Beginning Thursday night, Madison, Wisconsin saw a winter storm advisory that lasted through noon on Friday. Several early flights into the region were canceled or delayed. Many Scout hopefuls had no choice but to forego their travel plans. By late morning the city had cleared most of the roadways, and flights were starting to get back on schedule. Despite the challenges, most applicants arrived on time for Madison’s first brass only camp.

All young men invited to the brass camp had already passed a playing audition and were coming to Madison to demonstrate their visual skills and attitude and hopefully to walk away with a contract. Brass Caption Supervisor Nick Williams and Visual Supervisor Ken Karlin made the decision early in the weekend to not contract every spot in the 76 man horn line in fairness to those who were unable to get to Madison. “There are some great players and marchers here,” said Williams, “but an unresolved conflict is not the same as a canceled flight.” The Scouts will invite everyone who communicated their travel issues to the next brass camp in Texas January 16-19. Spots are still available for baritone or euphonium players as well as tubas.

Another key component of this past weekend was the drum major and assistant conductor audition. The same decision was made for the assistant conductor position since a handful of candidates were not in attendance, but the new Scouts drum major was selected and announced. Jeff Cleveland is a third year age-out of the corps. He will vacate his spot in the trumpet line to lead the corps from the podium this season. “Because we place so much emphasis on leadership and responsibility in the drum major role, we select only from our veteran membership,” said Corps Director Dann Petersen. “Every one of the candidates has the makings of a fantastic drum major, but ultimately it came down to the leadership Jeff has demonstrated in his time here.”

Once again the local team of volunteers was a well-oiled machine. Mike Ausman is charged with managing a group of dedicated drivers who shuttle every young man who buses or flies. Even with countless delays, Mike and his team kept everyone safe and on time. When head cook Deb Krebs had to leave early on Saturday, Loretta Reed, Paul Swahn, Charlie Hanford and Rich Porter kept the guys well fed.

The next Madison Scouts camp will be for percussion callbacks on January 9-11 at Madison Country Day School in Madison, WI. Check www.MadisonScouts.org for details.