Teens in Blue of Edwards AFB Published Aug. 13, 2013 By Christy McCoy 412th Force Support Squadron EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Paul La Bella, 412th Force Support Squadron, Teen coordinator, had a vision to emulate the world class entertainment group Tops in Blue, when he created the vocal show group Teens in Blue. Tops in Blue is an all active duty United States Air Force Special Unit consisting of musicians, dancers, and vocalists that perform for military personnel and families throughout the world. This year would mark the 60th Anniversary tour for Tops in Blue. Unfortunately, due to sequestration budget cuts to the military, the 60th Anniversary tour was postponed. The goal for Teens in Blue was to capture the talent of Air Force teenagers nationwide, but due to logistic limitations the auditions were only held in California. Teens were selected primarily based on vocal ability and their ability to harmonize. Teens in Blue received an Air Force grant which afforded them to become the first ever recognized Air Force teen vocal show group stemming from the youth programs here at Edwards AFB, Calif. After a weeklong camp at Edwards, and a performance for the local command, Teens in Blue was invited to perform at the Youth of the Year and the Air Force Keystone Conferences in San Antonio, Texas. They were also afforded the opportunity to partner with Tops in Blue. During the camp, Tops in Blue offered resources such as sound equipment, costumes, vocal coaching and choreography. Edward Jones, Tops in Blue lead choreographer, choreographed dances, for all of the Teens in Blue performances and provided the group with mentorship and inspiration. Jones proved to be a great role model for the group. The future of Teens in Blue is promising and although the faces will change, as they do in Tops in Blue, Teens in Blue will continue to strive to be ambassadors to Boys & Girls Clubs, the Air Force family and teens everywhere. They will spread a positive message of hope and patriotism through song and dance.