From a Blue Stars press release: Brandon Estes will be the Blue Stars' percussion caption head for the 2005 season.    Estes is currently a first year graduate assistant at Northern Illinois University, where he serves under Prof. Robert Chappell and is working towards his masters of music performance degree. A native of Houston, and a former percussion section leader with the Pioneer, Estes aged out as a snare player with the Madison Scouts. He also has experience as a marching percussion adjudicator in Illinois, a clinician in Texas, a performer with the Austin Symphony Orchestra, and has instructed, written, and arranged for the acclaimed Connally High School indoor and outdoor marching percussion ensembles. His ensembles have won multiple state championship titles in Texas. Blue Stars' director Bill Sucha said, "Besides being a top-notch instructor with experience at all levels of the activity, Brandon is an individual of great integrity with a passion for teaching." Sucha continued, "I'm excited to see him take a leadership role here, and I've no doubt that he'll be a great contributor." This year, the Blue Stars' former percussion caption head Ben Chamberlain will take the role of percussion arranger and consultant. A Blue Stars' alum, he is widely considered to be one of the top percussion arrangers and instructors in the Midwest.

"I'm excited about the opportunity to work with the corps again," said Chamberlain. "Brandon has a great reputation in the Midwest -- it will be fun to see him build on the Blue Stars' great percussion tradition." For audition materials and information about the Blue Stars' percussion line, check out the bluestars.org.