FINIS CORONAT OPUS
What a ride it has been! Throughout the challenges and triumphs of our history, the Blue Stars have continued to thrive and prevail. And now we are excited and proud to march into the 2024 season celebrating our 60th anniversary. Among the highlights of our unique history we will celebrate:
Our humble beginnings in 1964 as a color guard
Our rise to national prominence in the 70s
Our rebirth as a championship-winning small corps in the 80s and 90s
Our successful return to DCI’s World Class finalist ranks in the 2000s.
Throughout it all, we’ve forged ahead, resolute in our purpose and dedicated to our mission: providing young adults with an amazing experience while developing life-long skills that contribute to success now and in the future. Finis Coronat Opus has guided the way forward, laying the foundation for the next 60 years of the Blue Stars.
It’s time to come together and celebrate. Join us for the memories, camaraderie, and music that we all know and love. Be a part of celebrating this amazing milestone and join us in La Crosse next summer for three days of events and activities.
event sponsors
Gold Level Sponsors:
Bronze Level Sponsors:
60TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION WEEKEND
Save the dates to join us in La Crosse, WI on July 5, 6, and 7 for a weekend of Blue Stars 60th Anniversary Celebration events and activities, including:
HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS
We have taken the liberty of reserving hotel blocks for the 60th Anniversary Celebration weekend. If interested, we encourage you to make your reservation early to avoid conflict with Riverfest
Comfort Inn Onalaska
1223 Crossing Meadows Dr, Onalaska, WI 54650$119/night for single+double
Fairfield Inn & Suites La Crosse Downtown
434 3rd St S, La Crosse, WI 54601$159 for single, $169 for double
Hampton Inn by Hilton La Crosse/Onalaska
308 Hampton Ct, Onalaska, WI 54650$129 for double
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Onalaska-La Crosse
2614 Midwest Dr, Onalaska, WI 54650$145-$155 for single/double
All block rooms are reserved under “Blue Stars 60th Anniversary”
REHEARSAL INFORMATION
SPRING REHEARSAL
LOCATION
Valley View Middle School
8900 Portland Avenue S
Bloomington, MN 55420
SCHEDULE
Saturday, April 6 - 9AM to 12PM, 1:30PM - 6PM
Sunday, April 7 - 9AM to 11:30AM, 12PM - 2PM
** Lunch will be provided on Saturday, light lunch provided on Sunday
SUMMER REHEARSAL
LOCATION
La Crosse, WI, exact location TBA at a later date
SCHEDULE (all times listed approximate):
Friday, July 5 - evening rehearsal, registration time TBD
Saturday, July 6 - morning + afternoon rehearsal, evening banquet
Sunday, July 7 - morning + afternoon rehearsal, PM performance @ River City Rhapsody
REGISTERED PARTICIPANTS
We want participants from every season to proudly represent the storied history of our 60 year legacy! Add your name to the roster of registered 60th Anniversary Corps participants! So far, the following alumni have joined the ranks of the 60th Anniversary Corps:
ALUMNI CELEBRATION FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Alumni Corps Questions
How intense will the alumni corps be?
The Blue Stars Alumni Corps will be of low to moderate intensity. Plan on standing for extended periods of time during rehearsals with a performance time of approximately 20 minutes. The performance will primarily be a standstill with minimal drill. There will be approximately 15 hours of rehearsal time the weekend of the performance at River City Rhapsody. Music is intended to be an appropriate skill level that all can learn and play.
Do I need to audition to be in the corps?
No, you do not need to audition to be part of the Alumni Corps. However, all performers will be expected to arrive with the ability to perform their assigned parts from memory before arriving in La Crosse (musicians).
Do I need to actually be an alumnus of the Blue Stars to be in the corps?
No, we welcome all former Blue Stars/Blue Star Cadets members, staff members, parents, volunteers, and fans to participate and join us in the celebration.
Am I still allowed to be in the alumni corps if I am unable to make it to rehearsals?
The rehearsal time planned to put together the performance is minimal, and every member is expected to make an attempt to attend as many rehearsals as possible. While we understand that conflicts can and do arise, our expectation is that members of the Alumni Corps will make their best efforts to attend the scheduled rehearsals.
Do I need to own an instrument?
The Blue Stars are providing brand new Yamaha brass instruments to the alumni corps to use for this project. You are welcome to use your own bell-front, Bb brass instrument if you are more comfortable with your horn (we will not be using G bugles for this project). The corps is also arranging for battery, front ensemble, and other equipment that may be needed.
What will the instrumentation be? What sections will there be?
The hornline will consist of trumpets (the new and improved soprano), mellophones, baritones, and tubas. Percussion will consist of snare, tenors, bass drums / etc., with a pit dependent on member interest. The color guard will consist of rifles, sabres, and flags.
Who will be writing the show?
There will be multiple contributors for the show. At this point, it appears this will be an all Alumni contribution.
What is the total cost of the alumni corps?
$250 to cover music licensing, some arranging, rehearsal facilities, some specific equipment needs, uniform top, entrance for 1 person to the 60th Anniversary Celebration Banquet, and other miscellaneous items. Not covered are travel, housing, uniform pants/shoes (likely an inexpensive option you can purchase at Target/Walmart), gloves (brass and guard if necessary), hair needs and make-up, etc…
Will I get to perform with 2024 Blue Stars members?
Yes, all Blue Stars past and present will come together during rehearsal and the performance to form a large corps.
BANQUET QUESTIONS
Am I allowed to go to the 60th Anniversary Celebration Banquet if I do not participate in the alumni corps?
Yes! The more the merrier. Tickets for the 60th Anniversary Celebration Banquet can be purchased here:
How much does a ticket to the banquet cost?
To be announced soon once location and time are ready to be announced. Thanks for your patience!
Will the 60th Anniversary Celebration Banquet be able to accommodate special dietary restrictions and/or needs?
Yes, we help cater to all dietary needs and restrictions.
General Questions
Will I be able to meet any current members of the Blue Stars?
Yes! There will be several opportunities to meet the current outstanding performers of the Blue Stars. Throughout the celebration weekend there will be joint rehearsals. The Blue Stars members will also be in attendance at the 60th Anniversary Celebration Banquet on Saturday evening.
How can I help out?
Help us get the word out - make sure that all of your Blue Stars’ friends are making plans to attend the Celebration weekend as a member of the Alumni Corps or simply to catch up and socialize at the 60th Anniversary Celebration Banquet and River City Rhapsody show! We are also looking for donations for the silent auction to be held at the 60th Anniversary Celebration Banquet. Let us know if you have something of value to help raise funds for the organization.
