1975…. PBS broadcasts, for the first time, the Performance Society of Drum Corps International; and wouldn’t you know that the first Champion identified by a television audience is the Madison Scouts! As interesting as that point is, since that 1975 debut, there have only been 7 drum corps that have ever earned that coveted title of Champion for a Drum Corps International Finals: Blue Devils, Holy Name Cadets, The Cavaliers, Santa Clara Vanguard, Phantom Regiment, Star of Indiana, & the Madison Scouts.

With the reunion of family, and a collection of some of the activities MOST ACCOMPLISHED, INNOVATIVE, and SOUGHT AFTER Designers & Educators, the 2010 Madison Scouts, will for sure be pushing both the competitive and creative envelopes the way they did when announcing themselves some 35 years ago in Philadelphia.

Being THE perennial powerhouse of brisk, up-beat jazz or intense Latin fares, I believe it is fair to say that this summer’s audiences will be DAZZLED by the BEST of what we all expect and GLUED to what we couldn’t predict from this all male corps; a production that is entertaining, innovative, technically finessed, and athletically achieved with MASTERY & POWER! It has always been stated that from its ashes the phoenix will rise stronger and wiser. This analogy couldn’t be more truthfully told than by the history of the Madison Scouts 70 year lineage.

While it has often appeared as if this corps has taken back seat to their competitors, the truth of the matter is that this organization has been at the very epicenter of its’ competitors never ending push forward.

Being anchored in philosophical and educational symbiosis, Madison is Royal Blood that WILL NEVER and CAN NEVER die! This is an organization that has once again produced some of our MOST REVERED Pioneers: Dan Acheson, Scott Chandler, Charlie Gumbert and Mr. Jim Mason to name a few. I am proud to say that this is one Drum Corps Fan who can’t wait to see what the corps has in store, and I’d like to end by saying….

“This is the summer of the Madison Scouts! This is the summer that audiences all across the U.S. and around the world are not only reminded, but also inspired, by the true vision of our activities founders. And it is because of our love, and anticipation of something memorable, that the Madison Scouts will NEVER walk alone!”

“food for thought”

To Perform – The Performer – Achieved Performance

As an educator or a student, part of the lesson plan over the individuals development focuses on “How to Perform, What makes the Performer, and How to Achieve the Performance.” It is absolutely one of the MOST layered concepts a person can learn. But if, and when one does, is guaranteed a wealth of opportunity from life.

During my entry, level development with the 3 concepts, like any beginner, was perplexed by the “When of What “ I was supposed to focus on or expected to achieve. It was often times a Total Gamble, and you have to admit that sometimes an instructor will barrage the student with such directives as…. “COME ON…. PERFORM! MAKE SURE YOU’RE FOCUSING ON THE PERFORMANCE! COMMITT TO BEING A BETTER PERFORMER!” For the performer, this is a very scary and frustrating place!

Through introspective study, invested mentors, and fabulous opportunities, The “Student Performer” can achieve that revered level of performance that is the ideal point of development that every performer aspires for: MASTERY! There are several stages that a Performer must go through before they can achieve Mastery. The very first stage is complete “Truth In Understanding!” And the Base to any “Level of Understanding” resides in the clarity of the concept’s definition:

Perform:    To carry out or execute an action or process; especially, to give a public exhibition of skill, as in music, drama, magic, etc….

Performer:    One who performs anything; particularly one who takes part in a public entertainment or exhibition.

Performance:   The act of execution, accomplishment: a formal exhibition of skill or talent.

At the surface level, one would see no difference in the meaning of these three terms? It seems to be a matter of semantics. But when you give the definitions, provided by WEBSTER’S New Twentieth Century DICTIONARY Unabridged Copy, a closer look you’ll find that it makes a world of difference.

Each definition gives specificity to particular parts of an entire “FACE!” The performer must understand what it means to perform, before they can achieve the performance; and the entire while understand that their role as the “Performer” is as the vessel through which one performs and gives life to a performance. It’s such a tongue twister but totally true!

