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I am a pretty decent mellophone player already (if i say so myself), but i want to know how to become the best I can possibly be. I am trying out for DCI this fall/winter and want to come fully prepared. Any and all tips will be acknowledged. What can I do to improve my tone, range, musicality, sight reading, or tuning. You do NOT have to be a mellophone payer for me to listen. Again any info/tips will be used.

Hey guys, I marched baritone last year and I regret not marching again. I hate looking in from the outside. That being said, are there any baritone or euph holes at any world class corps?

I have been listening to a lot of Crown years over the past few days and it has me thinking; Is Michael Klesch the absolute BEST brass writer in DCI? I mean is there anyone else who can even touch is fantastic writing? Clearly, this is just a matter of opinion and I am absolutely sure there are writers that are just as fantastic. I am just saying, there is no other brass section I would rather listen to more in today's drum corps than Carolina Crown, and Klesch's arrangements over the years have been nothing less than stellar. And although they placed 5th in that Space show, I still find myself listening to that show relatively frequently. **This is not intended as a bashing session against other brass arrangers, rather, it is a heavy praise for someone who has given us years of spectacular musical arrangements.** I'm loving some Klesch.

This will be my second year being a section leader in my school's mellophone section and the other day I was watching one of our videos and noticed how out of tune we are with eachother. Is there anything I can do to fix this or improve it? It will be my senior year and want this to be our best year. better view but older competition

I plan on trying out for spirit of Atlanta for my first year in DCI and was wondering on how selective it was for mellophone in particular. I'm going to give it my all no matter what but I was just curious. Also, any tips for preparing for auditions and the auditions themselves would be incredibly appreciated!

The Skyliners just came off another GREAT, albeit wet weekend. The show is starting to take shape. Our excellent design team has outdone themselves! We have a few openings in the horn line (1 Trumpet, 2 Mellophones, 3 Baritones, 1 Tuba), Vibraphone players for the front ensemble, and the Sky Guard is looking for one experienced weapon and one flag. NOW is a great time to be a part of the Skyliners!

SDCA (Small Drum Corps Association) would like to have profession music arrangers, percussion, and choreographers advertise for FREE on the SDCA website. www.thesdca.org. Do you think there would be interested professionals looking for something like this?

Watchmen Summer Auditions January 7th & 8th, February 4th & 5th Check in 8:00am - Audition Fee: $40 Auditions 9:00am - 9:00pm Location: Patriot High School 4355 Camino Real, Riverside, Ca 92509 email: director@watchmenartsassociation.org http://watchmenartsassociation.org/

The Skyliners Drum & Bugle Corps' Open House this past Saturday was a tremendous success, and an exciting beginning for the corps' 2017 competitive season. Shane Startzel, Brass Caption Head, assisted by Joe Wilt, Assistant Brass Caption Head, led the brass instruction, supported by 2017 Brass Staff. After warm-ups, the horn line worked through the "Lost Boy" Ballad and the beginning of "Escape from Paradise" from The Skyliners' 2017 show "XSCAPE". Front and center was the inaugural use of B Flat System Blue brass by The Skyliners, which caused great excitement and anticipation. Brass Arranger John Meehan sent a special video greeting for Open House attendees. Percussion Caption Head Patsy Vankirk, Front Ensemble Coordinator Dr. Rick Wolfel, and the Percussion staff, led the Percussion through battery and front ensemble warm-ups. The talent level of the ensemble and the incredible interest will no doubt be a driving force for The Skyliners in 2017, and raise the bar even further than 2016. The Color Guard members in attendance were led by Brenda Peregrim, Color Guard Caption Head, James Branch, one of The Skyliners' Color Guard Designers and staff through stretching, movement, and flag and weapon work. At the end of the day, the guard members performed their routines for fellow corps members, giving the corps a taste of what to expect from this talented group of performers and designers. Jeff Crawford, Visual Caption Head and the 2017 Visual Staff introduced the Visual program to the attendees, working on ensemble and individual elements. A PT session introduced some of the exercises that members will focus on throughout the year, and a structure to an overall fitness program that will help develop and improve skills, fitness and endurance. The Skyliners thank everyone who attended today, everyone who helped set up, served lunch, cleaned up for the Open House, or helped in many ways to make it such a success. To those who were not able to attend due to school/family commitments, please mark The Skyliners' next rehearsal on your schedule: The Skyliners' JANUARY CAMP dates: Dates: Saturday, January 14, 2017 - BRASS ONLY 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 P.M. Sunday, January 15, 2017 FULL CORPS - Brass, Percussion, Guard 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 P.M. Location: Wyoming Valley West High School 150 Wadham Street, Plymouth, PA 18651 Directions: Directions to Wyoming Valley West High School Keep up-to-date with us via the Skyliners Drum & Bugle Corps Website and join the Skyliners 2017 Interest Page at Skyliners 2017 Interest Facebook Page. For more information, please contact Larry Carbonell, Director or go to Skyliners 2017 Join Page to follow the directions and create a CorpsData profile.

