Popular Post Michael Boo Posted July 8, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted July 8, 2019 I've been asked by some what I think of the latest news out of Madison Scouts. I'm still processing this, but here are a few thoughts. (You're welcome to share this if you think it expresses your own thoughts and wish, and please add your own positive thoughts.) I have always loved the Madison Scouts organization and I always will love it. Over the years, I got to know many wonderful people who instructed Scouts or were on their management team. I cherish those memories. I also got to know several who currently are involved with management. I cherish their friendship as well. I will continue to cherish those I know who lovingly give their time to the organization. Such decisions are not made lightly. I trust the decision was made in the best interest of the corps, that it was based on what is right for the corps and right for future members regardless of competitive concerns.There are bound to be mixed feelings and some feelings expressed (or hidden) that are not mixed at all. I hope this decision helps assure the survival and thriving of Scouts decades into the future. As a Former Marching Member (FMM) of The Cavaliers, I've been asked what I think this means to the organization that introduced me to this wonderful activity, a passion to which I've gone on to dedicate a huge portion of my life. I believe this isn't about The Cavaliers; this is about the Scouts and it should remain so. I don't want to take away anything away from my support of the Scouts by diluting it with conjecture regarding what the decision means to any other organization that isn't the Scouts. I've long stated that drum corps is whatever drum corps becomes. I've also long felt that tradition is whatever a corps does for more than two years. (Those just coming on board the activity, new fans whom we need for the longtime survival of drum corps, will always know Scouts as a coed corps.) Just like all the innovations that have become part of drum corps, innovations loved by some and scorned by others, time lessens the shock. Those coming into drum corps fandom now may find it hard to imagine a time when such things weren't part of the activity, and were even forbidden. I've seen corps experience highs and lows. Those that have learned from their lows have gone on to experience highs that have been a pleasure to behold. I look forward to the day when I watch the Scouts and think about not how far they've come competitively, but how wonderful it is to just plain enjoy what they're doing on the field. I anticipate relishing the thought that many youth who will be future members of the Scouts will enjoy the experience of a lifetime, one that will stay with them decades into the future and will shape their lives for the better. Until that time, I plan to continue to enjoy the product Scouts put out of the field now, a show their members worked thousands of collaborative hours to perfect and deliver to a grateful audience. And I trust those audiences are more grateful the corps still exists than they are focused on dwelling on competitive standing. Drum corps needs the Madison Scouts, whatever form the organization takes on. 34 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ironlips Posted July 8, 2019 Share Posted July 8, 2019 (edited) " I've long stated that drum corps is whatever drum corps becomes. " - Michael Boo It's hard to argue that fact, and I must agree with my colleague's statement, and it's philosophical implications. Tradition is important and needs to be respected. The best corps have also had a tradition of innovation. In no way are those concepts mutually exclusive. They are complimentary, and one does not diminish the significance of the other. When we were in charge, we did drum corps our way, to the best of our abilities. The Scouts, along with every other corps, have the right to choose their own way forward. Here's to the next 81 years of Madison. Edited July 8, 2019 by ironlips 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldSnareDrummer Posted July 8, 2019 Share Posted July 8, 2019 to Mr. Boo. Well said and thank you. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dcikon2 Posted July 8, 2019 Share Posted July 8, 2019 Perhaps one day again corps will be rewarded for marching and playing at the same time. 3 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post ranintothedoor Posted July 8, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted July 8, 2019 I applaud the Scouts for doing what they feel they need to do to survive, grow, and thrive. I don't fault them as an individual organization; if it works, it works! After all, corps like the Cadets went coed, and it's worked out wonderfully for them. My visceral reaction is against the trend toward de-genderizing everything for the sake of a false idea of what "equality" is. Men and women are different, and it's healthy to have activities and social groups that are gender-specific. There are less and less places where men can go be with men, and women can be with women, boys with boys, girls with girls. Equality means having a Girl Scouts AND a Boy Scouts, not dissolving the distinction between the two. Again, the Madison Scouts need to do what they need to do. I just mourn the loss of yet another institution where young men can grow and learn in an environment of other men; this is especially important given the growing lack of stable father figures in homes across America. 7 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hook'emCavies Posted July 8, 2019 Share Posted July 8, 2019 (edited) Well said!!! DCI needs the Madison Scouts just like any corps in this amazing organization. I hope this new transition goes smoothly with the corps. Edited July 8, 2019 by Hook'emCavies 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigW Posted July 8, 2019 Share Posted July 8, 2019 12 hours ago, Michael Boo said: I believe this isn't about The Cavaliers; this is about the Scouts and it should remain so. Thank you for saying this. A very fair and thoughtful comment. Each corps has to decide its own future. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PamahoNow Posted July 8, 2019 Share Posted July 8, 2019 3 hours ago, ranintothedoor said: My visceral reaction is against the trend toward de-genderizing everything for the sake of a false idea of what "equality" is. I think what we would wish for in all of our relationships is "equality of opportunity". That is what I took from the BOD's statement. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mello Dude Posted July 8, 2019 Share Posted July 8, 2019 I'm positive this won't fix the bigger issues. :) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nine White Russians Posted July 8, 2019 Share Posted July 8, 2019 The timing of this is very suspicious. Why not wait 'till the end of the season? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.