Think you know your Madison Scouts history? Now's your chance to prove it!

The 5th Annual Brisket Dinner was another tremendous success for the MSAA and the corps. This year, we prepared and served more than 100 pounds of smoked brisket along with 220 sausage links. To complete a true Texas barbecue experience, the meal also included potato salad and homestyle barbecue baked beans.

For many members, it was their first opportunity to enjoy authentic Texas barbecue, while for those who call Texas home, the meal was a welcome reminder of home. The excitement from this unique meal, which only our alumni base can provide, carried into the next day as the corps delivered an outstanding performance at the San Antonio Regional.

Chair Article July 2026 - The summer is in full swing!

If you missed it, the Madison Scouts debuted their 2026 program, “MadiSpin” at the historic Breese Stevens Field. The production features music from Pat Metheny, Shubh Saran, Michel Legrand, and Joachim Horsely & Camille Saint-Saëns. The show has callbacks to many classic Madison moments, motifs, and drill moves that are sure to make alumni cheer! I think Rumbacabre could even become a NEW staple for the Scouts.

Now that the DCI season has begun, there are new pictures, clips, discussions, stories, and fundraisers happening almost every day! If you aren’t in the MSAA Facebook Group or following us on Instagram, you’re missing out! Be sure to connect with us so you don’t miss anything the MSAA is doing this summer.

Madison Scouts Announce Hall of Fame Class of 2026

MADISON, WI — June 2026 — The Madison Scouts Alumni Association is proud to announce the induction of six distinguished individuals into the Madison Scouts Hall of Fame, Class of 2026. Representing nearly a century of service, leadership, innovation, and excellence, these honorees have helped shape the Madison Scouts organization and its enduring legacy.

The Madison Scouts Hall of Fame recognizes individuals whose contributions have left a lasting impact on the corps, its members, and the drum corps activity. Spanning contributions from the founding generation of the 1930s through the modern era of Drum Corps International, the Class of 2026 reflects the breadth and depth of the Madison Scouts legacy. The Class of 2026 includes Chad Duggan, Randy Ferrie, Robert M. “Bob” Fleury, Mike Loeffelholz, Mike “Monk” Madigan, and Steve Vickers

'Spring Training'

The corps section leadership moved into Madison on May 18th, and spent the week in sessions at the MYArts Center with Mark Waymire (Program Coordinator), Sean Phelan (Staff), and Donnie Ross (Perc. Caption Head). Content was primarily centered around the concepts of excellence, engagement, and accountability. The leadership team also spent time doing community service by cleaning McPike & James Madison Park(s) -- with the underlying messages being -- 'leave it better than you found it' and to see themselves as stewards of something much bigger than themselves.

The Percussion & Color Guard moved into Greenfield HS (Milwaukee area) on May 22. They rehearsed at Alumnus, Pastor Nathan Pratt's (2010-12) church (Mt. Pleasant Lutheran Church) in Racine on May 25, before making their way to Wayland Academy in Beaver Dam for rehearsal on the 26th.

The brass moved in on May 27th. At the time of this writing on May 31st we're preparing for our first full ensemble rehearsal of Part 1.

Here we are, on the cusp of another summer of drum corps, offering another opportunity for each of us to reflect on our past marching experiences. Especially for those of us who were fortunate to hear ourselves introduced before each of our season's performances, it's still as clear as the day in our memory, "On the starting line... From Madison, Wisconsin... The Madison Scouts!" It might have been only a few years ago, but for others, it's been many decades. It's our common bond.

Yes, evolution is constant change, and the times are different in many ways; however, the joy is knowing that there are legacy members throughout the activity, and especially in our corps, who are ever-present. We just are not aware of them.

This year, all Madison Scouts Alumni are invited to participate alongside the corps in the annual 4th of July Parade in Cedarburg, Wisconsin! 

Since 1998, the Madison Scouts have spent the 4th of July in Cedarburg - the primary connection being to Layton Olsen, whose son, Ryan, played Timpani in the corps at the time. The day consists of a 1.1 mile parade followed by an incredible 'Piggly Wiggly Meal' (pulled pork, mac & cheese, cookies, etc.) for lunch. This has become a valued tradition in the corps.

The parade is a fun experience, full of high-fiving and directly engaging with the parade audience – much like what we did at Mardi Gras. Musicians would prepare the two-minute parade tune in advance – a Beer Barrel Polka & On Wisconsin medley. Color Guard performers will learn the ripple-parade choreography on-site.

As summer quickly approaches, we are just days away from the 2026 Madison Scouts beginning move-ins in preparation for the 2026 Drum Corps International Summer Tour.

With the season almost underway, the Madison Scouts Alumni Association is excited to once again host one of our favorite tour traditions: the Texas Brisket Dinner on Friday, July 17, in Lockhart—proudly known as the Barbecue Capital of Texas.