NY Skyliners PR

The New York Skyliners are pleased to announce their 2006 Visual Staff: Patrick Dougherty joins the N. Y. Skyliners as Visual Manager. Pat began his drum corps career as a soprano player with the West Sayville Golden Eagles from Sayville, NY. He has remained a member of the Eagles and performs with them whenever able, as a member of their world champion mini corps. There he developed a love of the activity and its quest for excellence. Pursuing these ideas led him to march as a lead soprano with The Crossmen and the Blue Devils. After aging out of the drum corps he performed as a cast member of the award winning Blast! At the end of his time with Blast!, he completed his studies at Potsdam University, earning a BS in Business Administration while performing with the jazz and Latin ensembles at the renowned Crane school of music and playing with several local acts. He continued his drum corps experience as brass staff with the Crossmen and two years spent teaching visual at Carolina Crown. Patrick spent last season with the Bushwackers as a member of both brass and visual staffs, and as a performer. Patrick lives on Long Island as a musician and educator, teaching privately and at numerous high schools as well as the Rage winter drum line. He looks forward to a rewarding and successful season with the Skyliners. George Nelson, Assistant Visual Manager, is a native Long Islander and his past drum corps experience includes being a member of the Crossmen Drum & Bugle Corps from 1992-1995 and then as an administrative staff member in 1996. He has worked with many Marching Band programs on Long Island as a drill designer and marching instructor including Walt Whitman HS, Hicksville HS, and Sachem HS. He also serves as the Visual Designer for the Rage Indoor Percussion Ensemble. Professionally, George is currently employed with State Bank of Long Island as a Senior Web Producer. Jim Dyckman, Visual Instructor. Jim lives in Long Island, NY and works as an Air Traffic Controller. He grew up in Hicksville where he marched in the New Image Drum and Bugle Corps and with the Sound of LI Senior Drum and Bugle corps. Since 1988, Jim has been a percussion and visual instructor for several marching bands on LI and in Maine, including: Hicksville, Copiague, Walt Whitman, Division Ave., and Edward Little High Schools. In 2004, Jim was the Assistant Band Director at Walt Whitman High School. He also served as a visual instructor for the Rage Indoor Percussion Ensemble. Jim served in the Navy from 1990-1995. Frank Rogers, Visual tech. Frank Rogers began his drum corps career as a member of the Blue Angels drum and bugle corps from Brooklyn, New York (1967 though 1975). The Blue Angles were two-time Long Island Circuit Champions - 1973 (undefeated) and 1974. From 1976 through 1993, Frank was a member of Skyliners’ baritone line. During this time, the Skyliners won the 1982 and 1987 World Champion Horn Line titles. He was an in-line visual tech and member of the business administration for many of those years. Next, Frank was the lead visual tech for Cadets of Brooklyn from 1996 through 1999. The Cadets were 1998 Garden State Division III Champions. He was also a visual tech for Spirit of Newark in 1999. Frank returned to the Skyliners in 1999 as visual tech, where he continues today. In addition to working on the visual staff, Frank was also Assistant Drum Major for the 2002 through 2004 seasons. Since his return to the corps, the Skyliners have won the 1999 and 2002 DCA Class A Championships. Frank is a Lifetime Member of the Skyliners, one of the proudest honors that can be bestowed upon a Skyliner. In addition to his contributions to the Skyliner field corps, he also plays euphonium for the Skyliners Alumni drum corps. Raymond “Konga” Richardson, Visual tech. Ray “Konga” Richardson is a long-time Skyliner and Lifetime Member of the N. Y. Skyliners. He began his career with Sky in 1972 and since then has worn many hats. One of the best-known Contra players in drum corps, Konga went on to become Assistant Drum Major of the Skyliners, and in 1993, after 21 years with the corps, assumed Head Drum Major duties. Konga retired as Drum Major at the end of the 2005 season, and audiences and fans everywhere will miss his warmth, charm, talent, and passion – not to mention his well known “It’s time to make the Donuts!” phrase. He will continue to work with the corps as a Visual Tech, a position he has held for many years. Ray is also an alumnus of St. Rita’s Brassmen. During his drum corps career, Ray has worked with many junior corps in the New York and New Jersey areas. Eric Sabach will be the drill designer and visual consultant. Eric