 As it turns out, a “Performer” is a musical composition that must present with melody, harmony, & at times dissonance if they are to legitimately expect a “Desired Reaction!” As cerebral as this initial level is, it is the fundamental start of the matter.

Next: Conditioning the performer through the most proven “Efficient & Effective Methodology” is where the mentor or instructor are expected to contribute greatest. In this relationship, the teacher/instructor has to provide correct types and appropriate amounts of opportunities to the performer to perform the performance; and all the while, be capable of giving the student performer enough information, to correctly trigger respond the appropriate type of happening. Guiding the student’s ability to individually assess and execute a skill in real time is the true charge for any teacher or instructor.

Like we started off with emphasizing the importance of clarity in vocabulary definition, the teacher/mentor must be clear about the vocabulary used if they expect to trigger the correct type of performance reaction. In the performance there are bound to be mistakes but recovering from the mistake is an expectation and conditioning process of successful performance. Telling the student performer to “THINK” rarely triggers the most correct response from the student performer. "Thinking" naturally implies to the student performer that they have time on their hands when performance is a “Real-Time Reactionary Sport.” Instead utilize the vocabulary “ASSESS." Assessing implies activity in the reaction but offers a process of evaluation with level of value to the individual!

Finally: “REPITITION!” One of the primary tools for Successful Performance is the amount of times the performer gets to experience the performance itself. In the “Experience Phase” for the performer’s development it is equally important to maintain humility when non-success from the practiced performance occurs, as it is when success flourishes in the practiced performance. Why? Because as I stated earlier, every performance is a GAMBLE! Knowing how you might potentially react to failure or success ensures a stronger grasp of achieving the performance through any performance dynamic!

The approach for developing the performer's education of "How to Perform Through the Performance," should be similar to the “Method To The Madness” in following through to achieve success in a process. Therefore…. the performer is TRULY the living embodiment of "A Process!"

“The scholar who cherishes the love of comfort is not fit to be deemed a scholar!” 

                                                                                                                              --- Confucious

Author – Randy Phillips

“food for thought!”

Managing The Team   

I have to admit…. putting together the “RIGHT TEAM” can be stressful and sometimes a hassle. However, "if you plant sunflower seeds you will eventually get sunflowers!" The basic premise being: By planting a specific type of seed inevitably grows you a specific type of vegetation. When transcribing the parts of “what it takes to create a successful garden” into what it means to “Successfully Manage A Team,” would without question translate to mean:

“Arranging your personnel to the appropriate position’s, and tracking with them in the various segments of time, till everyone in the process is capable of achieving SUCCESSFUL Results!”

When constructing a Performance or Professional Team the, “Program Director,” A.K.A “Gardener,” must provide the basic components and proper tool requirements to establish a healthy foundation. When speaking from the MOST BASIC level of preparation for vegetation this would include: a surrounding environment/a proper plot, nutrient rich soil, type of seed, water, fertilizer, sunlight, and a little nurture. Level of Preparation & Guidance (The "Tool Side" of the trade) provides the potential possibility for growth of the stunning garden. The Head Director for a “Stage Performance Based Program,” band, percussion, color guard, choir, theatre, orchestra, & dance, all share identical developmental needs and job reference criteria to that of a Stunning Garden and Professional Gardener!

Both the garden and the human being exist as an organic item. From my observations of the world around me, I believe that the majority of us recognize that MOST organic items start off as something and are guided to eventually grow into something else. That growing into something else is dependent on a natural setup, the types of outside help provided along the way, and a mystic energy point that we’ve named persona/character to guide our way. Those basic approaches of constructing a "Team," performance based or professional, have EVERYTHING in common with starting and nurturing a garden. 5 Points that will help to ensure success to any type of “Program Head” are:

1.)  – Own a clear picture to the "Standard of Director" you desire to be. To be viewed as a “Respected Program Head” one is expected to convey ALL curriculum, as well as critique, with respect, confidence, and the attitude of I believe in your ability to succeed through a challenge or trying time to each participant. To be considered the "Beloved Program Head" not only must one masterfully displays the earlier mentioned characteristics but in addition, allow the open visibility of personal reverence, humility & guidance from a limitation. As the old saying goes, "never bite off more than you can chew!"

