The Madison Scouts give new meaning to "band camp." Scouts Honor is a story of the power of music in inspiring youth to overcome obstacles and achieve their potential. The dedication and passion of these young performers and the band directors who motivate them is moving. The movie gives us a window into why the Madison Scouts are a premier drum and bugle corps. We see how they strive for perfection, and we witness their journey toward a culminating performance. The film enables us to empathize with these young men through their a unique summer experience that is simultaneously grueling and fulfilling. The 5.1 sound track brings the performances to life. Anyone who is or has been in a band will listen in awe and wish jealously that they had been selected for a documentary with this film crew.
28 Reviews
Incredible!
vkgarry7316 January 2015
As one who has been involved with marching band and drum corps for the last 47 years, this is, by far, the best documentary ever made about the activity. By focusing on the three members featured in the film, the story becomes personal, while still telling the story of all 150 members of the Madison Scouts in 2012.
Not only was the film visually stunning, the sound was incredible. I have literally hundreds of recordings of drum and bugle corps, and the 5.1 Surround Sound did the absolute best job capturing the power of the percussion and the sizzle of the brass.
I hosted a screening of the film in Anaheim, CA, on January 15, 2015. There was definitely a shared emotional experience by the 100 or so audience members in attendance. And I spent several hours after the event reading the responses to the film posted on my Facebook page before I finally had to call it an evening.
If you are a fan of marching band and drum corps, or just really appreciate good story telling and hard working young adults, I can not recommend this film with enough words. You'll have to see it for yourself, and you'll be glad you did!
Great job, Mac, Tom and crew!
Garry Parker Redlands, CA
Not only was the film visually stunning, the sound was incredible. I have literally hundreds of recordings of drum and bugle corps, and the 5.1 Surround Sound did the absolute best job capturing the power of the percussion and the sizzle of the brass.
I hosted a screening of the film in Anaheim, CA, on January 15, 2015. There was definitely a shared emotional experience by the 100 or so audience members in attendance. And I spent several hours after the event reading the responses to the film posted on my Facebook page before I finally had to call it an evening.
If you are a fan of marching band and drum corps, or just really appreciate good story telling and hard working young adults, I can not recommend this film with enough words. You'll have to see it for yourself, and you'll be glad you did!
Great job, Mac, Tom and crew!
Garry Parker Redlands, CA
Excellent. See it!
isoclayton4 March 2015
This film was excellent. It really gives an inside look to what Drum Corps is about without getting mired down in the "statistics". You get a quick few minutes of "what" a drum corps is and then quickly introduced to three young men that work hard to become successful corps members. I have been a fan of drum corps and The Madison Scouts for a long time but it was impressive to hear the comments from those in the screening that didn't know about the activity. What they took from this film seem to be an affection for those featured, and a respect of the sport and of the organization of the Madison Scouts, which hopefully was what the film-maker was after. I think that anyone, fan of the activity or not, would really enjoy this project and would also feel like they walked away from with something. I recommend seeing it.
A personal look on the Marching Music Activity
Fupol6224 February 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Scouts Honor: Inside a Marching Brotherhood shows at times a very personal look at the highs and lows of becoming and being a part of group of young men who make up the Madison Scouts. Within the first few minutes you get a sense of what is at stake for the three young men that you meet over the course of the movie. The filmmakers use sound design throughout the movie to highlight this performing group who use bell front and percussion instruments in a 12 minute show on American football fields with scenes few fans of the activity get to witness during the season. As you meet the main characters, you also get to meet the current group of Madison Scouts and the their alumni, who once performed for the group, who show they will always support their fellow members, because they are all Madison Scouts. The movie builds just like the group builds on their performances as they attempt to reach the groups' goals as well as the personal goals of the main characters, but you also find out that these goals do not match up with each other all the time. The end of the movie mirrors that of the end of the Madison Scouts'season as the group hits a stride into the their final few performances and while they want to keep performing, the finality of the season hits everyone and the desire to "max out" their final performance which starts into a familiar scene and ends in an emotional scene.
