nemesiscorps

Why am I even bothering with this? Not so fast my friend... I can see how the various opinions make sense to those that have spoken to the issue. As I have often said, we are an inbred activity, meaning that many of us participate in "the marching activity" or the pageantry arts on multiple levels (fan, marching participant, instructor, management, volunteer, corps, winter guard, marching band, indoor percussion, etc.). Our passion has the ability to blind our objectivity when it comes to assessing what and who we are, let alone how well off or lacking we are. Please take a moment to consider how an outsider would view the health of the "drum corps" activity. I emphasize, "drum corps" because it is only fair and correct to do so. We don't call marching bands drum corps, we don't call winter guards drum corps, and we don't call indoor percussion lines drum corps. We all agree that they are related, but if you wanted to speak of the health of the "marching activity", you should have stated so and made your case. Instead, you chose the term "drum corps" knowing that there is a strong division about the state of the "drum corps" activity. I think you were really trying to make the case for the "drum corps" activity specifically, and cited several "related" activities to make your case, and that is something that many "traditionalists" couldn't take laying down. Anyway, I believe that when a semi-intelligent and impartial outsider views facts, they would agree that the "marching activity" is healthier than ever, but they would also be able to make a clear separation between the three activities, compare and contrast them, and come to a logical conclusion on the general health of either from a practical standpoint. I will use the following analogy that an outsider can relate to, and then we can all go to sleep. Imagine if in 2006, private "youth soccer" was it's own little niche in the USA, and was comprised of roughly "only" 60 teams or so nation-wide, of which two-thirds or so were actively "playing against" other teams. I use the term "playing against" rather than "competing against", because the playing field (no pun intended) would not be level, meaning that some of the soccer teams have healthy amounts of money, affording them the best equipment, coaches, facilities, marketing/recruiting capabilities, and general support from sporting equipment manufacturers and other related sports endorsers and enthusiasts. Imagine that much of this has come about because those that win have continued to reap the benefits of winning over time, the most important benefit being the ability to create their own self-governing entity, and thus decide what the rules will be and how the game will be played to suit the collective body of winning teams. Of course the other teams would still exist in their own right, but under very different circumstances, such as operating with limited funds and similar issues that generally come with a program facing significant financial challenges, the most important being having no say in the rules and how the game will be played. Nonetheless, approximately 21 or so of the teams would be considered "strong enough" to be invited to play against each other as the "best active teams", and therefore they are eligible to receive money for competing against each other at regional games across the country. The rest of the teams simply "get by" however they can. It is not important how some of the teams have achieved their levels of success, and how some have not achieved those levels... it's simply the way it is. Of the fifty or so private youth soccer teams that would be currently "playing against" each other, only 6 have ever actually won the top prize in over thirty years. Furthermore, it's likely that those same five or six will continue to be competitive "against each other" for winning top prize in the foreseeable future. At least there is no reason to believe that the competitive results will change since the same trends have continued for over three decades, with nothing to indicate different results in the near or distant future. Continue to imagine that each year, of those 75 teams, one or more of the teams folds as a result of their inability to compete at levels that bring beneficial returns in revenue, recruitment, overall status, etc. Finally, imagine that while the youth soccer activity continues to exist as described above, other youth sports are thriving and growing (participation wise, number of teams, number of spectators/supporters, etc.), such as youth baseball, youth football, youth basketball, and other scholastic sports. Even though any intelligent person can speak to the success of specific youth soccer teams or groups of teams (as well as speak to the health of youth sports in general), no honest and objective thinker could possibly make the argument that "youth soccer" (as I have described above) could possibly be "healthier than ever." In addition, to suggest that we should "celebrate" because of how healthy the SPECIFIC sport of "youth soccer" is, is beyond outrageous. Youth soccer is not basketball, football, basketball, etc., and the "drum corps" activity is not winter guard, marching band, indoor percussion, etc. Make your case for the "marching activity" and you'll get little debate from any honest and objective person, but stop trying to "spin" this passionate issue in the manner that you have. It's not an honest reflection of where the "drum corps" activity has been and where it's going. It's a twisted way of trying to defend the tragedy of what has happen to THE drum corps activity. The truth is that it has gone beyond “change”. It is an unhealthy competitive environment that has contributed to the demise of past drum and bugle corps that could not sustain the demands of what it takes to survive and be competitive. There are obvious examples of corps that have "survived" this so called evolution of drum corps, but they are by no means competitive, and it's unlikely that they ever will be again. Many of you are comfortable and pleased with where we are today, go ahead and celebrate. Meanwhile there will always be those of us that mourn a once great activity that was unique in what it was and in it's clear service to the cause of youth development. That activity no longer exists. I’ve accepted the fact that the fight is over, though the debate still goes on. Let’s debate specific, real and articulable facts, and leave fiction, fantasy and spin agendas alone.

