Founding Board Members
Mr. Russ Chandler
A native of Columbia, Missouri, Russ first watched the Sky Ryders® at a competition in Illinois where his high school band director had taken a small group of students to watch corps for the first time. Russ is a drummer, so he was mesmerized by all the precision drumming and stick work. When Russ attended college he decided to audition for the Sky Ryders and was fortunate to secure a spot in the bass drum section during the 1983 season. Being a member of the corps, meeting and making lifelong friends, and learning so much about about himself are what helps drive him and the person he is today.
Being a member had a lasting impression on Russ. He continued to work with high school programs and still does today. In 2005, Russ joined the seasonal DCI Event Staff, which helps organize and execute DCI shows from coast to coast each summer. Russ also volunteers with Bands of America and WGI in the same capacity.
Russ and his wife Linda live in Columbia, Missouri, and have two daughters. Russ has worked at KraftHeinz for 24 years in various roles and is currently an Analytical Specialist.
Russ is truly honored to serve on the Board of Directors and to help bring the Sky Ryders back to the competitive arena so future youth can have the wonderful experience that he did.