DSGMUSIC

Saege, Back in 1986 I was Brass Arranger for Conquest Alliance and consultant. Got to travel over the pond quite a few times. As you may or may not know, Conquest Alliance & Dagenham Crusaders tied at Finals in '86 . . . . it doesn't only happen in the States . . . what a fantastic year it was ! That year, Dave Hill was judging, because we had a chance to meet him. Being fellow Americans, it was fun to meet an American working with UK corps. But that year, he was Judging. Don't know if he worked with Dagenham after that. Doreen Sandor New York Skyliners 1980 - 1989, 1995, 2000- 2003 SkyJam Arranger, Winter 2003 L.V. Chieftains 1995 - 1999 Anchormen - Elland, England (DCUK), 1991 to 1995 Avengers - England (DCUK) 1991 Conquest Alliance - Brighouse, England (DCUK) 1986 - 1990. 1986 & 1987 DCUK Champions. N.Y. Chinese Crimson Kings - 1978 - 1985 St. Joseph's Brigade Fife & Drum Corps - 1978 - 1982; 1996 - 1997. Sunrisers - 1979 Bills Boys - 1977 to 1980; 1991 - 1992 St. Matthias "Blue Max" - 1972 - 1979

The N.Y. Skyliners are pleased to announce the Color Guard Staff for the 2004 Season. Caption Head, Dave Metzger, brings with him a talented and highly experienced team of color guard professionals to take the N.Y. Skyliners to the next performance level ! The Staff members are: Dave Metzger - Caption Head Chris Thornton (Equipment) Daniel Bostic (Equipment) Krissy Ferrante (Body/Movement) Beth Calhoun (Consultation) For more information about these Color Guard Staff members, click this link 2004 N.Y. Skyliners' Color Guard Staff Page Anyone interesting in finding out more, please contact Dave Metzger at DJmetz1@aol.com Sincerely, Doreen Sandor Assistant Director

Dave Metzger, a Skyliner alumni, who was scheduled to be on board with us for the season, will assume the Color Guard Caption Head position at the N.Y. Skyliners effective immediately. More specific information about Dave's experience as marching member, instructor and caption head of guards in drum corps as well as bands will be posted shortly. His experience is extensive, and we know that he will do a great job for the N.Y. Skyliners' Color Guard this season. Not to speak for him, but he is excited about working with the corps again, and to continuing to build a tradition within the Sky Colorguard. The N.Y. Skyliners plan on marching 24 color guard, and from the looks of it, we may already be pushing that number . . . if you are interested in marching under the direction of Dave Metzger at the N.Y. Skyliners, fill out an interest form online at Join 2004 N.Y. Skyilners or contact me at dsgmusic@frontiernet.net. Sincerely, Doreen Sandor Assistant Director N. Y. Skyliners

Congratulations, Senators and and best wishes to my friends at Poynton! Doreen

Saege, I am so sorry to hear about Stepfen "Sani" Fritz's passing. We at the N.Y. Skyliners will keep his family in our thoughts & prayers. Sincerely, Doreen Sandor

****UPDATE**** Hey everyone! Sorry for all the confusion lately about practices. Darren and Juan will both be unavailable to run practice this weekend because of indoor guard season. Although WGI contests are over, both Darren and Juan are involved in a local circuit that competes until the first weekend in May. Therefore, we will not be having any Skyliner GUARD practices until May 10. Directions are on the website at: http://newyorkskyliners.org/directions.html#brodhead. At that time, Darren will run rehearsals/teach work/jump around a lot, and Juan will talk funny and teach us drill. See you all May 10! If you have any questions, please contact: Michael Vasquez at: queequegpa@juno.com Tom "Judge" Shiffer, Director at: skyjudge@chilitech.net Sincerely, Doreen Sandor Girardi Assistant Director Brass Instructor