Nicely expressed my friend. I disagree with about 95% of it, but it is clearly a well thought out response. With the exception of reviewing a corps' financials and touring conditions, everything else you mentioned regarding DCI's efforts to GROW the activity centered on PROMOTING the member corps. The high levels of promoting that you cite have done little to aid in the founding and development of new organizations. In fact, its negative affects on most units are quite clear. People want to be a part of the groups they see on t.v., the DCI website, regionals, etc. They want that glamore and prestiege. They're not flocking to be members of any other corps outside of those promoted by DCI. You've also highlighted one other fact. The way things generally go are: When you're ready for the big time, DCI's ready for you. DCI's education and advice efforts are centered on if your organization has the ability to make money, not if you're serving kids. And yea, I'm disturbed by the deceptive promotion language that leads one to believe that DCI is servicing "youth", when the reality is that they're creating a big league playground and valuable learning environment for some of the most talented and often affluent "young adults" in American College Music Culture. I'll leave you with a final thought or question. You state: "it is the corps themselves that modify their own definition through the governing federation, DCI." It seems fudamentally wrong that a small few (Top 21) can define what an entire activity is to be. You hit the nail on the head. That's a clear example of how a small collective (particularly when compared to the number of corps over the years) has affected the vast majority over time. And I would say that it is more accurate that today's competitive marching bands are "sub-genre" of the corps activity. You seem like an intelligent person with years under your belt. Surely you remember what marching bands were like before they started doing "corps style" marching shows. Interesting how you flipped that one around. There must be some level of responsibility placed upon DCI, that "governing federation" for where we are today, the good and the bad. Ironically, in another similar post, someone suggests that we should be "celebrating" the health of the activity. Many like myself are blown away by such thinking. I give DCI every positive credit for what it is due, but I also blast it for what it is largely responsible for as well, and that is DCI not taking REAL steps to preserve and grow the activity for the purpose in which it (drum corps) was originally founded for... to service youth in their development toward becoming young, civic-minded adults. I can certainly understand how this may not have been an issue in 1972, but we're all grown up now... let's be real. There is a moral and ethical disconnect that has occurred within the corps activity over the years as it relates to youth development, and I believe it stems from DCI's lack of a moral and ethical compass in that area. DCI should be held accountable for its role in the decline of youth participants today. Not applauded as a champion and advocate of the cause. There'll be no free passes given here. History speaks loud and clear.

