Black Star Drum Line was created and founded in 2008 by award winning drummer/percussionist Joey B. Banks, to give kids in the Madison community an opportunity for creative expression through the “Percussive Arts”.

Director Joey B. Banks incorporates diversity, respect for self and others, unity, and mastery as the core elements of the youth development model he developed working as a youth development professional for over 20 years in the Madison area.

The group has done over 600 performances in the State of Wisconsin and Madison community to date. Black Star DrumLine has performed and collaborated with many local groups and performers.

The group recently competed in their first “DCI Drum Battle “at the DCI World Championships in Indianapolis in August 2017. During2016-2017 NBA season Black Star DrumLine became the first junior drumline in the NBA as the Milwaukee Bucks “Mini Beats” DrumLine, where they performed 7 home games. They also recently opened for the national touring act “Drumline” at Overture Hall on March 1, 2017.

In 2017, Black Star DrumLine became a partner with the newly founded Forward Performing Arts (Formerly, the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps Association). The partnership allows for more youth from the Madison and surrounding area to be involved with Black Star DrumLine and other “percussive arts” and youth music ensemble programs.