My annual summer journey from Miami to Madison is always a highlight of the year, but this year’s trip carried a special significance. The weekend of July 24–25, 2026, marked the 20th anniversary of the Madison Scouts Reunion Project performance at the DCI World Championships in Madison in 2006—a milestone that brought together generations of Scouts and created a renewed appreciation for the traditions we share.
From the opening gathering at the Parthenon through the celebration at the Reunion Project banquet, there was a remarkable sense of belonging. The weekend was a reminder that being part of the Madison Scouts is more than a connection to a particular year or era; it is membership in a continuing legacy. Conversations with alumni across generations reinforced the unique fraternity that has always defined the organization.
Dan GuernseyOne of the great pleasures of the weekend was reconnecting with familiar faces while also forming deeper connections with alumni I had not known as well in previous years. Conversations with fellow Scouts such as Joe Clough, Jason Van Dinter, and many others revealed new dimensions of friendships that began decades ago. Seeing Jason again was an especially enjoyable and enthusiastic reacquaintance after so many years, as we reminisced about our championship years with the Madison Jr. Scouts in the late 1970s—my role as drum instructor and Jason’s experience as a member of that corps. It was fascinating to learn about the lives, interests, and experiences of brothers beyond the years we shared on the field. A memorable conversation with Jeff Toseff about his passion for art was one example of how these reunions continue to deepen relationships long after our marching days have ended (my apologies if I have unintentionally left anyone out).
The weekend also brought meaningful connections with members of Madison’s broader drum corps family. Meeting former Capitolaires, including Gayle Lokken-Straw, LuAnne Russell-Salas, and Marilyn Fruth, brought memories full circle and revived connections reaching back to the 1970s. These moments illustrated how deeply woven the history of drum corps is in Madison and how many people have contributed to that story over the decades (again, my apologies if I have unintentionally left anyone out).
The opportunity to meet current Scouts before Drums On Parade was especially rewarding. Watching members interact during the aussie-signing event, I was struck by their professionalism, respect, and knowledge of Scouts' history. One current member spoke with me about the 1976 show, recognizing the achievement of changing the show on the fly while reaching a second-place finish. That conversation reflected something important about the organization: the past is not simply remembered—it is actively carried forward.
The Scouts’ performance at Drums On Parade captured that connection between tradition and the present. Seeing the corps alongside some of the activity’s strongest programs was a reminder of the remarkable depth and diversity of today’s drum corps. Hearing moments of powerful “old school” rudimental drumming from some of the elite corps, especially the Santa Clara Vanguard, evoked the rich traditions that have long shaped the activity. At the same time, the Scouts’ performance reflected the realities of contemporary drum corps, incorporating today’s demanding musical, visual, and performance standards while remaining connected to the traditions, sounds, and identity that have shaped the corps for generations. Hints of the power and intensity of “Malagueña” layered the show with a connection to the Scouts’ past, reinforcing how the corps continues to evolve while preserving the legacy that defines it.
The Reunion Project banquet provided the emotional centerpiece of the weekend. Celebrating the accomplishments of 2006 was not only a look back at a memorable performance, but also a recognition of the collective effort, dedication, and friendships that made it possible. The evening’s highlight was the induction of the Madison Scouts Hall of Fame Class of 2026. Each inductee represented a meaningful contribution to the organization’s history.
I was particularly pleased to see Mike Madigan recognized for his foundational role in shaping the Scouts drumlines during the championship years of the mid-1970s. Randy Ferries’s induction was especially moving, as his leadership and vision were central to the spirit of the Reunion Project itself. Seeing Scott Stewart, Scott Pearson, and Randy together on stage represented the core group whose efforts helped bring the 2006 celebration to life. Randy’s reflections captured the spirit—or spark—of the Project and brought the evening to a fitting conclusion.
That spirit continued as alumni joined together in singing “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” a moment that perfectly expressed what makes Madison Scouts gatherings so meaningful. In a time when division often dominates the world around us, these events continue to demonstrate the power of shared history, mutual respect, and enduring brotherhood.
The weekend was more than a celebration of a performance from twenty years ago. It was a celebration of the people, traditions, and values that continue to connect generations of Madison Scouts. Past and present came together seamlessly, reminding us that once a Scout, always part of something larger than ourselves.