Skyliners Competes In DCA Bridgeport Show
The Skyliners Drum & Bugle Corps’ first performance in competition at the Drum Corps Associates show in Bridgeport, Connecticut on June 28, 2014 was a great success in many ways. In addition to an entertaining performance which begins in traditional fashion on the starting line in a company front, and includes some traditional Skyliner moves and melodies, this show was what one viewer called a ‘homecoming’ for this corps.
Many New York Skyliner Alumni journeyed to Bridgeport to cheer on and support the field corps. They made camp at the show site, flying the Alumni Corps and Alumni Association flags, which greeted us as we arrived. There was great interest in watching sections warm up and catching up with old friends and making new friends.
As the corps was dressed and ready to march down the hill to competition, Sky Alumni joined the current Sky corps. Sky Alumni Andy Lisko gave an inspiring and heartfelt speech, and read one of his famous poems; this one was called, “The Spirit of New York”. It told of the Skyliners’ talent, the splendor and glory of the best corps in the land, strength, emotion and wisdom, and the pride of seeing the red and black Skyliner uniform back out on the field! Director Larry Carbonell led everyone in a rousing version of the corps song, “Garbarina Mazarakos”, and a few tears were shed and new friendships made. The Skyliners are, indeed, a family, and this was demonstrated today.
Watching the Skyliners march down the hill and into the competition field once again was a dream come true for so many of us. Strains of ‘Garbarina Mazarakos’ greeted the Skyliners as they entered the field, courtesy of the Skyliner Alumni. The magic of the moment certainly gave us goose bumps, and tears were wiped away. Seeing the Skyliners Drum & Bugle Corps line up on the starting line looking bright and ready, and hearing the traditional street beat get the corps moving, was heaven indeed. The audience did not disappoint, nor did fellow competitors. Throughout the day, the Skyliners were welcomed back warmly, and it was indeed, a ‘homecoming.’ Skyliners 2014, yes really, the corps is back out on the field of competition!
Congratulations to the members and staff of the 2014 Skyliners Drum & Bugle Corps for an exciting performance of their “A New Dawn, a New Day” show. The audience gave the corps a standing ovation as they left the field.
The Skyliners thank the Skyliners Alumni for making the special effort to be with the field corps at their first competition. The Alumni’s enthusiasm, words of encouragement and support have meant so much and have buoyed the corps during this important year. The Skyliners thank the Board of Directors for their ongoing and active support; every Board Member was with the corps at our first show! The corps also appreciates the support of family, friends and fans. We look forward to seeing everyone at shows throughout the season.
If you did not get a chance to see the Skyliners on June 28th, their next performance will be at the Secaucus, New Jersey DCA show on Saturday, July 19th.
To find out more about the Skyliners Drum & Bugle corps, keep up-to-date with us via our website, http://www.Sky2014.org, or the Skyliners Drum & Bugle Corps Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/skylinersdbc. For those interested in marching this summer, it is not too late! Contact us at join [at] sky2014 [dot] org, or come down to our next weekend rehearsal on July 12 – 13th in Plymouth, Pennsylvania.