Some good points are made here. At this time of year, most competitive corps' brass lines are focusing on a basics program, and as Clint says, essentially the "warm-up" is really a "basics primer." So if people looked at the "Warm-up/Basics" time at this time of year as being more long-term developmental instead of short-term getting ready to play for the day, that would be clearer, and truer. As we can see, some people personally like to warm-up anywhere from not at all to 10 - 15 minutes and up to 45 minutes to 1-1/2 hours on their own. Most understand that with a group it may take longer due to the need to create a group sound and cover basics areas that the group may need at the time, etc. If I was just warming up at home, I could take 15 - 20 minutes but if I was really needing to work on my mechanics - more time could be taken to work on articulations, slurs, etc., before working on music. It depends on what I needed most at the time. And the point that people have made about group warm-ups/programs also being about warming up the mind as well as the embouchure - and getting the group to think as one - is quite true. As someone else mentioned here, the more an individual practices, the better in shape the embouchure is, and the less time that needs to be taken in the actual 'warm up.' Most will find that as the Winter progresses and we get to Spring, there is less need to concentrate so much on basics unless a tune-up is warranted or a specific thing needs to be reinforced in order for it to work better in the show music. As everyone gets into shape, one also tends to see that it does not take as long to tune as it might earlier in the Winter. There are some seasons where I have barely had to move the tuning slides in August. One uses the basics program to work on both an individual's sound and the resultant group sound; to work on TQI with an eye towards good intonation in all the registers; to work on articulations and get them as uniform throughout the horn line as possible; to build up stamina; to clarify and work on dynamics. Tuning sequences help many areas. Breathing IS key. Throughout, it helps to explain how the principles of the Basics Program apply to the music being learned. Everything that is part of the basics package is used in the show - from good, well-timed, in-tune attacks to clean releases, to good finger dexterity, to matching articulations and flexibility - usually much more mixed in the music than in the basics program, to volume control, to tempo control, and to my favorite - good musicianship habits. The basics program helps us work the tools that we require to perform the show well. I always had my personal warm-up favorites, various things from brass people like Tommy Martin, Jackie Meehan, and Wayne Downey . . . but have always incorporated exercises/basics/warm-ups that I have found worked for individuals and/or a group as part of the "basics" program when I am teaching. The same is probably true of most brass instructors. Anyway . . . that is my own, personal 2 cents on warm-ups and basic programs. Doreen

Check out Mouth Pieces Express Website

Jerome Callet! I currently play the Buddy model. I first used his mouthpiece when I played French Horn at Sky in 1982 & 1983, and have never played another mouthpiece (unless I was borrowing one, and what a shock that was!) since. I changed to an 8, I believe, and then to the Buddy. What I love about the mouthpieces I have played from Calet, is that you get that warm, rich sound throughout your range, but especially in the lower & middle register, with good sound, brilliance & power in the upper register. I find it great for a midrange voice. I have mostly played mellophone throughout my career, though I played French Horn for two years, soprano for about 2 or 3 years, and did a few other things along the way. :) Doreen P.S. Check out Jerome Callet Website

Chris, I agree wholeheartedly when you write, "My point... there are lots of schools of thought about what works best... but in reality, it truly is what works best for you. " Over the years I have loved nothing more than getting to sit around before and after shows & rehearsals, and talk to instructors/players, players, judges, arrangers, etc., and have people share their thoughts about what works best, what methods they have tried, etc. From the very things you mention, to the pivot system, upstream, downstream, concepts about mouthpieces (for example, one season my junior corps instructor put all the Sops & Mellos on one mouthpiece, all baris on another mouthpiece, etc., because that was a new, still-to-be-proven concept at that time in the mid 70's. . . . that one could create a better unified sound if everyone played on the same mouthpieces, section by section. I am not sure how long we stuck with that concept, but I personally could not play as well on the mouthpiece chosen (Schilke 14A4A) because the rim was too sharp for me. I improved when I could move off that mouthpiece.) to warm-ups, ear-training, developing physical memory, how long it takes to change a bad habit, to - you name it! It is especially exciting over the years to have been able to have these conversations or dissertations with some drum corps greats! And as the years go by, the list grows as technique and concepts and technology, etc., are shared from one field to another, and within drum corps. I have often told horn lines that there are probably as many methods or concepts as there are instructors, and that over time, most instructors tend to stick with what has worked for them and their lines the best of the years. Usually, that does not make one instructor more right or less right than another, unless one is advocating poor or harmful techniques. You discard what has not worked, and enhance what has worked, always wanting to learn. Most great instructors continue to learn and add to their own repertoire/method as time goes by. I can always take something away from another instructor - and playing members! - with an eye to improving my game. But you are right - not every method or approach or embouchure or concept works for EVERY player because there are so many exceptions to the rule, and as you found out, there are physicalities that may demand another approach or embouchure, etc. There are some great books out about anatomy and the musician that explores the effect that the body, one's anatomy and overall healthy/shape has over one's performance. These are excellent for someone who wants to learn more, or explore these deeper issues/concerns. Too bad you wasted two years trying a method that did not work for you. I could understand a short transition period, but two years?? That is too long for something to get to work. Doreen

