Brad Furlano

Brad Furlano

Chief Executive Officer

Brad Furlano joined the Blue Stars organization as a 10-year-old in 1982, marching until aging out in 1993. Prior to becoming the organizations’ CEO in 2006, Furlano held various positions with the corps, including: visual caption head, drill designer, interim corps director, and board member. 

Furlano has a degree in Mass Communications from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, and managed communications teams at several Fortune 500 companies, including Best Buy, Ameriprise Financial, and Eddie Bauer. 

Brad lives in Onalaska, WI with his wife Niki and son Ethan. 

Brad Harris

Brad Harris

Director – Blue Stars Drum & Bugle Corps

Brad’s career with the Blue Stars began in 2011, when he served as Equipment Manager and was subsequently named 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 (Normal, IL), where he studied trombone with Dr. Stephen Parsons and wind conducting with Dr. Stephen Steele. Brad earned his Bachelor of Music degree from Luther College (Decorah, IA), where he studied trombone with Dr. Michael Smith and conducting with Dr. Daniel Baldwin.

Harris maintains an active performance schedule and is currently a member of the Cincinnati Brass Band and the Jump ‘n Jive Big Band. Additionally, he has performed in the Central Iowa Symphony, Central Iowa Wind Ensemble, the Des Moines Metro Brass Quintet, the Fifth of Brass Quintet, the Peoria Symphony Orchestra, the Illinois Symphony Orchestra, and Sinfonia da Camera in addition to many academic ensembles. In addition to drum corps touring, 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’s professional teaching experience includes serving as a band director in the Johnston Community School District in Johnston, IA from 2013 to 2020. Additionally, he has served as a clinician and adjudicator in numerous music contests and festivals in the Midwest. His additional ensemble direction 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 of the Bands at Illinois State University.

Brad is a native of Forest City, Iowa and currently resides in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Lizzie Miller

Lizzie Miller

Director – Organizational Leadership

Lizzie has been involved with the Blue Stars for over a decade, beginning her involvement with the corps as a trumpet player. Lizzie marched for four years, aging out in 2015 as drum major. Since aging out, she has been active on the administrative team, serving in various leadership capacities. 

Lizzie holds her Bachelors in Civil Engineering from University of Dayton, and Masters of Science specializing in Structural Engineering from Iowa State University. Outside of drum corps, Lizzie is a structural engineer in Cincinnati, OH.

Steve Stueck

Steve Stueck

Business Manager

Steve’s first Blue Stars experience was marching in the Oktoberfest Parade in 1977  after marching with the Royal Knights of Manitowoc WI. for three season. Steve marched three  seasons as a mellophone player in 1978, 79 aging out in 1980. In 1981 & 1982 he joined the  visual instructional staff and the administration team. 

In 1983 Steve helped launch the Blue Star Cadets as an instructional staff member and  continued to support the corps through out the 80’s as a roommate of the Corps Director Brian  Whitty. Brian finally convinced Steve to more actively work with the corps in 1997 as a bus  driver. From there it snow balled into bingo volunteer, brat stand volunteer/coordinator, home  show volunteer, board of director member & corps treasurer eventually taking on the position of  corps Business Manager. 

Steve has served as a DCI show volunteer working in various capacities since 1998. He  was named a DCI Volunteer of the year in 2010 and was inducted into the Blue Stars Hall of  Fame in 2013. Steve graduated from UW-La Crosse with a BS degree in business  administration in 1988. After taking an early pension from the city of La Crosse in 2017 after 24  years of service Steve has been a full time employee of Blue Stars Performing Arts for Youth.

Heather Tollers

Heather Tollers

Donor Relations, Events, & Merchandise Manager

Heather started volunteering with the Blue Stars in 2011 when her dad, Gary, asked if she’d like to help him with “a few projects” for the corps. Ten years later she’s still helping where there is a need - selling merchandise, driving vehicles, running shows and traveling the country. 

Heather has been going to drum corps shows since before she was born. Growing up DCI finals were part of summer vacation. This activity has always been a part of her life.

Heather holds a BFA in graphic design from Concordia University, Seward, NE. She has worked with several newspapers and owns a design company, HT Designs. Heather lives in Rochester, MN.

Jack Pantaleo

Jack Pantaleo

Media Manager

Jack is a performing arts content creator and media professional based out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 

His past work has involved brands such as: DCI, WGI, UDB, TromboneTimo, Christopher Bill, Midwest Clinic, TMEA, TBA, Fem Forte, Meet The Bus, and The Breakdown Camp, amongst others. 

Jack has been involved with The Blue Stars since 2017- spending the first three years as a performer before transitioning to a staff role in 2021.

He also attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he participated in the marching band, varsity band, concert band, and university band.

