Bluecoats Announce 2026 Hall of Fame, Bloo Ribbon, and Unsung Hero Awards
Aaron Beck & Kelli Carlson to be inducted into the Bluecoats 2026 Hall of Fame. Ryan Adamsons receives the Bloo Ribbon Award. Dave Millsap, Jason Pittman & Erin Stuart receive the Unsung Hero Award.
Members of the Bluecoats Hall of Fame are individuals whose history of outstanding contributions and dedication is worthy of the highest level of recognition by the organization’s Board of Directors. Aaron Beck & Kelli Carlson will be inducted into the Bluecoats Hall of Fame by a unanimous vote of the Board of Directors.
Aaron Beck
Aaron Beck, a saxophone player in high school, was a member of the Bluecoats cymbal line in 1995. As the marching arts evolved in the late 2000s and embraced new possibilities in audio amplification and electronic integration, Aaron followed the activity from the perspective of a seasoned professional in the audio industry. His distinguished career included serving as audio department head and audio engineer for Broadway productions such as The Lion King and Mamma Mia!, as well as Director of Audio for Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil.
Aaron returned to the Bluecoats in 2013, and his expertise proved transformational. His world-class experience in live audio production brought a level of knowledge and leadership that helped reshape both the corps and the broader activity. His calm, steady demeanor and ability to remain composed under pressure provided reassurance to performers and staff during even the most intense competitive situations.
Aaron became known for his ability to turn the Bluecoats’ most ambitious audio concepts into reality. He played a key role in creating some of the corps’ most memorable productions, including the sampled soundscapes in Kinetic Noise (‘15), the iconic ‘pitch bend’ in Down Side Up (‘16), and the live looping effects featured in Lucy (‘21).
His work helped establish a new standard for the seamless integration of acoustic and amplified sound in the marching arts, influencing both the Bluecoats and the activity as a whole and can be seen in action in his refinement of a multi-zone speaker system, advancement in wireless microphone technology, innovation in the use of electronic effects, and development of an unparalleled audio staffing model that remains in place today.
Aaron’s dedication to the Bluecoats, while maintaining a demanding professional career and raising a family, reflects his deep commitment to the organization and to the young people it serves.
Kelli Carlson
Kelli Carlson began her Bluecoats journey in the mid-1990s as a member of the color guard, and she is most noted for her portrayal of the widow receiving the folded flag in Bluecoats’ iconic production, Homefront: 1945 (’95). Following her marching career, Kelli transitioned to the color guard staff in the early 2000s.
Beyond the field, Kelli’s legacy lies in her commitment to building and sustaining the Bluecoats alumni community. She became involved in developing Bluecoat alumni activities in the mid 2000s and excelled in preparation and planning of these events. During this time, she also volunteered her time with Bluecoats sewing and cooking on tour.
As Vice Chair of the Alumni Council, among Kelli’s most significant contributions is the development of an alumni-funded scholarship support system which breaks down financial barriers for current performers. Additionally, Kelli’s passion for the corps' heritage drove her to spearhead the creation of the Bluecoats mobile history display, which debuted at DCI’s 50th Anniversary.
In 2022, Kelli came full circle, stepping back onto the field to reprise her favorite role, that of a performer, with the historic Bluecoats 50th Anniversary Alumni Corps. Kelli’s decades of volunteerism and unwavering love for the Bluecoats have been instrumental in shaping the vibrant community our alumni family enjoys today
Receiving the Unsung Hero Award for outstanding contributions by volunteers are Dave Millsap, Jason Pittman & Erin Stuart.
Receiving the Bloo Ribbon Award, recognizing outstanding alumni from the corps, is Ryan Adamsons.
Join us on August 3 at Innovations in Brass for a special award ceremony.
