973) 546-9790.
For additional information, inquiries, bookings, etc, feel free to contact:
Rich Evans (Alumni Corps Director) : director@skyalumni.org
: director@skyalumni.orgJanis Quinn (Color Guard Coordinator) : st8smenguard@msn.com
: st8smenguard@msn.comMike Collins (Mini Corps Director) : mqcollins1944@yahoo.com
: mqcollins1944@yahoo.comAt this time and during the holiday season, the administration and members of the Skyliners Alumni Drum & Bugle Corps would like to wish everyone a very, Merry Christmas and a Happy and prosperous New Year in drum corps.
Look for the Skyliners to be performing somewhere near you in 2010.
New York Skyliners Alumni Announce First Rehearsal/Recruiting for 2010 Season
Written by Charles Vayda, Public Relations, NY Skyliners’ Alumni
Riding the tide of the successful performance by the Skyliners Alumni Mini Corps performance earlier this month at DCA’s I&E in Rochester NY, the New York Skyliners Alumni Corps is pleased to announce the first rehearsal for its upcoming 2010 season - Sunday Oct 18 at noon.
Although a formal announcement of the entire 2010 music program, staff, admin team, etc, will occur next month (so stay tuned), nevertheless just too whet the appetite, the corps is excited about their plans to retain a portion of the high energy and crowd pleasing mini corps program – the Skyliners 1970 Fanfare/Opener followed by their 1974 OTL – “Gee, Officer Krupke” (from Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story). The “new” music will be available at the season opening rehearsal.
The corps is also actively recruiting members for and has openings in all sections – brass, percussion, keyboard, and honor guard. This year, a concerted effort is underway to field a full-fledged, color guard. The program will be under the direction of Janis Quinn. Anyone with any interest in this regard is encouraged to contact our director and/or come meet us at our first rehearsal.
Perspective members can also come out and meet/see the Skyliners Alumni Corps in person on Sat Oct 10 at 5pm, as we perform at the “Music under the Bridge” show, sponsored by the Brooklyn United Drum & Bugle Corps, to be held at Kingsborough Community College, Brooklyn NY. Our scheduled performance time is 8:15pm. See their website for more details: http://brooklynunited.freewebspace.com/buindex.htm
The Skyliners Alumni is an all age corps organized in 1994 and will be celebrating its 17 year. As a by-product of the famous NY Skyliners Drum & Bugle Corps, its purpose is to provide an outlet for those wishing to continue participating in the activity without the rigorous and demanding schedule often found in competing units. The corps strives to entertain crowds wherever it performs and primarily does a combination of parades and indoor/outdoor exhibitions, while adhering to a twice a month rehearsal schedule. The corps is sponsored by and affiliated with AL Post 1523 Staten Island NY and VFW Post 2867 Garfield NJ.
The first rehearsal for the upcoming season will be held Sunday Oct 18 at 12 noon at the BENDA-ROEHRICH VFW POST 2867, 340 Outwater Lane, Garfield NJ, 07026 (973) 546-9790.
If interested, please feel free to stop down at this or any rehearsal or contact the corps director Ray Priester at: raypriester@earthlink.net
Skyliners Alumni Announce 2009 Music Program/Creative Team
Written by Charles Vayda, Public Relations, New York Skyliners Alumni
Sunday, 07 September 2008
Following a successful performance at the DCA Alumni Spectacular in Rochester on Labor Day weekend, The New York Skyliners’ Alumni Drum and Bugle Corps is proud to announce the upcoming 2009 Program and Instructional Staff. Led by returning Show Coordinator and World Drum Corps Hall of Fame / NJHoF Carl Ruocco, the instructional staff remains intact as the Skyliners prepare to build on the successful foundation established by this year’s corps. The corps shall continue to move forward with plans towards an innovative yet limited M&M program combined with the classic musical arrangements from the golden years of it’s past, in the style that only the Skyliners and their distinctive “New York Sound” can provide.
