Talbott, Sullivan Named BStar Brass Czars

Lacrosse, Wisconsin, September 1, 2009 -- The Blue Stars Drum & Bugle Corps is pleased to announce Frank Sullivan as Brass Arranger and Brass Caption Head and Josh Talbott as Assistant Brass Caption Head for the 2010 season.

Sullivan has been the heart and soul of the Blue Stars' brass program since the corps' return to World Class competition in 2006. Talbott has been with the Blue Stars since the 2008 season as an ensemble consultant and mellophone technician. Together, along with the returning technical staff, they will continue the development and refinement of the Blue Stars' signature brass sound.

"Drum corps fans are familiar with Frank Sullivan's fantastic musical arrangements for the Blue Stars over the past four years," said Executive Director Brad Furlano. "What they may not know is his impact on developing the technique and sound of the individual brass players and the entire brass ensemble over that time. Frank's fingerprints are all over the brass program, and I couldn't be more thrilled to have him officially take over the brass caption. Add to that the expanded role of Josh Talbott in the brass program. and I have great optimism for the continued growth of the brass line and the corps."

Frank Sullivan

Frank Sullivan has been the brass arranger and brass caption advisor for the Blue Stars since the 2006 season. During that time, the Blue Stars brass ensemble has established itself as one of the top programs in the country. Frank was named Blue Star of the Year in 2009 for his dedication and commitment to the success of the Blue Stars organization.

Sullivan was a member of the Star of Indiana organization from 1991 to 1993 and both a member and instructor with Star of Indiana's Brass Theater from 1994 to 1997. In 1998 he joined The Cadets' brass staff, eventually assuming the brass caption head role there in 1999.

Away from the drum corps activity, Frank graduated from Indiana State University in 1996 with a degree in Music Education and was a band director in Indiana from 1997 to 2001. From 2001 to 2004 Sullivan toured with BLAST!, serving as a performing soloist, the music manager, and the artistic supervisor. Frank Sullivan is a much sought after composer and arranger in drum corps, marching band, winter guard and winter percussion. He is the founder with Kevin Ford of Inspire Music and Entertainment Productions, an arranging company based in Tampa Bay, Florida.

"It is a very exciting time to be with the Blue Stars, and I am just thankful and fortunate to be a small part of such a great team'" said Frank Sullivan. "The talent and commitment that exists among the members, administration, staff, and design team continues to demonstrate how much passion we have for the Blue Stars, and for the activity itself."

“I have been working on projects with Frank Sullivan for the past nine years," said Corps Director Howard Weinstein. "He is the epitome of a professional as a music educator, brass specialist and designer and is largely responsible for the positive chemistry in both our membership and faculty at the Blue Stars. To have our brass arranger and brass caption supervisor be one in the same will be a great advantage for our brass line. The 2010 season promises to be another year of growth and excellence for the Blue Stars, and with Frank’s talents at the helm of our brass program I expect nothing but the very best.”

Josh Talbott

Joshua Talbott is a Project Engineer at Raytheon Technical Services Company in Indianapolis, Indiana. In addition to being a skilled engineer, Josh is also an educator, performer, composer and arranger.

Josh performed in the Star of Indiana Drum and Bugle Corps from 1987 to 1993 as a mellophone player, soloist and horn sergeant. Talbott composed the piece Split Complimentaries in 1993 for the DCI Individual and Ensemble competition. Star's performance of the piece received a perfect score of 100. Today "Split," as it is better known, has been performed thousands of times by the touring show BLAST!. After Star of Indiana, Josh was a featured performer, writer, teacher and conductor for Brass Theater and a musical consultant and writer for BLAST!. During Brass Theater, Josh had the opportunity to learn and work in tandem with the Canadian Brass as a teacher/performer, and with Ray Cramer as a conductor and educator.

Josh did his undergraduate studies at Northern Kentucky University and Masters studies at Indiana University in Horn. Josh's current musical projects include writing for marching bands, drum corps and winter guards across the U.S. The bands for which he has written and/or taught have won both state and Bands of America titles. Josh was the chief organizer of the 2004 Star of Indiana Reunion Corps and served as president of the Star Alumni Association from 2004-2006. He now serves as musical director for Star United based in Indianapolis, Indiana. The mini corps won the 2006, 2007, and 2008 DCA Mini Corps National Championships in Rochester, NY.

"The Blue Stars' hornline has established itself as one of the top brass ensembles in DCI," said Josh Talbott. "I look forward to joining forces with a talented staff in our continued mission to build a premier brass program."

"I am extremely pleased to have Josh Talbott expand his role in our brass program," said Corps Director Howard Weinstein. "Josh’s attention to detail and knowledge of brass pedagogy has been a integral part of our brassline’s success, and having him more actively involved in the program will produce tremendous results on the field in 2010."