The Skyliners Drum & Bugle Corps' Open House this past Saturday was a tremendous success, and an exciting beginning for the corps' 2017 competitive season. Shane Startzel, Brass Caption Head, assisted by Joe Wilt, Assistant Brass Caption Head, led the brass instruction, supported by 2017 Brass Staff. After warm-ups, the horn line worked through the "Lost Boy" Ballad and the beginning of "Escape from Paradise" from The Skyliners' 2017 show "XSCAPE". Front and center was the inaugural use of B Flat System Blue brass by The Skyliners, which caused great excitement and anticipation. Brass Arranger John Meehan sent a special video greeting for Open House attendees. Percussion Caption Head Patsy Vankirk, Front Ensemble Coordinator Dr. Rick Wolfel, and the Percussion staff, led the Percussion through battery and front ensemble warm-ups. The talent level of the ensemble and the incredible interest will no doubt be a driving force for The Skyliners in 2017, and raise the bar even further than 2016. The Color Guard members in attendance were led by Brenda Peregrim, Color Guard Caption Head, James Branch, one of The Skyliners' Color Guard Designers and staff through stretching, movement, and flag and weapon work. At the end of the day, the guard members performed their routines for fellow corps members, giving the corps a taste of what to expect from this talented group of performers and designers. Jeff Crawford, Visual Caption Head and the 2017 Visual Staff introduced the Visual program to the attendees, working on ensemble and individual elements. A PT session introduced some of the exercises that members will focus on throughout the year, and a structure to an overall fitness program that will help develop and improve skills, fitness and endurance. The Skyliners thank everyone who attended today, everyone who helped set up, served lunch, cleaned up for the Open House, or helped in many ways to make it such a success. To those who were not able to attend due to school/family commitments, please mark The Skyliners' next rehearsal on your schedule: The Skyliners' JANUARY CAMP dates: Dates: Saturday, January 14, 2017 - BRASS ONLY 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 P.M. Sunday, January 15, 2017 FULL CORPS - Brass, Percussion, Guard 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 P.M. Location: Wyoming Valley West High School 150 Wadham Street, Plymouth, PA 18651 Directions: Directions to Wyoming Valley West High School Keep up-to-date with us via the Skyliners Drum & Bugle Corps Website and join the Skyliners 2017 Interest Page at Skyliners 2017 Interest Facebook Page. For more information, please contact Larry Carbonell, Director or go to Skyliners 2017 Join Page to follow the directions and create a CorpsData profile.

Pearl/Adams is proud to announce a new agreement with Spirit of Atlanta Drum & Bugle Corps for the exclusive use of Adams Marching Brass with Pearl and Adams Percussion instruments through the 2021 DCI season. This new agreement extends the established partnership of Pearl and Adams Percussion instruments with Spirit since 2006 to include Adams Marching Brass. More at: http://spiritdrumcorps.org/2016/11/16/6383/

Keep up-to-date with us via our website, http://www.marchsky.org and join The Skyliners' 2017 Face Book Information Page. For more information, please contact Larry Carbonell or go to or go to http://www.skylinersdbc.org/join and follow the directions to create a CorpsData profile.

Keep up-to-date with us via our website, http://www.marchsky.org and join The Skyliners' 2017 Face Book Information Page. For more information, please contact Larry Carbonell or go to or go to http://www.skylinersdbc.org/join and follow the directions to create a CorpsData profile.

