It's that time again and the Blue Stars Alumni & All-Star Corps will be a featured marching unit in the Maple Leaf Parade, on September 24, 2011 in La Crosse, WI. We want YOU to be part of the fun. Last year we had almost 100 people march with the group with the majority of them being current and past Blue Stars members. Ask off from work now for Friday Sept 23 and Saturday Sept 24 so you too can be part of this fun and unique group.

Logistics for the 2011 corps are as follows:
There is an online registration page here: http://www.bluestars.org/ofest. You will get detailed information and music after you register. The music this year will be Julida Polka, Freebird and Forget You. At this time, all parts are available except for the percussion parts for Forget You. They will be provided asap. Registration this year is $25 ($15 for 2011 Blue Stars or Blue Star Cadets members). Payment can be made online when you register through PayPal or by cash or check at rehearsal registration Friday night.

With your registration you will receive a uniform shirt, hat, and Brat Stand Coupon at rehearsal registration Friday night. Friday night rehearsal will start at 6pm (registration starts at 5pm) at the Comfort Inn in Onalaska. There is also a discounted room rate when you mention you are with the Blue Stars. 608-781-7500.

The uniform is the parade shirt that will be provided, khaki shorts or slacks and tennis shoes. No jeans or anything other than khaki shorts or slacks are allowed. Gloves will be available for purchase for Brass players if needed.

For more information, visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/258239074199114/ Or email alumni@bluestars.org

Any credit card can send you a statement. This card lets you make one loud and clear!

Get in step with the new Blue Stars custom Visa cards!

Now, your everyday purchases can help us raise much needed funds that can offset the ever escalating costs of touring. The first time you use your new Blue Stars Visa card, UMB Bank will contribute $50 and they'll continue to donate a percentage of all retail transactions. All at no additional cost to you with no annual fee. You'll find it hard to choose from the 5 amazing custom designs but easy to show off your choice everywhere Visa is accepted.

Click Here to Apply Now!

Truthfully, the Blue Stars have really had an alumni and booster club for years. It has taken many forms but has not been consistently run and has not really had clear goals or roles within the organization.

Most recently, the group has had great success organizing the Oktoberfest alumni corps (2 years and counting) and reunion activies at DCI in Madison 2006. This group also produced a cookbook as a fundraiser, which is sold in our online store and by our souvenir stand at Drum Corps shows.

What are we doing right now?

• A committee is being headed up by Craig Devine, Steve Severance, and Dawn Christianson to determine short and long term goals, governance rules, and operating procedures of the club. If you are interested in participating in this committee, please email abc@bluestars.org
  
• An Alumni and Booster registration form and database has been created. We ask that everyone interested in alumni and booster activies fill out the registration form. Also, please spread the word to everyone you know would be interested.
  
• Through the years, a number of different databases, spreadsheets, and lists of alumni have been maintained by different people through the organization. The alumni and booster club will be combining and reconciling all of these names into one database that will be maintained consistently and updated frequently. This database will be a huge asset to the organization in the future and will allow all of us to keep in touch with each other.
  

What will we do in the future?

We will continue to organize the Oktoberfest alumni corps. We will continue to organize gatherings at major events such as DCI finals and regional championships. Beyond that, the sky's the limit. A lot of the future activities of the ABC have yet to be determined because we are currenly working in an organizing and brainstorming mindset.

Some ideas that have been thrown out there: updating and republishing of 'The Years' book and website, running a fundraiser (golf tourney anyone?), raising more money for member dues scholarships, maintaining a Blue Stars history website, creating a tribute website to memorialize deceased Blue Stars, and creating a Blue Stars hall of fame. Many more ideas will be generated as the organization of the alumni and booster club continues.

How can I contribute?

This club will not be successful without many proactive and dedicated leaders and volunteers. If you would like to contribute, please send an email to abc@bluestars.org.

Spread the Word! There are many former alumni and boosters that may not check this website frequently (or at all).

The Board of Directors are pleased to announce the formalization of the Blue Stars Alumni and Booster Club. The club will operate under the umbrella of L.B.S. Cadets, Inc. (parent organization of the Blue Stars and Blue Star Cadets) and will report to Executive Director Brad Furlano.

A committee is being formed to determine short and long term objectives of the alumni and booster club and to determine how the club will operate.

All past members, staff, administration, parents, volunteers, and supporters are encouraged to join the alumni and booster club.

