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

Happy Birthday Greg. Steve Powers

Perhaps the best soprano soloist of all-time -- I know it's a huge statement -- is Adam Rappa from East Coast Jazz. Incredible tone. Unbelievable range. And no one I have heard ever improvised better than he did. Had he chosen to march with one of the big boys -- maybe BD or Madison -- he would be a legend. Those who have played with him in BLAST! can attest to what a MONSTER musician he is. Simply incredible.

Madison Scouts Announce Program Consultant The Madison Scouts are pleased to announce that Kevin Nix has been hired as program consultant for the 2007 season. “Kevin’s track record of success in the pageantry world speaks for itself. When it became apparent that we had a chance to get him on-board, we knew that it was an opportunity we would be foolish to pass up,” stated Executive Director Jeff Spanos. “He fills an important role on our design team and we’re extremely excited to be working with him.” Kevin Nix distinguishes himself as an artist with unusual versatility toward marching band and musical visual art. Nix received his Bachelor of Arts in Music Education with a minor in Trumpet studies from the University of Oklahoma, studying with Gene Thrailkill, William Wakefield and Roland Barrett. His collaborative efforts with many high school bands and color guards throughout the country have helped mentor programs toward higher standards and establish him as one of the respected designers of recent years. Nix has been an Associate Director of Bands and Visual Coordinator at Ronald Reagan HS in San Antonio, TX, for the past seven years. He is an adjudicator for Bands Of America and Drum Corps International and has served on local panels for marching band and winter guard. Groups with which he has worked have been the Texas State Marching Band champions and Bands of America Grand National Finalists. ABOUT THE MADISON SCOUTS Founded in 1938, the Madison Scouts Drum & Bugle Corps is a non-profit youth organization known for developing energetic, powerful and crowd-pleasing shows. Since its inception, the corps has been committed to providing a meaningful, positive and life-changing experience to young men ages 16-22. The corps’ commitment to excellence serves as the foundation for its ultimate goal of preparing members to be successful, contributing members of society. To learn more about the Madison Scouts Drum & Bugle Corps or to volunteer, call 608-837-0707, e-mail Executive Director Jeff Spanos at jeffspanos@madisonscouts.org or visit www.madisonscouts.org.

Hello everyone. We appreciate the passion all of you are demonstrating on this forum about our TX and WI auditions. It's great to know so many people care. After a lengthy discussion with Jeff Spanos evaluating the pros and cons of the organization having a voice on DCP, we have decided that it is best for us to communicate as openly as possible with the drum corps community when feasible. Accordingly, we would like to give a brief official report about our camps. The caption heads and staff felt incredibly positive about the talent levels assembled at both auditions and we're excited to get everyone who was invited to the call-backs in December in Madison together where final decisions will be made. Our numbers from the camps are as follows: 104 brass 51 percussion 15 guard The guard number includes several guys who had expressed interest in coming to the TX audition. However, we did not audition guard in TX due to a last-minute and unforeseeable situation. Numbers were a bit thin compared to many years. However, this is what we had expected after the massive staff turnover since 2006. The fact that so many vets decided to come back and give the new staff an opportunity to make an impression speaks volumes about the corps, and we are deeply appreciative of our returning members. With that being said, I spoke to Corps Director Mark Dunton last night and he said that he has been getting several calls and emails daily from vets and prospective members asking if they can still attend the December camp for an audition. The word has spread quickly about the high-quality teaching that's being conducted by the staff. As well, we are excited about the incredible response we've been receiving since camp about the guard staff. According to Mark Dunton, we're anticipating upwards of 40 potential guard auditionees at the December camp. Both our designer, JC Caceres, and Caption Head Anthony Erevia have no doubt we'll have a talented guard of 36 ready to go in April. As well, our design team met for the first time this past weekend. For those of you who have not been following the releases, we have a talented and diverse group assembled that includes: Matt Gregg (Program Coordinator) Kevin Nix (Program Consultant) Chris Theo (Creative Consultant) John Georgeson (Brass Arranger) Taras Nahirniak (Front Line Arranger) JC Caceres (Guard Choreographer) Anthony Erevia (Guard Caption Head) Roger Carter (Percussion Arranger) Allen Joanis (Visual Designer) The team is working through some concepts and plans to have a show concept finalized in December. Again, thank you all for your continued support of the Madison Scouts. Sincerely, Steve Powers Advisor to the Executive Director Madison Scouts

I worked many years with Alan while I was with DCW. He was a great asset to the publication during my tenure and I always enjoyed our conversations. I pray for him and his loved ones. Steve Powers

Congratulations, Jeff. You're absolutely the right choice for this position.

Les Etoiles Dutch Boy (from the late 80s) Stockton Commodores and, finally . . . the Fresno Ferns

With all due respect, Regiment appears to have had this in the works for sometime. Without knowing the intricacies of the situation, one could argue that Pat Seidling was treated poorly because Regiment was ushering him out the door before the season was over. Admittedly, in an ideal world there are understudies in place before decisions are made. But it doesn't seem as if that is possible with most organizations.

Fair enough. And I think you SHOULD question what is happening with the organization because, after all, the corps exists FOR you. It would be productive for the members to come together and address the board about their concerns. IMO, it's important the Boards of Directors hear from their constituents. Hang in there.

If you check the Scouts forum on their website you'll see that the sentiment being expressed by potential returning members is that they are Madison Scouts, through and through. They don't appear to be wavering from their reasons for being a Madison Scout. Most corps don't fail because of the director. Most corps fail because they are not run like a business. Spending is not controlled, fundraising is not adequate, expenses are too high (keeping up with the Joneses), and systems are not in place to help the organization stay successful long-term. Too many groups have been run for the sole purpose of trying to make the Top 12, Top 6 or win DCI Championships. The Scouts are not doomed. They are, however, in the midst of a challenging time. But, what do you really know about the organization other than what you have read on DCP? Are you intimately aware of their financial situation, of their organizational structure, of their sponsorship situation, of their fundraising strategies, of countless other things that are such much more important to running a successful ORGANIZATION than simply placing where you and I think they should?