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.
While working on multiple projects in the fall of 2005, I stumbled upon an article from July 1967 in our archives about a former snare-drummer alumnus and Air Force veteran, Ray Houtler, who marched in the early 1960s. I was surprised that it mentioned his young 19-month-old son, Ken. Only 20 years later, Ken marched in the Scouts snareline when Madison won their 2nd DCI World Championship in 1988.
Note: Ken passed away a few years ago. I had the privilege of teaching Ken during his marching career, but I didn't know his family connection to the corps until the 2006 project, when I discovered his father, Ray, while working on the all-time roster. All I knew was that Ken came from New Hampshire to try out in 1985, not drawing any legacy connection.
Do you have a legacy story to share with us?
Special thanks to the families like the Ledfords for their inspiration and dedication in saving so many articles from various sources for future generations to draw connections to the past.