For more details and to register, visit http://www.bluestars.org/abc

Click ad for full size view

For every car that Blue Stars Alumnus Eric Morken sells in October, $50 will be donated to the Blue Stars by The Dahl Family Charitable Foundation!

Call Eric at 608-779-2886 if you're in the market for a new or used automobile

The Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps Alumni are sponsoring the Blue Stars Oktoberfest Parade corps and they will be performing for the second straight year in the Maple Leaf Parade during the Oktoberfest festivities in La Crosse Saturday September 30th.

9/26/2006: Registration is now closed. If you have questions or to inquire about a late registration, please email alumni@bluestars.org.

The corps is a mix of people of all ages that include current members and alumni of the Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps. Joining them will be all-star performers from other area corps in Wisconsin and Minnesota. In 2005 the corps was joined by members of the Racine Kilties, Minnesota Brass, the Royalaires Alumni Corps and Santa Clara Vanguard Alumni Corps. "We had 5 members of the Kilties march with the Blue Stars Oktoberfest Parade Corps last year" said Bryan Butler, an Alumnus of the Blue Stars and a current member of the Kilties. "The parade and the association with this great Blue Stars organization were so fun that we are bringing about 20 members from the Kilties this year".

Participating in the parade for the first time in 2005, the Blue Stars Oktoberfest Parade Corps performed the Julida Polka as their parade tune. "Last year we wanted to do something light and fun, and the Julida Polka fit that perfectly" indicated Steve Severance, head of the Blue Stars Alumni Corps. "It was actually the musical piece the Blue Stars played in their first Oktoberfest Parade appearance back in 1965". This year they are taking another step back in time and will add an old favorite of the corps, El Cid/Conquest performed by the Blue Stars in 1973 and 1974. "This is a much more challenging piece for the musicians in the corps and a nice addition to the Julida Polka, which we will play again this year"

After the parade is finished the corps will move to the Southside Fest Grounds to perform their music again in a stand still concert.

About the Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps
The Blue Stars are a non-profit youth organization representing the La Crosse area since 1964. They are a founding member of DCI (Drum Corps International) and have been DCI Divisional Champions 4 times along with receiving multiple honors and awards as a superior musical group during their 42 years of existence. As a DCI Division I competitive corps, they perform around the United States each summer participating in over 40 competitions and shows. The Blue Stars will be holding Auditions for their 2007 corps (http://www.bluestars.org/membership.php) this November. Those interested in supporting the Blue Stars through their gift of time and resources may contact them at director@bluestars.org.

Perry played lead baritone for the Blue Stars in 1977 and 1978. He performed the solo in "Come in from the Rain" in 1978. He was also the 1978 Drum Corps International Individual and Ensemble Champion, scoring 99 points out of 100. Perry went on to serve the Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps as brass co-caption head in 1994 and 1995. Recently, Perry served as director of bands at Hidalgo (TX) High School.

Here is a reflection of Perry writen by alumnus Robbie Hochstetler.

Perry is characterized in that in whatever he chose to pursue, he excelled. He also was the master motivator. He had the ability to bring out the best in all whom he was associated. You didn't spend much time with him without being affected. His high school bands won state championships in Texas as well as in Colorado. He was constantly called upon for advise and clinics as well as the past few years as arranger for many bands across the south. His impact upon bands in this part of Texas cannot be measured. The Blue Stars were a large part of his success. He would always talk about the fact that roots of his teaching were founded in his experience from the corps. Literally thousands of students have been touched by being a Blue Star. Most of all he talked non-stop about this summer, in fact he was on line the night of this past years finals purchasing the tickets for Madison.

For me, he was much more my brother than my friend. In all he did he exemplified finus corpus opus.

Alumnus Susan Varner-Withrow was one of the first to contribute to the campaign, purchasing 3.5 shares. A member of the Blue Stars Flag and Rifle Lines in 1974, 1975, 1976 and 1978, Varner-Withrow is now a resident of Orchard Lake, MI. "Blue Stars was an important part of my life growing up," said Varner-Withrow, "It's wonderful to see the organization flourishing. I’m excited to be a part of that."

"Alums like Susan who take the opportunity to give back to the corps play an incredible role in our success," said Executive Director Greg Struve. "We're very fortunate to have her help in getting this campaign started."