Believe you me, experienced or not, a person can always see when you’ve taken TOO BIG of a bite! As Program Head, it is your primary responsibility to Clearly DEFINE appropriate and attainable levels of demand as well as their consequence for disrespect of the prescribed "Approach, Methodology or Pedagogy." You should keep an excited, and observing eye on selecting potential membership partly based on that individuals’ free willingness to base considerations from logical or clearly definable alternate viewpoint:

NOTE – “The main objective for construction, then successful management of any Performance Based Team, is the Successful Achievement In Being Capable of Manifesting Product EXCELLENCE!”

2.) – Once selections for the prospective “Team Members” are finalized, make sure to always engage the team with Timely & Encouraging yet Constructive Critique. The successful conveyance of this approach will present to the group a "Trustworthy & Competent Leader." Through out the years many "Head Directors & Instructors” have made the mistake, not only with the professionals but also with the students and parents, of “Directing” with too friendly or a too overly sociable nature.

Approaching the younger or less experienced team with an overly friendly demeanor only secures the view to a participating individual of “ME” rather than “WE” mentality in the ensemble

To cultivate a healthy progression in the growth of a “Stage Performance Organization,” the leader should consistently communicate ANY & ALL curriculum, instructions, and reactions of encouragement or critiques with a "Respectful & Straight Forward Demeanor;” and should imply a Truthful and Empathetic Tone to the participants at whenever.

Blurring the lines of "Team Member Role," at any time, is a bomb waiting to take a team OUT!! Please keep in mind, that even though the experienced emotion is So SIGNIFICANTLY IMPORTANT to a human being, only Unified Approach & Implementation of The Approach, yield the reality of “Successful Achievement” with “EXCELLENCE” when working to receive credit as a group. Successful Results rarely come to fruition unless a prescribed process is successfully followed through with. The NEEDS of the process, will ALWAYS out way the personal NEEDS of the individual. This is a common truth that anyone who chooses to be or is selected to be part of a group MUST accept!

3.) – Track with your professionals by keeping a daily communication on what is going on. It would benefit the working relationship to offer variety in how you pose your communication. Sometimes the head should be first in volunteering how they are approaching a specific part of a process and sometimes the head should ask a “Team Member” how they are approaching a specific part of the process. The “Head” should be extra watchful of enacting this approach with staff members who successfully demonstrate efficient and effective results from how they are approaching a process. Interacting this way conveys to your professional that their knowledge & perspective has value. This will ensure a sense of loyalty and allegiance to the “Team” and you as the “Head of The Program.”  It will also motivate greater productivity when engaged in problem solving or brainstorming sessions. 

4.) – Even after I said, "keep it Professional," schedule a few social events through out the year. You should look at these moments as team building or bonding events, and a time where your “Team Members” have the opportunity to infuse their unique personas into their professional identity. Offering another healthy way of ensuring the want for longevity with the team.

& 

5.) – Always remember, whenever earned, to show “Appreciation” for the time, conviction, and efforts presented by the “Team Members!” This point is CRITICAL! It is the fertilizer that motivates the professional to be better!

“Appreciation is a wonderful thing: It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well!”