Wow. That's pretty offensive to an endless number of corps over the decades. You obviously have no idea what their objectives are/were as an organization, as design team members, as instructional staff, nor as members. For you to suggest that these talented and hard working people are/were not as smart as others shows a lack of maturity on your part, and I don't mean that to be offensive. This line of thinking you hold is based upon nothing but you're opinion. I'd rather do an analysis of the facts and ask reasonable questions. I'll also correct your statement on what it takes to be the best in the world. "In order to be the best in the world you have to perform better than the other corps you are competing against according to those... [JUDGES THAT EVENING]. Other judges, as well as other people more qualified from an educational and professional perspective may not agree, so the best in the world is always up for debate in our subjective system. If you know anything about this activity, which I assume you do, you'll retract that statement and acknowledge that the show design (as well as WHO designs it) plays a major part in who wins. When I speak of "winning", I'm also talking about being the people's choice, being in high demand for placement on a sponsor's show lineup, and achieving the envy and respect of your competitors, regardless of placement. Similar to the "once upon a time" Madison Scouts. Few corps can hope to attain this in DCI today. It is reserved for a select few, and I just think people (spectators, members, and corps organizations in general) are tired of trying to achieve the unachievable. Thankfully there are now other outlets to experience the real spirit of competition, and a realistic hope that one day... maybe. Other organizations and art forms grow, while DCI dwindles to what some suspect they want to be, a small collective of semi-professional marching units that manufacturers will cater to, and all others will pay to see. The smaller the collective, the larger pieces of the pie they'll share among themselves. Today drum corps ( I use the term lightly) is an inbred activity where everyone at the top levels knows everyone else, from directors to judges to executive level officials. These few individuals are the movers and the shakers, and they make the rules and standards for all others to follow. They've marched together and grown together for years and years, and several have actually found ways to make money (good money) doing drum corps. I believe they've lost their ability to look at the activity objectively anymore. As a result, they've rationalized away their behavior and decisions. They can no longer go back because for them there is too much to lose. We're now an art form with no true identity. Our roots are within the drum corps activity, but the reality of our "evolution" is yet to be acknowledged and defined. These are my own thoughts based upon my 25 year history and experiences in the corps activity as a marching member, staff member, board member, and former Div. I corps director. However, I must admit that you're right when it comes to me personally, I never had a true desire to "win" at any cost, and it was never a focal point of my efforts in corps. I'm proud of that and wouldn't trade my experiences in for a championship ring. I, like others, am clearly not "smart" enough to figure it out how to attain that level of success. And once again I find myself bored with it all. Time to depart the planet. I hope someone is here if I ever get back, at this rate it doesn't seem likely. Peace be with you.

So how does one become the "best in the world"? And who makes that decision on who the best is? You're going to have to do better than that for a response my friend. There are a ton of corps that have worked hard or harder than those corps trading that trophy for three decades. If it's so simple, why can't anyone else get it done? With the exception of the five years mentioned, no one else could make it happen. Simple... no way.

