BroughAJ

Does anyone have any details on where the Scouts will be staying for the Centerville, OH show? I would like to take some of my students who are attending the show to see them rehearse during the afternoon. Any information would be appreciated. Thanks!

I believe it is $72 for alumni. I forgot and paid $75, but who really cares when the money is going to the right place!?! You can pay right at the souvie booth as I did in Louisville. Great show last night, I was at both Louisville and Normal. Keep working hard and this will be a corps we will long remember. I won't be at Drums on Parade, but I expect to hear about a huge standing ovation after the initial hit in Slaughter. Best intro of the year so far! Win the audience on the first downbeat!

Good morning, I was able to attend last night's ensemble rehearsal in Bloomington at Memorial Stadium. I brought a student of mine who is graduating next week and will major in music education. It was his first time watching drum corps live. He was absolutely speechless. We took some pictures and watched the run-through of Slaughter which took place just after 9:30 PM. Until I get permission to post photos or any kind of review I'm not going to say too much, but I will say this: To the alumni, pay your dues! It will bring you that much closer to being a part of this corps and this show. I won't hype about how they will finish or any of that nonsense, but if you're a Madison Scout fan, present or past, you'll be a fan in 2010! Andrew Brough Madison Scouts 2001-2004

I'll play this game. 1. 2000 - Methods of Madness: Maybe because it's dark. I loved Carpe Noctem. I guess this isn't quite the same comparison, but Bernard Hermann has some great music and this show highlighted this. The only thing to make this show even better would have been one part where a lead sop just ripped a screamer. That is a little selfish of me, however, because the show is just fine. 2. 2007 - Winged Victory: Again, dark. I only saw it live at Indianapolis and remember looking over to my dad and saying "it's theirs this year." Amongst the feel of the entire show, they pulled the "victory" part off perfectly saving the Beethoven clip for the very end. I thought it was clever. Actually, my first reaction to describe it was "heavenly." 3. 2004 - The SummerTrain Blues Mix: Quite possibly the best hornline I have heard. I may not be a brassline connoisseur compared to other's experience, but I was/am amazed. I believe there are still some warm-up videos on certain websites that show you what I'm talking about. The Walnut, Ca. warm-up video comes to mind...Dang. They were fun to hang with on Tour of Champions as well. That lead sop section had no fear. -The above could honestly be put in any order and never disappoint. Let's just call them Top 3- 4. 2006 - The Godfather, Part Blue: VERY close to being in my upper echelon. The horns were greatly balanced and I loved the show. My biggest complaint was hearing essentially the same melody throughout the whole show, but I got over that pretty quickly because the last 30 seconds of both the opener and closer always get me going. 5. 2008 - Constantly Risking Absurdity: I really do like this show. It took me all of June and July to grow on me, but by August last year I was hooked. The complaint here: The ending just didn't quite match, but that is strictly my opinion. 6. 2003 - The Phenomenon of Cool: In 2003 I would have said this is one of the best of my favorite Blue Devils shows. I'll have to think some more about it, but this is about where I have it. It was a championship show with just about everything I could want. Honestly, I think I simply dug the music more in my choices for Top 3. This coming from a guy who has played with Brubeck and fully respects his great contributions to jazz. 7. 2009 - 1930: I don't want to really judge this show yet since it isn't finished, but this is about where it is. I dig the almost all of it. I really would go for even more of the 1988 Blue Devils feeling throughout the "happier" parts. This show has actually made me appreciate and enjoy 1988 even more. 8. 2005 - Dance Derby of the Century: Possibly without the vocals it would be extremely high on my personal list. That hornline could play and the soloists were right up there with 2004. Again, I wasn't a fan of the vocals, but I also understand to tell this particular story it just couldn't be done many other ways. 9. 2002 - Jazz: Music Made in America: Two parts... House of the Rising Sun and the backfield sop solo. Other than that it was just a strong and entertaining show for me, but not much more. 10. 2001 - Awayday Blue: I honestly think I just need to listen to this one a few more times. I just don't recall enough. Basically, I went by gut feeling, but my iTunes pretty much tells the tale. I think 2000, 2007 and 2004 are at or near the number 30 in my play count.

Excellent news! Good luck in 2010!

I voted 2006. Of course the 1987-2002 uniform is the most popular, but that 2006 version had the look while being completely different. It was lighter, yet still looked aggressive and Madison.

Good assessment! About the guard, I am holding hope it gets better. They REALLY improved last summer. It was a defining moment in their season really. I think we can expect more of that this year (I hope). Any word on the colorguard front? They seem to be the buzz this year!

Did anyone check the most recent Tweet from MadisonCorps? It seems to suggest some good work has been accomplished. I'm looking forward to hearing/seeing it! Good luck to ALL groups as the regionals begin.

Awesome!

The funny thing is... At the end of this past school year I thought I'd play a couple DCI DVDs for my junior high and high school band students to give them some exposure of marching outside of rural western Ohio. I played 1998 Scouts since I have always liked it and they wanted to see the group where I marched. Anyhow, they seemed to like it ok, maybe only for my sake. I think if the Scouts had chosen to open the show with Crazy Train rather than Lupon or Swingin' Pete (Peer Gynt) they might have won over a few more fans in this area. I NEED to get them to see a live show. That should take care of this business.

I hope I won't get into any trouble asking this, but... I bought 4 tickets to Drum on Parade for tomorrow. Unfortunately, my family and I won't be able to attend anymore. They are good seats in Section B. I paid $15 for each ticket. I'm not trying to sell these for a profit, but rather than having 4 empty seats for the show is there anyone interested in using them? Send me a PM if you are interested. It will just be a first come, first serve basis to make it fair. Thanks, and I hope it is a great show tomorrow!