Other contributors include Jay and Kathryn Severance with 1.5 shares, Nick Young and Brad Furlano with 4 shares each, Bruce Fausy with one share plus a brand new laptop computer, and the Russell and Vera Smith Foundation with 12 shares, among others. The total pledged as of December 1st exceeds $40,000. "We still have a long way to go," said Struve, "but this has been a great start. I hope there are other alums and supporters in the drum corps community who will come on board in the coming weeks... We're going to provide these members with the equipment they need to be successful in Division I."

Shares in the Blue Stars "Be Instrumental" Capital Fund Drive are available for $1500 each, and can be paid for immediately, or on a monthly basis over 1, 2, or 3 years. They will go to offset the costs of a new 72 instrument hornline, a new line of front ensemble equipment, a badly needed new battery, and a new equipment trailer to carry all of the equipment.

Are you read to Be Instrumental in the Success of the Blue Stars?
Right now, 100 young adults are anxiously waiting for an instrument. And for as little as $42 a month, you can give it to them. You can Be Instrumental in their success.

You'll be guiding their lives along a creative, socially fulfilling path. Many alumni will tell you their time in the Blue Stars changed their lives. They learned teamwork and dedication, poured their emotion into performance, and gained integrity and self-esteem. The experience literally transformed them into disciplined, confident, socially responsible adults. Will you help continue that legacy?

Contribute to the Blue Stars capital fund drive! Be Instrumental in our success. Click Here .

"If anyone had the opportunity to work side by side with this wonderful woman you would have seen how generous she was to our Blue Star family," said Blue Stars' Business Manager Steve Stueck. "She housed us, fed us, looked after us when feeling poorly, traveled with us down the road, found money to keep us afloat, donated dollars to outfit the food trailer, baked goodies for us & our bingo customers, worked at bingo forever, called & begged for help to make sure we could hold bingo, built many a brat, sold concessions, raised donations, worked on the board and always was looking to help in some way. She was a tireless worker who filled in wherever she could & whenever called upon. Judi might have complained about how things were going or about things not being done, but she was always there when she was asked or when she knew things were not getting done. I really personally do not miss doing bingo, but I miss the times being at bingo with her & all the other dedicated workers we had. It was the job you hated to love. You will be missed! Our thoughts & prayers go out to the Fischer family.

Visitation Information and an Obituaryfor Judi can be found on the Blue Stars Forum.

The Blue Stars Drum & Bugle Corps is pleased to announce the initiation of the Be Instrumental campaign. The organization has set a goal of raising $150,000 to cover the cost of a new brass line and other equipment needs.

"The Blue Stars have gone through tremendous growth over the last two years, culminating in our return to Division I competition in 2006, said Executive Director Greg Struve. "Unfortunately, our current brass and percussion instruments do not meet our needs in terms of quantity or quality."

"Member interest in the corps has never been greater, and our desire is to have a new horn for each of our 72 brass players, and new drums and keyboards for our 28 percussionists. We're counting on our many alumni, boosters and fans to Be Instrumental in helping the Blue Stars reach this goal and put a quality instrument into every member's hands."

If you would like to Be Instrumental to the success of the Blue Stars and its members, please visit www.bluestars.org/be_instrumental and sign up to give today.

Shouts and statements from all along the parade route were heard by the members. Shouts of congratulations for Div I status, comments such as – “they are the best marchers in the parade” and “they’re the first group with straight lines” were heard all along the 3 mile parade route.

The weather was fantastic as a crystal clear 75 degrees ushered the corps along the parade. The corps chose for its first year to play a piece that was done by the Blue Stars back in 1965 for their very first Oktoberfest parade, called Julida Polka. It was played in a very upbeat and entertaining fashion that had the crowd clapping their hands and in many cases, coming out into the streets to polka.

The contra line had a little something up their sleeve as they introduced their version of “I’m a little tea pot – short and stout”. They would break out of formation and find a group of young kids along the street and stop to play there new theme song. They seemed to really enjoy playing to the crowd and the people loved them for doing it.

Just a block from the Fest Grounds the corps spied Kristi Schultz and had the opportunity to perform a special version of Amazing Grace for her. As the corps marched by her position along the parade route, the guard halted and the horn line arched up around her and played a very moving rendition for her and her kids. As an extremely tearful group played their way through the music the people at this particular location could see and feel the love and emotion everyone poured out in the music as a special memorial to Jim Schultz.