The Skyliners’ 2017 show is called XSCAPE! The design team includes Thomas Sparling, Program Coordinator and Visual Designer; John Meehan, Brass Arranger; Ted Mascari, Percussion Arranger; Ryan Reed, Front Ensemble Arranger; James Branche and Krysta Ganey, Color Guard Designers; and Matthew Stevens, Visual Show Consultant. The XSCAPE show is contemporary, sophisticated, and cutting edge. It incorporates a variety of musical styles, and visual and color guard packages to engage and entertain the audience and membership. The Introduction of "All The Rowboats" is from Regina Spektor’s sixth album. The song finds her singing about someone who wants to liberate works of art from the museum where they are kept. For The Skyliners, this will start with pit, percussion, and soloists or small group(s) and then build to an impact with full corps. The Opener is "Escape to Paradise" from the movie Chicken Run by John Powell and Harry Gregson-Williams. Although written for an animated film, the score is “perfectly suited to the action on screen: classic instrumentation and serious themes, but with the occasional nod and wink.” Look for lots of sectional features, some percussion windows, moderate tempo, and lots of action! The Skyliners’ Percussion Feature is "Xscape" by Michael Jackson. It was written and recorded in 1999 for Jackson’s tenth studio album, Invincible” album, but failed to make the album. The song was completed in 2001 and leaked on the internet the following year. It is also the name of the second posthumous album of previously unreleased tracks by Jackson that includes “Xscape”. The Ballad is "Lost Boy", the 2015 debut single by Canadian singer Ruth B. “Lost Boy” is a pop tune that has already hit Platinum status, and was part of Ruth B’s EP (Extended Play recording), “The Intro” released on November 27, 2015. A music video for the song was released in May 2016. Look for lush brass and solos, and front ensemble in this fresh single. The Closer is “Kingfishers Catch Fire Movement 2” by John Mackey. This wind ensemble piece premiered on March 17, 2007 in Kurashiki, Japan. It was conducted by Ichirō Saitō, a Japanese film composer. A "kingfisher" is a bird with beautiful, brilliantly colored feathers that look in sunlight as if they are on fire. Kingfishers are rarely seen, but when they are seen, they are undeniably beautiful. The second movement, "Kingfishers Catch Fire," imagines the bird flying out into the sunlight. Starting with the pit, the audience will appreciate the brass features on a 1/16th note ostinato, then a huge build to the ending. The Skyliners are thrilled to be working with these exceptional Creative Designers to continue our growth to the next level in DCA for 2017. Come to The Skyliners’ Open House to find out more: Date: Saturday, December 3, 2016 ~ 10:00 - 7:00 P.M. Check-In: 9:00 a.m. Location: Wyoming Valley West High School 150 Wadham Street, Plymouth, PA 18651 Directions: http://tinyurl.com/Wyoming-West-HS-Directions-Sky Keep up-to-date with us via our website, http://www.marchsky.org and join The Skyliners' 2017 Face Book Information Page. For more information, please contact Larry Carbonell or go to or go to http://www.skylinersdbc.org/join and follow the directions to create a CorpsData profile.

