Chuting Stars

The Chuting Stars drum and bugle corps was formed on October 16^th, 1962, initially as a feeder corps to the Blue Angels and was sponsored by the American Veterans Post 130, the VFW Post 2359 and the American Legion Post 180. They were under the leadership of William Neary and Joseph Silva.

The corps colors were blue and gold and their logo was a parachuting star for which the U.S. Navy Chuting Stars freefall parachute team once awarded them a plaque. After their first year of activity, the corps entered the field of competition in 1964 as members of the Eastern MA (E Mass) circuit “Class C” division, contending in that class during its entire competitive time. In 1965, they won their very first competition before qualifying for the 1966 E Mass finals, placing 5^th and added a 3^rd finish at the Mayflower circuit championships.

The following season saw the Chuting Stars qualify once again in the 1967 E Mass finals with a 5^th place finish, remaining competitive within the circuit the next year. From 1969 to 1971, the corps enjoyed its highest rankings to date in the circuit with a pair of 2^nd place finishes in 1969 and 1971 to go along with the 1970 E Mass “Class C” title. They continued to compete within the circuit before going inactive in 1973.

The Danvers training unit reactivated in 1974 in E Mass competition and reorganized the following year as an independent, since the Blue Angels had merged with the Immaculate Conception Reveries. As such, the Chuting Stars resigned from the E Mass circuit, opting for “Class C” competition within the 1975 Greater New England circuit, placing 5^th at the championships and the Mayflower, where they positioned 4^th in 1977 and 1978. From 1976 to 1979, as members of the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) circuit, they once again placed 4^th in 1976 and 1978 and were crowned the 1977 CYO “Junior” division champions. In their final season, they ranked 10^th in the circuit contest.

After remaining active as a parade and exhibition corps the next year, the Chuting Stars disbanded in 1981.

Members (3)