Question #1
In our activity, it’s not very uncommon that our designers & instructors have been educators with different corps. However, you are a member of that Unique Category; “there are only a handful that have!” What does it mean to you to have history as teaching both All-Male Corps?
I honestly hadn’t thought of it until you asked this question! I think it is an honor and a blessing to be a part of the 2 all male corps in DCI. I spent about 7 years teaching the Cavaliers and those were some of the best summers of my life. This summer will be my first at the Madison Scouts and I am so looking forward to it. I might be the only female instructor that has worked with both corps… how cool is that? I love playing the role of big sister, mother, and friend to my students, and in being one of the few females around you learn to enjoy every moment.
Question #2
When your role was only as “Drum Corps Fan,” were you one of the many in the sea of fans for The Madison Scouts?
I was always enthralled by the power the Madison Scouts would use to blast the audience. They have such an enormous fan base and support from the crowd… I always found that so inspirational. One of my favorite Madison Scouts show was the year they did the Pirate show… I LOVE that guard!!
Question #3
This interviewer TRULY BELIEVES that the activity will get to see some of that 90’s Magic from pageantry once we see the 2010 Madison Scouts Production. With the Brilliant Executive, & Staff Position Restructures, could we hear from you what your position means for the Madison Scouts Color Guard?
My hope is that our great color guard staff will bring that 90’s magic back to the corps … and then some!! Bryan Sutton, Jim Moore, Joshua Benningfield, Kaysey Thompson and I are planning on taking the guard program to the next level and developing the strength, masculinity, and power that only an all male guard can bring.
Question #4
What are your feelings on the “Prospects” of this years’ 2010 Madison Scouts Guard Membership? What can fans look forward to seeing from the guard?
One of the most exciting things about the 2010 guard is that there are so many dedicated returning vets coming back to the corps this year. These guys obviously love the Madison Scouts organization and are really excited about the upcoming changes that are taking place. We hope to display a great sense of passion and masculinity to the program this year in taking the guard program to the next level in 2010.
Question #5
When talking about successfully nurturing the psychology of the male or female color guard performer you are a true “Master Artist!” What would you say are the 3 Greatest Similarities & 3 Greatest Differences in both personas?
I think there are definitely some things that are different about all male vs. mixed vs. all female guards. The 3 greatest similarities are: desire, passion, work ethic.
The 3 greatest differences are: physical strength, less crying at practice J, and a sense of brotherhood and team. I love teaching both male and female color guard folks for different reasons… but there is a special quality about the strength and power all male can display.
Question #6
Instructing Color Guard not only in the states but abroad as well, what are some of the similarities & differences in the student & how does understanding that help you to be a better teacher?
I have been blessed to teach the Aimachi color guard from Nagoya, Japan since 1996. What a unique opportunity that is. The Japanese people have such an incredibly strong work ethic that goes unmatched. They also have such a respect for their equipment, instructors, and each other that can sometimes get lost in the American shuffle. They have a ritual that they do at the beginning and end of each rehearsal. At the beginning of rehearsal…the members will turn to the instructors and ask them to “please teach them well” today, and they turn to each other and say “please work hard today”. At the end of the rehearsal, they do a similar ritual in saying “Thank you” to their equipment, instructors, and the rest of the team for all of their hard work. It is such a nice way to begin and end rehearsals.
Because I am not very fluent in Japanese, I had to figure out how to communicate with them without having a common language. It is amazing how universal the language of color guard is. This made me a much better teacher on so many levels.
Question #7
Curious… With the exception of the Holy Name Cadets, every other group that we’ve known you to participate with, you’ve been with that organization for no less than 4 years. Just to name a few; Cavaliers, Pride of Cincinnati, BLAST, Aimachi, Crown, Center Grove… What are the characteristic requirements for your “Wanted Investment” to a program?
I never really thought about that either!! It is so true that the investment over time is so important to me. I recently took over the color guard program at Carmel H.S. in 2003, it has been a very challenging but rewarding experience over time. I really believe that it takes at least 3 years to start seeing the results you are working for when taking over a program. It does not just happen overnight, it is a process of teaching the members, the parents, the administration, the community how to be a top notch organization. It is WELL worth the investment if you have the patience!
Question #8
Being such a WONDERFUL Role Model, what would you MOST want to say as “Words of Encouragement,” to all the up and coming female Master Teachers?
GIRL POWER!! I feel like our activity tends to be somewhat dominated by very talented male designers and instructors. It’s strange because so many color guards are more female based as far as members go. So the ratio of female members becoming instructors seems a little out of whack to me.
I say follow your dream!! I never thought 20 years ago that I would have been able to make a “full time” living out of being a color guard instructor. I know that I am lucky in that way, but with a lot of hard work and dedication it was possible. I always resented when people would ask me when I was going to get a “real” job, I love what I do and work with some amazing and talented people every day building young people’s character and confidence… what isn’t “real” about that?
Question #9
In this Current Age of “Pageantry” what are you trying to help the color guard performer more comprehensively understand about their specialty that could aid in advancing educational or professional performance opportunity?
Throwing flag, rifles, and sabers up in the air together is not ultimately my goal, although that may seem kind of strange to hear me say. Teaching students how to love themselves, trust themselves and their team, and learn that working their butts off toward a common goal will make their self confidence soar and in turn make them stronger people… that is my goal. Rifles, flags, and sabers happen to be the beautiful tools we use to achieve those goals J
Well there you have it: straight from the “Queen” herself. On behalf of every person at MyBandStaff.com and our faithful readers we thank you for your time and presence. Best of Luck to you and “The Madison Scouts” in…