Sabach has been involved in the movement arts for over 30 years, performing with, teaching, judging, and consulting some of the best groups in the country. He marched with the DCI World Champion Garfield Cadets and the Royal Brigade from the Meadowlands, N. J., was the visual caption head of the Star of Indiana, and currently is a member of the visual staff of the Phantom Regiment from Rockford, IL. He has also worked with The New York Skyliners and numerous WGI caliber winter guards including The New York Royal Guardsmen. Eric's judging experience includes: ISSMA, BOA, DCI, DCA Visual Caption Chairperson 2003, USSBA, North Texas Colorguard Association, and TriState Judges Association to name a few. Having worked with numerous successful bands on the state and national level such as Ben Davis HS in Indiana and Northwestern Lehigh HS in Allentown, PA (both have proven themselves on the BOA Grand National stage) he has also worked with groups on the local level consult their programs to be more innovative, entertaining, and visually sound. Professionally, Eric is a sales and marketing consultant in the NJ/NYC area. His hobbies include boating, Harley Davidson motorcycles, The NY Jets and Yankees, Cirque Du Soleil and Blue Man Group, and spending quality time with his Golden Retriever , Bailey Jo! Meet our Visual Staff at the Skyliners' Open House - November 20th at 11:00 a.m. at the Dover American Legion Post in Dover, N.J. Go to our website for updated information, directions, and information: http://www.newyorkskyliners.org, or contact Holly Marino, Assistant director at exiggy1@yahoo.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 18, 2005. The N.Y. Skyliners today announced that the name of their 2006 Show is: "FIRE IN THE SKY". Be one of the first to find out more about the Skyliners’ exciting production - attend the Open House that is being held THIS SUNDAY, November 20th at 11:00 a.m. at the Dover American Legion Post #27 - 2 Legion Place in Dover, New Jersey. Go to our website for updated information, directions, and information: http://www.newyorkskyliners.org, or contact Holly Marino, Assistant Director at exiggy1@yahoo.com. Doreen Sandor Publicity, New York Skyliners

The New York Skyliners are pleased to announce that John Veninger will be returning as Color Guard Designer and Caption Head for the 2006 season. John Veninger was Color Guard Caption Head of the Skyliners for the 1999, 2000, and 2001 seasons, and worked as Visual staff member and Co-Coordinator in past years as well. John’s High School guard teaching/writing experience includes Enigma of Matawan Color Guard - 5 years; Edison High School Color Guard - 2 years; and North Bergen High School -Color Guard 3 years. In addition to his work with the Skyliners, John was a member of the 2002 Caballeros and 1996 Bushwhackers. We invite color guard members to our Open House THIS SUNDAY, November 20th at 11:00 a.m. to meet John Veninger in person, and find out more about Sky’s exciting 2006 plans. The Open House will take place at the Dover American Legion Post #27 - 2 Legion Place in Dover, New Jersey. Go to our website for updated information, directions, and information: http://www.newyorkskyliners.org, or contact Holly Marino, Assistant Director at exiggy1@yahoo.com.

November 16, 2005. Joining the N.Y. Skyliners this season as Pit Technician is Philip Coiro. Philip resides on Long Island and has taught Percussion Ensembles for over five years. He currently holds the Assistant Band Director position of the Walt Whitman High School Marching Band. Phil held the principal Timpanist chair for his last two years while studying at the Purchase Conservatory of music and has performed with some of the world’s great musicians including Raymond DesRoches, Domonic Donato, Tom Kolor, Grahm Aston, Jesse Levine and even celebrity James Earl Jones. Phil is often invited to give master classes and clinics with High Schools and the NYS All-County percussion sections. Some of Phil’s other Credits include three concerts at Carnegie Hall, the “Bang on a Can” percussion festival in NYC (as a guest of the Talujon Percussion Quartet), and the 2001 and 2002 NYC Day of Percussion at the Colden Center in Flushing, New York. The New York Skyliners welcome Phil as part of the 2006 Percussion staff. Front ensemble performers are invited to meet Phil at our Open House THIS SUNDAY, November 20th at 11:00 a.m. The Open House will take place at the Dover American Legion Post #27 - 2 Legion Place in Dover, New Jersey. Go to our website for updated information, directions, and information: http://www.newyorkskyliners.org, or contact Holly Marino, Assistant Director at exiggy1@yahoo.com.