The New York Skyliners are pleased to announce that Ray Troxell has joined the N.Y. Skyliners' Brass Staff for the 2003 season. Additional information about Ray's career in drum corps, bands and as a Judge to follow soon! Visit N.Y. Skyliners' Website for more information, or contact John Arietano at Jmamusic1247@aol.com or Doreen Girardi at dsgmusic@frontiernet.net. There are still openings in the horn line, so stop down at the Next Brass rehearsal on Sunday, February 9, 2003 at the Garfield American Legion Post in Garfield, NJ from 12:00 Noon to 5:00 P.M. Garfield American Legion Post. The horn line has finished half of the 2003 show and will continue to learn show music at the February 9th show. Again, we have brought some of last year's show back by populay demand. If you loved the N.Y. Skyliners' show last year, you are going to be dancing and singing in the aisles this year! Right, Konga? BE A PART OF IT! Doreen Sandor Girardi Assistant Director

The next N.Y. Skyliners' rehearsal is for BRASS PLAYERS only: Jan. 19 - Lyndhurst Elks 12 - 5 Brass players - BIG TIME and I WANT MORE from last year's show were brought back by popular demand - not just from the fans - but from the members of the horn line itself. If you saw and heard the 2002 DCA Class "A" Champions and Horn Line play "Big Time", you KNOW the fun, entertainment and big sound that we will get with this show! Whether you are a returning veteran who has not played in years, or a new player who needs lots of individual time, or someone who just likes to put up your horn and BLOW, BE A PART OF IT! THE 2003 N.Y. SKYLINERS' HORN LINE! Brass Arranger John Arietano is a Drum Hall of Fame Member, and a noted and award-winning soloist. He has taught and arranged for many Championship Bands and Drum Corps in Long Island, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania. John is a man with 7 - SEVEN - Championship Rings to his credit. He has also written, taught, and played all styles of music with equal talent and panache wherever he goes. Check out the N.Y. Skyliners' 2003 Brass Staff for more information about the N.Y. Skyliners' Brass Staff. If you are looking to work with a well-rounded, enthusiastic, educated, dedicated and focused Brass Staff, the N.Y. Skyliners is the place for you. If you are interested in marching, or would just like to say HELLO, please stop down this Sunday, and BRING YOUR MOUTHPIECE! Check out our website for additional schedules and news: N.Y. Skyliners' Website or email me at: dsgmusic@frontiernet.net. Doreen Sandor Girardi

Click 2003 N.Y. Skyliners Brass Staff to read bios about individual members of our staff. Interested in marching drum corps this summer? Are you looking to improve your skills while having fun? Do you want to be taught be some of the most innovative instructors? Do you want to play exciting music by top arrangers? Do you LOVE to ENTERTAIN and PERFORM? Visit N.Y. Skyliners' Website for more information, or contact John Arietano at Jmamusic1247@aol.com or Doreen Girardi at dsgmusic@frontiernet.net. Additional Staff to be announced later. The Next rehearsal is December 22, 2002 at the Garfield American Legion Post in Garfield, NJ. Garfield American Legion Post Doreen Sandor Girardi Assistant Director

