The Sound of Bugles and Drumming

Driving near the University Saturday with the car windows open, serendipity came my way again as I heard music coming from the athletic field  and I thought it must be the marching band practicing. What I discovered was even more exciting as there before reaching the field was a parking lot filled with semi 

trailers.

The sound verified the trucks's existence as the competitive Drum and Bugle Corps was practicing on the fields. The footwork was quick and furious and these kids were working hard.

They battled the ferocious gnats and muggy conditions with their summer practice. Their attire- boys shirtless and gym shorts and girls with exercise sports bras/ bathing suit tops and shorts. Nice tans indicated a lot of practicing outside.

Fortunately afterwards I posted pics on Face Book and  made a comment. A Milwaukee friend said her neighbors were there and she'd asked them about the performance but before she could write back, two local friends provided more info regarding the Corps and that evening's performance. 

As suggested I ventured onto the Corps website and will not only share what I found there about the groups mission but will also share my friends's words about this program that was celebrating its 50 year anniversary. 

"Being in the Blue Stars is about more than just competitive success. It's about working side-by-side with the best friends you've ever had to put together a show that's engaging, breathtaking, and brings audiences to their feet, night after night. It's about being a part of an organization with a proud heritage that spans nearly 50 years. It's about giving everything you have to make your summer the most amazing experience of your life - not just for you, but for your fellow Blue Stars, for those who came before you, and for those who will wear the uniform in the years to come."

Talk about legacy, read on what friend Judi said. "“All of my family was in Blue Stars and four of us in La Crescent Apple Arrows before 1964. My sister played French horn bugle, my brother a baritone, another sister was flag/rifle my brother on drums and youngest brother on drums and then assistant drum major. My mom chaperoned and was known by the whole corps as "Ma" which made us all laugh because we won't have thought of calling her that. She chaperoned for 3-4 years after all her kids at aged-out of drum corps at 21.

We used to audition to get a position, right in La Crosse. Things have really changed and, recently, there were very few members who were actually from La Crosse. 

I did look at the website and it costs $150 just to audition now at one of two sites. -either Indianapolis/Ann Arbor. Then there are summer/ winter camps. The Blue Stars is about learning how to perform. Participation instills many life skills according to their mission statement: “teamwork, dedication, a strong work ethic, setting goals, and discipline, that success can be achieved both on and off the performance field.

Friend Cari related that despite an hour weather delay ( yeah it rained AGAIN, "the first 3 corps played in the rain. All their running and jumping I thought someone would fall. Nothing. I'm in awe of all of them. There was an all age competition. Oh what fun and oh even at their age and weight they showed they still had their youth. This used to be televised on PBS. I miss it."

La Crosse Blue Stars are the ones I saw practicing. According to Cari they got 7th place with the competition lasting until 11:30. There were 15 bands from all over. Canada, Ill, South Carolina, Camden county, New Jersey, Nashville, Tenn, Boston, Dubuque,Iowa, St. Peter,Mn, Canton Ohio. Michigan, Racine,WI. Atlanta, Allentown, Pa. There was a all male corp. Fantastic, I didn't get a program. Celebrating Blue Stars 50th year, alumni came out and did a show then the horn section from the present corps came out and played with them. Over 200 strong. Wow. 

And a rainbow came out as a corps announced their piece was named "The Dark Side of the Rainbow. And then the full (supermoon) came out directly in front of us. The audience was facing the bluffs. So glad the weather had a change. We had no lightning and thunder show. Otherwise we wouldn't have see this super talent. They have another performance today in Iowa. They travel every day all over the States. Sleeping 
on gymasium floors..." Ah, hence that 'mess' trailer.

I am sorry I let the weather dissuade me from returning for the final performance. Judi and family were there in honor of their Mom who recently passed and whose involvement touched so many lives including their own. I can't help but think the rainbow and supermoon were just for her.

And that all this happened here right outside of End of the Rainbow Valley...