Scouts 2003 Percussion Staff

[yaams]

I did not write this, but I thought it was worth passing on.

The Lost Madison Scouts Press Release………….

Disclaimer: This was not issued by the Madison Scouts Drum & Bugle Corps Association.

October 13, 2003 Madison, Wisconsin

The Madison Scouts Drum & Bugle Corps has announced the dismissal of Jim Yakas as Percussion Caption Head/Arranger, Brian Johnson as Pit Arranger/Instructor and the entire percussion staff from 2003.

Jim Yakas

Jim Yakas started his marching career with the Plymouth Centennial Educational Park Marching Band winning the BOA Grand National Championships in 1990. He went on to march 4 years with the Scouts from 1992-1995 playing snare drum. Graduating from the University of North Texas with a B.M. in Music Education, Jim was also a part of the internationally recognized, award-winning North Texas Drumline that dominated indoor percussion for over a decade. Jim went on to become the Caption Head and Percussion Arranger for the Phantom Regiment Cadets in 1996 and then Percussion Instructor/Snare Tech for the Bluecoats Drum & Bugle Corps 1997-1998. Continuing to grow as a musician, Mr. Yakas received his Masters degree (M.M.) in Music Percussion Performance & Pedagogy from Northern Illinois University (NIU). Jim stayed active as a performer with the world renowned NIU Steel Band playing in Trinidad’s World Steelband Festival in 2000 and the Seoul Drum Festival in Korea in 2001. Jim was honored to take over the entire percussion program at the University of Central Florida this past year while Professor Jeff Moore was on sabbatical. Jim is a published composer and remains an active artist, adjudicator and clinician representing music manufacturers like Yamaha Drums, Pro-Mark Sticks & Mallets & Paiste Cymbals. His incredible commitment to his students and the entire Madison organization had a great impact on those who worked with him. In a challenging transitional year in 2003, he provided incredible leadership, taking on multiple roles and responsibilities to ensure the fundamental principles of the corps were maintained - a true inspiration, Jim represents what Madison is all about. His unique style of creating a positive, fun and effective learning environment will be greatly missed. Jim has recently moved back to the Midwest, residing in the Twin Cities area and continues to pursue his career in percussion and music.

Brian Johnson

Relinquishing his role as Pit Arranger and Frontline Instructor, Brian “Spit” Johnson has dedicated the past 13 years of his life to the Madison organization. Marching a total of 6 years with the Scouts with the Section Leader role for 5 of those 6 years, Brian focused on the advancement of the frontline ensemble in the percussion section and was a true leader in the organization. While a member of the corps, Brian led his frontline ensemble to multiple DCM Percussion Ensembles titles, as well as two DCI Percussion Ensemble Champion titles in 1994 and in 1999 as an instructor. In addition, he was the 1996 DCI Individual Keyboard Champion with his own original composition. Since aging-out of the corps in 1996, Mr. Johnson served as the primary Frontline Instructor/Arranger and grew to be a prominent force on the Madison Scouts’ design team. Brian also designed and wrote for Capital Sound from 1998-2000. A graduate of Oklahoma University with a B.M. in Music Performance, Brian has many performing and teaching credits to his name including The Madison Symphony Orchestra, the Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra and a national television commercial. He has taught percussion at the University of Wisconsin at Whitewater, been a freelance musician in Oklahoma, Colorado and Wisconsin, and is a published composer. Brian’s commitment to the corps as a leader and role model was exceptional. A dynamic and passionate teacher, his energy and contributions to the entire percussion ensemble were impressive. Brian currently resides in Madison with his wife Claire and has recently taken the position of Executive Director for the Madison Ballet.

Jeremy Kunkel

Jeremy Kunkel got an early start in percussion growing up in Waseca, MN and starting his drum corps days as a founding member of Chops, Inc in 1991. He joined the Scouts tenor line in 1993 and marched a total of 4 years before aging out in 1996. In 1994, he became the tenor Section Leader and also won the title of DCI Individual Multi-Tenor Champion. His creativity and ability in the art of tenor playing has made him an asset to the percussion staff since 2002 as the Tenor Tech. Graduating with a B.M. in Music Education from the University of Memphis, Jeremy went on to teach with the Americano’s Drum & Bugle Corps from 1997-2001. During his commitment to the ‘Cano’s, Mr. Kunkel held positions of Percussion Caption Head, Percussion Arranger, Program Coordinator and Assistant Director – many of them simultaneously. He continued to utilize his talents and experience from 2001-2002 when he toured with Tony Award winning show Blast!, performing live for more than a ½ million people across the U.S. Recently, he choreographed and performed in a regional television commercial in Minnesota. Jeremy’s versatility and experience with performance and teaching, as well as managing the different aspects of a corps have made him an invaluable asset. In addition to teaching various drumlines in the Twin Cities area where he resides, Jeremy has also been the Corps Director for Chops, Inc since Fall of 2002.

