Corps History
Grand Street Boys to NY Skyliners Alumni
The Skyliners Alumni 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.
(Outdoor Rehearsal prior to GAS Performance at the Lodi Post: First rehearsal without music stands)
Original Repertories
1994 Rep: Every Street's a Boulevard
1995 Rep: Every Street's a Boulevard, Alabama
1996 Rep: Charlie Welsh, Columbia, Alabama, Lullaby of Broadway.
1997 Rep: Same as 1996 + Elks
1998 Rep: Lil' Old NY, Down By The Station, Alabama, Broadway, Elks
1999 Rep: Lil' Old NY, Cool, West Side Story, Alabama, Broadway, Elks
2000 Rep: On the Town*Little Old New York*Columbia the Gem of the Ocean*Cool*Alabama*Broadway*New York, New York*Traffic Jam* Little Old New York*Signature*The Elks' Parade Amazon
2001 Rep: New York, New York*Big Noise*Cool*That Old Black Magic*Give My Regards to Broadway*East Side-West Side Fanfare*The Elks' Parade
2002 Rep: New York Fanfare*Big Noise*That Old Black Magic*Alabama Jubilee*I'm Not Going*Goodbye Broadway, Hello France*New York, New York*Signature
2003 Rep: NY Fanfare*Big Noise*Alabama Jubilee*Dreamgirls*Schindler's List*Hava Nagila*Signature*The Elks' Parade
2004 Rep: NY Fanfare*Hell's Kitchen*Little Old New York*I'll Walk with God*Dreamgirls*Alabama Jubilee*Hava Nagila*Signature*The Elks' Parade
2005 Rep: Manhattan Fanfare*How Could You Believe Me When I Said I Loved You *Hymn to Victory*Alabama*Hava Nagila*Slaughter on 10th Avenue*Signature*The Elks' Parade
2006 Rep: Manhattan Fanfare*How Could You Believe Me When I Said I Loved You *Hymn to Victory*Hava Nagila*Bumble Bee*Slaughter on 10th Avenue*Signature*The Elks' Parade
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.
(Allentown, PA Alumni Spectacular 1999)
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 limited drill 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 2009. Our performances consist exclusively of classic Skyliner music spanning several decades, and feature that unique "Skyliner Sound" . Don't miss our 2009 show. This is a show you don't want to miss! Click here to see the Skyliners Alumni 2009 Schedule of events.
(2008 Skyliners Alumni - DCA Alumni Spectacular)
(2008 Skyliners Alumni - DCA Alumni Spectacular)
(2008 Skyliners Alumni - DCA Alumni Spectacular)Garbarina Lets Go!
340 Outwater Lane Corps Director
Corps Director© 1994-2010 New York Skyliners Alumni Drum & Bugle Corps
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