We're all feeling pain at the pump every time we fill up. But, one traveling musical group based in La Crosse is being forced to stay home, because of high gas prices.

For 40 years, young musicians from the Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps have marched to the sound of their own drum.

"A lot of people know what drum and bugle corps is, but if you don't know, it's very similar to a marching band without the flute, clarinet, and the saxophone," says corps director Eric Sabach.

Sabach says the group performs and competes all over the country to try and bring recognition to the group and the La Crosse area.

"The past few years we've kind of come into prominence in the national activities and we're making a push to make that stage even better known for La Crosse."

This year the group is cutting back the number of its shows. Sabach says the reason is high fuel prices.

"The dollar amount being spent now for a gallon of gas is now four dollars. We predict it will go well over as the summer goes on... has really affected our budget in a terrible way."

Sabach says musicians are tough and the group is trying to find a way to move the buses, semis and vans that transport equipment, people and food across the country.

"Drum corps people learn something early, that there is always something we need to work through. There are moments where there will be a hump to get over."

Christina Jordan has been playing instruments since she was in eighth grade. She says the group will try and find a way to solve the gas price problem through team work.

"The atmosphere here... how everyone is achieving the same goals and everyone is working for the same goals, I love that and playing in front of a crowd, there is no other place you get to do that," she says.

Sabach says right now the group is focused on its first concert at Onalaska High School and ready for the rush of performing in front of a crowd.

"They get that adrenaline rush from really putting their heart and soul to prepare for a show and give all that raw emotion back to the audience and hopefully the audience reaction will feed back to them."

The Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps will be accepting donations at Wednesday's free concert at the Onalaska High School to help pay for high fuel costs.