2009 Star United Award Winners Announced

Seven members of Star United were recognized for their contributions to the 2009 season at a season-ending banquet held at Mudsock’s Grill in Noblesville, Indiana, on Friday, November 13, 2009.

Rookie of the Year honors were awarded to Ron Dawson, percussionist. Ron fulfilled a strategic vacancy within the section during the winter camps. His commitment and enthusiasm was critical in the success of the section and the corps.

The three members of the Star United Percussion section (Ron Dawson, Mark Schliehs, and Penny Wyatt) received Member of the Year honors for their dedication to the organization. The section was given the challenging of learning and performing parts created for no less than six percussionists. The section worked mostly without outside instruction through the off season and rarely performed on the same equipment more than once throughout the season and brief preview tour in Illinois and Wisconsin.

Two memorial awards celebrating the contributions of influential Star of Indiana performers were also presented at the event.

Ed Cooning IV (trumpet) received the 2009 Jonathan Miller Award for Distinguished Service for his dedication to the organization. Ed had the most demanding role within the brass line with difficult choreography and percussion requirements (in addition to a demanding brass score). He was able to contribute at each of the corps’ rehearsals while undertaking the goal of participating in 13 mini marathons in 13 months to support Jonnie’s Good Guys, an organization created in Miller’s name to fund raise and spread the word about Marfan’s Syndrome.

Two Star United players were awarded the Brad Stansberry Award for Distinguished Service for 2009. Alan Ausbrooks (baritone) was bestowed the honor along with Dan Hubbard (trumpet).

Alan Ausbrooks helped to rally the corps and the low brass section throughout winter camps with his enthusiasm and joy associated with participating in the group. He was an important and positive force in the corps who greatly contributed to the organization’s successes during the season.

Dan Hubbard is an original member of Star United and has participated in all four seasons. His quiet and reliable presence at each corps event and rehearsal has provided strength and continuity to the trumpet section throughout Star United’s existence. Dan fulfilled a soloists position within the corps until Rachel Rodriguez could attend rehearsals, unselfishly relinquishing the role upon her arrival.

Congratulations to all Star United members for their contributions to the 2009 season.

More information about Star United can be found at http://www.starunited.org/.