Yamaha today announced that the Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps have chosen to become the eighth corps in the World Class division of Drum Corps International (DCI) to adopt all-Yamaha brass and percussion instruments.

The Blue Stars mourn the passing of Dr. David Kampschroer, one of the key figures in the history of the organization. One of the founders of the corps, Dr. K. was an early drum instructor until taking the reigns as director in 1969. Little did anyone know the impact he was to have on the Blue Stars and the drum corps activity.

The parent organization of the Blue Stars Drum & Bugle Corps, Blue Star Cadets Youth Band, and Blue Stars Alumni Corps has changed its name from L.B.S. Cadets, Inc. to Blue Stars, Performing Arts for Youth, Inc.

The Blue Stars are pleased to announce that they have entered into a 3-year agreement with Vic Firth to be the sole supplier of all percussion sticks and mallets.

This past weekend, The Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps was granted Division I status by the Drum Corps International member corps. The Blue Stars will compete as a Division I corps for the first time in 23 years during the 2006 season, including regional competitions and the DCI World Championships in Madison, WI. The surroundings will be new, but it feels like home.

The Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps is pleased to announce a new agreement with Stanbury Uniforms.

“We hope this next step in the relationship between the two organizations will advance the stature, success and reputation of both,” said Blue Stars Executive Director, Greg Struve.