The Skyliners’ 2017 show is called XSCAPE! The design team includes Thomas Sparling, Program Coordinator and Visual Designer; John Meehan, Brass Arranger; Ted Mascari, Percussion Arranger; Ryan Reed, Front Ensemble Arranger; James Branche and Krysta Ganey, Color Guard Designers; and Matthew Stevens, Visual Show Consultant. The XSCAPE show is contemporary, sophisticated, and cutting edge. It incorporates a variety of musical styles, and visual and color guard packages to engage and entertain the audience and membership. The Introduction of "All The Rowboats" is from Regina Spektor’s sixth album. The song finds her singing about someone who wants to liberate works of art from the museum where they are kept. For The Skyliners, this will start with pit, percussion, and soloists or small group(s) and then build to an impact with full corps. The Opener is "Escape to Paradise" from the movie Chicken Run by John Powell and Harry Gregson-Williams. Although written for an animated film, the score is “perfectly suited to the action on screen: classic instrumentation and serious themes, but with the occasional nod and wink.” Look for lots of sectional features, some percussion windows, moderate tempo, and lots of action! The Skyliners’ Percussion Feature is "Xscape" by Michael Jackson. It was written and recorded in 1999 for Jackson’s tenth studio album, Invincible” album, but failed to make the album. The song was completed in 2001 and leaked on the internet the following year. It is also the name of the second posthumous album of previously unreleased tracks by Jackson that includes “Xscape”. The Ballad is "Lost Boy", the 2015 debut single by Canadian singer Ruth B. “Lost Boy” is a pop tune that has already hit Platinum status, and was part of Ruth B’s EP (Extended Play recording), “The Intro” released on November 27, 2015. A music video for the song was released in May 2016. Look for lush brass and solos, and front ensemble in this fresh single. The Closer is “Kingfishers Catch Fire Movement 2” by John Mackey. This wind ensemble piece premiered on March 17, 2007 in Kurashiki, Japan. It was conducted by Ichirō Saitō, a Japanese film composer. A "kingfisher" is a bird with beautiful, brilliantly colored feathers that look in sunlight as if they are on fire. Kingfishers are rarely seen, but when they are seen, they are undeniably beautiful. The second movement, "Kingfishers Catch Fire," imagines the bird flying out into the sunlight. Starting with the pit, the audience will appreciate the brass features on a 1/16th note ostinato, then a huge build to the ending. The Skyliners are thrilled to be working with these exceptional Creative Designers to continue our growth to the next level in DCA for 2017. Come to The Skyliners’ Open House to find out more: Date: Saturday, December 3, 2016 ~ 10:00 - 7:00 P.M. Check-In: 9:00 a.m. Location: Wyoming Valley West High School 150 Wadham Street, Plymouth, PA 18651 Directions: http://tinyurl.com/Wyoming-West-HS-Directions-Sky Keep up-to-date with us via our website, http://www.marchsky.org and join The Skyliners' 2017 Face Book Information Page. For more information, please contact Larry Carbonell or go to or go to http://www.skylinersdbc.org/join and follow the directions to create a CorpsData profile.

Hello all! I'm a total newbie to the Drum Corp world, but am looking for a G 3 valve Kanstul Mellophone. I've just joined the Kawartha Kavaliers. Any leads would be appreciated. Thank you!

The Skyliners Drum & Bugle Corps proudly announced their 2017 Brass Staff. SHANE STARTZEL - Brass Caption Head; JOE WILT - Assistant Brass Caption Head; RACHEL EWANIUK, MARK HOVER, AND CONNOR BARZ - Brass Technicians; and DOREEN SANDOR - Brass Technician/Brass Assistant to the Caption Head. This is Shane Startzel’s second year as Skyliners’ Brass Caption Head. At Shikellamy High School he was Brass and Visual Tech in 2001, and Brass and Visual Caption Head from 2002-2003. Shane worked with the Victor High School Indoor Percussion Program (VIPE) from 2007 to 2011, was Visual Tech in 2007, and has been The Victor Marching Blue