The New York Skyliners are pleased to announce their 2006 Percussion Caption Head: Robert A. Craig. Robert Craig’s experience in drum corps and percussion-related activities spans 40 years, and he brings with him a tradition and background of building, writing for, and teaching championship percussion programs. He was the Arranger/Technician for many well-known drum corps, Championship corps and championship percussion lines during the 1970’s, 1980’s and 1990’s. From 1969 to 1975, Robert Craig arranged for and teched the Elizabeth, N.J. Falcons, who placed 13th at the DCI Championships in 1975. They were five-time Garden State Percussion Champions, Butler-American Open Percussion Winners, and Marion Ohio U.S. Open Percussion Winners. While at the Falcons Robert also was the Drill Designer, Guard Designer, and Percussion Arranger/Caption Head. As Percussion Captain (’70) for Blessed Sacrament Golden Knights, Robert Craig was percussion Co-Writer during his age-out year. With Blessed Sac, he won numerous Percussion titles including National Percussion winner and World Championship Winners. Robert Craig has also been Arranger/Technician for the Garfield Cadets from 1973-1974 and the Surfers from New London, Connecticut (1974-1976) were No. 1 New England Percussion Champions twice during his tenure. As Percussion Technician/Consultant for the Crossmen (1977-1978), Robert helped them become Percussions Champions of the National Circuit. From 1978 – 1979, Mr. Craig was Arranger/Technician for the Classics of New Haven, Connecticut who were crowned both North Eastern Percussion Champions and Garden State Percussion Champions. He served as Percussion Arranger and Consultant to the New York Lancers (1978), and as percussion consultant for North Star (1980) and the Finleyville Crusaders from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (1980). Mr. Craig was a co-writer of the Garfield Cadets’ percussion book from 1980 – 1982, and was lead tech as well. During his years as percussion Arranger/Technician, the New York Lancers (1984-1986) won the DCI DIV. II/III World Percussion and Garden State Percussion titles; Kips Bay “Knight Club” (1998-1999) were crowned Garden State and DCI Div II/III Percussion champions; and the Cadets of New York City (2000-2004) were crowned two-time DCI Atlantic Div. II/III and Garden State Percussion Winners. Mr. Craig’s judging activities includes being a percussion judge with National Judges Association (1978 – 198), DCI (1986 – 1990), Northeaster Judges Association (1978 – 1990), DCE (1986-1990), and a Music Judge with the Cadets Marching Band (CMBC) Circuit (1990-1991). In addition to being an instructor, arranger, consultant and judge, Robert Craig also has a distinguished list of personal performance experiences. He was a Percussionist at Andrew Jackson High, NY (1963-1965), and performed with the U.S. Army Jazz and Rock bands from 1965 – 1967. While a Snare Drummer (and Captain in 1970) with Blessed Sacrament Golden Knights (nine time National and world Champions), Robert was Individual Snare Champion-New York Metro Area and at the Eastern States, CYO, Michigan/Chicago Fair. During that time, Robert also performed with the Steel Drums (City Mission Steel Band, NY 1969-1970), was Principal Timpanist with the Borough Wide City Orchestra in New York (1968-1970), was a percussionist with Bronx Community’s Junior Orchestra (1971-1977), and was Solo Snare Champion at Various Shows throughout the East Coast/Midwest from 1969-1970. Mr. Craig’s profession outside of the drum corps world is in the Telecommunications industry. The Skyliners welcome Robert Craig and will announce additional percussion staff shortly. If you are interested in meeting Robert Craig and performing with the N. Y. Skyliners’ percussion section this summer, stop down at the Open House on Sunday, November 20the to find out more. Go to our website for updated information, directions, and information: http://www.newyorkskyliners.org, or contact Holly Marino, Assistant Director at exiggy1@yahoo.com.

