In the case of the Madison Scouts, the quote by Marcus Fabius Quintilianus could not be truer. Over several decades, the classy appearance of the Madison Scouts uniform has stood out as an icon of the drum corps activity. Year after year, the Scouts' striking appearance is locked in by the capable talents of many volunteers with remarkable tailoring skills. Many thanks to all of you! In recent years, the process of uniform design, production, and member fitting has evolved beyond imagination. The era of issuing stock uniform sizes to members has passed. Today's members receive a custom-fitted uniform that receives individual tailoring to fit each member perfectly. In many cases, uniforms are re-tailored two or three times throughout the tour as members continue to slim down. The result is a spectacular uniform appearance that brings great joy to our adoring fans. 2008 promises to be an incredible Scouts’ “Look.”

This year's sewing crew has worked within extremely tight deadlines to prepare the Corps for their first appearance. Despite nearly impossible requests, the design, production, and member fitting has been executed with great success this year. The crew is under the direction of an immensely talented costume maker, Kelly Neuls, who joined the Corps just last year. Jumping on board in the early spring of 2007, Kelly took charge of a sparse, chaotic - yet burgeoning sewing department, and quickly established a path to success. In only 16 months, Kelly has built a fantastic team of tailors. In addition to preparing the brass and percussion uniforms, Kelly and crew produce portions of the color guard uniforms, several sets of practice flags, and anything else that requires the team’s sewing talents.

For many years, Kelly ran a costume business in Illinois called Cosmic Fish Costumes. Over the years, she has costumed many, many theatrical productions in Illinois and Wisconsin. In 2006, Kelly and her sister - Jen - moved to Madison to create “Blue Dot Theatre.” Today, the theatre has matured into a successful non-profit, semi-professional company, dedicated to growing the Madison area theatrical community by supporting local artists, providing educational opportunities, and attracting new audiences.

The Neuls family found their way to Madison, one by one. In 1997, Kelly’s brother marched in the Capital Sound Drum & Bugle Corps. This led to Kelly and Sue Neuls becoming sewing volunteers with the Cap Sound.

Miscellaneous Factoid – According to her mother, Kelly and Jen host “very unique parties.”

This year, the Madison Scouts appearance captures the traditions of the past in a stately uniform while projecting the confidence and integrity of the young men of 2008 who proudly wear the Madison Scouts uniform. Until the uniforms are perfectly tailored, Kelly and team are known to work continuously, sometimes through the night, to obtain that famous Madison Scout “Look.” When you see Kelly or any other member of the team, stop, and say thanks.  

Mike Annello
Director of Volunteer Operations