I have been looking over all of the boards... Is there a review of last night's performance? I have read some comments and such, but nothing like an actual review describing what was seen/heard. Let's hope for a great showing in Stillwater!

From what I have heard it is only a "hint" of Malaga.

I'm surprised after the great following the Scouts received this summer on these boards there is no more talk about the news. I am personally interested in seeing how this plays out. I don't know much about some of the hires, but I trust the design and office staff. Best of luck for this year!

You are correct that the Cadets looked good during retreat, however, your use of the word "only" is a bit much. I recall watching across the field toward Madison and noticing they were locked down throughout. In fact, they didn't even turn their heads to watch the video while it was played, at least that was how it looked from where I sat.

I think we may have been sitting pretty close. I agree with your assessment of last night's performance. I will say, the show didn't have the energy that the run-through had, but the individual errors were down and that sop solo was very nice! The guard was absolutely killing it in practice, but there were a few problems I saw last night. The good thing is that those can be fixed instantly and it may help with the differences in fractions of points. The footwork is incredible and that is why I really think to see this show in person is so much more impressive than on the Fan Network, even though that has been a great commodity this season. After the show I got to watch the cymbal line practice their I&E performance. It should be pretty good. They have some neat ideas and I know people will enjoy the work. I also got a call this morning. The corps arrived about four hours later than expected. The drum bus broke down I believe two times. One time it kept them in a Meijer parking lot only a few miles from my home in Dayton. They made it to the site, however, and hopefully after some rest they can get back to work. They are certainly in the game, so now all they can do is work hard and give it their best.

Just got back from their afternoon rehearsal. It was raining when we arrived and once we got into the stands the clouds parted and it has turned into a warm and sunny day. Let's hope the rain stays away for the next several hours. I know this is going to sound like I'm being too much of a "homer," but I had to lean over to my wife while they were running a section of the closer and say how crazy it is that a show this good and so entertaining isn't a lock for finals. This show has definitely gone through some growing pains, but it is clicking! The guard was incredible for the run through. A few minor visual and musical errors made by the horns that can be fixed for tonight and they should be set. This is a group that has learned how to perform the "heck" out of a very difficult show. That being said, all the other corps are working hard too, so I understand the competition. This corps right now could probably give the 2005 group some trouble. Drum Corps has just really gotten a boost from every corps and it is unbelievably hard. That being said, here's hoping for a week to remember and a Saturday night performance by the Scouts at Finals.

Well I can bring my iPod Touch to the show and see if I get a connection. If so, I will give it a try. Any other ideas?

Thank you! Not too far from where we are in Canton, MI. We are looking forward to another great show tomorrow.

I don't know if it has been posted yet... Does anyone know where they will be rehearsing prior to the Toledo show tomorrow? Thanks!

That's hilarious! I get mad at my parents during shows because of the same thing. They spend so much time trying to find my brother that they miss some cool things going on. It is nice, though, knowing that parents care enough to want to see their kid doing something pretty spectacular.

I know some people have been concerned most of the season about the jackets coming off. Personally, the only thing that could help this situation is maybe a little change in color versus the white. However, as many others have stated, it is a one-piece uniform, so changing anything would be difficult. What I would like to point out is that I saw the show twice over the past week. Not once did I feel like the jackets coming off took away from the performance. It used to be said that some of the members needed to leave them on due to appearance. If this is still a concern for some viewers, I would suggest focusing on everything else going on during that part of the show. It really has come together nicely and I think the guard work is much more impressive than just how it all looks with the jackets off. It is great that people are paying attention to the Madison Color Guard. It has long been a cornerstone of the activity and I feel those who are concerned are only going to help see that this unit endures.

As far as I know, my brother is planning on playing a trombone solo at I&E. I'm not sure about any ensembles, though. As it is, I am shocked about the allowing of trombones. I believe we were DQ'ed in 2003 for playing trombone in our brass quintet. On a side note, this year's cymbal line is wicked and I enjoy watching those guys go at it. It would also be nice to see the Madison Bass Line put something tasty together.

I was able to see both Centerville and Columbus shows as well as the rehearsals before both shows. By far last night was the best run of them all! I honestly have not had that much fun watching a drum corps show since I saw the Scouts on Finals night in 1999. As far as it goes for marching with the Scouts, NightBeat 2001 was incredible, but for me getting to sit in the stands and watch them perform last night, it seemed unreal. It could be from where I was sitting, but many of the errors they previously had didn't happen last night. What might have been mentioned in the closer could be true, but I didn't notice anything like that. There are, however, plenty of little things that happen or stick out that still needs to be addressed. This is actually a good thing. They still have room to grow for this last week. Even with those minor instances, everyone still was able to completely enjoy the show. The entire stadium knew they had just seen the best performance to this date from the Madison Scouts. It was pretty spectacular. Now there are just a few more days to practice and lock down the repetition so this incredibly difficult show comes off with perfection. We have a good reason to be proud for the 2008 Madison Scouts. Like I said yesterday, if you still have any chance of seeing the show, DO IT! Then, stop by the souvie booth and drop some bills in the gas tank. The confidence of this corps begins to swell upon arriving to the stadium. You can feel it, and it makes you live for performances like last night. This is going to be a thrilling last week!

Great job with the video! My family is grateful for getting Alex's baritone solo in Ice Castles on there. I marched the Centerville show for four years and we never got to do an encore, so at least on my brother's age out year he got to do one. Great job and keep them coming! Atta Boy, Luther!