Reminder: MSARP Alumni Event on July 25

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.

5th Annual MSAA Texas Brisket Dinner – July 17, 2026 | Lockhart, Texas

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.

Alumni Hotel Block for Cedarburg Parade

Are you attending or maybe participating in this year's Cedarburg parade with the Madison Scouts?

We've assembled a block of rooms at the Comfort Inn & Suites Grafton-Cedarburg in Grafton, Wisconsin.

1415 Port Washington Rd
Grafton, WI 53024

Check in 3:00 PM / Check out 11:00 AM

We've arranged a 2-night stay at the facilities: Friday, July 3rd, and Saturday, July 4th. Checkout is Sunday morning. Our group rate is $155 per night, normally $194/night.

Brass players opportunity to play

Star Spangled Banner Performers

Craig Mason

Dear Drum Corps Brass Player Friends,

It is time to let me know if you will perform the Star Spangled Banner at this year's Drums On Parade show. Since there is the MSARP 20th Reunion on Saturday, the 25th, perhaps you can join us the night before. Thanks to all of you who have participated in the past!

This year, there are some changes. Here are the details:

• July 24th
• Mansfield Stadium (next to Madison Memorial HS)
• Music will be emailed to you in advance
• We will rehearse at 6 pm and perform at 6:45 pm
• Please share with all other drum corps alumni, regardless of corps affiliation
• We will be using any concert brass instruments (provide your own)
• Music must be memorized
• A limited number of complimentary tickets to DOP will be available. First-come, first-served
• Dress for the weather

Thank you!
-- Craig Mason, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Complementary tickets for the Whitewater Classic and/or Drums On Parade

Would you like complementary tickets for the Whitewater Classic (7/11) and/or Drums On Parade (7/24)? If so, you can do so by signing up as a volunteer at either show or both.

We are looking for extra help in:

• Ushering
• Ticket Scanning
• Corps Parking
• Concessions
• Stadium Prep
• Corps Gate

History: An amazing legacy connection

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.

June: The 2026 drum corps season is upon us - Scouts Director Update

'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.

Kicking Off The 2026 Legacy Shirts Fundraiser!

Every year, our favorite MSAA fundraiser is the Legacy Shirts!

In this fundraiser, we allow alumni to submit designs they’d like to see on the yearly Legacy Shirt. You make the artwork, we choose one submission, and we set it up to be made into THE Legacy Shirt for the 2026 Madison Scouts community! Hundreds of Madison Scouts alumni, fans, family, and members could wear YOUR design.

You can create entirely new art or reproduce an old shirt! Use professional art tools, or draw it with crayons! Or you can even describe it to us, and we’ll make it for you.

Additionally... Every shirt sold will not only supply alumni with a great shirt for wardrobe, but help provide the same shirt to every member of the 2026 Madison Scouts! How? Each shirt sold will provide THREE CORPS MEMBERS with a shirt!

We love giving the corps members a shirt every year. We know they love receiving gifts from the alumni, and they probably also desperately need a clean shirt halfway through the season. Help MSAA continue this appreciated tradition.

MSARP 20th Anniversary Banquet - details

A very special event recognizing the 20th anniversary of the Madison Scouts Alumni Reunion Project is set for this summer. Although the celebration focuses on the project's spectacular achievement, it is open to all alumni, family, and friends of the Madison Scouts.

The event will feature a great meal, special audio/visual presentations, and an opportunity to see old friends and meet new ones.

The date of this exciting gathering is Saturday evening, July 25, at the DoubleTree Hilton Madison East Hotel ballroom. The cost is $60 per person, and we recommend ordering early, as this event may sell out. For your convenience, we have secured a block of rooms at the site at a reduced rate of $109 for Friday, the 24th, and Saturday, the 25th.

We are pleased to offer this very special evening of enjoyment and memories, and we look forward to seeing you on July 25. 
~ Scott, Scott, & Randy

Onsite Housing - Eliminate driving

Hotel room booking:

Guests can call the hotel directly at 608-244-4703 or Hilton reservations at 800-445-8667, mentioning the Madison Scouts Alumni Reunion Project or code 90H. Alternatively, visit Hilton's website to book online.

Deadline for the special $109 room rate for Friday/Saturday is June 24th, 2026

The Evening Program

Schedule:

• 5:00 pm - Mingle, slideshow, and cash bar
• 6:30 pm - Dinner
• 7:30 pm - Speakers and open mic, Hall of Fame recognition, multimedia presentation
• 9:00 pm - Social: mingle, cash bar, and historical videos available

The Feast - No koolaid, no heels

Menu choices:

1. New York Strip Steak
2. Chicken Piccata
3. Vegetarian gluten-free

Note: All include salad, rolls, vegetable beverage, and dessert.

The Cost

Price is $60 per guest.

Payment options:

• Check or Money Order
• Venmo

Are you ready to order your seats?

Order your tickets here

Panda Express Fundraiser – June 12, 2026

We are excited to once again partner with Panda Express for our second virtual fundraiser of the year on Friday, June 12, 2026. Our fundraiser in February was a tremendous success, raising more than $350 through over 50 orders across 21 states!

We are looking forward to exceeding that total this time around, and we need your help. On June 12, you can support the Madison Scouts simply by ordering through the Panda Express website or mobile app for pickup or delivery using the fundraiser code 9015640.

Just place your order from your nearest Panda Express location and enter the fundraiser code in the fundraising box at checkout. Panda Express will donate 28% of your order back to the Madison Scouts to help offset the costs of the 2026 summer tour.

Rejoin the Parade! 4th of July Parade in Cedarburg

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.

Saturday, April 24! Rockin4ALS - a message from Scott Stewart about ALS

Scott StewartA message from Scott Stewart ─

For 25 years, the Rockin4ALS project has increased awareness and provided financial support for patient services and the search for a cure for this terrible disease. Caring members of the Madison Scouts Alumni have been involved since its inception.

The main fundraiser for this endeavor is a gala featuring a variety of musical acts, a silent auction, raffles, and a great social atmosphere.

View from the Chair - June 2026

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.

View from the Chair - May 2026

Sam RecordsBefore you know it, the 2026 DCI season will be here! It’s shaping up to be a fantastic summer for Madison Scouts alumni to reconnect and support the corps.

We’re ready to announce the MSAA’s schedule for the summer. Let’s take a look at what’s ahead:

July 4 – Cedarburg Parade

New this year! Alumni are invited to join the Madison Scouts in Cedarburg, WI for the annual Fourth of July Parade. March alongside the corps in a high-energy crowd event, very much in the spirit of what we experienced at Mardi Gras!

Following the parade, alumni will gather at Fireman’s Park to rehydrate and cheer on the corps during a standstill performance. Afterward, we’ll return to Cedarburg High School to sing Never Walk Alone together and enjoy the traditional Piggly Wiggly meal.

Registration details will be coming very soon.