DreamBig

Hey All, A friend of mine is on the hiring committee for a college marching band director job. He reached out to me knowing that I might be able to find someone who is interested in the job. This gig is specifically for marching/pep band and is not for someone who wants to teach at a conservatory. They are looking for someone with a Master's Degree who is a great recruiter (there are scholarships to work with, btw), ambitious, assertive and interested in growing a program. Please email me directly at sptrix@gmail.com. I do not check this forum often. Steve Powers sptrix@gmail.com

http://madisonscout-volunteers.org/Housing...Housing%20sites

Matt & Andy, I've known you a long time. We've been friends for over 20 years. Mr. Elvord is an important part of the Madison Scouts organization and the corps' history. Disrespecting him is disrespecting a corps you profess to love. He has earned his place in the activity's history and deserves all our respect. Playing armchair quarterback and second-guessing the organization isn't doing anything producitve. Mr. Elvord is wise enough to know that attitude can, if nothing else, help determine the outcome of a season both competitively and from an experience standpoint (see 2000 Southwind). While Mr. Elvord and I haven't always seen eye to eye, I will attest that he has provided me some of the best advice, offered some of the greatest challenges and given me a deeper understanding of the historical significance the Madison Scouts have in the DCI community. I am grateful for this, and indebted to him for the time he has given me over the past few years. If you (or anyone else) have something productive to add to this discussion, or has anything you would like conveyed to the Madison Scouts staff, I would welcome a dialogue. You can email me at spowers@madisonscouts.org. I will be happy to provide you my phone number, or you can provide yours and I will contact you within 24 hours. To all those who care enough about the Madison Scouts to express opinions, I am deeply appreciative. We understand how much you care. Respectfully, Steve Powers Staff Coordinator Madison Scouts

Pulling for you tonight Scouts! Steve POW(ers)

I missed you, too, Justin. Steve POW(ers)

Thank you to all who have donated to the Scouts' 100K "Join the Corps" Campaign. We are indebted to each of you. We still need support. The Madison Scouts continue to be in a fragile financial state. Over the past two years a lot has been accomplished to strengthen our footing, including reducing our debt load by over $220,000. However, we are not immune to the economic pressures that all drum corps are experiencing today. We are asking you to tap into the passion that you have for the Madison Scouts and support the corps with a financial contribution. Organizationally, the Scouts are pointed in the right direction. But today’s economic stresses are threatening that strategy. What we hope to achieve is a strong influx of cash to put the corps on a solid financial footing before heading into the off-season, a time when donations and revenue sources are non-existent. As alumni and fans of the Scouts, we are asking that you help us achieve a new standard for financial contributions. The corps is setting a new standard with each show in order to return to the coveted “top 12” in DCI. At the same time we would like our alumni and fans to do the same and help us reach $100,000 in contributions in August. To "Join the Corps," click here: http://www.madisonscouts.org/corps/Join%20...he%20Corps.html Thank you again. Steve Powers Staff Coordinator Madison Scouts

Zentropa, With deepest sincerity, thank you. Steve Powers

I can confirm that Tom Brace has donated $100 to the Madison Scouts as of this afternoon. Despite what may appear to be some harsh commentary, Tom is a man of his word. Thank you, Mr. Brace. $149,900 to go . . . Steve Powers Staff Coordinator Madison Scouts

Greg is not only a great drum corps director, but also an incredibly good human being. My sister is an alumna of the Colts, and she credits her tremendous drum corps experience primarily to Greg and the staff he assembled at Colts (especially Chuck Naffier and Jeff Bridges) when she marched. On a personal level, Greg was also gracious to me when I was editor of Drum Corps World and, on more than one occasion, has lent an ear to me now that I'm assisting the Scouts. I think the world of him, and am thankful for his involvement in this activity. Steve Powers

The Scouts will be staying at: Gordon Central HS Calhoun GA The corps will arrive Wednesday and depart Saturday morning. Thanks, Steve Powers Staff Coordinator Madison Scouts

Let's clarify some things . . . Sal's contract was not renewed by the board. None of the creative staff was fired. They all resigned. Steve Powers Staff Coordinator Madison Scouts

Tom, I am a member of the Scouts leadership team this year. I appreciate all your comments and support your right to love/hate/be indifferent toward any corps. Personally, I enjoy reading posts from people who say what they feel because it allows me a better understanding of what we have to do to significantly impact the audience on an emotional level. One of the reasons I LOVE drum corps is because there is never a lack of dissenting opinions among fans. What I have an issue with, however, is you speaking with authority on issues about which you are ill-informed. Creating myths and perpetuating inaccurate accounts of reality is grossly irresponsible, even on a forum where we all expect some degree of irresponsibility. If you'd like facts, come to me and I will give you facts. In the meantime, I encourage you to predict scores, tell me how much you think our staff is a bag, how bad our show is, how you think our uniforms stink, etc. BTW, since I hired our staff this year and plan to do so again next year, I would welcome an opportunity to review your resume . . . Respectfully, Steve Powers Madison Scouts

No offense taken. I know your interest is in the future of the Madison Scouts.

Marty is right . . . costs for using facilities within the Madison city limits are exhorbitant. I also echo Marty's sentiments that the new management team isn't doing anything new to build relationships within the city. At this juncture, we have many other issues occupying our time, although it is something we'd like to perpetuate. Let's not make this an "old management team" vs. "new management team" issue. We're all trying to serve the Madison Scouts and, like with any organization or business, different management teams have different styles. It doesn't mean one is better than another. Heck, if we could get Marty to come down and offer some insight, it would be great. Steve Powers Advisor to the Executive Director Madison Scouts

I initially had the same concerns about Kashmir when I first heard the design team talking about using it as part of the program. However, I've heard John Georgeson's arrangement, and it's brilliant. It's powerful, technical and flat-out cool. Fans will love it, judges will appreciate it. And, yes, I think it will redefine Madison. As for the percussion arrangement, Roger Carter has done a terrific job. All I can say is that he writes some really creative beats. Combined with the drill concepts Allen Joanis showed me, I think it's going to be an "instant classic." This isn't false hype, guys, there are some really good things happening with the Scouts. About the returning vets . . . I can't speak for those who chose not to return, but I can assume that it's more than just the management change. The entire drum staff from 2006 is gone. Most left prior to the management change, a few chose not to return once the change was announced. It seems these days that kids are loyal to instructors, not organizations. On Friday I had an opportunity to speak with Roger Carter about the line, and he told me that he has been supremely impressed with the work ethic and heart of the guys who are there. I asked him to rank their heart on a sale of 1-10. Without hesitation, he said "Ten. No question." Steve Powers Advisor to the Executive Director Madison Scouts