Pat Fitz-Gibbon

Pat Fitz-Gibbon is one of the world’s most accomplished snare drummers with more than 10 years invested with the Scouts organization. He started with the Madison Jr. Scouts in 1994 and stayed through the conception of the today’s Capital Sound in 1995-1996 and went on to march snare drum for 6 years with the Scouts from 1997-2002. Pat’s experience and contributions as the Percussion Section Leader for his last 4 years prepared him for the role of Snare Tech in 2003. His achievements as a solo snare drummer are unparalleled in the activity today. Pat has won the Drum Corps Midwest (DCM) Individual Snare Champion title 5 times throughout his drum corps tenure. Even more impressive are Pat’s 3 consecutive DCI Individual Snare Drum Champion titles won in 2000, 2001 & 2002. In addition to participating in a national television commercial, Mr. Fitz-Gibbon is also in the process of getting his solo published. Contributions on and off the field established Pat as a great leader with the organization, and his intense but relaxed style of teaching and playing was respected by members and his peers. Currently a senior at the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire majoring in Mathematics and Computer Science, Pat continues to use his talents in percussion teaching in the Madison, Milwaukee and Eau Claire areas, and also instructs indoor drumlines in Minnesota.

Mike Howard

Mike Howard’s experience in percussion having played just about every size bass drum made him a great addition to the staff in 2003 taking on the role of Bass Tech. A veteran of the corps marching 3 years from 2000-2002, Mike was the bass line Section Leader for his last 2 years and led his line to a DCM Bass Drum Ensemble title. Currently finishing his B.M. in Music Education at Southwest Texas University (SWT), Mr. Howard continues to work with drumlines and teaches in that area. Mike’s skills as a performer and keen teacher proved well this past year helping to build and instruct one of the strongest bass lines in recent Scouts’ history. In addition to performing with the Scouts bass line at a Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC) marching clinic in 2001, Mike has also been a part of the indoor percussion competitions with SWT over the years. He will continue to perform and teach as he finishes his B.M. and moves on to graduate school.

Justin Stolarik

Justin Stolarik’s ability as a well-rounded musician playing piano, french horn and all percussion instruments proved valuable this past year as the Frontline/Pit instructor. Justin marched with the Scouts organization playing in the frontline ensemble from 2000-2002 when he aged-out as 3-year member. Justin’s talents as an accomplished musician and tympani player were noted when he won back-to-back DCI Individual Tympani Champion titles in 2001 & 2002. Graduating from the University of Florida with a B.M. in Music Education this past year, Justin has also worked with many schools and performing ensembles in Florida. Mr. Stolarik’s incredible ability with musical expression and phrasing was a great addition to the percussion staff in 2003. Justin is currently at the University of Texas at Austin working on his Masters degree.

Scott Wagner

Scott Wagner has been a veteran to drum corps for some time marching with the Trooper Cadets from 1989-1991. From 1992–1994 he marched in “America’s Corps,” the Casper Troopers. He went on to march and play with the intense cymbal section of the Santa Clara Vanguard in 1995 & 1997. This was Scott’s first year with the Madison Scouts organization and the first year in recent history when the percussion section had a dedicated cymbal tech. Scott’s contributions took them to a whole new level as he did an amazing job bringing his own brand of style and precision while being true to the tradition of that section. A graduate from the University of Wyoming in 1999 with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Scott continues to teach with drumlines in the Tucson area where he resides with his wife, Marcy. Currently employed at Raytheon Missile Systems, Mr. Wagner is an integral part of the team that works on the national missile defense system.

Dan Niemeyer

Dan Niemeyer has been involved with drum corps just about his entire life. From a very young age, Dan found his passion for drum corps growing up and marching in the Racine Kiltie Cadets, Marquee, Pioneer, Colts and eventually the Madison Scouts. Dan has been marching and teaching with the Madison Scouts since 1987. Part of the 1988 DCI World Champion corps, Dan continued with the drumline through 1992 when he aged-out as a 3-year Section Leader with the corps playing tenors all 6 years. Upon aging-out, Dan continued on percussion staff full-time from 1993-2000 as the Tenor Tech. Dan’s incredible wealth of knowledge and his concrete understanding of the corps history proved admirably in recent years as he would donate time touring with the corps – instructing the drumline and sharing his experiences with the members while promoting Madison Scouts’ traditions. A member and instructor of the University of North Texas Drumline for many years, Mr. Niemeyer has worked with drumlines in Texas, Wisconsin and currently the Orlando, Fl area where he resides. Dan’s hard work and more than16 years of commitment and loyalty will be missed. Since 2001, Dan has been the Percussion Director for the University of Central Florida Drumline.