Some old Conquest Alliance, Northern Alliance and Anchormen friends in that list . . . Maccie, Ian Kirk, and Craig Sherratt . . . best of luck in 2003! Doreen Sandor Girardi New York Skyliners 1980 - 1989, 1995, 2002 - Present L.V. Chieftains 1995 - 1999 Anchormen - Elland, England (DCUK), 1991 to 1995 Avengers - England (DCUK) 1991 Conquest Alliance - Brighouse, England (DCUK) 1986 - 1990. 1986 & 1987 DCUK Champions. N.Y. Chinese Crimson Kings - 1978 - 1985 St. Joseph's Brigade Fife & Drum Corps - 1978 - 1982; 1996 - 1997. Sunrisers - 1979 Bills Boys - 1977 to 1980; 1991 - 1992 St. Matthias "Blue Max" - 1972 - 1979 ... to name a few

Do some holiday shopping AND support the New York Skyliners by shopping in our online store at: N.Y. Skyliners Online Store Happy Shopping, and thanks for your support!

I think I have one in my basement . . . or we may still have some of the old "submarines" laying around . . .

Then SIMON got involved !

Click here to read all about it: N.Y. Skyliners Color Guard Open House Announcement

As primarily a Midrange player - the Midrange section is often closest to my heart and ears (although sometimes the Midrange players in corps I have taught have been less than happy about my 'love' for the section!) Being a Skyliner, and having had the pleasure of learning from Hy Dreitzer, and in my junior corps days being taught by Skyliners Ernie Fesler and Tommy Martin, I LOVE the total Midrange sound - including French Horns. Played French Horn when Hy brought them back to Skyliners in 82 and 83 - it was hard to initially play it well, but we got better at it to win High Brass in 1982 and be in the running in 1983, so we could not have been TOO bad. Some of us had to play what we called the old "submarine" French horns - your arms had to be out to . . . .here . . . . to play it! The French horn just gives the Midrange section THAT sound. Of course, they might not be appropriate for every musical style, but I would love to see more of them back. I LOVE to arrange for French Horns when possible, and certainly wrote for French Horns in England with Conquest Alliance (had a few real French Horn Players) and Anchormen (especially when we did our Robin Hood Show - one baritone player and one mellophone player converted.) Do NOT love Flugel horns, as I personally think they are out-powered by the Mellophone and French Horn instruments overall. However, flugels and altos can contribute and create a specific sound that a horn line may be looking for. I just never thought they projected enough for my own personal taste in midrange sound/balance/blend. You don't necessarily need someone with French Horn training per se - just someone who wants to learn, etc. Fewer corps are probably using them due to availability, cost, and members who may not be comfortable on the horns. But I keep hoping we'll get 'em back one day!

I have only used a Jerome Callet mouthpiece since using his mouthpiece when I played French horn with Sky in 1981 - currently it is the "Buddy" model. Some mellophone players I have taught or marched with prefer the Benge Mello 6 mouthpiece, and some have used the King mellophone mouthpiece. (As Ray Vasquez writes - the Benge, Kanstul, Conn and King Mello 6 mouthpieces are probably around the same. ) Years ago most used the Bach or Giardinelli Trumpet Mouthpieces that they were most comfortable with, then might switch to a different size to adjust things like tone quality, range, brilliance, darkness, etc., over time. The mouthpiece I personally disliked the most was the Shilke 14A4A. Doreen Sandor Girardi

. . . . most any Midrange part written by the great Hy Dreitzer . . . not just 16 bars here or there, in this year or that (or this decade or that!), or a letter here or there, but top to bottom, masterpiece after masterpiece, Hy's midrange parts RULED. Always. . . . and may I say that John "Screech" Arietano has outdone himself this season with the Mellophone parts he has written for the N. Y. Skyliners' 2002 Book, "Love Notes from the City" . . . if it were only up to the spirit and heart being willing, I'd be out there on the field in a heartbeat playing Mellophone . . . Doreen Sandor Girardi