Excellent
prod_eng116 June 2015
Go see! Watching it, you'll feel like you're part of the kids' journeys as they learn & grow through the summer becoming a brotherhood.
The film dives deeper into the lives of three individuals of the 2012 Madison Scouts. You'll meet their families and see how the Madison Scouts Drum & Bugle Corps affects their lives. It was very touching to see the continued involvement of the alumni and how impacted the age outs were realizing it was their last performance.
The camera work and sound put you right on the field as they're performing.
Tom Marks, Los Angeles
The film dives deeper into the lives of three individuals of the 2012 Madison Scouts. You'll meet their families and see how the Madison Scouts Drum & Bugle Corps affects their lives. It was very touching to see the continued involvement of the alumni and how impacted the age outs were realizing it was their last performance.
The camera work and sound put you right on the field as they're performing.
Tom Marks, Los Angeles
A Real Life Whiplash Driven By Raw Emotion and Thumping Instrumentation
jake-49918 June 2015
This is the kind of documentary film you want to see more of because it highlights great human stories wrapped inside of a subject matter most of us know nothing about. You wouldn't think a movie about a marching band could peak your interest but the subjects are rich in character, all driven by passion and a common bond. The film brought laughter, smiles, tears and reflections and it's nice to see a film where the characters grow and blossom in front of you. On the technical side the music and the instrumentation was mind blowing and really sucked you into the power of what these guys are doing on the field. A must watch for any inspiring musician or documentary filmmaker.
Fantastic!!!
espantalho120 April 2016
This film took me behind the scenes of what it's like in the Drum Corp. It was an emotional ride as they followed the lives of several members of the Drum Corp and all of their trials and tribulations. It is both informative and entertaining. Even though I knew nothing about the Drum Corp, I found it easy to watch and very enjoyable. It's not just for people who have been in a Drum Corp before. Anyone can watch it and enjoy it. The characters in the story are entertaining and it shows how hard they have to work to balance the Drum Corp with their personal lives. The film was very well produced with excellent sound and visual content. It has some really BIG audio and visual moments that bring out your emotions. I recommend watching it in surround sound. You won't want to miss out. I really enjoyed it.
Fantastic! Hopeful!!!!
Dave'sfx20 April 2016
This is a really heartfelt insight into what goes on in these corps. I was in marching band but never went this far, but this makes me wish I had. In this day and age its refreshing to see young people have such drive, and just as importantly an avenue to accept and challenge it. So this was a reminder, and gave me a hopeful outlook for our nation's young population. This should inspire people of all ages to find and focus on their passions. On a tech note, the sound captured is astounding! The difference in hearing a band on the field is quite different from hearing it from up in the stands, and this film sounds amazing! Try to see it in a good theater or listen on a great home system.
If you like live music, you should watch Scouts Honor
mastrick-102-56139328 June 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed watching this movie in a theater for the sound system as much as the large screen. Trying to capture music played on a football field with the incredible dynamics and distance between performers had to be daunting. I will be ordering a copy for my library. However, nothing compares to a live performance where you can almost feel the sound in the stands. The movie theater came close due to the theater's surround sound set up. Kudos to the sound guys for the amazing ability to capture the music.
The only reason I did not give this a perfect score was I would have liked to see two complete runs of the Scouts' show. Having one from early in the season and a second to demonstrate the polished, year end performance to compare how all the guys hard work paid off would have capped it for me. Other than that I loved the sound, the sense of commitment between the guys, and the vignettes of the three featured Scouts. This film is great for the drum corps enthusiast or someone who has never even watched a marching band show.
If you enjoy marching band competitions, if you enjoy drum corps, if you enjoy tales about overcoming obstacles, or even if you are curious about the Madison Scouts and their Brotherhood, this is a must see film. The Directors did a superb job of capturing the music and the fellowship which comes from a shared task of creating an unique performance.
The only reason I did not give this a perfect score was I would have liked to see two complete runs of the Scouts' show. Having one from early in the season and a second to demonstrate the polished, year end performance to compare how all the guys hard work paid off would have capped it for me. Other than that I loved the sound, the sense of commitment between the guys, and the vignettes of the three featured Scouts. This film is great for the drum corps enthusiast or someone who has never even watched a marching band show.
