MrKlark

Liz - no argument there - MOST do play really great and recognizable stuff, but (and this is a matter of taste) there have been some who like to present the 'edgy' and original compositions that have left people turning to each other saying "...huh??"

Hi Ray - LOL!! Not to worry - def not enemies! Let me clarify a bit and maybe it would give an insight into why there MAY BE a falling off of Minis this year. Along with some of the other small groups that are/were made up of members from back in the day when nobody read music and all learned by 'rote', the four different iterations of SKY minicorps consisted of members who enjoyed playing that style and type of music, and believed that there might be a part of the audience who would enjoy that style. After the first outing in '02, it was clear that the bar had been raised much higher than could be attained with the level of talent we fielded. Everyone played to the highest level of their ability - and we had a blast - but that book and that style just wasn't competitive. Later iterations were at at point where the top of the line groups were clearly in a different league and had resources far beyond ours. I should also note that NONE of our players were/are professional musicians (one or two semi-professional maybe) - and that's not an excuse mind you, but a point none-the-less when one looks at the CV of Star or a few others at the top. To your point, it was ALWAYS our intention to be the very best we could be and to be competitive yet we also wanted to be ENTERTAINING - the kind of entertaining that makes a spectator walk away humming a tune or saying that he actually RECOGNIZED the music - we didn't want to just play to the sheets. We recognize that its a new and some would say improved genre, however my suggestion about a non-adjudicated option remains - maybe before or after the actual competition. --Rich

After reading through this entire thread, I feel the need to add something here. NY Skyliners Minicorps has performed at four different times and iterations. Each time our personal satisfaction of performing for fans who appreciate the effort put in and music played FAR outweighed the desire to 'win' - a decent placement in recognition of our more traditional show concept was all we hoped for. I would say though it can't be denied that there was/is a certain level of resignation to the fact that fans of what we do (including the judges) and fans of what the top level Mini's do are totally polarized. One suggestion might be to offer the opportunity for groups like us to perform in nothing more than an exhibition - and don't record the show. It might be an enticement to bring back some life to the smaller groups that simply can't afford to perform under the current requirements and who really want nothing more than a venue in front of peers in which to perform, and it would give the legacy members and fans who are still here in pretty good numbers to see and hear something more geared toward their musical interest. IMHO.....

On behalf of the NY Skyliners Alumni, I'd like to thank the Bucs and the entire staff for a great day and a great venue! The NY Skyliners Alumni were happy to be a part of your show!

Thank you!!

On behalf of the NY Skyliners Alumni, I'd like to thank all the attendees, performers, judges, and VFW staff who made this such a successful event. Congratulations to the winners in each caption! See you all next year.

See you all tomorrow!

I'll be there....will you?? Anybody?? How about EVERYBODY!

Hey Ray...how many more days before the show??

So there's been some confusion around the upcoming Buglers Hall of Fame "Garfield Regional" and its location - PLEASE NOTE THAT IT IS AT THE HASBROUCK HEIGHTS VFW POST 4591 - same as last year. You can GPS either of two addresses - either will work: 513 SPRINGFIELD AVE, Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604 or 513 VETERANS PLACE, Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604 See you all at the show!

Keep in mind that applications are being accepted at the door and all this week, so this posted schedule will obviously be tentative and flexible! Not to worry, there will be plenty of food and liquid refreshment!

Here's a more graphic announcement for those who like it short and sweet!!

What a truly inspiring day - the hall was packed (and it's a big hall!) from noon-time until 5:30PM and respect was shown for all the performances. The bar/food kept things rockin' until nearly midnight. The event's success can only be measured by attendance (which surpassed last year) and reviews (which I have not seen yet). I am happy and humbled to have been in such elite company all day long - some of the biggest names in our activity turned out and everyone seemed to have a great time. Stay tuned for next year!

Many thanks and congratulations to all of the competitors, performers, and attendees who came out to the 2011 North American Regional I&E Competition hosted by SKYLINERS ALUMNI at the Hasbrouck Heights VFW Post 4591 and sponsored by the Buglers Hall of Fame. The performances were stellar, the food and drink was non-stop, and old friendships were rekindled as the doldrums of winter were blown away by the talent in the house. Thank you all for contributing to a successful and fun-filled day!! --Rich

bump - just because its getting closer....mark the calendars.

For those who are interested, the arrangements for Patricia (Patsy) Peters are as follows: Visiting Friday 2-4 & 7-9 p.m at the Patrick J. Conte Funeral Home, Inc., 274 Market Street, Elmwood Park. Funeral Mass is Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m. at St. Anne’s R.C. Church, Fair Lawn. Interment at George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus.

It saddens me greatly to pass along this information: Patsy Peters, wife of Ray Peters, passed away this afternoon. Patsy was very well known and loved by all who met her. As an integral part of the Skyliners Family, Patsy will be missed greatly by all of us. There are no more details at this time. Information will be passed along as it is received. May Patsy rest in peace. --Rich

Fantastic open house yesterday - Huge "THANK YOU" to everyone who turned out. I will go out on a limb here and venture to say that we will be fielding a very impressive unit this year. Some surprises are certainly in store. Stay tuned... And for those who couldn't make it and still wish to stop by, our rehearsals are open to everyone - we are seeking members in all sections (that includes guard and French Horns!) - the complete rehearsal schedule through April of 2011 is available at www.skyalumni.org You know you want to.....

Need directions?? Directions: From North: Rt 17 South to Hasbrouck Heights, go through stoplight at Franklin Ave - Henry St is next exit (Shell Station on corner), make first left off Henry St – Post is at end of street. From South: Rt 17 North to Hasbrouck Heights, Franklin Ave. Make U-turn onto Rt 17 South to next exit which is Henry St. Follow directions above.

I was a lowly 2nd sop playing in the CW Townsmen back in '66 when the director of that corps bused us all in to see the Dream in Roosevelt Stadium that year. It was the first time I had ever witnessed Sr Corps, and man - if ever there was a show to see, it was that one. The NY Skyliners left a mark on me that day that has never diminished. I went on to march with Garfield for four years, but never had the opportunity to 'graduate' to Sr Corps - much to my regret. I have however, been able to fulfill some of those missing years when back in 2002, I became a member of the Skyliners Alumni. Since so many of our members were actually there during the years when Sky was such a powerhouse, it has been a phenomenal 8 years as I became familiar with the unique-ness that was Sky back in the day. As a part of the vibrant and exciting family of musicians - many of who still play with us today - as we carry forward that legacy as the Skyliners Alumni Drum and Bugle Corps, and after reading the memories of Skyliner years that left an impression on so many of you, I am even more humbled to be the current director of this phenomenal organization. --Rich

Directions to Hasbrouck Heights VFW: From North: Rt 17 South to Hasbrouck Heights, go through stoplight at Franklin Ave - Henry St is next exit (Shell Station on corner), make first left off Henry St – Post is at end of street. From South: Rt 17 North to Hasbrouck Heights, Franklin Ave. Make U-turn onto Rt 17 South to next exit which is Henry St. Follow directions above. See you all there!!

There's a spot here just waiting for your return. Welcome back to the north country! --Rich

Fran - we were contemplating a special Hawaiian Shirt brigade as part of the Honor Guard