Blue Stars Earn Best World Championships Finish Since 1977, Will Return to Upper Iowa
Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps (photo provided)
Founded in 1964 and based in La Crosse, Wisconsin, the Blue Stars compete in Drum Corps International’s World Class division. The organization provides young performers with opportunities to develop musical, performance, and leadership skills while touring and competing across the country.
The corps also posted a score of 94.137 in the finals, the highest finals score in the organization’s history.
Upper Iowa announced Sept. 9 that the Blue Stars will return to its Fayette Campus under a new two-year agreement. The corps is planning its 2027 spring training residency.
The Blue Stars spent May 29 through June 28 at Upper Iowa preparing their 2026 production, “Collection ’26: THE GALLERIES,” before beginning a summer tour of performances and competitions.
During their first spring training residency at UIU, members stayed in campus housing and used the university’s athletic and rehearsal facilities. Performers came from across the United States, as well as Japan, the United Kingdom, and Germany.
Corps Director Bradley R. Harris credited the university’s facilities and support, along with Fayette residents, with helping the group prepare for its season. He said members and staff felt welcome throughout their stay and that the training experience helped establish a foundation for the corps’ success.
The month of rehearsals also gave the campus and surrounding community a close look at the preparation involved in a competitive drum and bugle corps production.
Seth Miner, UIU’s vice president of residential admissions and student life, said the performers’ work ethic and commitment made an impression on the university community. He also noted the shared focus on developing skills, building relationships and working toward a common goal.
The residency demonstrated how UIU’s housing and other facilities could support a large residential program. Miner said community members showed interest in the rehearsals and quickly welcomed the corps into campus and community life.
The new agreement will continue that relationship, giving the Blue Stars a return destination for spring training as they prepare for future seasons.
Founded in 1964 and based in La Crosse, Wisconsin, the Blue Stars compete in Drum Corps International’s World Class division. The organization provides young performers with opportunities to develop musical, performance, and leadership skills while touring and competing across the country.
