Now, he said, it’s time for him to focus on his responsibilities closer to home.  That’s why he’ll serve the corps as an adjunct brass instructor this year rather than show coordinator.

“I knew as a father of young kids I didn’t have aspirations to go on the road and be as involved as you’d want to be in that role,” Gregg said.  His older son, Elijah, is five and is starting school while his youngest, Brody, is 16 months.  In addition, Gregg is associate band director at UW-Platteville, where he handles recruiting, show design and camps for the marching band and other ensembles.  He’ll take on additional responsibilities this school year while the band director takes a semester-long sabbatical.  “It’s great, but it will be a hectic spring and summer.”

Gregg said he knew he couldn’t put the optimal time and energy into all of these endeavors plus the program coordinator’s role.  “The program coordinator should be someone who is influential in the activity and has aspirations to be very involved.”

Last season, Gregg ran brass rehearsals early in the year and ran show design meetings.  “By no means would I claim credit for all the wonderful things those guys wrote,” he said.  “I just wanted to create an open forum so everyone could contribute.”

“Matt has made an unbelievable contribution to the corps,” said Jeff Spanos, Madison Scouts executive director.  “His leadership skills and experience during one of the most challenging years in the corps’ history helped us get back on track.  Matt volunteered all his time and talent to the corps and he did it all pro bono.”

“I was honored to be given the responsibility for the 2007 season,” Gregg said.  “I had a great time with the staff and great design team.  It’s always an honor to work in front of the finest students I’ve ever had, and that has always been the Scouts members in any given year.”