We wrapped up November camp on Sunday afternoon. What a weekend!
We opened the camp with a member meeting in the auditorium at Milton High School, where we watched the 1995 opener and talked about what it means to be a Madison Scout. We heard from a few vets on the topic. I reinforced our values of service and entertainment — service off the field by being selfless and supportive of those around us, our facilities, etc. — service on the field by seeking excellence for entertainment, uplifting audience members who need the Madison Scouts to bring them joy.
While the weekend was mostly about fundamentals and auditions, the battery worked on intro material for the 2023 production, the brass developed Slaughter on Tenth Avenue and YNWA, and the FE worked on their lot tune. The guard put together a series of 1-2 minute performances on various equipment. We ended camp with the sections performing for each other.
The corps is in great hands as the professionalism, positivity, and quality of instruction continue to improve yearly. In particular, the addition of Susan Smith to our brass staff is fantastic for the corps. Her extensive experience as a music educator makes her an incredible motivator, role model, and resource for the horn line.
PJ Tankard is embarking on his first full season as our guard caption head after inheriting the program in the Spring of 2022. Reports from Alumnus (and Choreographer/Visual Coordinator) Ty Rainey indicate that the guard is starting stronger than last August. I’m looking forward to the progress this caption will make with consistency in leadership and pedagogy.