Okay then, I'll say it. Has anyone considerd that other activities have flourished because there is something to achieve in those areas that can't be achieved in DCI, like actually being competitive for a championship title? I'm far from being a "winning is everything" type, but the corps activity requires incredible sacrifices from individuals and organizations. We've all seen how trying to make such sacrifices has broken many organizations and individuals. It's a great activity with so many benefits, but when one faces the reality that there is only so far that an organization can go, you realize that you're on a treadmill going nowhere. Individuals and organizations don't necessarily desire to simply "win", but they do want to experience what winning can bring, such as fame fortune, etc... Because it is a competitive activity, that's always a factor, regardless of how much we want to talk about the other reasons for doing corps. Let's see... 8 champions in 34 years, of which two of those units no longer exist (so take away two years for each year they won, 1972 Kingsmen and 1991 Star of Indiana). Two of the remaining 6 champions have only won the title for a combined three years (Scouts twice and Phantom once), so that takes us down to 29 years that FOUR remaining champions have been trading a trophy (B.D, SCV, Cadets, and Cavies)... 29 years! Is this phenomenon a reflection on those four corps, on the remainder of all other competing units during that 34 year history, a reflection of nearly 30 years of adjudicators, a reflection on society, or a reflection on the governing body that sets the standards and rules in our objectively judged activity. Being successful on the field means many things... like survival in an incredibly competitive arena. The NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, and others would never survive with a track record like DCI's. That's simply hard fact, and when a professional team can't be successful, there's no revenue, with no reveune there won't be an owner, and with no owner there's no team. When corps can't compete, people burn out, give up, or they bet it all in hopes of winning the jackpot toward success... winning championships or at least being a consistent contender. History shows that when organizations leap too far to "keep up with the Jones'", they routinely fall to their death. To credit DCI with the advancement of WGI and others is an outrage. DCI has simply set wonderful standards in performance and design that others have used to continue to develop. Those other organizations built themselves through hard work and sacrifice, and continue to have to compete with DCI for market dollars. They are successful in spite of DCI, rather than because of anything that DCI has actually done FOR them. From its inception, DCI has structured itself for the "haves" in the corps activity, and there is no real future in DCI for the "have-nots", that is crystal clear. Thanks for being positive, but please be realistic. I think any celebrations should be reserved for the successes within those other organizations, not for the state of a truly dead activity. It is those other organizations (DCI off-shoots) that are strong and healthy, but the drum & bugle corps activity (not DCI) has suffered beyond repair. And why did those other organizations "off-shoot" from DCI anyway? There's some history that needs to be reviewed here folks. Today we have barely any competing units, and those that are competing don't use bugles, they just use the name "drum & bugle corps". Isolate the corps activity in general from DCI and those other activities, and the only celebrations going on should be appropriately in the form of a wake. Take that! (Then smile my friends:)

