Mr. Downey began his drum corps experience with the Commack Chiefs Fife Drum & G Bugle Corps in 1960 playing the G bugle. He became the soprano soloist with the Smithtown Freelancers in 1966. In 1969 he became the soprano soloist with the Long Island Sunrisers. Migration to California found him playing solo soprano and instructing brass with the Santa Clara Vanguard. He moved to the Blue Devils in 1974 where he is currently the brass instructor and arranger. Wayne has also arranged for the Hawthorne Caballeros, New York Skyliners, and Rochester Crusaders of DCA. Wayne’s work with bands and musical groups in Europe and Asia has resulted in increased interest in these areas.