Introduced to the video industry at a very young age through his late father’s family business, Jack spent many school nights and weekends learning the fundamentals of production while also being afforded opportunities such as operating a camera for concerts and gripping on small-scale shoots. 

Jack’s primary goal during the summer and throughout the year is to create something that inspires a sense of belonging, identity, and pride for any musician, artist, or performer. 

Mike Andrews

Mike Andrews

Transportation Manager

Mike started his drum corps career as a member of the Titans Drum & Bugle Corps from Elkhorn, WI in 1965 and marched through 1968. In the fall of 1969 he moved to La Crosse WI and joined the Blue Stars as part of the battery playing snare, aging out in 1972. Mike continued on the Blue Stars staff through the beginning of the 1975 tour season serving as Equipment Manager, Driver and Resident Director.

After leaving the corps, Mike obtained his degree in Mechanical Design Technology and worked for the Trane Company in La Crosse until 1977. He then moved to Milwaukee, WI where he enrolled in the Milwaukee School of Engineering, earning his bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1979 and starting his professional career with the Kohler Company as a Construction Project Manager and has held various managerial positions. Mike spent 35 years with the Kohler Company, retiring in 2015.

Following his retirement, Mike returned to the Blue Stars as a volunteer and quickly became active in the build out of their new equipment trailer and then, as an all around volunteer and box truck driver for the 2015 summer tour. In 2016 Mike obtained his CDL-A license to provide a wider range of service to the corps and accepted the position of Transportation Manager.

As Transportation Manager, he is responsible for sourcing of drivers, ensuring DOT compliance, securing rental vehicles for the corps’ summer tour and vehicle maintenance all as continuing to tour with the corps providing driver services as needed in addition to other volunteer activities throughout the year.

Mike and his wife Maria live in Sheboygan WI where they enjoy spending time with their 4 grandchildren .

Sue Wilson

Sue Wilson

Culinary Director

Sue became involved in the Blue Stars 10 years ago when her daughter Sarah auditioned for a trumpet position. She volunteered on the Cook Truck in that summer and became Assistant Head Cook for the 2013-14 seasons. Sue became the Culinary Manager in 2015 and has spearheaded the Blue Stars food program ever since.

After staying home with her children, she transitioned into a career in food service. Sue holds her ServSafe Manager and allergen certifications.

When she is not managing the Blue Stars food program, Sue works for Panera Bread. Working on Pro Teams and helping to train drive thru associates for new café openings is one of Sue’s favorite Panera activities.

Sue earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and currently resides in St. Louis with her husband Dan. They have 2 children, Ashton (son-in-law Colton) and Sarah Wilson. 

Abby Musick

Abby Musick

Assistant Culinary Manager

Abby Musick joined the Blue Stars during their 50th Anniversary in 2014 as a rookie mellophone player, marching until her age out in 2016. She returned to the organization as an Administrative Associate in 2017 and 2018 where she assisted in a variety of jobs including managing day-to-day finances. 

In 2019, Abby joined the United States Navy as a Hospital Corpsman, but continued volunteering whenever possible at audition camps and on the road. Having recently completed her active duty tour, she is returning to us this summer as the Culinary Assistant to serve as Sue Wilson’s right-hand woman in all things cook truck. She is looking forward to being on the road full time and continuing to help serve up the “best food in DCI" for the Blue Stars' 60th Anniversary!

Kyle Winn

Kyle Winn

Tour Housing & Operations

Kyle has been with the Blue Stars since the 2016 season as the Tour Director for the Corps. Originally from Owasso, OK, Kyle received his undergraduate and MME from the University of Oklahoma where he studied instrumental conducting under Dr. William Wakefield.

Kyle is currently the Associate Director of Bands at Klein Collins High School in Houston, TX, where he directs the Symphonic Band and Tiger Marching Band. In 2014, he founded the WGI PIW group Monarch Independent where he serves as Executive Director.

Fred Feeney

Fred Feeney

Organizational Consultant

Fred has an extensive background in drum corps, color guard and marching band including being a member of the Blue Stars in the late 1970’s.  He has been a judge for over 40 years, was Chief Judge of the Color Guard Division of WGI from 1993 to 2006, was on the WGI Task Force for 13 years, and was a WGI judge starting in 1983. 

Currently he serves as an at-large member on the WGI Board of Directors and is a member of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee.  He is also Chief Judge of the GulfCoast Judges Association, an organization serving the color guard activity in 5 circuits across the Southeastern United States.  Fred has also judged for DCI, Drum Corps South and has been a judge for marching band contests in many parts of the country. 

He has served on the staff of the Blue Stars Drum & Bugle Corps since 2006 in a variety of positions including program coordinator, staff coordinator, program consultant and as a member of the design team.  He has also served as a visual designer, program coordinator and consultant to competitive marching bands in the Southeastern United States including finalists in the Mississippi marching band championships.

