The Skyliners Alumni Drum & Bugle Corps was organized in the fall of 1994 by a group of former Skyliners. The original Alumni Corps name was The Grand Street Boys. It was changed to the NY Skyliners Alumni Drum & Bugle Corps in 1996. Among the original founders were Rich Warga, Mike Siglow, Tim Boardman, Dennis Peck, Charlie Bruen, Andy Lisko, Jerry 'Hardware' Giordano, 'Shirley', Bob Neuhoff, and Joe 'JD' Jacob.
The original horn instructor was Joe Genero in 1994, followed by Joe 'JD' Jacob and Gus Wilke in 1995 and Tommy 'Bucky' Swan in 1996. Andy Lisko was the percussion instructor—all were Skyliners veterans. The first song ever learned was Danny Boy ... it was never used at a show ... Genero always liked to introduce a confidence builder. Richie Warga and Jerry Hardware were the first Directors of the Corps. They were followed by Charlie Bruen and then Scott Yaniga. The current Director is Ray Priester.
The Corps nearly folded in the winter of 1996 until Joe Chizek, Sr., Jack Papa, Timmy Boardman, Billy Siddon and some of the other Upstate Crew wouldn't let it die. In the early days the corps had a remote horn rehearsal in Cherry Hill. NJ for the South Jersey Crew. They now have one in Latham, NY for the Upstate NY Crew.
The Corps first two performances were the Memorial Day Parade in Garfield, NJ and Lodi, NJ in 1994 and 1995 (with 12 horns and 4 drums). The Corps first GAS appearance was in 1996 with 29 horns and 11 drums.
The Alumni Corps initial uniform was a Red golf shirt, black pants, and baseball cap. In 2000, however, the full uniform, identical to that of the current competition corps, was incorporated. In 2003 the Alumni Corps reverted back to the traditional White Shoes which were unveiled in Scranton, PA at the Alumni Spectacular with an ovation to be remembered. The Corps is open to former Skyliners and Skyliners at Heart (see Membership Info). There are currently over one-hundred members.
Up until 2006, music rehearsals are generally held every other Sunday at the Garfield Post in Garfield, NJ. In the fall of 2006, the Corps moved to the Benda-Roehrich VFW Post 2867 ~ 340 Outwater Lane~Garfield, NJ. The New York Skyliners Alumni Drum & Bugle Corps is an exhibition corps made up primarily of former marching members of The New York Skyliners Drum & Bugle Corps. Our performances consist of parades, indoor standstills, and concert field exhibitions. The corps membership sports 50 Brass in the ever growing section, approximately 35 in Percussion section, and 6 Honor Guard. The corps is looking to add a working color guard for 2008. Our performances consist exclusively of classic Skyliner music spanning several decades, and feature that unique "Skyliner Sound" . Don't miss our 2008 show which includes a drill for the first time ever: Charlie Welch, Columbia, Comes Love, Alabama, Hava Nagilah, Broadway, Signature, Elk's Parade. This is a show you don't want to miss! Click here to see the Skyliners Alumni 2008 Schedule of events.
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