If you enjoy marching band competitions, if you enjoy drum corps, if you enjoy tales about overcoming obstacles, or even if you are curious about the Madison Scouts and their Brotherhood, this is a must see film. The Directors did a superb job of capturing the music and the fellowship which comes from a shared task of creating an unique performance.
Wonderful documentary
mpeters-3365721 April 2016
Scouts Honor: Inside a Marching Brotherhood is a wonderful documentary that takes the viewer inside of brotherhood many don't even know exists. The characters were well developed and the story was engaging from start to finish. The blood, sweat and tears that are shed along the journey are what give this film it's soul. The music is loud and rocking, but what happens between the performances draws you in. Also, the legacy of former members shows just what an honor it is to be a part of this group. It's a lot of hard work to make it into this brotherhood, but membership is for a lifetime. And I'd be remiss if I didn't mention how great the sound work was in this film. See if for sure! You won't regret it.
An excellent view of a unique way of life.
hsjordon29 April 2016
Mac Smith & company provide a first-hand look into the world of competitive music and marching in a documentary style that brings real people from the performance field into your heart. These young men come alive as real people and tell the true story of of drum and bugle corps, which cross the country every summer to bring music to their audiences. The camera work takes you into a world you can't see from the outside and shows what really goes on as the Madison Scouts, an all-male drum corps, works through a season of growth and development. It's a thrill to see the group work and a lesson in humanity as these uniformed players become individuals you won't soon forget.
Scouts Honor: Access to drum and bugle life
jamiebranquinho20 April 2016
Scouts Honor is a beautiful glimpse into the universe of drum and bugle corps. As someone who knew very little about what it took to put something like a drum corp performance together, I was engaged throughout the entire film. The filmmakers guide you through each step of the way and show just how much it takes to be in drum corps. Audiences are able to witness the amount of dedication and self-discipline that these young men have to possess to endure the obstacles that present themselves in the journey through corps competitions. All the hardship that they endure together as a team inevitably transforms into lifelong friendships and bonds that will resonate with anybody that watches this film. Highly recommended!
Compelling for those who don't know DCI, Hair-raising for those that do
Iceman_SCV9 May 2016
Warning: Spoilers
This movie is excellent! Mac and Tom have done a real "solid" by compiling this, working with DCI to get approvals, the Corps, and the individuals that are in the movie, all of which are real, active (the years this was filmed), performing members. There are no actors, just performers!
One of the hardest things to explain to people when you talk about Drum Corps is what it is, why it affects you and why it is different from "Marching Band." While this production focuses on 3 subjects, these are real representations of what those that are members (21 y/o and younger), have to deal with.
Physical, mental, emotional, health, drive to succeed, ambition to win, and willingness to work on a very large team, where each individual is EQUALLY important! My viewing of this, there were actually very few DCI Alumni present, and mostly people there were just interested in the subject of music and competition, or just movie buffs.
Amazingly, Mac and Tom were able to make this movie so that it relates not to just the DCI Cronies, but to anyone interested in any theatrical art, music, sports, etc! In fact, it was amazing to hear the comments from the other viewers and how captivated they were by the characters, played by themselves, and how compelled those people were to be compassionate and supportive, wanting them to win.
From the "Cronies" DCI Alumni perspective, just like any sport, one of the things that you can never get back is that being in the "Huddle" feeling and the sound protruding from the field at DCI World Finals, and "On the field, for competition, from ........! My hair stood up all over from the very opening, as they started by entering competition to the Finals performance.
Mac and Tom were able to capture the emotion, camaraderie, sound, and the view of the crowd like no other video of drum corps that I have ever seen or heard.
AND LET ME EXCLAIM, IT IS THE SOUND THAT MAKES THIS REMARKABLE!
From the first snap of the cadence, my cult-ridden autoresponder internals kicked in from all the training, heart BPM raised, and breathing was controlled...may as well come out of that tunnel again, even years after aging out! It is a well done documentary of a corps (Madison Scouts), representing many attributes of the sport.
While each drum corps has their own "ways" of doing things, and unique traditions, there are some things that are universal within all of us, even the parents, the fans, and those that are just looking for something to blow your hair back, this is a great representation of an inside look, like being a fly on the wall, that you otherwise would never be allowed to.
One of the hardest things to explain to people when you talk about Drum Corps is what it is, why it affects you and why it is different from "Marching Band." While this production focuses on 3 subjects, these are real representations of what those that are members (21 y/o and younger), have to deal with.
Physical, mental, emotional, health, drive to succeed, ambition to win, and willingness to work on a very large team, where each individual is EQUALLY important! My viewing of this, there were actually very few DCI Alumni present, and mostly people there were just interested in the subject of music and competition, or just movie buffs.
Amazingly, Mac and Tom were able to make this movie so that it relates not to just the DCI Cronies, but to anyone interested in any theatrical art, music, sports, etc! In fact, it was amazing to hear the comments from the other viewers and how captivated they were by the characters, played by themselves, and how compelled those people were to be compassionate and supportive, wanting them to win.
From the "Cronies" DCI Alumni perspective, just like any sport, one of the things that you can never get back is that being in the "Huddle" feeling and the sound protruding from the field at DCI World Finals, and "On the field, for competition, from ........! My hair stood up all over from the very opening, as they started by entering competition to the Finals performance.
Mac and Tom were able to capture the emotion, camaraderie, sound, and the view of the crowd like no other video of drum corps that I have ever seen or heard.
AND LET ME EXCLAIM, IT IS THE SOUND THAT MAKES THIS REMARKABLE!
From the first snap of the cadence, my cult-ridden autoresponder internals kicked in from all the training, heart BPM raised, and breathing was controlled...may as well come out of that tunnel again, even years after aging out! It is a well done documentary of a corps (Madison Scouts), representing many attributes of the sport.
While each drum corps has their own "ways" of doing things, and unique traditions, there are some things that are universal within all of us, even the parents, the fans, and those that are just looking for something to blow your hair back, this is a great representation of an inside look, like being a fly on the wall, that you otherwise would never be allowed to.
Loved it!
khouston-0937112 April 2016
It is very well done. I marched in drum corps for several years; I feel this accurately gives the viewer an inside look into the life of drum corps. This is a must-see for anyone involved in drum corps or marching band.
It's also great for the non-marcher. My wife was never in band, but she loved it too. It is so much more than just drum corps. You really care for these guys; we really wanted to see how the next year ends up for them.
There were a number of people in the audience the night I saw it that didn't know what drum corps was really about prior to the screening. They left that evening with a better understanding and respect for those that do drum corps. It is much more than your typical half time marching band. I can't wait to see it again!
It's also great for the non-marcher. My wife was never in band, but she loved it too. It is so much more than just drum corps. You really care for these guys; we really wanted to see how the next year ends up for them.
There were a number of people in the audience the night I saw it that didn't know what drum corps was really about prior to the screening. They left that evening with a better understanding and respect for those that do drum corps. It is much more than your typical half time marching band. I can't wait to see it again!
Great movie!
boonefamily95-199-87205922 January 2016
Excellent movie about the marching arts. Even if you don't know what drum corps is, this movie will not only inform you but make you a fan. The writers really captured the thrill, pain, anguish, time, love, blood, sweat and tears that go into marching in a drum corps. Whether you play an instrument, do colorguard or just appreciate marching bands, Scouts Honor holds interest for everyone. The struggles are there for every participant and this movie excellently highlights three great performers. This movie should be shown in schools to children of all ages. With the arts disappearing more and more in our schools, this movie is a must see for kids to inform them of their options for a fantastic music education and make lifelong memories and relationships. The Madison Scouts is a classy organization of brotherhood and is very respectfully demonstrated here.
Excellent! Feels like you are on the journey with them.
okcphotoguy7623 August 2016
A must see documentary into the lives of young musical athletes taking their summer to become better musicians, performers and people that touches your heart and has you glued to the screen all the way to the end. Must see if you love music, drum corps, seeing young people achieve greatness and touching stories about life. It's inspiring, honest, and a real look into these young men's journey in music, performance, and life. I bought this expecting just another documents about music, but it's so much more and I never left the screen until the movie came to an end. I even tested up a little during parts of the film. Get a copy and watch this amazing film.
Fabulous Documentary
kahfluie11 July 2016
Watch musical athletes in action and how they come together as one unit through high hopes and a lot of sweat and tears.
This documentary reminded me why I loved marching in drum corps. The stories are wonderful, and the brotherhood is astounding.
While I marched with a corps other than the Madison Scouts, I have always held the highest respect for the organization. In some way, I feel connected to their sense of "brotherhood".
The documentary is well produced, directed and the cast is genuine and "real". If you have ever marched in drum corps, or marching band, or have a friend or family member that has done so, this is a must see film.
You will never walk alone, Madison Scouts!
This documentary reminded me why I loved marching in drum corps. The stories are wonderful, and the brotherhood is astounding.
While I marched with a corps other than the Madison Scouts, I have always held the highest respect for the organization. In some way, I feel connected to their sense of "brotherhood".
The documentary is well produced, directed and the cast is genuine and "real". If you have ever marched in drum corps, or marching band, or have a friend or family member that has done so, this is a must see film.
You will never walk alone, Madison Scouts!
Great documentary about drum corps.
mhicks-6617511 July 2016
I'm the father of a kid in drum corps (not the Scouts) and based on my experience with my son, they really captured what it's like to be in a drum corps. There are 150 marching members in a drum corps and instead of trying to tell everyone's story, they focus on three members - one from the brass section, one from percussion and one from color guard. You do get to see everyone in group shots and they talk with a lot of staff and even parents. You don't have to be a fan of drum corps to enjoy this film but you may become a fan after you watch it. If you do, do yourself a favor and go see a live drum corps show. Nothing beats seeing/hearing it live.
Captivating Story, Perfection in marching.
idiotacrossthestreet20 February 2017
Let me start out by saying that this documentary makes Clash of The Corps look like a high school movie project. Drum Corps is an experience like no other, spending months perfecting your marching and choreography and for it to all pay off at Indianapolis. The Movie itself was captivating, I wasn't listening to a lecture but a story.
Great Movie
dabassan30 May 2016
This movie shows the intensity, desire and love these performers have for each other, the Madison Scouts Drum & Bugle Corps and the drum corps activity itself. Following one member of each section gives the viewer a realistic idea of what it is to be a member, how the differ and how it all comes together with such a synergy that truly the total is worth more than the sum of the parts. Many people do not understand the physical, mental and emotional strength one needs to be part of a world class drum & bugle corps. This movie gives you all of that. We also get to see the highs and the lows that can occur during the season and the intensity of practice to become the best performer one can be.
The most authentic behind the scenes look into drum corps I've ever seen
jadubuque-522893 October 2016
I marched with the Madison Scouts in the mid-90's and so have experienced the drum corps culture first hand. When I try to explain it now I get a lot of blank stares. Most common questions I get are "You got paid to do this, right?" (Nope, we PAY to do it.) And "Oh, so it's like a marching band?" (Oh, HELL no!) Now, whenever I tell someone I used to march drum and bugle corps and they have no idea what I'm talking about I can tell them to just get this movie and you'll get it.
It's nice to know that while the world around us changes and the activity itself is FAR different than when I marched... the stories, the passion, the camaraderie that develops hasn't changed. Marching in the Madison Scouts is one of my proudest achievements that I always look back on fondly. To be able to share that experience with others was truly unique.
If you want to know why that corps person in your life is so weird, watch this movie. You'll get a little deeper understanding of what makes them tick.
And if you want to control their behavior a little bit, put on a doctor beat while they're walking and watch them automatically get in step in less than half a second! Seriously though, great look at drum corps, watch, learn and share!