The 2009 Music Program includes such favorites as:
- Off-The-Line of “Something’s Coming” from West Side Story, the 1979 Opener, brought back 30 years to the day !
- Percussion Interlude
- Color Pre medley of George M. Cohan’s 1904 tune “Give My Regards to Broadway” coupled with “Goodbye Broadway, Hello France”, the 1917 Wartime hit with music by Billy Baskette
- Production of “Misirlou” from Sky’s 60’s era repertoire, a 1927 Greek tune first made popular in the United States by Nick Roubanis and later by Dick Dale and the Beach Boys
- Drum Solo replacement for this year’s “Sing, Sing, Sing” still under consideration
- Exit of “Slaughter on 10th Ave” and “Little Old New York”, a medley from the 1971 show followed by the forever recognizable “Every Streets a Boulevard” signature
- Encore is none other and the show wouldn’t be complete without, the Bobby Sherwood 1940’s hit “Elk’s Parade”
The Skyliners Alumni mission is to keep forever alive, the legendary charts of their master arranger – the late Herman “HY” Dreitzer, while continuing to explore other musical avenues. This year, breaking from recent tradition and with the intent of creating immediate excitement and crowd appeal, the corps is proud to present a chart from the pen of the 1978/79 arranger Bob “The Phantom” Pearson - Leonard Bernstein’s “Something’s Coming”. This tune will provide both a technical challenge and a big brassy “NY” sound that both the corps will love to play and audience will love to hear.
The percussion program is under the capable hands of arranger/instructor Wes Meyers assisted by Robert “Jomba” O'Connor, both of the World Drum Corps Hall of Fame / NJHoF, while the brass is handled by Bill Moore assisted by Joe “JD” Jacobs, both of the NJHoF and Bugler’s HoF’er and soloist extraordinaire John “Grass” Urspruch.
The M&M portion of the show shall be created by noted designer/instructor Bobby Steinhilber of the NJHoF, ably assisted by Frank Rogers and George Petrunchio.
The 2009 season shall also feature the return, once again, of Carl Ruocco to the podium as head Drum Major, replacing Brad Coleman who is taking a much needed sabbatical in order to better manage his own, successful business venture.
The corps has openings in all sections and is constantly seeking those that share the passion for good, old fashion drum and bugle corps traditions and who wish to experience the thrill of playing the great charts of years past. The corps prides itself on individual help/instruction and is home to many of the finest brass and percussion players in the NY metropolitan area. Drummers play in a world class environment and are surrounded by some of the best talent around. Buglers play along side of and learn from the best in the business, like World Drum Corps Hall of Famer Jimmy D’Amico, who calls this home. The corps would also like to institute an “old school” color guard of rifles/silks to augment the musical experience, enhance the overall show, and produce a complete field entertainment package. If you have prior experience in this regard or are simply interested in learning / participating, please contact us. The corps also employs a traditional “American Section / Honor Guard” which always has openings. If you have ever thought about being part of and contributing to the Skyliners’ big New York sound and want to enjoy the camaraderie in a place where “Something’s Coming” is a real Happening, this is where you are going to want to be.
Skyliners’ Alumni is an all age corps organized in 1994 and will be celebrating its 16 year. As a by-product of the famous NY Skyliners’ Drum & Bugle Corps, its purpose is to provide an outlet for those wishing to continue participating in the activity without the rigorous and demanding schedule often found in competing units. The corps strives to entertain crowds wherever it performs and primarily does a combination of parades and indoor/outdoor exhibitions, while adhering to a twice a month rehearsal schedule. The corps is sponsored by and affiliated with AL Post 1523 Staten Island NY and VFW Post 2867 Garfield NJ.
The first rehearsal for the upcoming season will be held next Sunday Sept 14 at 12 noon at the BENDA-ROEHRICH VFW POST 2867, 340 Outwater Lane, Garfield NJ, 07026 (973) 546-9790.
If interested, please feel free to stop down at this or any rehearsal or contact the corps director Ray Priester at: RayPriester@earthlink.net. This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
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