Greetings! I've been off the planet for quite some time. I don't really know why I'm back, but anyway, I know I'm asking for it by even bothering to throw in my two cents. Oh well. I think it's unfortunate that your comments had to come off with such a negative tone, because you do raise important factors about the society that we live in and how Social Capitol (general community involvement in a variety of social activities) has declined over the past several decades. I agree, many of the factors you mentioned contributed to the decline of activities such as ours. However, your points do not support why other activities for youth have expanded during the same time period, seemingly rising above many of the pitfalls that one must admit at least have contributed to the decline of units in the corps activity. I will not bash DCI for this decline because I actually do not find fault to belong solely to DCI. DCI has been straightforward and true to its mission statement from the beginning. They exist to service their member corps, and they continue to do so. The problem is that when there are no others (governing bodies) to equally promote or service the vast majority of corps, then those corps can't realistically compete at any level, on or off the field. When a corps is doing well on the field, the chances of doing well internally as an organization are certainly increased, particularly when "winning" means you get to make the rules and set the standards for all others to adhere to. Those that resited the formation of the combine (which was well before my time, but I enjoyed the DCI article that gave insight to it's development) must have seen the potential for problems that we face today. We've allowed the creation of a monopoly on the activity, and left ourselves with no alternatives when it comes to developing benefitial strategies for the development of the entire corps activity. We can't blame DCI for our addiction. But wait, someone sued McDonald's right?! (Kidding!) That leaves us with some fundamental questions that I believe deserve straightforward answers. Here are a few: 1. As the remaining superpower (governing monopoly) for the corps activity, does DCI have any responsibility for the advancement of the activity as it relates to non-member corps? If not, why? If so, what level of responsibility does it have? 2. Let's see... 8 champions in 34 years, of which two of those units no longer exist (so take away two years for each year they won, 1972 Kingsmen and 1991 Star of Indiana). Two of the remaining 6 champions have only won the title for a combined three years (Scouts twice and Phantom once), so that takes us down to 29 years that FOUR remaining champions have been trading a trophy (B.D, SCV, Cadets, and Cavies)... 29 years! Is this phenomenon a reflection on those four corps, on the remainder of all other competing units during that 34 year history, a reflection of nearly 30 years of adjudicators, a reflection on society, or a reflection on the governing body that sets the standards and rules in our objectively judged activity. Where does the bulk of the responsibility rest? Of those listed, who has received the most benefit of 34 years of DCI? 3. In their role as the primary governing body for the activity, what specific steps have been taken by DCI over the years to GROW the activity? (Please do not confuse activity GROWTH with activity PROMOTION, they are separate issues. Where is DCI's strategic plan for growth of the activity?) Again, I admit that there is no specified responsibility for DCI to be concerned with activity growth, because it is not stated as either a part of their mission nor vision statements, but I do think it is a fair question that deserves an answer. 4. The "winners" within our activity have made monumental changes to the activity, both positive and negative. Is it possible to "go too far" with innovation and creative development? If not, why? If so, what would be considered too far? 5. When changes are made at fundamental levels (such as with instrumentation), is there also an equal responsibility to create new competitive arenas that can accommodate such changes? For example... if there is shared dissatisfaction with the performance abilities of a bugle, why not simply make a better bugle, rather than totally abandon the instrument for any brass instrument in any key, with some exceptions? In Olympic sports, new ideas come along all the time, and additional games are added as a result, but generally speaking, the new ideas do not lead to the elimination of fundamental standards. 6. DCI still refers to itself as a "youth-based" activity, and thus reaps the benefits of identifying itself as such. As it relates to its member corps, how many participants today actually are of youth age? What's the percentage? I don't mean "youth of spirit" or "young people"; I mean actual non-adults age 17 or younger? We've obviously reached a point where generally speaking, positions in Division I corps are filled by primarily the most talented individuals and/or those that can afford to sacrifice the time and expense demanded for DCI's member corps. It seems that today, a 14-17 year old really doesn't have much of a chance against a college age individual, particularly when it comes to competition on the field. Compare that fact to the kind of kids that marched back in the 60's-90's. Where is the youth service component of DCI for those kinds of kids? (Remember, Div. II-III units don't receive any comparable compensation for their participation in DCI sanctioned events.) Keep in mind; DCI does not purport to service these corps in its mission statement. 7. Finally, what defines the difference between a marching band and a drum & bugle corps, and who decides this? Is it what each unit does? Is it what each unit plays or the kind of equipment the unit performs with? Is it how they rehearse or how often they rehearse? What is the difference? Who makes these decisions and why do they get to make them? Could the answer to who decides these things (or has decided these things) also be the answer to who is most responsible for the state of the activity today? You decide. I've been waiting for answers to those kinds of questions for years now. I'm not looking for facetious responses, but real answers to these questions. Who is responsible here, or at least most responsible? Who has the ability to address these areas that I believe are more directly related to the decline of units in this activity that many struggle to still call "drum & bugle corps"? I continue to here crickets... By the way, I tried what you suggested... starting a corps. It was a good experience for me and those we touched, but I knew there was no place for them in the DCI world of corps. Again, no wasy to compete on or off the field. I'll start it again soon, but now with other goals and objectives focused on the kids and the communities that need it most. I've learned my lessons they hard way, but it was a good lesson to learn. Like before, they'll be pretty good for what they'll have to work with, but unfortunately I'm sure you'll likely never hear about the corps, since there is no vehicle to really promote their efforts and achievements. But I won't blame DCI for that... its not in their mission statement. Thanks for thinking.

Greetings once again my friends, I'll start out with sincere apologies to all. I'm as guilty as guilty can be for not posting a timely response and review of a GREAT evening with Scott and Junko. Life (and the holidays) got in the way, but shortly after our event, I have been able to respond to most email messages received, as well as completed numerous phone conversations with quite a few locals and mutual friends of Scott and myself that are here in Wisconsin and nearby, but yes... I've left many of you hanging.:( I will correct that problem before the week is out... due to tons of deserved pressure from several sources. What I thought would be an easy task of posting responses to specific questions has turned into a rather large (but cool) summary of the evening, as well as a pretty decent and candid review of many great years of the Madison Scouts. We ended up watching a few more shows than anticipated, and I ended up taking several pages of notes and tidbits that I will share with you all. I know it's not cool to post something of novel length, so I'll share the highlights as well as some of the questions and answers that were not posted on this thread. For those interested in the entire review, you may send an email and I'll respond with the full Word attachment. Like you, the long months away from live corps performances is getting to me too, so I recognize that because of my delay the natives have become restless. I humbly request a few more days to put all the pieces together (actually… to pull and post the most necessary excerpts from the full document) with some degree of flow and clarity, to make it more appropriate in length for this board. Thank you for your patience.

Friends: Thanks for all of the great emails and messages for Scott. Please keep them coming, along with other great ideas like some have suggested, such as making a short greeting video from Scott and Junko to post to all well wishers, and a slide show (photos) of the event. Here's your opportunity to ask Scott specific questions about your favorite Madison show, tradition, myth, or anything else that you've always wondered about in regard to the Madison Scouts. We're looking forward to a great event on Sunday, and we hope you'll be able to share in it. Pass the word! Bye for now! Bobby R. Lindsey scoutquestions@mac.com

Please be at peace my friend. Again, you have shown me a side of you that defies comprehension, yet I understand you all too well. Like myself, you are a Pioneer... it is at the very core of who we are and where your hearts live. It is not possible for others to understand this, and no manner of speech nor written word will change that. Please know that I (and others like you and I) am with you in spirit this season and beyond. Your incredible loyalty and commitment to the corps transcends this message board, those that yawn at the shamrock, and frankly, the activity itself. This loyalty and commitment are things that are foreign to this 21st century activity disguised as drum corps, but they are also things that I pray that every member of Pioneer would gain in their experience with our organization. A sense of loyalty and commitment to core values and something that they truly believe in. March on my friend, and be thankful... "For the togetherness and friendship we share, for the hardworking members of the corps, and for the corps itself" Bobby Pioneer for life

Thanks so much for the information and the encouragement. We're "real" Midwest folks (from Wisconsin, brrrr!), so we don't know the inside scoop on all the California corps. However, I've personally held the Mandarins in an extremely high regard for over a decade, and developed an incredible amount of respect for the organization while competing with them during Pioneer's Div. II/III days. The Mandarins remain on my personal top five list of all-time favorite corps... from any division! This will be my son's third year marching on the Division I level, and he's pretty hard corps in terms of looking for challenges and meeting them. He wanted to experience an SCV camp, and it was great! He's confident that his time will come, and he's willing to continue to pay his dues, wait his turn, and enjoy marching elsewhere until that time comes. As a former corps director, I've explained to him that membership in any corps (espescially in Div. I) isn't always just about talent and desire. Group dynamics and chemistry within the corps is also important, and ages among the membership plays an important role. Thanks again, and best of luck to your daughter this summer!

Hey, it's okay, don't worry about the kind of questions to ask. Scott will decide what he'll respond to, and I can assure you that his love for the activity (perhaps as it was, once upon a time) still excites him as always. He's told me that talking about his experiences with others is something that he is grateful to be able to do, because there was a time not long ago when he simply couldn't bring himself up to the task of talking about it at all... the good and the bad. If someone were to make a movie about his life in the activity, it would certainly contain the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. But, he's been able to find life beyond drum corps... and it's good. Today he wants only the best experience possible for every member of every corps. Sadly, it is my understanding that he has not viewed a live performance of the Scouts since the night of DCI Semi-Finals in Madison in 2002. Other than the DCA Championships the last few years, a few DCM shows in 2004/2005, and a Div. II/III show this past summer, he has had little public presence in the activity. It's funny though, with such little exposure to corps for three years now, I must admit that I have yet to find anyone to be his equal when it comes to having a genuine fire and passion for real drum corps. He's a pretty up-beat and positive guy today, with an incredible since of humor! Anyway, it will be great to relive some awesome memories this coming Sunday. Stay tuned!

