The parent organization of the Blue Stars Drum & Bugle Corps, Blue Star Cadets Youth Band, and Blue Stars Alumni Corps has changed its name from L.B.S. Cadets, Inc. to Blue Stars, Performing Arts for Youth, Inc.

"This organizational name change is something we have been discussing for a few years now to better reflect the nature of our company," said Executive Director Brad Furlano. "The name L.B.S. Cadets, Inc. came about during our reorganization in the early 80s and was confusing to people as to how it relates to our organization and our current programs."

"The new name of the corporation provides a better description of who we are and what we do," said Furlano. "Additionally, the new name provides a better platform in which to expand our program offerings in the future."

Paul Gentine, a veteran of the 2008 Blue Stars' trumpet line, can say something few of his drum corps peers can match: he played in the Alamo Bowl on January 3, 2009, in San Antonio, Texas! No aerobatic catches or bone-crushing tackles for him, though; Paul was a member of the U.S. Army All-American Marching Band which performed as part of the halftime show. Highlights of his all-expense paid trip included sectionals with the U. S. Army Field Band, making new friends, sightseeing around San Antonio, and in a personal moment, the opportunity to visit the grave of his great-grandfather.

He was one of only 97 high school seniors from around the country to qualify to participate in the six minute show which featured Grand Funk Railroad’s "We're an American Band" and "America" from Leonard Bernstein's West Side Story. Practices were pretty intense by high school band standards, running five to six hours a day for the whole week prior to the show. Paul felt the members of the band were "very, very good," and they picked up the show very quickly.

Paul was first made aware of the opportunity from an article on DCI.org last March, and submitted the required video audition demonstrating his musical, marching, and communication skills. His father was able to give him a call two weeks before the end of the Blue Stars 2008 tour informing him that he was accepted. Paul was positive about the entire adventure, saying, "it was a very exciting experience on and off the field, and I'll never forget it."

The Blue Stars would like to congratulate Paul Gentine on a job well done!

Ellie Lundin stands in the wings awaiting her next stage entrance (Photo by: Melanie Weiss)

The Blue Stars were well represented on the recently completed Brass Odyssey tour of Japan. Four members of the Blue Stars' family were among the elite 47-member Brass Odyssey cast: Brass Technician Amy Frost (trumpet/piccolo trumpet), Member Ellie Lundin (trumpet), Brass Technician Melissa Primavera (bass trombone/euphonium/baritone), and Color Guard Technician Krystal "Cookie" Shepherd (visual ensemble).

Billed as "The Best of America's Dream Team," and performing as the Brass Angels, the two-hour stage show "Odyssey" featured a fast-paced mix of musical styles combined with the dynamic motion of marching and dance.

Primavera, summed up the experience by saying "It was incredible! I was thrilled by how appreciative the audiences responded to our performances." She added that it was great to have a chance to travel around Japan and take in the different sites and culture.

Frost, was recruited early in the group's formation, and felt the four Blue Stars gained valuable experience that will translate into the way they teach and perform for the corps next season. This sentiment was echoed by Lundin, a lead trumpet in the Blue Stars horn line, who thought the demands of the tour really helped her develop further as a musician.

Although the four are sad to be done with the nearly 50 show tour, they're glad to be home and excited about joining the rest of the Blue Stars in Indianapolis on January 16.

We're proud of their accomplishments and pleased that such talented individuals are a part of the Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps!