December camp was a great success despite a rough start. Because of the recent weather in Madison, we struggled to get our equipment to the Madison Country Day School on Friday night. With little notice, our team of staff and volunteers constructed an alternate plan and managed to coordinate an efficient evening. Soon thereafter our equipment arrived and we were back on the original schedule.The weekend saw many new prospective members audition for the corps. By Sunday nearly every section was finalized with a few alternates in each. We still have a few spots available in the low brass section and the snare line. We are also looking for a bottom bass drummer to join the veteran-packed line. A few new guard members auditioned for the corps bringing us one step closer to the goal of forty. We’re expecting another surge of guard auditions at our late April or early May camp following the WGI season.A new program which targets the color guard was introduced. It will reduce the cost of dues for each guard member and provide additional reductions based on financial need. The members were introduced to the 2008 Fuel-a-thon, our first fundraiser of the season. To find out how you can help with either of these programs please contact me at director@madisonscouts.org.

Our goals were to establish fundamental techniques in marching, playing, equipment work and dance. The guard worked on every aspect of performance and is on the road to developing a top-notch program. Front Ensemble members made great progress in the areas of grip, timing and dynamics. The battery played through the cadence and parade tune “76 Trombones” as well as several exercises. The horn line also learned “76 Trombones” and the chorale “Funeral for a Friend” and topped off Sunday afternoon by playing through “You’ll Never Walk Alone”. All sections are well-prepared to play through the 2008 opening piece at January camp which is right around the corner.There is an air of excitement surrounding the corps this year fueled by a high retention rate of eligible veterans and impressive new talent. Volunteers have been going above and beyond expectations to ensure success and smooth operation of logistics. Our staff of world-class educators is working to capitalize on the momentum established at the end of 2007 as we build the Scouts towards greater success in 2008.I wish you all a healthy and enjoyable holiday season!May You Never Walk Alone,Dann Petersen, corps director