Blue Stars General Scholarship Fund
The costs associated with marching in a World Class drum & bugle corps continue to trend higher as the expenses associated with touring continue to rise. While it remains a relative bargain when compared to other elite music and sports camps and leagues, it does come with a cost to each member.
The Blue Stars Scholarship Fund is designed to make available scholarship funds for those individuals that possess the talent, desire, and commitment to be a member of the Blue Stars, but lack the financial resources to make that dream a reality.
Gary V. Tollers Scholarship Fund
Gary V. Tollers was a long time Board Member, Volunteer, and Supporter of the Blue Stars. He passed away in August 2016 in Allentown, PA while on tour with the Corps. Gary served our organization as a member of the board of directors, the head of the souvenir program, the chairperson of the River City Rhapsody shows, and so much more. Gary took on these responsibilities with gusto, performing beyond expectations.
The Blue Stars were lucky to have Gary in our orbit, but Gary did not just love the Blue Stars. He loved drum corps. He loved them all. More specifically, he loved the young men and women in the corps and the life lessons this experience offered. If you wore a uniform – any uniform – he was your fan. And if you helped in any way to make the experience possible for the members, he was your friend.
In honor of Gary's contributions to the Blue Stars and drum corps, his family has established the Gary V. Tollers scholarship fund to honor his memory.
Sky Ryders Alumni Scholarship Fund
Sadly, many of the great drum & bugle corps that have graced our activity are no longer with us. One such group is the Sky Ryders Drum & Bugle Corps. The Sky Ryders entertained and enthralled audiences across the United States with their amazingly creative shows, while staying committed to the development of young people into outstanding adults.
While the Sky Ryders Drum & Bugle Corps may no longer be with us, their alumni have kept the group’s commitment to the activity strong by funding a scholarship fund for young adults marching in the Blue Stars. Because of their generosity, the Sky Ryders take the field each summer with our corps and the members that benefit from their gifts.
John Bolstad Scholarship
John “Bing” Bolstad has generously endowed a scholarship fund that provides financial assistance to one or two Blue Stars members each season.
John joined the Blue Stars in 1968 as a cymbal player before becoming a trumpet in 1969. Since that time he has been an active supporter of the corps and one of our biggest fans.
The entire organization is grateful for John’s generosity and his commitment to helping young adults participate in the amazing experience of marching with the Blue Stars.