Professionally, in his life outside of the marching arts, he is an attorney and the managing partner of the Gulfport, Mississippi law firm of Franke & Salloum, where he is engaged in a civil litigation practice representing clients in the defense of major litigation including medical malpractice, industrial accidents, construction and coverage litigation. 

He is a member of a number of different professional organizations including the Mississippi Bar, the American Board of Trial Advocates, the Defense Research Institute, the American Inns of Court and the Fifth Circuit Bar Association.

Kyle Gillikin

Kyle Gillikin

Tour Manager

Kyle resides in Virginia Beach, VA, where he works as a Realtor. He also assists with producing, scheduling and managing the entertainment for Busch Gardens, Williamsburg.

Kyle holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Theatre from Radford University. Before Kyle was a Realtor, he spent the past 10 years as a professional Stage Manager. Working for Radford University, Roanoke Children’s Theatre, Heritage Theatre Festival, Weston Theatre Company and Busch Gardens, Williamsburg. While at Busch Gardens Kyle managed a multitude of events and shows, before moving into the Supervisor of Show Production position and overseeing all show products for the park. Kyle is excited to be joining the Blue Stars this season.  

Aaron Meyer

Aaron Meyer

Production Manager

Aaron resides in Virginia Beach, VA, where he works as a family and consumer sciences teacher at Princess Anne High School. He is also an active marching arts instructor, designer, consultant, and adjudicator across the United States.

Aaron holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Administration and Political Science from James Madison University and is finishing his Master's Degree in Integrative STEM Education from Virginia Tech. As a performer, Aaron began his drum corps career as a member of The Capital Regiment in 2009 and The Boston Crusaders in 2010. He then became a member of The Bluecoats from 2012 until his age-out in 2015.  In addition to being with the Blue Stars visual staff since 2016, Aaron also served as the interim visual caption manager for the 2019 Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps.  Aaron is beyond excited to return for his 9th year at the Blue Stars.

Mike Roberts

Mike Roberts

Assistant Tour Manager

Mike Roberts is originally from Orland Park, Illinois. In 2018, Mike graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Instrumental Music Education. While at ISU, Mike performed in the Wind Symphony, Symphony Orchestra, and was a drum major for the Big Red Marching Machine. He most recently graduated with his Master’s Degree in Music Education from the VanderCook College of Music in Chicago, Illinois.

Mike is currently a travel consultant with Guardian Travel Group. His responsibilities include building and managing trips for student groups, tour directing trips in different countries, and working with vendors to provide a successful trip for any group that wants to travel! He has traveled to Italy, Ireland, Mexico, and many states in the U.S. Before he was a travel consultant, Mike was a band director and taught in Illinois for five years. He is very grateful for his time as a music educator. 

Within the marching arts activity, Mike is a part of the marching band staff at Oswego East High School. Mike marched with the Blue Stars for their 2016 and 2017 seasons. After marching, Mike went on to become a trumpet staff member and taught from 2019-2023. He is excited for his new role within the Blue Stars organization and is thrilled to give back to something that gave so much to him! 

Cory Jones

Cory Jones

Volunteer Coordinator

Cade Samons

Cade Samons

Assistant Tour Manager

Cade Samons has been involved with the Blue Stars organization since 2018. This is his third year as a member of the admin staff. Before joining admin, Cade marched mellophone for the Blue Stars from 2018 to 2021.

Cade graduated from the University of Kentucky in 2022 with a Bachelors in Music Education. Currently, he works as the assistant director of bands for Anderson County Schools in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky directing the middle school bands, and assisting with the Anderson County High School Marching Band.

Becky Winger

Becky Winger

Senior Administrative Specialist

Becky Winger is returning to the Blue Stars for her third year on the admin team. After marching trumpet with the Blue Stars in 2018 and 2019, Becky is grateful to continue working with the fantastic Blue Stars team during the 60th anniversary!

Becky is the assistant band director at Jefferson High School in Lafayette, Indiana. At Jeff, she serves as the co-director for 3 curricular concert bands, 2 curricular jazz ensembles, an extra-curricular basketball band, the winter guard program coordinator, and the visual caption head of the Jefferson Marching Bronchos. She holds a Bachelor's in Music Education from Butler University, and is in the midst of a Master of Library and Information Science degree at Indiana University Indianapolis.

Makayla Lockhart

Makayla Lockhart

Media Team

Makayla is a North Texas based photographer and recent graduate of the University of North Texas.

This is her first year on staff with Blue Stars. Prior to this summer, she was the photographer at Crossmen. In the fall, she does media for the University of North Texas Green Brigade marching band. 

Before getting into marching arts media, Makayla played cymbals with Vigilantes Indoor Percussion from ‘20-‘22. Since then, Makayla has been teaching cymbals at high schools in the DFW area.