As quartermaster, head cook and head of truck rescue and repair for New York Skyliners, Ray Peters repaired or rebuilt virtually the entire corps truck over the years, with the assistance of other corps members. He also assists with the transportation and set up of the corps souvenir sales table. His normal routine on contest days covered a number of tasks: setting up the souvenir table at the stadium, setting up the lunch table on the practice field, stepping into line during practice then competing in the evening. In the winter/spring seasons, he worked with the Skyliners chorus, securing a rehearsal location and preparing refreshments. He also prepared refreshments and lunch for the Skyliner alumni drum corps. He has been a Skyliner since 1983, earning a diamond award for 10 years of consecutive service and lifetime membership status. During those years, he has played contra bass and marched in the honor guard. He has been captain of the section several times, including the 2000 season when the guard was undefeated on the contest field. His drum and bugle corps career began in 1954, with Barringer Walker in Lyndhurst, NJ. He was also associated with Doremus, of Hackensack; Chessmen of Newburgh, NJ; Rough Riders; and Dumont Police Cadets. In the 1970s, he played soprano horn with the Sunrisers, and contra bass with Bushwackers, of Harrison, NJ. He also marched with Connecticut Hurricanes. He served as director of Sundowners.