Not a problem my friend! There are some great questions and emails coming in. I know Scott will appreciate tham all. Of course we'll take tons of photos, and I'll see if we can make a short video clip of Scott and Junko saying hello to everyonel. Thanks for suggesting the idea to capture some video footage! By the way, DCP has a limit of 25 slots for each poll, so I had to start the second one which contains his last four years. Yes, vote in both!

I had the opportunity to attend the camp with my son who was trying out for the trumpet line. He had a great experience, and also a great audition (musically and visually) but was a year too young to make the corps, which we knew would probably be the case since he's not even 16 yet. His talent and maturity exceed his years on the planet! Anyway, he's pumped to try again next fall, and they strongly encouraged him to come back for a spot in 2007. Anyway, the photos you see, as well as the video, do not give an accurate illustration of the number of horns that were there. The camera lense could not possibly fill the frame, as the horn line was pretty much in a complete circle behind Key. For those that were asking, Nick Williams was there, but had to leave Saturday for a football game that he was committed to with his college band in Texas. He returned Saturday night. I didn't count the number of horns, but I can assure you that it was pretty much cramped up in the rehearsal area on the bottom level of the main building at Mission College. The tubas were forced to the back section of the circle and were pretty tight as well. So, never fear, Santa Clara's definitely here!

Ladies and Gentlemen: Here is a great opportunity for you to go behind the scenes with some of your favorite Madison Scouts shows from 1974-2002, by participating in “An evening with THE Madison Scout”, Mr. Scott Stewart! What’s this all about? Well, Scott’s coming to dinner and a Madison Scouts video marathon at my home on Sunday, December 11th (2:00p.m. Central Standard Time), and has agreed to share insight on the shows, significant memories of particular seasons, Madison Scout trademarks and traditions, and his personal thoughts on pretty much anything else of interest! Just imagine, a large video screen, a Bose surround sound stereo system cranked up to the max, the Madison Scouts, and Scott Stewart in your home! For me it’s a dream come true, it’ll be like sitting with Scott on the fifty-yard line during each of those incredible shows! Scott will select three shows (his personal favorites!), I’ll select three of my own, and you the loyal fans will select the final four Madison shows that we’ll view during our marathon next weekend. We’ll watch all ten shows back-to-back (an evolution of the Scouts if you will!) and give everyone an opportunity to post or email questions to Scott about the shows, his life with the corps, special memories, the upcoming performance of Madison Scouts Alumni corps, or anything else. We’ll also try to arrange an IM session next Sunday, for those that wish to have real-time communication with Scott. (Watch this thread for more details on the IM session). We begin compiling your votes and messages today, so don’t hesitate to start posting and emailing right now! You can email your suggestions for a particular show that you want us to review, and/or any questions or greetings for Scott to: ( scoutquestions@mac.com ) or you can vote in the poll provided, as well as post your questions for Scott on this thread for others to view. We’ll try to respond with feedback to your posts and email messages as quickly as we can, before, during, and after dinner and the video marathon next Sunday. For those of you that know Scott, you understand the incredible contributions that he has made to the activity for over 25 years as former director of the Madison Scouts. For those of you that do not know him, a Madison alumni (which I am not) once told me; “Scott is THE perfect Madison Scout that all others strive to become.” He is a remarkable person, and I’m sure that this special event will be appreciated by many alumni, friends, and fans of the Scouts, past, present, and future! It’s a great opportunity to have access to Scott’s behind the scenes perspective on his corps and the activity in general, as well as to simply say thanks for the memories and contributions to this activity that we all love so dearly. My wife and I have had the privilege of getting to know Scott and his wife Junko over the last year and a half, and we are honored to be able to call them good friends. I’ve witnessed Scott’s gradual reemergence from virtual seclusion after the 2002 season, and have benefited from his generosity and knowledge as a mentor to me while I served as corps director for Pioneer in 2005. He is every bit the passionate and talented professional that I’ve always imagined him to be. Since the early eighties when I was a marching member with Pioneer, and for years from a distance, I’ve admired his notoriety and influence on his corps and the activity as a whole. For many alumni, fans and friends, he is the heart and soul of the Madison Scouts and their legacy. What he brought to the corps actvity was a passion and creative commitment to the fans that many of us long for today. I invite you to be a part of this unique opportunity to share your good wishes for Scott and his wife. Guess who’s coming to dinner? Scott Stewart, THE Madison Scout, and hopefully you too! Let’s communicate on Sunday, Dec.11th ! Bobby R. Lindsey Drum & Bugle Corps Fan

