“Vidi Ignem” – Something powerful is rolling in. Keep an eye for Winter Sky 2026.

5/7/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

It has been brought to my attention that there are some bad faith actors in the performing arts community that feel it is necessary to cause problems for reasons that I cannot comprehend.  There have been accusations made that my organization is benefiting from the use of a name that was once associated more directly with the New York Skyliners. My organization has never made any false claims that we are a direct part of this or any other drum and bugle corps. Our entire history as I have researched it through direct communications with past members, and through my own experiences, is on our public website and contains no false statements.

Just as the guard was originally brought together, members, staff, and alumni of various organizations, many of them Skyliners, made the independent decision to form a winter guard program. Because the situation was so similar to what it was in the early 1990’s I personally had conversations with many of the fine men and women that built Winter Sky in the past, and as a collective, we had their blessing to name the project and continue a great legacy that they built. The difference now is that we live in a more corporate world where handshake deals and good faith verbal agreements no longer exist. It was absolutely necessary to incorporate and create a proper non-profit corporation that can function independently in today’s society.

So, I am again reiterating, as I have before, and as is public knowledge through our website and social media, the Winter Sky Independent Colorguard is in no way, or will ever be, an arm of the New York Skyliners Drum & Bugle Corps. We function independently as a corporation and our decisions are completely separate of any other organization. I will not apologize for mentioning a history that I personally am proud of as a 30+ year alumni of the Skyliners. I will not refuse to acknowledge that many of the people back then and currently are alumni of the Skyliners. I will certainly not stand by while a handful of egotistical narcissists do whatever they can to drag ours or the Skyliners’ name through the mud.

I pride myself in operating a safe, comforting environment for my membership where they do not have to be afraid of bullying and harassment or be subject to retaliation for being open with their needs. Something many of them have had taken away from them by other programs they have marched with. I have had several talks with Skyliner administration and have said repeatedly that I will do my best to persuade our members to try out drum corps with Sky if they can assure me that they will provide the SAME PROTECTIONS that we do.

I remain open and committed to growing positivity in this activity and that is my main goal as an administrator. I am happy to continue working with and supporting the Skyliner family of organizations to the extent that our goals and beliefs align. I am truly sorry that I had to release this statement publicly but it is far easier to prevent a fire of lies than to try and put it out.

I want to thank each and every one of you reading this for your continued support of our kids as they live their dreams of performance in the arts.

Respectfully,

Harry Eldridge, Jr.

PRESIDENT of the BOARD of DIRECTORS

Winter Sky Independent, Inc.

Lex’s past marching experience includes the Trumansburg Winterguard (Trumansburg, NY), Patriots Winterguard (Rochester, NY), Brigadiers Winterguard (Syracuse, NY) and the White Sabers Drum and Bugle Corps (Dansville, NY).

Teaching experience includes being the equipment and dance tech for the Horseheads Marching Band (Horseheads, NY) and rifle instructor for Corning-Painted Post (Corning, NY).

When not teaching and performing, Lex is the assistant manager of MIX Kitchen and Bar in Ithaca, NY.

The biggest expense for independent groups is getting from location to location. We’ve been working hard doing research on the best ways to travel and having our very own trailer is definitely the way to go!
We’re asking for your help to get us on the road before winter rehearsals begin. A little bit goes a long way and your support matters! We’re offering some goodies as a thank you. All individual donors will be listed on our webpage as 2026 supporters and any individual donation over $150 will get you some exclusive swag and a certificate of appreciation.
Companies that donate $500 or more will get their logo on the trailer and a spot on our website as a sponsor for 2026.

Brittany’s performing career includes the Vestal Marching Band and Winterguard (Vestal, NY), Reflections Winterguard (Binghamton, NY), Spectrum Winterguard (Corning, NY) the Owego-Apalachin Colorguard (Owego, NY) and the New York Skyliners (New York, NY).

Teaching experience includes the Owego-Apalachin Colorguard from 2007 to 2015, Vestal Marching Band as guard caption head in 2012, the Conquistadors Winterguard as director from 2009 to the present, Introspection Winterguard (Endicott, NY) in 2023/2024, and the New York Skyliners as guard caption head in 2023 and 2024.

For administration work, Brittany is on the board of directors for three non-profits including Winter Sky and the Conquistadors Performing Arts Association. She holds a degree in business from Herkimer College and loves to focus on marketing and graphics. Her talents have been utilized by the Conquistadors, New York Skyliners, and Winter Sky.

Outside of the performing arts, Brittany is an outdoor enthusiast, spending time hiking in the woods and enjoying bonfires. She also has a flair for cooking, enjoying cuisinal creations from around the world.

Harry’s marching experience includes the New York Skyliners (New York, NY) in 1994, 1995, 2001-2008, 2016, 2017, and 2022-2024, and Spectrum (Corning, NY) in 2001. Throughout that time, he has been a soprano (trumpet) soloist, assistant drum major, and captain of the honor guard.

Teaching and design experience includes the Owego Riverhawks (formerly the Indians) colorguard and parade band (Owego, NY) as drill writer, music arranger, and visual caption head from 2005 to 2015, visual caption head for the Vestal Marching Band (Vestal, NY) in 2011 and 2012, brass arranger for the New York Skyliners in 2007 and visual tech in 2023 and 2024. Harry has also consulted for various bands in NY and PA.

Staff and administration experience includes the New York Skyliners in various roles including quartermaster, equipment manager, webmaster, and assistant corps director. Harry was also the assistant guard director for the Owego-Apalachin Colorguard from 2005 to 2015 and the assistant marching band director for the Vestal Marching Band in 2011 and 2012. In 2009, Harry led a group of dedicated volunteers to form the Conquistadors Performing Arts Association (Owego, NY) as a parent organization to a new drum and bugle corps and winterguard project. Today the organization serves as a resource center for performers and staff.

2025 will mark Harry’s 31^st year in the performing arts.

Winter Sky Independent Colorguard is excited to announce an interest meeting for prospective members and supporters ahead of its 2025 summer spin series and the 2026 winter competition season. The meeting will be held on Saturday, May 3rd, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Broome County Public Library in Binghamton, NY.

This informational meeting will provide potential members with the opportunity to learn more about the Winter Sky Independent Colorguard’s upcoming summer training program, a series of events open to everyone regardless of age, and the thrilling 2026 winter competition season. Attendees will hear from directors and staff, who will outline audition processes, training schedules, and expectations for new members.

Details of the Interest Meeting:

Date: Saturday, May 3rd, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Broome County Public Library
185 Court Street, Binghamton, NY 13901

Whether you’re an experienced performer or looking to join for the first time, this meeting is a great chance to connect with the Winter Sky staff. The organization offers a welcoming environment for all skill levels, and its members benefit from a high-quality program that promotes artistic expression, physical discipline, and teamwork.

The meeting will conclude with a Q&A session to address any questions about auditions, rehearsals, and the upcoming season.

About Winter Sky Independent Colorguard
Winter Sky Independent Colorguard is a premier performing arts organization based in the Southern Tier of New York, offering competitive colorguard training for youth and young adults.  Winter Sky strives to elevate performers to new levels of achievement and artistry.

For more information or to RSVP, please visit our website at www.winterskycg.org or contact us at info@winterskycg.org.

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