'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.
- May 27-June 6 - Wayland Academy, Beaver Dam, WI
- June 7-24 - St. Croix Central HS, Hammond, WI - Alumnus, Sean Conway (09-12), Band Director
- June 25-July 1 - Central Heights MS, Sun Prairie, WI
Rehearsal Viewing
We invite you to visit rehearsal anytime, and simply ask that you don't capture photo/video content that will find its way on the internet. The best time to view a full ensemble rehearsal will be most evenings between 6-9p, but I encourage you to contact me for a specific day's schedule if you plan to visit.
Breese Stevens Field - Summer Premiere
Breese Stevens Field, in Madison, is hosting its 100th Anniversary. This former home to many Madison Scouts rehearsals and performances will host the 2026 Corps premiere on June 27th. This will be the first opportunity to view the production in it's fullness.
Tickets --
https://www.breesestevensfield.com/upcoming-events/field-of-drums-26
Alumni Volunteer Spotlight
We're grateful for the dedication of the following Alumni volunteers who have been able to assist with driving and food preparation in May:
- Chuck Cournoyer (1974)
- Craig Selchert (1975 & 1979)
- James Halverson (2013 & 2015)
- Felipe korrea (2019)
Cedarburg Alumni & Current Corps Combined Parade - REGISTRATION EXTENDED TO JUNE 3
Craig Mason suggested an excellent Alumni performance idea that we are excited to announce. Since 1998, the Madison Scouts have spent the 4th of July in Cedarburg, WI -- the primary connection being to Layton Olsen, whose son, Ryan, played Timpani in the corps at the time.
The Olsen family continues to support the corps with an invite to participate in the 4th of July celebration, and provides an incredible 'Piggly Wiggly Meal' (pulled pork, mac & cheese, cookies, etc.) for lunch after the parade. This has become a valued tradition in the corps.
We're inviting all Madison Scouts Alumni to participate in the 1.1 mile parade alongside the corps. Musicians would prepare the two-minute parade tune ahead of time -- a Beer Barrel Polka & On Wisconsin medley. Color Guard performers will learn the ripple parade choreography on site.
Visually, the tune allows for a mix of traditional marching & playing, and the singing of the Beer Barrel Polka chorus while high-fiving and directly engaging with the parade audience -- much like what we did at Mardi Gras.
At the conclusion of the parade, Alumni will rehydrate and congregate in Fireman's Park to cheer on the corps as they perform a standstill concert. Afterward, we'll head back to Cedarburg High School to sing YNWA together, and share the Piggly Wiggly Meal.
While this concludes the time with the current corps, Alumni are encouraged to stick around for the evening fireworks (usually ~9p). I suspect someone will designate a watering hole to hang at. Cedarburg is a wonderful location to spend the 4th of July, and is very family-friendly.
More information on the hotel block, instrument rental, etc. can be found in the registration product on ScoutsProShop.com
1998 Madison Scouts at Fireman's Park, Cedarburg, WI
Band Directors -- Summer Camp Program Notice
We will be hosting three 'Summer Camp' experiences for high school students this year, and we'd love for your students to get involved if you're teaching. I'm thrilled to share that we're partnering with three University marching band directors to provide a world-class experience for participants.
- June 23 - Hammond, WI w/Dr. Kara Metzger from UW-Eau Claire
- July 11 - Whitewater, WI w/Dr. Glenn Hayes from UW-Whitewater
- July 24 - Madison, WI w/Dr. Corey Pompey from UW-Madison
Campers will spend the day with Madison Scouts staff and these University partners as they prepare to perform alongside the drum corps in the evening encore. They perform our parade tune and historical excerpts (to be determined).
There is also a Band Director track run by Dr. Mark Waymire, former Music Education Faculty member at the University of Southern Mississippi, DCI/BOA/WGI judge, and Madison Scouts Program Coordinator.
Wisconsin Band Directors -- Whitewater & Madison Ticket Program
In an effort to support music education in the State of Wisconsin, the Madison Scouts have been providing free tickets to the Whitewater event for the last four years. Last year, we distributed over 1,500 tickets, but unfortunately saw a rain-out at the event. We will again be offering this opportunity, and now have the ability to provide tickets to the Madison show with our shift to Mansfield Stadium.
Keep an eye out for information on both the Summer Camp and Ticket Program sign-up. Bundling these two opportunities together makes for an inspiring day!
Summer Tour - SEEKING ONE DRIVER
We're upgrading our volunteer, staff, and admin travel for the Summer and will be utilizing 5, 'BandWagons'. These are 10-bunk vehicles that will allow our team to rest and recover more fully before supporting and teaching the corps each day. This is an important quality of life upgrade for the organization.
That said, we are in need of ONE MORE driver for our July 5-August 5 stretch of tour with these vehicles.
Requirements -- 25+ years old, standard license (do not need CDL), experience driving larger vehicles, ability to pass a standard background check.
If you're interested in covering a stretch, or all, of tour, please contact Operations Director Greg Mizak at
Summer Tour - Volunteers
If you have availability this Summer, consider joining us on the road as a Volunteer. We're always seeking assistance with Food Operations, Driving, Sewing, and other day-to-day tasks.
We need the most support on the following dates:
- July 5 - Cedarburg/La Crosse
- July 6 & 7 - Grand Meadow, MN
- July 8 - Ankeny, IA
- July 9-10 - Dubuque, IA
- July 11 - Whitewater, WI
- July 12 - TBD, IA
- July 26-27 - Mason, OH
- July 28-29 - Huntington, WV
- July 30-31 - Pittsburgh, PA
- August 1 - Allentown, PA
For more information, contact Angela Pedroza at
You'll Never Walk Alone,
David