bluestarsfco

I don't HATE the Cadets. I just think their shows of late have been cheesy and bando, in contrast to the early 90's shows and before which were very innovative. As of late theirs shows have followed the same formula year in and year out, and this year was no exception. I think "Up WithUpWithPeople's post hit it right on the head.

Funny how numbers will make you take notice, the corps' contras have been doing that for YEARS. At least every year I marched Thanks for the reviews you two! John Fischer Blue Stars 95-00 Yup, I was thinking the same thing :D FYI (for everyone else), normally, they hold the contras with the mouthpiece at chin level. When they troop the stands for finale, they hold them at eye level. A couple of inches makes a pretty big difference visually.

Regarding the bass tuning, I get along with the staff pretty well and the subject of tuning has some up in my conversations with the bass tech. The problem is bass 2. He'd like to tune it higher, but due to it's size (22" if I remember correctly), it's tough to get up. Regarding the timpanist. She marched soprano in '01 (soprano duet) and '02 (opening soprano soloist.) Last year just before tour started, she injured herself (she's very injury prone) and ended up playing timpani (her first time playing percussion.) This year, she's back on soprano again, where she really wants to be - on the field. I'll giver her your regards next time I see the corps. PS. We still play G bugles B)

Thanks for the positive comments! The corps is as excited about this year as the fans, and probably even moreso. This is a dream come true for those of us who marched in the Div 3 years. We would never take those experiences back, but we've always wanted to see the corps grow. That being say, I was with the corps for the first three shows. Click Here to check out some photos I took of the corps at Menomonie.

As with the 2 valve horns, a reminder that this equipment is still available for anyone looking for high-quality percussion in great condition. Just e-mail merchandise@bluestars.org

Hey all, This is just a reminder that we still have plenty of horns available! So far, everyone has been pleased with their purchase, and at least one has ordered a second horn. Let us know if you're interested!

Same here. I went to my first Blue Stars camp completely clueless about baritone (I'm traditionally a tenor/bass trombone player). By the end of the year I was fine. It's not that difficult to pick up, atlhough it's probably different going from baritone BC to baritone TC.

Ok...so how would you correct that? The corps moves...the mics don't. The sound is going to come closer and further away from the mics at all times throughout the show.

Hey all, The Blue Stars are looking to sell off our remaining 2 valve brass. A Star alumnus recently purchased one of our sopranos and suggested I post something for you guys to take a look at. I've attached an inventory of what we are selling in PDF format. Aside from some rubbed off finish around the valves, all the horns are in playable condition, and a few are still in perfect condition. Most are chrome, but there are also some silver horns available. All the horns are DEG Dynasty. If you're interested please e-mail me at merchandise@bluestars.org for pricing information and photographs. If you know of anyone else in search of 2v bugles, feel free to refer them to us as well...we'd love to get rid of this stuff! Click Here For Inventory

Blue Stars also used them in 2000...Caption Head marched BD. For me it isn't so much the act of playing a space chord...but the resolution that follows it. Goodsebumps.

I'm looking to recommend to a band director what kind of convertable tuba to purchase for his band. Right now they have ancient fiberglass sousaphones. My gut says to go w/ Kanstul based on my experience with Kanstul horns. Doe anyone have experience playing on any convertable horn from any manufacturer? What are your opinions of them as a concert horn?

Ah yes, the infamous Blue Star Drill...good times ^0^ Yeah, Long-F sucks, but is effective. I always hated Clarke Studies, even though in '01 I was the only one in the baritone line who played them correctly all the time, thus I got to witness many pushups. "Bicycle" is fun, as is "Anaheim". I'm not sure what the exercise is called: unison G for four counts, resolve to major chord for 4 counts, crescendo all eight counts all the way to RFL, continue down the valve series and back up. I also like hand signals. ^OO^

I like all of the above, but I'll also throw out another one: "Chimawalk". Blue Stars line played it in 2000 w/ the modifications, but was originally written/played by Nite Express. Fun to listen to, grooves, and is challenging to march to (at least, if you try to listen and think.)

Heck...even some recaps would be nice...DCI ARE YOU LISTENING??? Seriously...what's up?

The guard uniforms came in a few days ago. I will be taking them to the show tomarrow in Menomonie. I have not seen them yet.

Based on what I've seen so far...definately NOT a fan. There's nothing on them! The pants are too tight, and look bare without the stripe. The light green doesn't look very good, nor the half Fleur de Lie. I would rather seen the top be all the same color (dark green), with a full Fleur de Lie, the sash, and the red sparkle gauntlets. Maybe I'll like them when I see them in person for the first time in Menomonie, but I highly doubt it. It's going to take a lot of convincing for me to like this uni...

Yeps, That was me allright. ^0^ Yup, and I took that picture...too bad it turned out blurry :( A nice study in contrast, which is no more, now that Big Dog has a 5/4 Kanstul to play on :D

I spent more time in the shower cleaning my horn than my body... I was a baritone player just for the record...

I don't really see "different marching styles". It looks more like a lack of uniformity of step and toe height. In other words, the style looks the same, they just didn't execute it together.

Ah yes, "Long-F"....I am playing that this year, considering our caption head marched Phantom 91-93. Can't say it's the most enjoyable exercise to track to, but it really builds your LOUD chops! Like strength training for your lips.

I second that. His passion for music was one thing, but his passion for the members was quite another. We watched him go from a regular distant instructor, not quite sure what to think of our little div III hornline, to one who was honestly invested in our program, and part of the Blue Stars family. I'd never seen an instructor come down to the members level, yet still maintain a sense of "superiority". We all wished he could have stayed for the summer, but we understood his previous commitments to the Magic of Orlando organization. We were just happy to have him for the few camps we did. I just hope we run into him on tour a few times. He really got our brass program started on the right foot.

French Horn. Not sure if it was Bb or F.

After having gotten to know Ben Harloff at Blue Stars camps, I can tell you he marched: Phantom Regiment Cadets: 88-89 (not 100% sure on the first year) Star of Indiana: 90-93 (I think he was a mellophone all those years) Star Brass Theatre: 94-99 Blast!: 00-01 Now he's doing teaching gigs. He also tried out for the President's Own If I remember correctly. I think the haircut alone qualifies him for a position there ;) Also, just some friendly advice. Since this is your first and last year marching, you'll want to put a lot of thought into where you choose to march. Just because the staff looks good at first glance doesn't mean that a good marching experience is a foregone conclusion. You might want to look at the corps history, traditions, musical and marching style, etc. Talk to current and former members of different corps to get an idea of what things are like. Some corps are all about pure performance, and doing whatever it takes to get it out of you (aka beatings). Some are just about having fun regardless of placement. Others have a family atmosphere, and many are a mix of everything. Every corps is different, and the staff is just one part of the puzzle. It all depends on what kind of experience you want to have. Good luck wherever you end up! (:-D