I always shudder when I listen to the opening statement for the 1984 Freelancers coming off the line with a soprano solo that didn't quite deliver. "LIVE, FROM SACRAMENTO, THE FREELANCERS!" It goes down hill from there, capping off with a totally exposed tag ending for the intro, where there's a major Craaaaack! from the soloist, setting up the power chords for the big brass hit before the tempo change for "What is Hip?!". The show ends with a really weird chord resolution that left the crowd not knowing what to do. What a unique drum corps. Their shows always sounded like background music for hot solos, but there were few solos offered. It's funny how that 1984 show (as well as other Freelancer offerings) has really grown on me over the years. There's just something special about it (them), and it wouldn't be the same without all the imperfections that came out the night of the 1984 finals. I really miss the Freelancers. :(

I agree! The DCM Championships were AWESOME! I left that show Saturday night feeling better than I have about any DCM Championship in the past 10 years! I can tell you from personal knowledge that each of those corps' management teams fought hard, stood firm, and committed themselves to producing that show and this entire 2004 season, just for you the fans and for the benefit of their members. Drum Corps Midwest took such a high risk in not folding to DCI, and in doing so, made such an important statement to the entire community by bringing that show to the fans, as only DCM could. Every corps deserves a well earned STANDING OVATION, including those that performed in the nightime contest for the first time in their organization's history! Great corps, great shows, great fans, great champions, a great circuit, and a great drum corps story! I think it was all summed up in the sight and sounds of the retreat ceremony (a Scott Stewart Production), and Roman Blenski's closing remarks to the fans exclaiming an enthusiastic WELCOME BACK to the DCM Championships! Thanks again DCM, you've proven once again that you really are "The Drum & Bugle Corps People"! Even though clear attempts were made to take that show away from you, and then to crush its potential succces and the success of the entire DCM season itself, you just wouldn't die! Yes!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you to all who cared to be a part of history. Yea, let's do it again next year... and if you know of anyone that loves "real" drum corps, be sure to bring them along. They'll be glad they came too!

Okay, a Blue Stars fan! Me too. I'd like to see the recap of the show. The "Caption Rankings" sheet that I have in my hand does not show any penalty slot at all. Here's to all the hard work that Blue Stars have been putting in... it should pay off in the near and distant future. I hope so for the kids, and for as long as they remain supportive of DCM, also for the sake of the legacy of the Blue Stars. Please keep in mind that Pioneer works pretty hard themselves. In addition, it took an incredible amount of guts for them to be the only Div. I corps to support DCM. This corps stands loyal to all the DIV. II, III, and Seniors within this entire activity, because they have not forgotten where they came from. It goes without saying that this was not a popular decision from the standpoint of their DIV. I collegues and DCI. They are clearly swimming upstream for their opportunity to survive in the "international community". It is my hope that they not be penalized competitively this season because of their founder's namesake, similarly to what happened to another Wisconsin DIV. I corps a few years ago. By the way, the guy that defined what the "perfect Madison Scout" is has also come out of seclusion and has gone out of his way in support of DCM and the activity as a whole, and on Saturday night many people saw him again for the first time in almost two years... what a moment :) Pioneer could use your support and encouragement just as much as they support and encourage the Blue Stars in their growth and development. Just some food for thought :)