Scouts design in the future . . .

[bawker]

So, the Scouts look like they're in for Finals again, and we've heard much about re-establishing the Madison brand and identity under the new creative team they've assembled.

It's not too far of a stretch to say "mission accomplished" as far as those goals go.

However, the team in place now is certainly not one content to stand still, and while this year recalls Madison's storied past . . .do you perhaps think that we're going to see a 180 from Madison in content, design and theme in 2011 to push to the next level?

I'm sure there's probably a multi-year approach in place already that Komnick, Mason and others have already thought at length about, but wanted to know what hoi polloi here think next steps are/should be.

[DITD]

Many of these designers follow the "Star of Indiana" book of fundamental teaching. When I watch their 2010 program, it oozes this philosophy to me. I think the Madison caption heads, in the round table discussions, designed a program for the corps that was achievable and not overzealous. Rather than trying to take Dci by storm, let's give make a show for the members we have, and create success for ourselves over the long term.

I could be completely wrong. . .but this is my impression. If I'm close, I think it's smart and so awesome to see the boys from Madison back!

So, the Scouts look like they're in for Finals again, and we've heard much about re-establishing the Madison brand and identity under the new creative team they've assembled.

It's not too far of a stretch to say "mission accomplished" as far as those goals go.

However, the team in place now is certainly not one content to stand still, and while this year recalls Madison's storied past . . .do you perhaps think that we're going to see a 180 from Madison in content, design and theme in 2011 to push to the next level?

I'm sure there's probably a multi-year approach in place already that Komnick, Mason and others have already thought at length about, but wanted to know what hoi polloi here think next steps are/should be.

[bawker]

Many of these designers follow the "Star of Indiana" book of fundamental teaching. When I watch their 2010 program, it oozes this philosophy to me. I think the Madison caption heads, in the round table discussions, designed a program for the corps that was achievable and not overzealous. Rather than trying to take Dci by storm, let's give make a show for the members we have, and create success for ourselves over the long term.

No, I absolutely agree with that assessment.

However, my question is . . .what can we expect to see in 2011 (and beyond) if we look at 2010 as a springboard for the Madison Scouts brand?

Is 2011 more of a "slow and steady" improvement year, designed to play to the past successes of the corps? Or do we see something completely fresh, a sort of all-in towards pushing the Scouts to the next level competitively?

[DITD]

I say they keep the current trend of escalation. I'm not sure that this was this intent, but let's say that their program this year was designed to be a 10-12 tier presentation, then my guess is that they would up the demand level only to 7-10 for 2011.

My assumption is given that all of the current caption heads/designers are in place from last year. When I think of these individuals- Prime, Vanderkoff, Hannum, Moore, Ancona, Medworth, VanDoren- I think of 2 things:

1) Dci hall of fame!

2) Disciplined and experienced. These guys wrote the book on grid iron rehearsal drilling.

Finally, I think these designers have realized that even from a lower tiered design, they can still cultivate the Madison-esque moments. There are still phrases in the show that sound and look like the "Madison Scouts."

No, I absolutely agree with that assessment.

However, my question is . . .what can we expect to see in 2011 (and beyond) if we look at 2010 as a springboard for the Madison Scouts brand?

Is 2011 more of a "slow and steady" improvement year, designed to play to the past successes of the corps? Or do we see something completely fresh, a sort of all-in towards pushing the Scouts to the next level competitively?

[rmurrey74]

From what I've heard, Mason and his team were only planning on being on board for 2010 and 2011. This involves the movie that Mason is working on about Zingali. Should be interesting to see what happens in the future for the Scouts.

[SFZFAN]

I'd be happy if they stayed with the real (whole) musical selections and maybe amped up the drill a bit. I love this year's show but if they want to move up in the ranks I'm sure the dill has to get harder. They don't need to change a thing if they just want to entertain the fans.

[Bill L.]

From what I've heard, Mason and his team were only planning on being on board for 2010 and 2011. This involves the movie that Mason is working on about Zingali. Should be interesting to see what happens in the future for the Scouts.

This is news to me. I have spoken with Jim Mason at length, many times , and know nothing of this.

Bill

[devsabre]

I agree, the design of this years Scouts show was intended to get them back into finals. Not a safe show, but not too much demand either.

Mason is very smart, I believe he and crew have a multi-year plan to not just become more competitive but to go for the gold. Mason marched with the '75 Scouts, I believe he came back to not just get them back into finals but to make them champions once again. Look at the members, they are young...the perfect group to groom for several years into a champion.

If I'm right, 2011 will be the next step on that path with a much higher demand show that will rock DCI. 2011 goals will be 9th to 6th, perhaps higher. The next few years will be very exciting.

The rise of the Scouts along with Blue Stars and Boston could usher a level of competition that we've not seen before. I love it

GO SCOUTS!

Edited July 28, 2010 by devsabre

[bass5]

From what I've heard, Mason and his team were only planning on being on board for 2010 and 2011. This involves the movie that Mason is working on about Zingali. Should be interesting to see what happens in the future for the Scouts.

I was at the well attended annual Scouts board meeting last October. Jim Mason addressed the group via conference call and mentioned that he had spent the day with the design team working on the show design for 2012. So what you heard about Jim leaving after 2011 is incorrect.

[corpsband]

So, the Scouts look like they're in for Finals again, and we've heard much about re-establishing the Madison brand and identity under the new creative team they've assembled.

It's not too far of a stretch to say "mission accomplished" as far as those goals go.

However, the team in place now is certainly not one content to stand still, and while this year recalls Madison's storied past . . .do you perhaps think that we're going to see a 180 from Madison in content, design and theme in 2011 to push to the next level?

I'm sure there's probably a multi-year approach in place already that Komnick, Mason and others have already thought at length about, but wanted to know what hoi polloi here think next steps are/should be.

It would not surprise me to see the Scouts stay right where they are in terms of music books. Soundtracks and musicals always translate well -- although they could suddenly get very current or stay with older material.

Visually I would expect a tic or two up on the difficulty of the drill but I'm sure it will keep pace with the training of the performers.