From a Blue Stars press release: Bill Sucha has been named the director of the Blue Stars. Sucha brings to the Blue Stars considerable experience from his involvement in the drum corps, marching band, winter guard and winter drum line activities. Sucha is known throughout Minnesota and across the U.S. as an innovative and effective music educator. In 2001 he was the Minnesota recipient of the "50 Directors Who Make a Difference" by School Band and Orchestra magazine. In addition, Sucha received the "Good Neighbor" award from WCCO TV for his dedication to the music programs in the Mounds View, Minn., school district. Currently, Sucha is the concert and marching bands director at Irondale High School and the director of bands at Edgewood Middle School. As the Irondale Marching Band director, Sucha has consistently produced one of the most innovative, entertaining and successful marching bands in Minnesota. He is also involved with the very successful Irondale Winter Drum line and color guard programs. "What excites me the most about having Bill on board as the Blue Stars' director is that, above all else, Bill is an educator," said Blue Stars' executive director Greg Struve. "With his considerable talent and skill, Bill will be able to positively impact every aspect of the organization -- the members, the staff and the behind-the-scenes operations." Sucha will be responsible for hiring and developing the Blue Stars' staff and ensuring that the Blue Stars' members have an enjoyable, rewarding and educational experience with the corps. "I'm extremely excited to be working with the Blue Stars drum and bugle corps," said Sucha. "I've been a fan of the corps for many years and I relish the opportunity to contribute to the Blue Stars' growth and success in the upcoming years." In addition to his work in the Mounds View School District, Sucha has served on the boards of the North Star Color Guard Circuit, the Minnesota Percussion Association, Royal Guard and Minnesota Brass, Inc. Sucha is also the adjudication coordinator and trainer for the North Star Color Guard Circuit.