It's nice to know that while the world around us changes and the activity itself is FAR different than when I marched... the stories, the passion, the camaraderie that develops hasn't changed. Marching in the Madison Scouts is one of my proudest achievements that I always look back on fondly. To be able to share that experience with others was truly unique.
If you want to know why that corps person in your life is so weird, watch this movie. You'll get a little deeper understanding of what makes them tick.
And if you want to control their behavior a little bit, put on a doctor beat while they're walking and watch them automatically get in step in less than half a second! Seriously though, great look at drum corps, watch, learn and share!
Best Movie Featuring Drum Corps Ever
RPMcMurphy424 November 2016
Scouts Honor: Inside a Marching Brotherhood brings three great stories to the screen, sharing the lives of these young men and the trials and challenges they face in the competitive world of marching music. I was moved by the emotional stories and it brought back many feelings of my experiences in drum corps many years ago.
The legacy of the Madison Scouts is one that has helped young men grow, not only in their musical and performance excellence, but the Scouts also build leaders out of these young men. One piece of the movie features corps director Dann Peterson talking to the members about some valuable life and leadership lessons. This commentary was almost identical to the life lessons I learned in Madison more than 30 years ago. I still apply those lessons in my business and personal life.
Drum corps is an activity that pushes people to their limits and Scouts Honor captures the spirit of this activity incredibly well. It can be a valuable tool for other drum corps and marching bands to learn about the dedication that each member should bring to their own organizations.
Do yourself...and if you are a band director, do your band a favor...and watch this movie and show it to your members. I guarantee you will love this movie and so will your members.
The legacy of the Madison Scouts is one that has helped young men grow, not only in their musical and performance excellence, but the Scouts also build leaders out of these young men. One piece of the movie features corps director Dann Peterson talking to the members about some valuable life and leadership lessons. This commentary was almost identical to the life lessons I learned in Madison more than 30 years ago. I still apply those lessons in my business and personal life.
Drum corps is an activity that pushes people to their limits and Scouts Honor captures the spirit of this activity incredibly well. It can be a valuable tool for other drum corps and marching bands to learn about the dedication that each member should bring to their own organizations.
Do yourself...and if you are a band director, do your band a favor...and watch this movie and show it to your members. I guarantee you will love this movie and so will your members.
Fantastic
mcreynoldsdj30 August 2016
Scouts Honor is one of the best documentaries I've ever seen about anything, but especially drum corps. Watching with surround sound makes you feel like you're in front of the Scouts hornline, which is rare in a video. Being a drum corps fan already, it was nice to get an even better understanding of drum corps. For non-drum corps fans, the producers have explained what everything in the corps is without making your head hurt with too much information. This documentary is something that even people who don't know anything about music at all will enjoy. Anyone who has any kind of interest in marching band, drum corps, or music definitely needs to see this. There's a reason the Scouts are a crowd favorite, and this will definitely show you why.
Bravo! Excellent Drum Corps Documentary
kas-4619530 October 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Fantastic drum corps documentary. 100% accurate on the hard work corps members put into their musical art. From auditions, to learning the show to performing for their fans and all the hardships in between. As an alumni of another corps this movie truly represents the blood, sweat and tears of what young men and women put into their musical sport and it's all done for the love of music and performance.
Great sound editing, great performance clips. If you have ever marched drum corps the memories will come flooding back, If you have not marched and aspire to march this will give you that extra push to do something special.
Spoiler alert!!!! The ending was a choker when they sang their corp song for the last time of the season after finals.
Great sound editing, great performance clips. If you have ever marched drum corps the memories will come flooding back, If you have not marched and aspire to march this will give you that extra push to do something special.
Spoiler alert!!!! The ending was a choker when they sang their corp song for the last time of the season after finals.
Compelling!
mark-881-20993726 March 2017
You don't need to be around Drum Corps to recognize a good story. This is beautifully done. It follows the ups and downs of 3 members as they make their way through the challenges of a difficult activity.
I'd especially recommend this if your home theater setup has good sound. The sound is amazing!
I'd especially recommend this if your home theater setup has good sound. The sound is amazing!
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