fatherscout

Thank you for this tribute. I was a senior in high school on this day seven years ago. I was going to class when the class clown at our school had yelled in the hallway that a plane had crashed into one of the Twin Towers. Naturally, nobody took him seriously. But after getting to class I learned that it was true. One vivid memory that I have from that day was going outside and noticing how quiet it was, especially with there being no planes flying in the air that day. Let us remember the victims in New York City, Washington DC, and Pennsylvania on this day. May we Never Walk Alone-May We Never Forget.

I'll be there for Quarters and Semis, but have to serve a wedding on Finals Day back in St. Louis! GO SCOUTS!

I would just like to say that I do NOT agree with the supposed practice of Pioneer in which everyone must go to a church service. Such, which I may call proselytizing, would not be my intention for having a chaplain as I see it. In no way do I believe members of drum corps would HAVE to see a chaplain. They whole idea behind my question was to bring up to question of if it should be considered or not, if it would be helpful to the drum corps activity. Perhaps I take on the belief of (the real) Father Flanagan, who once said, "Every boy must learn to pray. How he prays is up to him." Not everyone has to see a doctor, but shouldn't one be available? This is my reasoning in terms of the question of having a chaplain or not.

Thanks to all that added a comment. I think you all helped to answer my question!

Sorry I wasn't there for the others. Phantom Regiment played first and I left after them to meet up with some of my former students that are marching in Phantom.

A chaplain isn't one that just stands on the sidelines quoting Scripture. They are one that could be of great benefit to members of the corps, especially in time of great need. We've all heard of cases when members have to go home before tour ends because of an injury, etc. Or what about members that may pass away in the off season (I recall here two girls that passed away recently-Southwind and Colts). In times of need and crises, even if it's just someone missing home on their first tour, having someone around that can act as a "rock" could be helpful. Being a chaplain is more about providing a ministry of presence. In some cases, yes, it would be helpful if the chaplain were, say, a Roman Catholic priest. This way members could receive the Sacraments on tour. Many that I have met have had life changing experiences while on tour and it may be helpful to have someone there to talk to about such experiences. As it was mentioned earlier by someone, chaplains do a great deal of counseling work rather than strictly sacramental/spiritual work. Also, I know many talented individuals that wanted to march corps but, because of the lack of a spiritual side to drum corps, decided they couldn't. Lastly, I think it's important to add that, even with their being different religions, all are always respected. This was certainly that case with me when I marched Scouts. Some members did things that I didn't agree with and they probably thought I was "throwing my life away" for wanting to be a priest. But throughout all of this there was a great respect for one another. I think drum corps, much like sports, is a great way for people of different backgrounds, faiths and lifestyles to come together to work towards one common goal. It just seems to me that having an outsider to assist those in need, whether or not that person practices a particular faith tradition, could be very helpful. It's not about converting people, it's all about helping other to be better at being themselves. It's about helping others to reach their full potential and, in some cases, includes assisting others in their spiritual life.

Thanks for the offer Linda, but I'm taking summer courses-rats! I would have loved to join the corps though, thanks! Oh, and I'm not quite a priest yet either-three more years to go (out of eight). "Father Flannigan" was the name the Scouts gave me when I marched in 2004. Best of luck with the volunteer program!

....this is a topic that has been of some interest to me since I first saw drum corps in 1998. I have often wondered what effect drum corps has on one's religion, especially for those who have marched drum corps. For instance, did drum corps help you to appreciate your faith background even more? Did it push you away from your faith? I know for myself that the lessons I learned in drum corps helped me to appreciate my faith even more (I must say, however, that I am some what biased seeing that I marched corps in the midst of my seminary formation). I can't help but see many ties between religion and the drum corps activity: regimented life-style (to some degree), respect for others (and the activity), perseverence, common bond (brotherhood/sisterhood), etc. Lastly, I am wondering, if it were possible (and I understand it was like this in the past for some corps), to have religious chaplains in the activity. What I mean is, could it be of some advantage to drum corps participants if there were chaplains available for members to talk to during the season? What are your thoughts.....?

The show was nice tonight, a bit small though. I wonder what happened to Revolution? A few quick points of interests. A Pioneer guard girl came off the field with a bloody nose during the show. The crowd really seemed to enjoy the Troopers show. Blue Devils were....the Blue Devils. Great show, though I'm not sure what I think about the hornline running to their spots in the first movement (I understand the concept though). Phantom Regiment had a great show and I realized that there's three people that die in their show. I seemed to have missed that in watching videos of their earlier performances. I haven't seen the score recaps, but a little more visual work with Regiment should seal the deal in my opinion. And I'm sure the show ending at Finals will help them. I thought it was interesting how all the corps did an encore performance. I loved Regiment's encore: Biebl's Ave Maria (2006), Rhapsody(2005) and Elsa's. I had some friends from the seminary with me that have never been to a show so we moved to the front row near the ground. Talk about loud-they loved it! Overall, it was a nice, small show in a huge stadium!

So, who's going to the show in Lincoln, Nebraska tonight? As a side note, I had a dream that Phantom Regiment beat the Blue Devils!

Ouch! Yeah, I noticed this during the show as well. Looks like she got hit with the narrow end of the rifle-a perfect shot to the face unfortunately. You can see it at 1:29 on the DCI Fan Network (under "On the Field"). I give her props for trying to go on. I also hope she'll be able to continue the season.

Ugh...Madison seemed tired, winded or something tonight. And I noticed they have a few holes. But I still love 'em!

Thanks Paul! Hey, I heard you're Everydays roommate from 2004 was a pretty cool guy! I hope West Virginia is nice this time of year. MYNWA

For those of you who have seen the Scouts this summer, what is their marching technique? Have they gone back the hip-ball technique or is it the 45 degree angle technique that we marched in 2004? Thanks!

I don't understand why everyone is getting bent outta shape over the score of the first show of the 2008 Madison Scouts. We must remember who we're talking about here...the Madison Scouts! I'm sure nothing's changed since I was in the corps and that's the fact that the Scouts could care less about the score they received tonight. Their primary concern is to give 110% on the field, entertain the crowd, and have a better show when the next opportunity comes (aka their next rehearsal run-through). When I marched in 2004 we placed 1st at our first show with Regiment coming in 2nd. At the second show Regiment took 1st and we placed 2nd. Did we hear anything negative about it-no. We were told, "Great show tonight, men. Let's have a better show at practice tomorrow." As a drum corps participant I learned that there's really only two variables that you have control of-your own show and the crowd. The judges will make their judgments according and no one really has control of that. I say we leave the score counting alone and just be entertained by the Men from Madison!