Devils’ Brass Music Instructor from 2008 to present. He marched with The Blue Coats (DCI) in 1991 and 1992, and the Empire Statesman (DCA) from 2003 to 2007. Shane notes: “We are all very excited to return and continue on the journey that we started last year. With the addition of a new partnership with System Blue, we are positive the future of the corps will be exciting and educational for all members.” Joe Wilt is the second generation of a drum corps family, and began his drum corps career at age 6. He will be returning to the Skyliners in 2017 for his second year as Assistant Brass Caption Head. Since 2010 he has been Brass Coordinator for the Webster High School Marching Band (NY). Joe currently plays professionally with Prime Time Brass, and previously with Corps Impact (San Francisco, CA), BD Entertainment (Concord, CA), and The Edge (Rochester, NY). Joe’s DCA experience includes various performing, instructional, and leadership roles in the Empire Statesmen from 2009 to 2013, and the San Francisco Renegades from 1997 to 2008. He was also Founder and Co-Director of the SF Renegades Minicorps, winning the 2001 and 2003 DCA Championships. Rachel Ewaniuk has been on the Brass Staff of the Skyliners and marched Lead Soprano in 2015 and 2016. She marched with the Spirit & Pride of Pennsylvania Marching Band at Mansfield University where she received a Bachelors Degree in Music Education and Music Technology. A featured soloist in senior year, Rachel was a member of the elite Concert Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, Brass Band, Symphonic band, Jazz Lab Band and Trombone Choir. Rachel marched lead Trumpet with the Bushwackers Drum & Bugle Corps. Presently a 4th to 6th Grade Band Director at the Lehigh Valley Academy in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Rachel also teaches private instrumental lessons. Mark Hover received a Bachelors of Music degree from SUNY Fredonia (trumpet performance and Education) and a Masters of Music degree from Boston University (Music Education). A teacher in the North Syracuse Central Schools since 2006, Mark is a Middle School band director. His experience includes marching band and indoor drum line in high school, playing Mellophone and Soprano with the Syracuse Brigadiers Drum & Bugle Corps from 1997 to 2000 and the Empire Statesmen from 2011 to 2013. Mark is Assistant Director of the Cicero North Syracuse Northstars Marching Band and Co-director of Northstars Indoor marching ensemble. A New York Skyliner Lifetime Member, Doreen Sandor has been on Sky’s brass staff in the 1980s, 2000s and 2010s as in-line tech, Brass Instructor, 2005 Brass Caption Head and Assistant Caption Head. Doreen played Mellophone, French Horn, and Soprano with Skyliners, and played Mellophone in Sky’s 2007 Mini-Corps and the 2011 and 2012 Alumni Corps. She has been Brass Caption Head, arranger and instructor for corps in DCA, DCI, Garden State, Nassau-Suffolk, British Youth Band Association (BYBA) and DCUK. She was on Kidsgrove Scouts’ U.S. staff in 2012 and 2015. Doreen teaches Music in upstate New York. Connor Barz is Band Director at Northampton Area Middle School (PA) teaching Concert, Marching, and Jazz band. He was Visual Caption Head for Northampton Big 'N' Band for two years, played Mellophone in the Northampton Big 'N' Marching Band from 2007 to 2009, and was Drum Major in 2010. He played Mellophone in the WCU Marching Band from 2011 to 2013, two years as section leader. Connor performed with the WCU Wind Ensemble for seven semesters. He marched with the Reading Buccaneers Drum and Bugle Corps - 2013 on Mellophone and 2014 on Baritone, and played in the Front Ensemble at Aftermath Indoor Percussion for one season. Details about The Skyliners’ 2017 Open House will be announced shortly. Keep up-to-date with us via our website, http://www.marchsky.org and join The Skyliners 2017 Interest Page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/971700419546930. For more information, please contact Larry Carbonell at director@marchsky.org or go to or go to http://www.skylinersdbc.org/join.