The New York Skyliners are pleased to announce their 2006 Brass staff: Dave Negri will be returning to the Skyliners in 2006 as Brass Coordinator. David is going on his 50th year of playing trumpet, and because he has opened his mind and his heart to all music, he has been lucky enough to make a living at playing music during most of those early years of his life, and continues to play professionally to this day. He has been a bandleader for numerous bands, in numerous genres, and has been a sideman for a plethora of musical greats. David started playing at the age of 8 under the direction of Jimmy Gozzo, the father of the renowned studio/big band “lead” trumpeter, Conrad Gozzo. Students of the Mr. Gozzo’s approach are known for their “fatness” of sound and the ability to use the whole range of the instrument. David attended The Hartt School of Music, University of Hartford, and The U. S. Naval School of Music. Along the way, David has been a consultant for Lee Thornburg of Tower of Power fame and currently The Tonight Show, many big bands, marching bands, and drum corps alike. David began his drum corps journey at the early age of 12, in 1959, with The New Britain Connecticut “Grenadiers”. At 16, he went on to march and solo with The Springfield Marksmen, where he met, and studied under the direction of Dominic DelRay, of Interstatesmen fame. For the last 20-plus years, David has been involved with the Connecticut Alumni Drum Corps. He has also done several tours with The Connecticut Hurricanes. Always up for a challenge, in 2001 & 2002, David soloed and taught The Skyliners. In the last 20 years he has been leaning more towards teaching. “It’s time to give back the knowledge I’ve acquired through the years, some from such greats as Tommy Martin. It will be quite an honor directly working with Mr. Martin this year. God has blessed me with being able to “draw” the music out of the people, if it’s in there. I just try to be a good “coach”. I demand self-discipline, confidence, and the desire to master the basics, as well as “perform” the music at hand...from myself, as well as the horn players I work with. Patience gives you the power to practice; practice gives you the power that leads you to perfection. Rich Barrieres will serve as the assistant brass coordinator to Dave Negri. After graduating Whippany Park High School, Rich went on to earn his Bachelor’s Degree at Fairleigh Dickinson University, and then a Masters of Music Degree from New Jersey City University. He currently serves as an instrumental music teacher at Jefferson Township Middle School in Oak Ridge, N.J. and is the assistant band director of the Jefferson Township High School marching band. Steve Wands has been on the brass staff of the Jersey Surf since 1998 and brass caption head since 2002. He has also been on staff with the Crossmen where he marched baritone in 1990 and 1992. He has worked with many programs in the NY/NJ area including New Providence HS (NJ), Hicksville HS (NY), South Brunswick HS (NJ), and North Brunswick Twp HS (NJ). A graduate of West Chester University, Steve currently teaches instrumental music in the Mahopac (NY) School district. Returning for his 7th season with the N.Y. Skyliners, Bob Fizette is returning as Brass instructor (his 6th year). In previous years Bob was also part of the Visual staff. During his 24-year drum corps career, Bob has marched with the N. Y. Skyliners, Avant Garde, Wind Gap Blue Eagles, Reading Buccaneers, Lehigh Valley Chieftains, and the Sunrisers. In addition to the Skyliners, he has also been on the brass staff of the Volunteers, the Buccaneers, the Lehigh Valley Chieftains, and the Sunrisers. A featured soloist at many corps, including the Skyliners, Bob has also performed with local and community groups. Doreen Sandor received her B.A., Music Education from the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College in Flushing, New York and currently teaches music at Pine Bush Elementary School. During her 31 year drum corp career, Doreen has been Brass Caption Head (most recently with the Skyliners in 2005), arranger and instructor for corps in numerous Associations including: DCA, DCI, Garden State Association, Nassau Suffolk Association, and DCUK. She has arranged music for and taught Championship Corps and Horn Lines in the States and in England (DCUK.) Primarily a Midrange player, Doreen has also performed as drum major, assistant drum major, and in front line ensembles. Doreen was a member of the Skyliners' 1982 & 1987 World Championship Hornlines. A long time Skyliner (this will be her 17th year with the Skyliners), Doreen has worn many hats at the Skyliners, and looks forward to an exciting 2006 season. Rick Wygant will arrange the Brass show for the 2006 Skyliners. Rick marched in Fantasia III drum and bugle corps and with the Garfield Cadets, where he aged out. Wygant has taught the Crossmen, consulted for Reading Buccaneers and was the arranger for Westshoremen; he is currently the Brass Arranger/Musical Director for The Jersey Surf. Rick is currently the Band Director for the Stroudsburg Area School District. He also has over 20 years of experience arranging for NJ/NY/PA/MD marching bands. Go to our website for updated information, directions, and information: http://www.newyorkskyliners.org, or contact Holly Marino, Assistant Director at exiggy1@yahoo.com.