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

It is hard to believe, but it's been 20 years since the Madison Scouts Alumni Reunion Project shook Camp Randall Stadium. We would be remiss if we didn't take advantage of this opportunity to celebrate the spectacular accomplishments of two decades ago. It's also a perfect occasion to catch up with old friends who shared this once-in-a-lifetime experience with you.

Although the focus for this gathering is on the Madison Scouts Alumni Reunion Project, all alumni, family members, and friends of the Madison Scouts are cordially invited to attend.

The vehicle for this event will be a banquet featuring a great meal, a nostalgic audiovisual presentation, and plenty of time to interact and enjoy others who share a common bond. The date is Saturday, July 25, 2026, and the location is the DoubleTree Hilton Madison East Hotel.

'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.

Don't forget the June 24th hotel room reservation deadline! Call the hotel and mention the Madison Scouts Alumni Reunion Project or the code 90H

Booking for the alumni two-night rate at the hotel will cover your housing for Drums on Parade AND the MSARP recognition banquet.

On Drums on Parade weekend, Friday night features the exciting long-running Madison Scouts home show at Mansfield Stadium, with alumni events including the Hall of Fame gathering in the afternoon and the 2026 Madison Scouts show in the early evening. Saturday evening is the special event: the 20th-anniversary recognition banquet for the Madison Scouts Alumni Reunion Project, held in the DoubleTree Hilton Madison East Hotel ballroom.

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.

Sam RecordsWelcome to June! This month marks the beginning of the Madison Scouts' spring training and the excitement of another DCI season taking shape. June is also Pride Month - a time to celebrate LGBTQ+ history, visibility, and advocacy.

Throughout our history, LGBTQ+ members, staff, volunteers, alumni, and supporters have been woven into the corps' identity. Their talent, leadership, creativity, and dedication have helped define the Madison Scouts culture and legacy. Pride Month is a moment to celebrate our LGBTQ+ community and recognize the countless ways they have shaped the corps into what it is today.

For generations, the Madison Scouts have represented more than excellence on the field. The core values of this organization are rooted in respect, community, and the belief that every person deserves a place where they belong. The Madison Scouts family is built from shared experiences, lifelong friendships, and a commitment to supporting one another both on and off the field.