The Skyliners Drum & Bugle Corps proudly announced their 2017 Brass Staff. SHANE STARTZEL - Brass Caption Head; JOE WILT - Assistant Brass Caption Head; RACHEL EWANIUK, MARK HOVER, AND CONNOR BARZ - Brass Technicians; and DOREEN SANDOR - Brass Technician/Brass Assistant to the Caption Head. This is Shane Startzel’s second year as Skyliners’ Brass Caption Head. At Shikellamy High School he was Brass and Visual Tech in 2001, and Brass and Visual Caption Head from 2002-2003. Shane worked with the Victor High School Indoor Percussion Program (VIPE) from 2007 to 2011, was Visual Tech in 2007, and has been The Victor Marching Blue Devils’ Brass Music Instructor from 2008 to present. He marched with The Blue Coats (DCI) in 1991 and 1992, and the Empire Statesman (DCA) from 2003 to 2007. Shane notes: “We are all very excited to return and continue on the journey that we started last year. With the addition of a new partnership with System Blue, we are positive the future of the corps will be exciting and educational for all members.” Joe Wilt is the second generation of a drum corps family, and began his drum corps career at age 6. He will be returning to the Skyliners in 2017 for his second year as Assistant Brass Caption Head. Since 2010 he has been Brass Coordinator for the Webster High School Marching Band (NY). Joe currently plays professionally with Prime Time Brass, and previously with Corps Impact (San Francisco, CA), BD Entertainment (Concord, CA), and The Edge (Rochester, NY). Joe’s DCA experience includes various performing, instructional, and leadership roles in the Empire Statesmen from 2009 to 2013, and the San Francisco Renegades from 1997 to 2008. He was also Founder and Co-Director of the SF Renegades Minicorps, winning the 2001 and 2003 DCA Championships. Rachel Ewaniuk has been on the Brass Staff of the Skyliners and marched Lead Soprano in 2015 and 2016. She marched with the Spirit & Pride of Pennsylvania Marching Band at Mansfield University where she received a Bachelors Degree in Music Education and Music Technology. A featured soloist in senior year, Rachel was a member of the elite Concert Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, Brass Band, Symphonic band, Jazz Lab Band and Trombone Choir. Rachel marched lead Trumpet with the Bushwackers Drum & Bugle Corps. Presently a 4th to 6th Grade Band Director at the Lehigh Valley Academy in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Rachel also teaches private instrumental lessons. Mark Hover received a Bachelors of Music degree from SUNY Fredonia (trumpet performance and Education) and a Masters of Music degree from Boston University (Music Education). A teacher in the North Syracuse Central Schools since 2006, Mark is a Middle School band director. His experience includes marching band and indoor drum line in high school, playing Mellophone and Soprano with the Syracuse Brigadiers Drum & Bugle Corps from 1997 to 2000 and the Empire Statesmen from 2011 to 2013. Mark is Assistant Director of the Cicero North Syracuse Northstars Marching Band and Co-director of Northstars Indoor marching ensemble. A New York Skyliner Lifetime Member, Doreen Sandor has been on Sky’s brass staff in the 1980s, 2000s and 2010s as in-line tech, Brass Instructor, 2005 Brass Caption Head and as Assistant Caption Head. Doreen played Mellophone, French Horn, and Soprano with Skyliners, and played Mellophone in Sky’s 2007 Mini-Corps and the 2011 and 2012 Alumni Corps. She has been Brass Caption Head, arranger and instructor for corps in DCA, DCI, Garden State, Nassau-Suffolk, British Youth Band Association (BYBA) and DCUK. She was on Kidsgrove Scouts’ U.S. staff in 2012 and 2015. Doreen teaches Music in upstate New York. Connor Barz is Band Director at Northampton Area Middle School (PA) teaching Concert, Marching, and Jazz band. He was Visual Caption Head for Northampton Big 'N' Band for two years, played Mellophone in the Northampton Big 'N' Marching Band from 2007 to 2009, and was Drum Major in 2010. He played Mellophone in the WCU Marching Band from 2011 to 2013, two years as section leader. Connor performed with the WCU Wind Ensemble for seven semesters. He marched with the Reading Buccaneers Drum and Bugle Corps - 2013 on Mellophone and 2014 on Baritone, and played in the Front Ensemble at Aftermath Indoor Percussion for one season. Details about The Skyliners’ 2017 Open House will be announced shortly. Keep up-to-date with us via our website, http://www.marchsky.org and join The Skyliners 2017 Interest Page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/971700419546930. For more information, please contact Larry Carbonell at director@marchsky.org or go to or go to http://www.skylinersdbc.org/join.

