Sky Ryders Performing Arts Foundation

10/14/2026

Just a reminder that Steve's Hutchinson service is this Friday October 16th.

Visitation w/Family 10am-11am
Memorial Service 11am

Trinity United Methodist Church
1602 N. Main, Hutchinson.

View Steve D. Vickers's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/10/2026

Sky Ryders announce instructional leadership

10/07/2026

Sky Ryders Performing Arts Foundation (SRPAF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Craig Coldren as Corps Administrator. A Hutchinson native and Sky Ryders alumnus, Coldren has been a key part of the corps' revival since 2023. He brings a lifetime of connection to the organization and decades of professional experience to the role.

Craig became a Sky Ryders member in 1974 and marched through the 1980 season. Over those years he played nearly every instrument in the percussion section: cymbals, bass drum, marching timpani and tenors, and he finished his age-out year on the snare line. His final season also earned him an unusual distinction. An injury kept him from marching at the 1980 DCI Prelims, so Craig was put in charge of the doves released from behind the rainbow prop during the Sky Ryders "Over the Rainbow" finale. He may be the only person in DCI history to manage live animals on the competition field, which DCI later banned.

After volunteering on the corps staff, Craig moved to Austin, Texas, in 1981. He went on to a 35-year career with FedEx, retiring in 2017. Since then he has kept drumming and restores vintage marching snare drums.

"Craig has been there both then and now, and he has seen firsthand what the Sky Ryders mean to the young people who march with us today," said Dale Antoine, Sky Ryders CEO. "His dedication, his experience, and his love for this organization make him the right person to keep the corps running smoothly as we keep growing."

Craig joined the Sky Ryders revival effort in 2023. He has called watching the growth of the corps' members over the past three seasons one of the greatest pleasures of his life.

"I first watched the Sky Ryders as a ten-year-old kid, and I've never stopped caring about this corps," said Coldren. "Being part of bringing it back, and watching these young people grow, has meant more to me than I can say. Some dreams never die."

10/06/2026

Sky Ryders announce Design Team for 2027

10/05/2026

https://www.elliottmortuary.com/obituaries/steve-vickers

View Steve D. Vickers's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/05/2026

09/29/2026

Sky Ryders Name Jay Koupal Corps Director

Sky Ryders Drum & Bugle Corps is proud to announce Jay Koupal as Corps Director. An experienced music educator, marching-arts instructor, and U.S. Air Force Band veteran, Koupal will provide leadership for the corps as it continues building a collaborative, inclusive community grounded in education, performance, and the traditions of Sky Ryders.

Koupal currently serves as Assistant Director of Bands for Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 in Manhattan, Kansas. As part of a four-member teaching team, he co-teaches all facets of the district’s band program for students in grades 6 through 12. His teaching career has also included band-education positions in Ohio and Michigan.

“Jay brings a rare combination of educational leadership, marching-arts experience, and a deep commitment to young performers,” said Sky Ryders Performing Arts Foundation CEO Dale Antoine. “His background and collaborative approach make him an outstanding leader for the Sky Ryders as we build on our success as an organization that honors our history and creates meaningful opportunities for the next generation.”

Koupal holds degrees from the University of Michigan and Capital University, and has completed doctoral coursework at Kansas State University. His drum corps experience includes marching with The Bridgemen in 1985 and serving on the visual staff of Dutch Boy Drum & Bugle Corps during the 1987 season. He was also a visual staff member for the Plymouth-Canton High School Marching Band from 1986 through 1990.

A proud veteran of the United States Air Force Band program, Koupal brings both musical expertise and a service-minded perspective to his new role. He has previously supported the Sky Ryders organization as Senior Tour Manager, and his appointment as Corps Director strengthens the leadership team guiding the corps’ return to Kansas.

“I am honored and excited to serve as Corps Director for the Sky Ryders Drum & Bugle Corps,” said Koupal. “Sky Ryders has a storied tradition, and I am thrilled to work alongside our staff, members, families, alumni, and supporters to create an environment where young people can learn, grow, perform, and take pride in what we accomplish.”

As Corps Director, Koupal will help lead the corps’ operational, educational, and member-experience priorities in partnership with its administrative, creative, instructional, medical, and tour-management teams. The Sky Ryders Drum & Bugle Corps aims to cultivate excellence through education and performance while building upon the traditions and culture that have defined the organization.

09/25/2026

We have lost a great supporter of the corps. His friendship , wisdom and passion for the activity will be missed.

The Sky Ryders family is heartbroken by the passing of our friend and fellow board member, Steve Vickers.

Steve's drum corps story began in Hutchinson, performing with the Jets, as well as marching mellophone for Sky Ryders. After graduating from the University of Kansas in 1971, he went on to own and publish Drum Corps World for more than 50 years. Along the way he made sure every corps, big or small, had its story told. He was inducted into the DCI Hall of Fame and was one of the activity's great historians.

He never forgot where he started, and we were lucky to have him at our board table.

Our thoughts are with Steve's family and friends. [Memorial details to come.]

09/25/2026

The Sky Ryders family is heartbroken by the passing of our friend and fellow board member, Steve Vickers.

Steve's drum corps story began in Hutchinson, performing with the Jets, as well as marching mellophone for Sky Ryders. After graduating from the University of Kansas in 1971, he went on to own and publish Drum Corps World for more than 50 years. Along the way he made sure every corps, big or small, had its story told. He was inducted into the DCI Hall of Fame and was one of the activity's great historians.

He never forgot where he started, and we were lucky to have him at our board table.

Our thoughts are with Steve's family and friends. [Memorial details to come.]