                                                                                             --- Voltaire

Author – Randy Phillips

“food for thought”

Method To The Madness

I’m starving! It’s Hot in here! I want that house on the beach! Simple wants. Simple desires that are motivators to our initiation & follow through to achieving a “Desired Result!” Fascinating isn’t it? How little it takes to trigger human reaction. But in true form of “what it takes to make a happening a reality;” without points in space you can never connect a straight line, without lines you can not create geometric shape, & without geometric shape we can not superimpose 3 dimensionality. All parts of a “Process!” And after all that is what “Stage Performance” is a “Demonstrated Process!”

For me it is SCREAMINGLY apparent that my thoughts or inspirations speak the substance of their concrete form based on my rate of successful achievement to a proven method or process. It is, for me, The Cardinal Rule that performance education MUST fulfill. Pragmatic, & Practical Methodology on “how to successfully achieve a reality.”

“Stage Performance,” when you are capable of seeing it’s true essence, is the very definition of “Clarity in Expressing A Process!” It is from our “Dare – Devil Explorations” when we encounter our experiences most “Beautiful Moments of Amazement!” It is a commodity that the entire “Stage Performance Profession” holds in unique quality and real live demonstration unlike many others. Notice I choose to not say, “unlike any other,” as to give more importance to the value of “Stage Performance” more so than another type of professional discipline.

“Successful Approach To A Process,” is one of the most basic tenants demanded from a “Great Performer!” How the performer so effortlessly, but with technical mastery, & so convincingly with emotion & presence, presents the process are major components that keep an audience looking or listening.

The “Process” is where “Education’s” value SKYROCKETS! Given the primary charge of instructing and nurturing the performers complete understanding of how to achieve a process with success, it is one of the most crucial kung fu arts that all great performers must demonstrate before being accepted or recognized as a “Performer Identity!”

In a beginning or entry, level stage of development, the individual should feel a great deal of “MADNESS by what the process might ask.” However, one can never devalue any point of that process if expecting to be awarded credit for going through the process.

Going through a process is like taking a hike; “you travel an unfamiliar course but have the necessary tools on hand to make it to the end of the course! After an individual has successfully taken this hike, for say more than 3 – 4 times, the individual begins to naturally absorb facts of the environment around them and begins solidifying a cultivated sense of ownership and familiarity to the trip being taken; the first real steps towards MASTERY! Without the step of mastery, the individual will never poses the capability of producing Magic!

 4 points, student performers MUST ALWAYS remember when cultivating their ability to successfully “Follow Through With A Process:”

I – An instructor recommends the tools for the journey. The instructor’s credibility, to the student, is measured by the actual level of success achieved by the instructor over the course of the specific part of the process: technical proficiency, and expressive performance capability. This part of the process REQUIRES the instructor to successfully demonstrate the sought after skill. The beautiful reality about "Demonstration" is that it is the processes most valuable asset towards future growth. The more reps of a successful performance, builds the performers degrees of mastery. And one day, mastery could have the ability of becoming MAGIC!

II – Every process should have rhyme and reason. However, when you go through unfamiliar types or styles of a process it will feel as if it doesn’t have rhyme or reason; it will not make sense. The natural emotions that are likely to be experienced by the young performer will be anger, disgust, and oftentimes mistrust of the process. “Emotional Angst” should never give the student performer a right to change how they approach each step in the process.

III – Never be afraid to make mistakes. Mistakes are a part of growing and developing. Making mistakes gives the performer information they HAVE TO KNOW! Without the experience of the mistake, the performer will have a lower probability to face and successfully overcome challenges. “How do you overcome the fall when you won’t acknowledge that you’ve fallen?”

IV – No matter what…. and I Mean, NO MATTER WHAT!  Always approach your process through line of DETAIL, CONFIDENCE & A Yes I Can Do Attitude!

If you step back…. taking a closer look at these 4 steps shows, through visual representation in size of each point, what any great teacher says to a young performer: It is always most DIFFICULT in the beginning, but if you keep trying, never give up…. It WILL become easier!”

“Only he who attempts the absurd is capable of achieving the impossible!”

                                                                                             Miguel de Unamuno

Author - Randy Phillips