The Skyliners Drum & Bugle Corps announces the return of the following Designers for 2017: Thomas Sparling - Program Coordinator/Visual Designer; Ted Mascari - Percussion Caption Supervisor and Battery Arranger; Ryan Reed - Front Ensemble and Soundscape Arranger; and John Meehan, Brass Arranger. Thomas Sparling, Program Coordinator/Visual Designer, engaged and challenged the 2016 Skyliners with a drill package that elevated their skill palette while pushing them to march at 200 bpm in the drum solo. His vision, creativity and responsiveness to the corps’ needs kept the visual program growing and advancing throughout the season. He graduated from Miami University in 2009 with degrees in Music Education, Music Performance, Music Composition and a minor in Arts Management. Thomas marched bass drum with the Glassmen Drum and Bugle Corps (2006), and Rhythm X (2006-2009). Since graduation he has served as a percussion instructor at William Mason HS, Centerville HS, Bellbrook HS, and Kettering Fairmont HS; and Percussion Director at Northmont HS, and La Salle HS, where he currently teaches. He has taught privately since 2005, and has instructed the Glassmen (2012), Matrix Indoor Percussion (2013-present), and The Madison Scouts (2015-present). In addition to teaching, Thomas spends much of his time as a visual designer for bands and percussion groups in Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania, New York, Texas, and Italy. Percussion Caption Supervisor and Battery Arranger Ted Mascari brought a new level of confidence and expertise to the 2016 Skyliners’ battery book and percussion line. The Skyliners were honored to have Ted run full corps ensemble rehearsals at various times in the season as well. Ted has been involved in all aspects of percussion since 1980 as a performer, educator and arranger and is considered one of the top marching percussion minds in Upstate New York. He holds a Bachelor of Science and Music from Syracuse University. Over the past 25+ years, Ted has directed and arranged for several marching band and indoor percussion programs in New York. He served most recently as the Director and Music Designer for Victor High School Percussion, a NYSPC/WGI Scholastic A percussion ensemble finalist, from 2006-2014, winning 8 State Championships between indoor and marching band. Ted has been and still is involved with quality programs like ESM, Jordan Elbridge, Oswego, Webster, Mohonasen and Central Square. Proud of the many students from these high schools who have gone on to march in top Drum Corps (DCI/ DCA), WGI drum lines and gone on to teach, Ted is often sought out for private instruction and consultation. Ted's drum corps instructional career began in 1993 with the Syracuse Brigadiers, then the Rochester Crusaders from 1994-1996. Percussion Coordinator, Arranger and Consultant for the Empire Statesmen Drum and Bugle Corps from Rochester, New York from 1997-2012, Ted has also worked as Percussion Advisor with the Kidsgrove Scouts since 2010; they are the 2012 Drum Corps United Kingdom and 2015 Drum Corps Europe Champions. Ted currently holds the title of Percussion Arranger for The Skyliners since 2016. He has been strongly influenced through past experiences with Chris Calhoun, Chris Thompson, Joseph Guadagnino, Thom Hannum, and Colin McNutt. Ted has a newly appointed position serving as the Judging Coordinator and Education Director for the New York State Percussion Circuit. In addition, he is an adjudicator for marching band, indoor percussion and color guard in circuits throughout Pennsylvania, Michigan, Utah, Ohio, Indiana, South Carolina and New York. He is also an endorser for and on the educational team of Innovative Percussion, Ludwig-Musser Percussion and SABIAN Cymbals. Ted lives in Webster, New York with his wife Sara and their twin boys Christian and Mason. Ryan Reed, 2017 Front Ensemble and Soundscape Arranger, brought a whole new sound and sophistication - including electronics, amplification, and the unique use of iPads - to add another element of excitement and entertainment to the Skyliners as the 2016 Front Ensemble Arranger. He is a percussion specialist from the Northeast Ohio area, and Director of Percussion at New Philadelphia High School (2015 WGI PSCO Silver Medalist) and Carrollton High School. For the fourth year Ryan is on the Matrix World staff; he is joining Matrix Open this year. Ryan was on the Front Ensemble Staff one year each at Empire Statesmen, Glassmen, and Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps; two years with Notre Dame Indoor Percussion Ensemble, and three years with Capital City Percussion. Ryan received a B.M. in Music Education from Kent State University where he studied percussion with Ted Rounds. He was a front ensemble member of Matrix Percussion from 2006-2008, Empire Statesmen in 2007 and 2009, and the Glassmen in 2008. In addition to teaching, Ryan is the front ensemble arranger for OCC Indoor Percussion and serves as a designer/arranger for Downbeat Percussion, a percussion entertainment and design company, both based out of Syracuse, New York. He is extremely excited to return to The Skyliners for the 2017 season. The Skyliners Drum & Bugle Corps recently announced that John Meehan will be the corps’ Brass Arranger for the 2017 season. John Meehan works with The Blue Devils organization as Brass Caption Head and Arranger for the 17 time D.C.I. Champion ‘A’ Corps, as well as Music Director and Arranger for the ‘B’ and ‘C’ Corps. Since joining the staff in 1994, John has helped the ‘A’ Corps win 11 D.C.I. Championships and 12 Jim Ott High Brass Awards. John has been composing and arranging since 1992. Current and past groups include Eden Prairie High School (MN), James Taylor High School (TX), Ayala High School (2013 BOA Grand National Finalist), American Fork High School (2014 BOA Regional Champion), Clements, Amador Valley and Homestead High Schools, as well as the Yokohama Scouts Drum Corps from Japan. He is very much looking forward to his work with The Skyliners this coming season! Details about The Skyliners’ 2017 Open House will be announced shortly. Keep up-to-date with us via our website, http://www.marchsky.org and join The Skyliners 2017 Interest Page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/971700419546930. For more information, please contact Larry Carbonell at director@marchsky.org or go to or go to http://www.skylinersdbc.org/join.