World-Class Leadership Training inspired by the Philosophy & Teachings of the Madison Scouts

Let's Work Together

We are actively scheduling clinics --
Complete this interest form to initiate your complimentary consultation:
Interest Form

Forward Leadership History & Foundations

Throughout their history, the Madison Scouts have lived out the core value of ‘service’; service to their community, to each other, and to those they perform for each night. Whether it’s leaving a housing site cleaner than they found it or bringing the Allentown audience to their feet, the Scouts have existed to serve others. When Forward Leadership was formed it was with service and the many values taught by Madison Scouts leaders from the past in mind.

Forward Leadership began formally serving the Madison Scouts in 2015, with the goal of providing every Scout, regardless of title, with high-quality leadership education. To achieve this goal, corps staff hosted leadership sessions during the camp season and summer tour to help build each member build their skill-set. Once equipped with these tools, members would put them into practice during rehearsal and beyond.

In addition to providing leadership education to the drum corps, Chris Komnick and Dann Petersen believed that this program would have value to band programs and their local communities across the country. Since its creation, Forward Leadership has provided numerous leadership clinics to high school and college bands.

Philosophy & Lessons

Servant Leadership

"We strive to do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than ourselves. Let us look not only at our own interests, but also to the interests of others."

Topics


Exploring 'Leadership'
Self-Awareness
Preparation & Time Management
Relational Awareness
Conflict Management

...and much more!

Custom Lessons

The Forward Leadership team will work alongside you to build a lesson sequence that meets the needs of your students. Upon completing the Interest Form, you'll be contacted about scheduling your complimentary virtual consultation with a member of our staff.

Events

Single-School Clinic

Directors interested in hosting a Forward Leadership Clinic for their students (full band, or student leaders-only) can hire a clinician to provide live, on-site instruction. Typical single-school clinics operate for 1-2 days -- hours are customizable based on your needs.

Multi-School Clinic

Directors looking to provide an experience for multiple band programs in one region (full band, or student leaders-only) can hire a clinician to provide live, on-site instruction for multiple schools at one host location. Typical multi-school clinics operate for 1-3 days -- hours are customizable based on your needs.

Forward March: Summer Experience

Forward Leadership and the Madison Scouts combine efforts to provide one-day Leadership and Performance clinic experiences. At the conclusion of the clinic, attendees will perform alongside the Madison Scouts.

Complimentary admission to each drum corps show is provided to all attendees.

Eau Claire, WI - June 22, 2024 at UW-Eau Claire
Whitewater, WI - July 6, 2024 at UW-Whitewater

These events typically operate from 9a-5p.

History of Forward Leadership


Learn More

Forward Leadership History & Foundations

Throughout their history, the Madison Scouts have lived out the core value of ‘service’; service to their community, to each other, and to those they perform for each night. Whether it’s leaving a housing site cleaner than they found it or bringing the Allentown audience to their feet, the Scouts have existed to serve others. When Forward Leadership was formed it was with service and the many values taught by Madison Scouts leaders from the past in mind.

Forward Leadership began formally serving the Madison Scouts in 2015, with the goal of providing every Scout, regardless of title, with high-quality leadership education. To achieve this goal, corps staff hosted leadership sessions during the camp season and summer tour to help build each member build their skill-set. Once equipped with these tools, members would put them into practice during rehearsal and beyond.

In addition to providing leadership education to the drum corps, Chris Komnick and Dann Petersen believed that this program would have value to band programs and their local communities across the country. Since its creation, Forward Leadership has provided numerous leadership clinics to high school and college bands.

Meet the Team

Zayra Mata-Velazquez

Forward Leadership Director

Zayra Mata-Velazquez is the Director of Forward Leadership. She served as a drum major for the Madison Scouts from 2020-2021 and a field conductor for Legends DBC in 2019. She studied Psychology and Leadership of Organizations at Michigan State University.

Questions - Contact:
Zayra Mata-Velazquez
Director