The parade was truly an event for everyone involved. Even though for many people it was a task they were unsure they would be able to complete, after they finished the parade, there were cheers and pats on the back and a lot of shared joy among the group. This first attempt at putting together the BSA Parade Corps was truly a success and from all who shared their feelings about how it went, everyone said they would be back next year – with friends.

Thank you to all who participated in the parade. All 5 decades since the Blue Stars began in the 60’s were represented by alumni. We also had several friends of the corps who took the time to drive in from Minneapolis, Milwaukee, and Chicago to be part of this group and a we offer up a special thanks for each one of you.

We are already planning for 2006 – so mark your calendars now for the weekend of September 30th! You won’t want to miss it!

If you would like to be kept up to date on alumni activities and events, please email them at alumni@bluestars.org with your name and contact information and they will include you on their email list.

To sign up for membership information in the 2006 Blue Stars Click Here.

The Blue Stars Alumni Corps, a mix of Blue Stars Alumni and drum corps friends, will make their debut Saturday October 1st at the 2005 Oktoberfest Maple Leaf Parade. The corps is open to anyone who has been a marching member of the Blue Stars past and present. Also welcome are members of other drum and bugle corps who would like to help represent the Blue Stars Alumni Corps in their inaugural season.

The regsitration is now closed for this event but please come out to the parade and show your support!

There will be a $10 participation fee that will help defray any costs that the corps may incur relating to the Oktoberfest parade. In addition it will include a coupon that can be used at the Southside Brat stand, run by the Blue Stars, for a Brat (with or without kraut), Salad or Chips, and a soda. The $10 will be collected at the Friday night rehearsal when you receive your parade shirt.

Friday, September 30th, rehearsal will be focused on putting together the musical aspects of the unit and if the weather allows, we will take it to the street. We anticipate that the rehearsal will begin at 6pm with registration and instrument distribution. At registration we will be asking for a driver's license when you check out an instrument which will be held by the group during the time an instrument is in use. Rehearsal will start with the brass and percussion in their sectionals to learn music. The last hour will be dedicated to the ensemble. Members of the color guard will also meet during the rehearsal to learn their routine. After rehearsal we will collect the instruments - give back drivers licenses - and retire to a local establishment for beverages and fellowship. Stay tuned to the website and the forums for rehearsal and gathering locations Friday night.

The corps will be in the first section of the parade. We anticipate gathering at the north side around 8:00 am Saturday morning. We are planning on a bus that will transport people to the beginning of the parade route. Meeting location will be identified and communicated the night of the rehearsal. We will take this time between 8:00 am and prior to the start of the parade to once again rehearse the music and do some minor marching preparation for the unit. Step off for the parade will be shortly after 10:00 AM!

The instruments will be transported to the start of the parade route and once again you will be asked to provide your drivers license when checking out an instrument for the parade.

Brass players - please bring your own mouthpiece.
Percussionists - please bring sticks or mallets.

Uniform for the parade will be Kaki pants or shorts, the Blue Stars shirt (provided at rehearsal), comfortable white (or as close to white as you can get) tennis shoes.

We may have a hat to wear as well but that has not been finalized.

If you do not have a hotel room or a place to stay, we recommend you call immediately and set that up. The fest does take over the town and most hotels will be sold out.

We look forward to seeing you on the 30th, and even if you are not able to march the parade but would like to help in other ways, please email us at alumni@bluestars.org and let us know of your interest.

One final note - as mentioned earlier, the Blue Stars run the Southside brat stand during the entire week of the fest. They are always looking for help and we ask that if you can lend your time and body for a few hours during the week, please contact Nick.Young@bluestars.org if you are available to help. Also, there will be a signup sheet on the discussion forums soon to sign up for work slots.

PROSIT!

Notice: By participating in the Blue Stars Alumni Corps you represent the Blue Stars and the entire organization. We expect everyone to portray a high level of professionalism that each one of us has come to expect from a member of the Blue Stars. We are participating in the Oktoberfest parade to give back to the La Crosse community by sharing the Blue Stars organization with tens of thousands of people attending this event. The Blue Stars Alumni Corps expects each one of the marching members to present themselves as a positive model to those who view the group during rehearsals as well as performing in the parade. It may be necessary to remove someone from the parade unit due to intoxication or unruly behavior and we reserve the right to pull anyone from the group that does not represent the organization in a positive manner.

