BradF

It goes against my better judgement to comment on this, but here goes..... In the fall of 2010 the Blue Stars were invited by DCI Executive Director Dan Acheson to participate in the ToC in the summer of 2011. We accepted his invitation and it was an awesome experience for our members and our organization. In the fall of 2011 the Boston Crusaders were invited to be part of the 2012 ToC. In talking to Tom, I believe they had an equally good experience. The Blue Stars are supporters of all drum corps and wish nothing but long lasting success and prosperity to every organization. . Sincerely, Brad Furlano Executive Director Blue Stars Drum & Bugle Corps

Normy, I'm really not sure what you're trying to say in your first sentence. The sketches were from 2006 and have nothing to do with the new uniform we'll unveil this summer. As to your "well placed source," saying I "dissed the traditional Blue Stars pith helmet...," I have this to say: I'm on the record in multiple places as stating we went away from the helmet in 2008 because it didn't work for us from a visual standpoint. I have said it many times in print, via podcasts, and in meetings with alumni, supporters, etc... There is no secret or scandal there. Those that disagree with me have told me so and we've all moved on to more important issues. I can tell you the new uniform will have a shako, not a helmet. Thanks for your support. Brad Furlano Executive Director Blue Stars Drum & Bugle Corps

We're down to the last two days for the Legends Showdown. Blue Stars hold the lead over the Troopers. Today, Blue Stars alum Charlie Cullen has issued a no-limit matching challenge: He will match every dollar donated to the Blue Stars until the end of the contest. Give today and make your donation count double! Thanks, Brad The Legends Showdown began Wednesday, July 18 and runs through midnight central Saturday, July 28. Donate to the Troopers Donate to the Blue Stars

The Blue Stars hold the lead at the halfway point of the challenge, but the Troopers are quickly gaining ground this morning. Blue Stars have a challenge match going for today. An anonymous donor has agreed to match donations up to a $500 total. Make your gift count double by donating right now! Donate to Blue Stars Donate to The Troopers Thank you to everyone who has made a contribution to both of these great organizations. All of it helps: $5, $50, $500. Thanks, Brad Furlano

The Blue Stars and Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps are pleased to announce the "Legends Showdown" a 10-day fundraising event between two of the drum corps activity's most respected and storied franchises. Starting today and running through July 28, the two organizations will compete against each other in raising funds for their respective annual campaigns. The group that raises the most money during that time period is the Legends Showdown Champion, and will reign supreme for the next 12 months. The Executive Director of the losing group will wear a hat and shirt from the winning corps during the DCI Prelims competition on Thursday, August 9 in Indianapolis, IN. "The Blue Stars and Troopers have a similar history of success and challenges over the last 50 years, and we feel a kinship of culture and common goals with their organization," said Blue Stars Executive Director Brad Furlano. "We have seen other organizations compete in similar challenges, and the Troopers were the first corps to come to mind when we discussed potential partners for this endeavor. I'm sure the Blue Stars' Alumni and supporters will be eager to compete with the Troopers in this showdown and we will prevail victorious in the end." "We're excited to go head-to-head with the Blue Stars, one of our fellow DCI founding member corps," said Troopers Executive Director Fred Morris. "The Troopers and Blue Stars come from two of the smallest markets in the activity, but have managed to survive and persevere though the efforts of our dedicated alumni and supporters. I know everyone involved with the Troopers will come through and make sure I'm proudly wearing my trademark cowboy hat during prelims." "Both groups will benefit from this friendly rivalry and we look forward to continuing the bond of friendship and respect between our organizations," said Furlano. The Legends Showdown begins Wednesday, July 18 and runs through Saturday, July 28. Donate to the Troopers Donate to the Blue Stars

http://rivercityrhapsody.com/lacrosse.php 7:15 PM Legends 7:32 PM The Academy 7:49 PM Troopers 8:06 PM Glassmen 8:23 PM Intermission 8:43 PM Bluecoats 9:00 PM Boston Crusaders 9:17 PM Carolina Crown 9:34 PM Blue Stars 

A vote for DCI is a vote for all drum corps. Thanks, Brad Executive Director Blue Stars Drum & Bugle Corps

The Blue Stars have Adams vibes (3 octave) and marimbas (4.6 octave) for sale. Details can be found here: http://www.bluestars.org/story.php?story_id=609

Sponsorships of members are not tax deductible right now. A sponsorship of a specific member is a gift to the member, not the organization.

We applied for, and received, copyright permission from the Orff Family to perform Carmina Burana in 1989 and 2000. Although I wasn't personally involved with that aspect of the corps during the 2000 season, I've been told that the corps' 1989 arrangements and performance helped in securing the necessary permission in 2000. Brad Furlano Executive Director Blue Stars

Looks like some of those links are incorrect: SCV http://bit.ly/eTmGYg Blue Devils http://bit.ly/e12T8e Glassmen http://bit.ly/fxneV2

Excellent! Remember, this is not an either/or situation. They can all win! Let's get them all into the top 100. Brad

All of these groups have my vote! Chase tweaks the eligibility requirements each time they run the campaign. This round, past winners are ineligible, and charities must have expenses between $1 and $10 million. There will be very few drum corps in the running this time because of those requirements. Let's get both of these groups to the top during this cycle. The money Chase generously donates is real and needed. Links are in the first post! Thanks, Brad Furlano Executive Director Blue Stars Drum & Bugle Corps

We're down to 9 trumpets and 8 tubas. Timpani still available.

The Blue Stars have a large selection of performance equipment for sale, including the current King Ultimate Marching Brass hornline, Adams timpani, show flags, and other miscellaneous items. This equipment is priced to move so act quickly. Quantities of some brass instruments are fairly low already. Blue Stars Equipment for Sale: http://www.bluestars.org/equip/index.php Equipment for Sale Flyer: http://www.bluestars.org/equip/EquipmentForSale_726.pdf Additionally, the crates used in the Houdini show are available for free with the caveat that they must be picked up in the Lucas Oil parking lot after finals on Saturday, August 14. Let me know if you want them. There are 20 crates that nest into groups of 4 (five sets of four).

Just a few days left in the Chase Giving campaign. Please take a moment to vote for the Blue Stars and the other corps. It takes just a minute, and your support is crucial to getting the Blue Stars and all corps into the top 200. http://apps.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiv...-lbs-cadets-inc Thanks, Brad

Peoria Journal Star article on the upcoming Metamora show. Looking forward to getting the inaugural show off the ground. http://www.pjstar.com/entertainment/x20719...d-and-precision

Hi all, I'll add the Blue Stars (LBS Cadets, Inc) to the list of drum corps asking for your vote in the Chase Community Giving Campaign. There are less than 10 days left, and we could use your support to maintain our position in the top 200. I know these messages can be overwhelming at times, but your votes do make a difference. In these difficult economic times, this program is a relatively painless way for you to support the Blue Stars and the other drum corps. Here's the link to the Blue Stars' page: http://apps.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiv...-lbs-cadets-inc Please take a moment to vote, and I thank you for your support. Thanks, Brad

To my count, we have worn the full uniform in public 5 times. We have never asked the people watching us perform to not take photos or post them online. In fact, I know of at least three photos out there right now.

Grand Premier is now inside 4-H Exhibit Hall. Social and silent auction at 6, performance at 7.

Raining now, but we're hopeful for show time. We do have an inside option.

I don't know how we'll do this year, but we will definitely be fielding a corps. Brad Furlano Executive Director (tip o' the hat to Chris Komnick)

Ask and you shall receive: http://www.facebook.com/bluestars Click the fan button while you're there.

Ah. Don't know anything about that.