victrussell

I don't think the Scouts need to expend a huge amount of money on new uniforms. If they changed to white pants and a scaled-back red sash, I think most fans would be satisfied. Obviously, the kind of program they perform is paramount. I am not suggesting a return to the 90s drill and music. I am suggesting an easy-understood theme, accessible music and the use of a few elements of drill that the Scouts have used over the years. Vic Russell

I did not make any negative comments about the Scouts during the season, but I think now is the time for Scouts fans to speak up. We now know that original music and drill and an obscure premise to the show does not necessarily win the hearts and minds of DCI judges. Accordingly, I hope next year the Scouts will return to recognizable music and some traditional Scouts drill elements and uniform. If the Blue Devils and Cadets can score 1-3 playing West Side Story and 1930's jazz, I think that kind of populist program is exactly what the Scouts need to rev up the enthusiasm of Scouts fans and Drum Corps audiences. If the Cadets and Blue Devils can score 1-3 wearing their traditional uniforms, I think the Scouts should return to the uniform they wore in the 90's. I suspect the 90's Scouts are the Scouts most fans identify with. Vic Russell

I just watched the Salem, VA show on the DCI Fan Network. I thought the Scouts really stepped it up in that show. I am impressed with the Scouts continual improvement. Vic Russell

Thanks for the updates from Scouts alum/parents/fans who are with the Scouts in Tennessee. Many of us can only follow the Scouts on line, so we appreciate everything that you post. Vic Russell

I just watched the video of the Scout's Houston show on DCI's Fan Network. I think they have definitely stepped it up. I saw some of that traditional Madison Scouts swagger in the Houston show. Also, the audience response was very positive. Vic Russell

I have several pins and pictures for donating to the Scouts. Personally, I would rather the corps spend that money on the corps rather than send pins et al to donors. I think recognition of donors on the Scout's web site is enough. Vic Russell

This is an excellent comment! I wonder how many of the posters who are pontificating about what the Scouts could have done or should be doing are putting their money where their mouths are. Vic Russell

Exactly! We are lucky the Scouts have survived as an organization. The current leadership had to put the emphasize on paying off a huge debt and developing a plan to finance the corps on a long-term basis. The Scouts are well on their way to accomplishing those goals under the current leadership. But, difficult economic times have made that even more challenging. As to the Scouts on field performance, I was ecstatic that the Scouts made finals last year. It is the same leadership that accomplished that feat that is still in charge. I have not given up on them making finals again this year. I think the future for the Scouts is looking very promising. Vic Russell

I think BD should have been higher vis a vis the competition! It just isn't practical given how much of the season remains. Vic Russell

Poor Blue Knights! They had to march a pedestrian generic show following that outstanding show marched by the Blue Devils. Vic Russell

Blue Devils -- BY FAR -- had the best show of the night. One of the best use of props I have ever seen. Easy to understand yet very intricate. I really like this show! Vic Russell

I think it will be this August. As I recall, people were saying the same things about the Scouts a year ago and look what happend -- the Scouts made finals!!!! Vic Russell

Is it just me, or do the Colts brass mostly stand still or move slowly when playing. Vic Russell

Thanks so much for the update. It seems like it is more difficult getting information on the Scouts' tour this year when compared with last year. The Scouts have posted few videos on the Fan Network. DCI has posted no vidoes of the Scouts' show on the Fan Network. I hope that all changes during the next few weeks. Vic Russell

What is unreasonable about expecting DCI to provide video for a show that includes the Madison Scouts during the first half of the season? I note, for example, two DCI videos of the Mandarins and two of the Colts (corps that did not make the top 12 last year and were also involved in rained-out shows) were posted (by DCI and not the individual corps!). Also, DCI posted videos of several Open Class corps. It looks to me like the Scouts is the only top 12 corps for whom DCI has not posted a video. Why couldn't DCI video the Michigan City show -- a site just up the road from DCI headquarters in Indianapolis? I don't think DCI was even handed in choosing shows to video tape. I understand that DCI will cover a show that includes the Scouts on July 11 in Denver. The Scouts, however, are rumored to be putting changes into their show for Denver. That means there are no early Scouts shows posted to compare with the Denver show. I think my complaint is very reasonable. Vic Russell

I am upset that I paid $59 and here it is -- July 9 -- and they have not posted a single video of the Madison Scouts' 2009 show. For some corps, there are multiple videos of 2009 shows posted. What is going on here? Vic Russell

Tom, I enjoyed your review of the Dubuque show. I saw the Scouts, Spirit, Colts, Pioneer and Colts Cadets in South Milwaukee on July 1 and I generally agree with your comments. I thought Pioneer was an upgrade over previous years, but I just saw them again on Sunday night (July 5 in exhibition) in Kenosha and I thought they had taken a step backwards. I also saw the Racine Scouts in exhibition Sunday night and I thought they were substantially better this year when compared to the past few years. My reactions have as much to do with how much I enjoy a show as opposed to doing a DCI-type technical review of the various parts. As a Wisconsin native, I tend to be partial to Wisconsin corps. Vic Russell

It seems we are getting less "inside information" about the Scouts this year on this thread. Can anyone share more information on changes that are being put into the Scouts show on Friday? Scouts fans who live in Northern Illinois - Southern Wisconsin are at a disadvantage because we always get the early season versions of the show with no shows scheduled in this area later in the season. This doesn't seem right in view of the fact that 5 world class corps (6 if you count the Colts) are from this area. Vic Russell

To me, DCI scoring makes no sense so I try to ignore it. I attended the South Milwaukee show on July 1 and I thought the Scouts put on a really great and entertaining show. I also enjoyed the Scouts' stand still performance. As a fan, that is all I ask of them. Vic Russell

I attended the South Milwaukee show last night. The Scouts clearly had the most intricate and entertaining show. I stopped commenting on DCI's slotting process in recent years after discussing it extensively on this forum in 2002. Vic Russell

I don't think a sensible commentary/discussion like yours is what the negative quipsters are looking for. I hope to get to the show in South Milwaukee on Wednesday. I am looking forward to seeing how the corps/guard uniforms work on the field. Vic Russell

Good luck tonight, Scouts, in Mankato. It is good to hear the show is likely to go on tonight. Vic Russell

A Fan Network video showing the new uniforms would be appreciated too! Vic Russell

I am looking forward to your East Troy reports. It looks like the official Scouts thread has a lot of copycats this year. Vic Russell

Thanks for the updates on the Scouts' 2009 show. I hope the fund raising is going well this year. My hope is that I will make it to the South Milwaukee show on July 1. Vic Russell