My annual summer journey from Miami to Madison is always a highlight of the year, but this year’s trip carried a special significance. The weekend of July 24–25, 2026, marked the 20th anniversary of the Madison Scouts Reunion Project performance at the DCI World Championships in Madison in 2006—a milestone that brought together generations of Scouts and created a renewed appreciation for the traditions we share.

From the opening gathering at the Parthenon through the celebration at the Reunion Project banquet, there was a remarkable sense of belonging. The weekend was a reminder that being part of the Madison Scouts is more than a connection to a particular year or era; it is membership in a continuing legacy. Conversations with alumni across generations reinforced the unique fraternity that has always defined the organization.

'What was good enough in July...'

The Madison Scouts have been working diligently to clean MadiSpin, a show that has received quite favorable responses from audiences across the Tour. We're proud to provide the audience with a program that they respond so strongly to, and are doing everything in our power to maximize its potential as we head into the DCI World Championships in Indianapolis next week.

July was an active month for alumni participation in performances at the Cedarburg Parade and both Madison Scouts DCI shows. We also held a reunion recognizing the 20th anniversary of the MSARP performance in 2006. The release of a new future performance in Ireland was also announced at the beginning of the Drums on Parade weekend.

The 5th Annual Brisket Dinner was another tremendous success for the MSAA and the corps. This year, we prepared and served more than 100 pounds of smoked brisket along with 220 sausage links. To complete a true Texas barbecue experience, the meal also included potato salad and homestyle barbecue baked beans.

For many members, it was their first experience enjoying authentic Texas barbecue, while for those who call Texas home, the meal was a welcome reminder of home. The excitement from this unique meal, which only our alumni base can provide, carried into the next day as the corps delivered an outstanding performance at the San Antonio Regional.

'Spring Training'

The corps section leadership moved into Madison on May 18th, and spent the week in sessions at the MYArts Center with Mark Waymire (Program Coordinator), Sean Phelan (Staff), and Donnie Ross (Perc. Caption Head). Content was primarily centered around the concepts of excellence, engagement, and accountability. The leadership team also spent time doing community service by cleaning McPike & James Madison Park(s) -- with the underlying messages being -- 'leave it better than you found it' and to see themselves as stewards of something much bigger than themselves.

The Percussion & Color Guard moved into Greenfield HS (Milwaukee area) on May 22. They rehearsed at Alumnus, Pastor Nathan Pratt's (2010-12) church (Mt. Pleasant Lutheran Church) in Racine on May 25, before making their way to Wayland Academy in Beaver Dam for rehearsal on the 26th.

The brass moved in on May 27th. At the time of this writing on May 31st we're preparing for our first full ensemble rehearsal of Part 1.

Here we are, on the cusp of another summer of drum corps, offering another opportunity for each of us to reflect on our past marching experiences. Especially for those of us who were fortunate to hear ourselves introduced before each of our season's performances, it's still as clear as the day in our memory, "On the starting line... From Madison, Wisconsin... The Madison Scouts!" It might have been only a few years ago, but for others, it's been many decades. It's our common bond.

Yes, evolution is constant change, and the times are different in many ways; however, the joy is knowing that there are legacy members throughout the activity, and especially in our corps, who are ever-present. We just are not aware of them.

As summer quickly approaches, we are just days away from the 2026 Madison Scouts beginning move-ins in preparation for the 2026 Drum Corps International Summer Tour.

With the season almost underway, the Madison Scouts Alumni Association is excited to once again host one of our favorite tour traditions: the Texas Brisket Dinner on Friday, July 17, in Lockhart—proudly known as the Barbecue Capital of Texas.

Would you like complementary tickets for the Whitewater Classic (7/11) and/or Drums On Parade (7/24)? If so, you can do so by signing up as a volunteer at either show or both.

We are looking for extra help in:

• Ushering
• Ticket Scanning
• Corps Parking
• Concessions
• Stadium Prep
• Corps Gate