BE A PART OF IT! As we present our 2002 Show - Love Notes From the City If you are still thinking of marching Color Guard on the East Coast this summer, Click here for N.Y. Skyliners' Color Guard Update The N.Y. Skyliners invite you to come down this weekend. You'll be glad you did. We have members travelling from NY, NJ, CT, Albany and upstate NY, PA, and MD. If not, be ready to be entertained, and fall in love with the N.Y. Skyliners all over again! Doreen Sandor Girardi dsgmusic@frontiernet.net

BE A PART OF IT! As we present our 2002 Show - Love Notes From the City If you are still thinking of marching Color Guard on the East Coast this summer, Click here for N.Y. Skyliners' Color Guard Update The N.Y. Skyliners invite you to come down this weekend. You'll be glad you did. We have members travelling from NY, NJ, CT, Albany and upstate NY, PA, and MD. If not, be ready to be entertained, and fall in love with the N.Y. Skyliners all over again! Doreen Sandor Girardi dsgmusic@frontiernet.net

The N.Y. Skyliners welcome Darren Delaney back, now as Color Guard Designer and Caption Head. Darren is the founder and director of the only independent color guard from the state of Connecticut, Terpsichore. Under his direction, this program has been a WGI regional finalist since the program's inception. He is the color guard caption head of The Sacred Heart University and Port Chester High School Marching Bands. He is also on the staff of the Persuasion Winter Guard, and the Naugatuck High School Winter Guard. This past winter he served as a visual designer for the Ramsey High School Percussion Ensemble. Darren's marching credits include: The Cavaliers, The Boston Crusaders, The New York Skyliners, The Hawthorne Caballeros, The Connecticut Hurricanes, The Company Colour Guard, and Pegasus. Employed full time as the choreographer at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT, Darren lives in nearby Monroe. He passes his love for the activity onto his students through active teaching. Darren is very excited and looking forward to a successful season with the 2002 N.Y. Skyliners. The N.Y. Skyliners know that Darren, together with Juan Ruz as Visual Coordinator and Mike Coppola as Visual Designer, will bring our 2002 show, "Love Notes from the City" to life on the field with a strong, innovative, entertaining and exciting visual program. We are looking for motivated people with talent in any and all aspects of color guard: Rifle, Flag, Sabre and Dance who love to entertain and bring the audience to their feet! Join us at our next rehearsal, Saturday May 25th in Union, NJ. Directions are on our website, http://www.newyorkskyliners.org. For more information you may contact Darren Delaney at darrenjdelaney@aol.com, or Doreen Sandor Girardi at dsgmusic@frontiernet.net. Be a part of it . . . . the N.Y. Skyliners ! Doreen Sandor Girardi Assistant Director 845-692-3447 N.Y. Skyliners Website

THE FIRST COLOR GUARD REHEARSAL DATE IS APRIL 21, not April 2 as the last post noted but I could not edit. ********************************************** HOT ! INNOVATIVE ! EXCITING ! ENTERTAINING! N.Y. SKYLINERS' 2002 show, "Love Notes from the City" will prominently feature the COLOR GUARD throughout the show. We are looking for motivated people with talent in any and all aspects of color guard: Rifle, Flag and Dance! We will train. The FIRST COLOR GUARD REHEARSAL WILL TAKE PLACE SUNDAY, APRIL 21. The N.Y. Skyliners' color guard under the direction of Anthony DeMarino will be hot, innovative, exciting and entertaining. We are proud to announce that Juan Ruz has joined our Visual Staff as well. BE A PART OF IT . . . . the N.Y. SKYLINERS' COLOR GUARD! For more information, check out our website at: http://newyorkskyliners.org, fill out the Skyliners Interest Form or email me at dsgmusic@frontiernet.net. Sincerely, Doreen Sandor Girardi Assistant Director dsgmusic@frontiernet.net