Only three times in the Madison Scouts 80-year history has a female performed with the corps; twice as featured performers throughout the season and once for a single performance. In 2018 it will happen again.
For the first time since 2005, the Scouts will have a female in their ranks. Megan Hutera, of Rice Lake, Wisconsin, will be the first ever female brass member of the Madison Scouts and will be featured prominently in the 2018 production as a flugelhorn soloist.“We are excited to involve Megan in our upcoming production,” said Executive Director Chris Komnick. “She certainly brings an element of intrigue to our show design along with the expected challenges to our long history. Megan has impressed us throughout the selection process and we are excited to have her join the Scouts.”Hutera is currently a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire where she majors in music education and studies trumpet with Mr. Robert Baca, Director of Jazz Studies. While she is no rookie to performing, this summer will mark her first in the drum corps activity.“I am ecstatic to be a featured performer in the Madison Scouts 2018 production,” said Megan Hutera. “This opportunity to perform with the Scouts will hopefully open up many avenues for me to interact and collaborate with talented and dedicated people. I want to create music… that is why I play my instrument and what drives me everyday.”Hutera will be a featured flugelhorn soloist throughout the show with the intent of having her sound as a unique characteristic and texture within the production. While the title and content of the show are still under wraps, additional details are expected soon as to the way Megan’s character will be presented within the production.“In developing the 2018 production, we have dedicated ourselves to pushing the boundaries of the organization’s identity, while honing in on our long history of captivating the DCI community through performance,” said Program Coordinator Nick Monzi. "We see this role as an opportunity to improve the accessibility, intrigue, and entertainment value of the production, while opening the Scouts family to another outstanding musician and person."ELITE COMPANY
The first time a female performed with the Madison Scouts was in 1971, during the “Alice in Wonderland” production. Bonnie Howard, the young daughter of then director Bill Howard, played the role of “Alice” throughout the season. The production was notable for its fully integrated thematic approach to show design. It also helped set the course for the eventual formation of Drum Corps International to facilitate a more progressive evolution of the activity.
In 1980 the Scouts had just finished the DCI World Championships in Birmingham, AL and had opted to compete in the VFW Nationals in Chicago, IL on their return trip to Madison. By that time, DCI had removed the requirement of an honor guard being on the field of competition, but the VFW rulebook still required such a presentation. Called into action were Karan Kaufman and Lori Skaife, members of the Blue Stars traveling back with the Scouts, and Kristin Mathews, the younger sister of a Scouts drummer. Wearing the traditional Scouts uniform and penciled mustaches, the three honorably held and guarded the American flag for that single performance.
The most prominent female performer for the Madison Scouts was Rebecca Hershman Newcomb in the 2005 production titled “The Carmen Project”. Rebecca played the role of “Carmen”, based on the popular opera, and was featured significantly throughout the show as a member of the color guard. The Scouts finished in 6th place that year with a highly energetic and crowd pleasing production.“I intend to soak up as much information, friendship, and musical growth as possible,” said Hutera. “I have genuine curiosity surrounding everything that involves drum corps and I am excited to explore every aspect of the activity.” The 2018 Madison Scouts will begin their 80th anniversary season on Saturday, June 23rd at The Whitewater Classic in Whitewater, Wisconsin.