Business Manager Steve Stueck is one of many currently involved in the organization who marched with Jim in the late seventies. Stueck said, "There was no person who put more effort into what he was doing when he marched. He didn't have the most talent, but he had a work ethic that was second to none."

Alumnus Mike Piskel; "Jim was not only an icon for the Blue Stars he was an icon for all of drum corps. When I first met/joined the corps in Allentown PA on first tour in 78 I took one look at the intensity of Jim as he practiced and I knew I was in the Big Time. Jim was to the Blue Stars and Drum Corps what Mt. Everest is to Mountains, one hell of a rock."

Corps Founder David Kampschroer said, "May we all reflect on what a wonderful human being we have lost and ask for the Lord's blessings to become one-half the person Jim protrayed throughout his far too brief time on this earth!"

Visitation: Sunday, August 7, 2 to 5 pm
Schumacher-Kish
200 West Ave. So.
La Crosse, WI 54601
608-782-1252

Memorial Service: Monday, August 8, 10:30 am
St. Thomas More Catholic Church
2006 Weston St.
La Crosse, WI 54601

Jim is survived by wife Kristy and two daughters, Elizabeth and Sudha.

A section has been set aside for memories, stories and other posts regarding Jim on the Blue Stars forum.

Steve's writing for the Blue Stars' percussion section was instrumental in the corps' ascent to the top of Division II/III competition, culminating in the corps first DCI Division III World Championship in 1989. The Blue Stars also won high percussion in both 1989 and 1990 playing Steve Weekes' notes.

More important than Steve's abilities as an arranger, however, was the attitude and work ethic that Steve instilled in the percussion section, the marching members, the instructional staff and our entire organization. Steve helped us believe that the top of the mountain was within our grasp and showed us the way. He was a natural leader and a true friend. The end crowns the work, Steve...

Funeral arrangements are as follows:

Tuschen-Newcomer Funeral Home
302 Columbus Street
Sun Prairie, WI 53590-2302
Phone (608) 837-5400
Contact: Todd Newcomer
Public wake: Sunday 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm

A former Blue Stars director, Dave Kampschroer has been featured on DCI's website.

Click here to read the full article

We are pleased to announce a new feature to this website: The Photo Album. You can get to the Photo Album by clicking on the "Photo Album" menu choice on the top of every page.

You can browse the photos in the photo album in the order that they were added to the photo album database (choose the "All Years" option) or you can pick a year and look at only photos from that year.

In the near future you will be able to upload your own images to the photo album. You will also be able to add your own comments or captions to images in the album.

As this feature is brand new and has not been tested thoroughly, you may find bugs in the system. Or you may have an idea of how to make this feature better or easier to use. Please send all comments and suggestions to webmaster@bluestars.org

Margaret "Ma" Niles, a long-time volunteer with the Blue Stars, passed away on Sunday, June 29, just a few days after her 96th birthday.

Follow this link to read her obituary from the La Crosse Tribune.

Al Nichols Click for larger image

Longtime designer, instructor, mentor and friend Al Nichols passed away on Tuesday, December 17 after a long battle with AIDS. Al was responsible for creating some of the Blue Stars' most memorable shows and visual moments during the 90s. He was a great designer and instructor, but moreover he was a great friend to all who knew him.

Al's positive attitude and determination were an inspiration to everyone who had the privilege to meet him. He always knew what to say to make a tough situation more manageable, and he was readily available with an encouraging word or hug when it was needed. Nothing was impossible when you were in Al's company.

A memorial service will be held for Al in the spring in San Francisco. Plans are being made to have his name engraved in the National AIDS Memorial Grove. If you would like to share your memories of Al, please visit the Blue Stars Discussion Forum.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Al's family and friends.

Ken was a dear friend to all who knew him, and his enterprising nature is often brought up in conversations. While in the Blue Stars, Ken would operate a small convience store from his bus seat, providing members with the soda and candy they craved and pocketing a little extra spending money for himself.

Jan Trettin, Ken's longtime caregiver, would like people who knew Ken to share short stories or anecdotes about his life. Stories, comments and/or condolences can be posted in the alumni forum or e-mailed to director@bluestars.org.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Ken's family and friends.

Moe will be honored at the DCI World Championships in Madison this upcoming August along with David Gibbs, this year's other Hall of Fame inductee. The full story is available from DCI

Congratulations to Moe for receiving this honor, and many thanks from the entire Drum Corps community for your many years of dedicated service.