Brad Harris
CEO / Executive Director
Brad’s tenure with the Blue Stars started in the 2011 season, serving as Equipment Manager and he was subsequently hired as the full time Director of Operations in 2012. He has been a member of the Blue Stars administrative team ever since, holding numerous leadership roles within the organization. Brad has dedicated countless hours touring, managing corps operations, and coordinating with members, staff, and volunteers to ensure a smooth, successful, and safe drum corps experience each season.
Harris holds Master of Music degrees in Trombone Performance and Instrumental Conducting from Illinois State University. Brad earned his Bachelor of Music degree from Luther College.
Brad’s professional teaching experience includes serving as a band director in the Johnston Community School District in Johnston, Iowa from 2013 to 2020. Additionally, he has served as a clinician and adjudicator in numerous music contests and festivals in the Midwest. Additional ensemble experience includes serving as Assistant Director of the Cincinnati Brass Band, Director of the Central Illinois Youth Symphony Brass Ensemble, and as a Graduate Assistant at Illinois State University.
Harris maintains an active performance schedule and is currently principal trombone of the Cincinnati Brass Band. He has performed in the Central Iowa Symphony, Central Iowa Wind Ensemble, Des Moines Metro Brass Quintet, Fifth of Brass Quintet, Peoria Symphony Orchestra, Illinois Symphony Orchestra, and Sinfonia da Camera in addition to academic ensembles. Brad has traveled and performed internationally with concert bands in Japan, China, and Norway, and was honored to perform the Derek Bourgeois Trombone Concerto with the Illinois State University Wind Symphony during his graduate studies.
Brad was the recipient of the 2026 Dr. Bernard Baggs Leadership Award, which annually recognizes the World Class director of the year as voted on by World Class directors.
Brad is a native of Forest City, Iowa and currently resides in Cincinnati, Ohio.