Greetings Madison Scouts Alumni,
I hope you are all well as we exit Winter -- (though it certainly feels like mid-Winter here in Wisconsin!). I'm writing to share a few updates on the state of the Madison Scouts.
- Susan L. Smith, Assistant Professor of Music Education at Troy University, has been a fantastic addition to our staff as Brass Caption Supervisor. Her role is essentially to be a 'teacher of teachers and coach for our brass staff and has been nothing less than superior. We are proud to have her on our staff as a guide for our teachers and a role model/expert educator for the membership.
- The color guard is in phenomenal shape, and I continue to be proud of the work PJ Tankard, Caption Head, does with this group of performers. 33/36 performers have already been contracted and have been for months (with plenty of callbacks in the pipeline to fill the guard). Most corps do not contract their color guards until April due to WGI, but we aggressively selected members early so we could focus on teaching them throughout the offseason.
- The brass will participate in a virtual one-day camp on March 19th. One of the essential skills we gained during the pandemic is effectiveness through virtual education. The membership actively engages in assignments, masterclasses, sectionals, and more via 'Zoom.' Given the present membership represents 31 states, this is the modern solution to education that is both cost-effective and engaging for performers. -- Our color guard and percussionists actively engage in indoor seasons and have regular touchpoints with their corps teachers.
- The whole corps will reconvene on April 28-30 in Milton, WI, roughly 45 minutes south of Madison. This has become our home base for camps, thanks to alumnus Nathan Czech (Drum Major 2016-19). We will spend Saturday at Whitewater and plan to put a drill on the field. The brass has the entire show in hand, the percussion book is nearly complete, and the color guard will begin learning show choreography virtually soon. Rehearsals at Whitewater on the 29th are open to the public (no videos, of course!).
- The corps will return to the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (my alma mater) for move-ins. We'll spend four weeks developing the production before going to Madison for 'Drums on Parade' on July 1. Be sure to purchase your tickets and plan to attend the alumni tailgate! FPA is also hosting an event in Whitewater on July 8 and Eau Claire on July 12. Tickets can be purchased at DCI.org.
- We're actively hiring 12-passenger van drivers for the 2023 tour. If you or someone you know is interested, contact Operations Director Greg Mizak, at
- The C.H. Beebe Scholarship is up and running for its second season. If you're interested in donating specifically to performer scholarships, follow this link: https://scoutsproshop.com/collections/donations-support/products/chbeebescholarship
That's all for now. I hope to see you and your family at an event this Summer. Be sure to swing by the lot and say hello!
MYNWA,
David