Jeff Spanos

Jeff Spanos has been associated with the Madison Drum and Bugle Corps Association for 15 years in an assortment of roles. His drum corps career started as a member of the Madison Jr. Scouts in 1989 and continued with the Madison Scouts playing snare from 1990-1995 writing some of the Scouts’ most memorable snare breaks in that time. Jeff served as the Percussion Section Leader for 2 years before he aged-out with 7 years in the association in 1995. He went on to work with numerous drum corps throughout the Midwest including Madison Jr. Scouts, Capital Sound, Phantom Regiment Cadets and Pioneer. He has taught, written and consulted for many high schools, colleges and drumlines including the Regina Lions Band, The Sound of Sun Prairie and University of Wisconsin at Whitewater (UWW). In 1999, he joined the Scouts percussion staff as a full-time Battery/Snare Tech and contributing writer. Graduating with a degree in Public Relations and Marketing from UWW, Mr. Spanos worked for Yamaha both in marketing/product management and as an artist/clinician teaching at the International Music Camp and the “Sounds of Summer” clinic circuit. In addition, he was the Advertising Sales Manager for Drum Corps World for a brief period and went on to be a featured soloist with Blast! in Orlando. Such performing credits include a national television commercial and live performances of his Blast! snare solo for Good Morning Tampa Bay & Latin America TV. Since the 2000 season, Jeff has volunteered his time to the organization providing leadership working with all sections of the drumline. His dedication to the development of the members as a mentor has had great impact. He currently resides in Madison with his wife, Stephanie and their 10-month old daughter, Sophie.

Influencing hundreds of members over the past 2 decades, this dedicated, loyal and talented team will be greatly missed by many. One former percussion staff member stated: “We wish the corps great success in the future with their new found direction and goals…….we hope Michael Cesario and his team will carry forward the true Madison experience while upholding tradition and teaching these young men important life skills and lessons, as well as surrounding them with genuine role models and inspiration.”

Collectively, these gentlemen have over 75 years of experience and service with the Madison organization alone. On behalf of the lives you positively affected, Thank You!

Founded in 1938, The Madison Scouts Drum & Bugle Corps continues to focus on developing crowd-pleasing shows with energy and power while providing a meaningful, positive experience to their members that prepares them to succeed with the highest standard of excellence in all “walks” of life. Their commitment to excellence, entertainment and a unique member experience is as enduring as their theme song, “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”

Disclaimer: This was not issued by the Madison Scouts Drum & Bugle Corps Association.

[JoeW]

then who issued it?

[bigdaddy]

then who issued it?

Nobody.

It is write up decrying the change in staff at Madison..

Sigh.. :(

[Corpschix]

I will add to this by saying that censorship is alive and well on the Madison "forum" board.

There was a link to this thread, and other comments (from alums and the like) regarding the change in the Percussion Staff that have been readily deleted from the "open forum".

You would think they would let people say what they have to say, and maybe dispell the rumor that the percussion staff were all fired by e:Mail, but "they" are obviously not interested in communicating.

Too bad. Madison used to be a class act of an organization that I was proud to volunteer for. :(

[bigdaddy]

I will add to this by saying that censorship is alive and well on the Madison "forum" board.

There was a link to this thread, and other comments (from alums and the like) regarding the change in the Percussion Staff that have been readily deleted from the "open forum".

You would think they would let people say what they have to say, and maybe dispell the rumor that the percussion staff were all fired by e:Mail, but "they" are obviously not interested in communicating.

Too bad. Madison used to be a class act of an organization that I was proud to volunteer for. :(

Excuse Me?

The Scouts are by no means required to discuss personell matters (read: private)

in an open forum. These matters are between the corps management/board and the individuals involved. In all reality..It is none of our concern. Period :sshh:

Let us remember this.

Percussion had been a weak point for Madison for years..and the corps is trying to address this. This has to do with the corps reaching the next echelon competitivly and educationally. :)

Those fired percussion guys will always be Scouts..and they will never walk alone. :)

[FormerScout]

You would think they would let people say what they have to say, and maybe dispell the rumor that the percussion staff were all fired by e:Mail, but "they" are obviously not interested in communicating.

Too bad.  Madison used to be a class act of an organization that I was proud to volunteer for.  :(

I'm sorry to say that the email notification of being fired is no rumor. Not only that, some staff was not even notified at all! In addition, from what I understand, no reasons were given to any of the staff.

[Tristan]

I will add to this by saying that censorship is alive and well on the Madison "forum" board.

There was a link to this thread, and other comments (from alums and the like) regarding the change in the Percussion Staff that have been readily deleted from the "open forum".

You would think they would let people say what they have to say, and maybe dispell the rumor that the percussion staff were all fired by e:Mail, but "they" are obviously not interested in communicating.

Too bad. Madison used to be a class act of an organization that I was proud to volunteer for. :(

The screen before you go to the Madison Org. forums says (emphasis added):

Welcome to the public discussion forums. The forums are moderated and posts that are deemed inappropriate will be removed. The content contained in this forum is strictly that of individuals that may or may not be involved with the organization. NO official announcements or information will be delivered via this forum. Official organization announcements are made on the main web page and not in this forum.

Communication not suitable for public display should be sent directly to the organization using the CONTACT section on the left menu. Negative/inappropriate posts in the forum will immediately be removed.

Advertising is strictly prohibited unless it is for a non-profit music related event. E-mail addresses are no longer displayed with your message so if you wish to share your e-mail address you must put it in the body of the message.

Any issues with this forum should be sent to webmaster@madisoncorps.org.

Call it what you want, but it is their forum, and there is no reason for them to host anything remotely derogatory towards the organization on their own servers.

[CheezMaster]

I'm taking lessons from Spanos in Madison and I don't think he knew it was coming either, probably had an idea. I think it was not a good move on Madison's part. They will be missed.