MADISON SCOUTS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Front Ensemble Instructor
Andrew Cory is from Southlake,TX. He began his marching career at the Boston Crusaders ('15) and then went on to march the Bluecoats ('16, '17, '18, '19).
Andrew has taught multiple groups throughout DFW, including Braswell HS, Melissa HS, Coppell HS, Byron Nelson HS, and currently teaches at Prosper HS. During the winter, Andrew also serves on the visual staff at Vigilantes Indoor Percussion.
Andrew graduated from the University of North Texas with a major in Mathematics and minors in Education and Music.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Administration & Management Team
- Merchandise Manager
Andrew Irving has been our volunteer Merchandise Manager since 2009. He marched with a few east coast corps and then with the Scouts for his "rookout" year in 1986. Andrew holds a PhD in French language and literature from the University of Wisconsin - Madison where he was a professor, advisor, and director of the French House for 24 years. He now teaches French at EAGLE School, an independent k-8 institution for gifted, talented, and advanced learners.
Ashley Flood has served on the visual staff at the Madison Scouts Drum & Bugle Corps since 2022. She holds a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Houston, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. Ashley is currently the Assistant Band Director at Dr. Ronald E. McNair Junior High and resides in Houston, Texas.
Ashley served as a Drum Major at The Academy Drum & Bugle Corps from 2019 to 2021. She loves working with local marching bands, traveling, and playing with her dog, Mia. Ashley professional affiliations include Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, and Sigma Alpha Iota, International Music Fraternity.
Benjamin Coody is a Phoenix-based music educator, visual instructor, and designer currently finishing his undergrad in music education. Ben joined the Madison Scouts visual team in 2024, and also has completed his fifth year teaching with Flux Indoor Percussion Ensemble as a member of the visual staff.
Over the years Benjamin has held many teaching positions across the state of Arizona at various schools and studios. Pulling from both his college education and his time as a member of the Phantom Regiment, he brings a wide array of information to call upon for his peers and students.
Job Titles:
- Head
- Director of Bands at Alan C. Pope High School
Bo Sodders is the Director of Bands at Alan C. Pope High School in Marietta, Georgia. The Pope Wind Symphony is a featured ensemble at the 2024 Georgia Music Educators In-Service Conference in Athens, GA and most recently performed at the 2023 University of Georgia "JanFest", 2021 University of Tennessee Chattanooga Honor Band Festival, and the 2020 Georgia Music Educators In-Service Conference in Athens, Georgia.
Cali Rochelle's performance experience includes Spirit of Atlanta (2018-2020), Bluecoats (2021), and the Bluecoats Alumni Corps (2022). Cali's WGI performance experience includes FIU Open (2019-2021), FIU World (2022), AMP Winter Guard (2023), and Juxtaposition Winter Guard (2024).
Cali Rochelle currently directs the color guard at Highlands High in Kentucky. Originally from Florida, she received her Bachelors in Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communications from Florida International University, as well as a dance minor. While in Florida, Cali was the director for the Western High School color guard, which ranked in the top 10 for the state. She has also been fortunate enough to work with Flanagan Color Guard and World Guard (2023-2024), The Academy Drum & Bugle Corps (2023), Bluecoats Alumni Ensemble Legacy Arc (2023), FIU Marching Band (2022), FIU Blue (2022), and a variety of high schools across South Florida, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky.
Cali began teaching with the Madison Scouts in 2024, and her DCI performance experience includes Spirit of Atlanta (2018-2020), Bluecoats (2021), and the Bluecoats Alumni Corps (2022). Cali's WGI performance experience includes FIU Open (2019-2021), FIU World (2022), AMP Winter Guard (2023), and Juxtaposition Winter Guard (2024).
Calvin Chao is an educator, clinician, and arranger from Elmhurst, IL. He previously served as the Front Ensemble Coordinator and Audio Engineer for the Colt Cadets (2023-2024) and is an active percussion instructor throughout the northwest suburbs of Chicago.
Carley Belknap is a cymbal educator based in the Northern Virginia area. She teaches cymbals at the Madison Scouts (23-present), Might Sound of Maryland, and the George Mason University Indoor Drumline.
Carley Belknap is a cymbal educator based in the Northern Virginia area since 2023. She currently teaches cymbals with the Mighty Sound of Maryland, the George Mason University Indoor Drumline, and the Madison Scouts.
Carley began her marching career in high school. In 2017, she marched her first summer of drum corps at Raiders Drum and Bugle corps. After graduating high school, Carley joined the George Mason University Indoor Drumline and was an active member from 2019-2022. Carley was contracted as one of the first women in the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps in 2020. She would stay with the drum corps from 2020-2022, where she served as the section leader during her age-out summer. For her final season in WGI, Carley marched at Rhythm X in 2023 and received a PIW bronze medal.
During her time as a performer, Carley was also a four-time Seavine Cymbal Scholarship recipient. Carley graduated from James Madison University in 2022 with a B.S. in Computer Science. Outside of teaching, Carley works as a freelance software developer and as an operations manager at Seavine.
Carmen Crook Director This is some text inside of a div block.
Job Titles:
- Designer
- Instructor
- High Brass Instructor
Carter King is an active marching arts instructor, designer, and music educator within the Richmond, VA area. Graduating from James Madison University in 2025 with a Music Education degree, Carter marched with both The Cadets ('22, '23) and The Bluecoats ('24) and joined the Madison Scouts Brass Staff in 2025.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Administration & Management Team
- Visual Coordinator & Guard Supervisor
Chad Berkstresser has been involved with the performing arts for over 30 years. As a performer his passion for the marching arts started in high school as a member of the Heritage High School color guard and continued when he performed for Alliance of Miami and then won several World Championships as a member of the San Jose Raiders.
He has served as head designer and director of such groups as Carmel HS, Choctawhatchee HS, The Woodlands HS, Father Ryan HS, and Spring HS. He has worked with numerous DCI groups including the Blue Knights, Boston Crusaders, Phantom Regiment, and The Cavaliers. He has also worked with Cypress Independent WGI color guard and had the one-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work with Lady Gaga on her halftime performance at the Super Bowl in 2017.
Chase Todd began his marching career in 2003 where he spent five years as part of the marching band at Powell County High School in Stanton, KY and was there when the band received the honor of participating in the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, DC. He has also been a member of the Blue Stars Drum & Bugle Corps (2009) and Cincinnati Tradition Drum and Bugle Corps (2012-2014, 2016) being part of the last drum corps to win a championship on the old traditional G bugles.
Christopher Carlin's teaching experience includes Coral Reef Senior High School (2014), Colt Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps (2017), Centerville High School (2018-19), Legacy Indoor Percussion (2018), Lebanon High School (2019), Connexus Indoor Percussion (2019), Cap City Indoor Percussion (2020), Madison Scouts (2018, and 2020 - present), and Stryke Percussion (2023).
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Executive Director
- Member of the Administration & Management Team
- Secretary ( Ex Officio )
Chris assumed the role of Executive Director in the fall of 2008 after consulting and serving on the Scouts' board of directors for several years. At the conclusion of the 2012 season, he was selected as the Drum Corps International "Director of the Year". In addition to his role on the Forward Performing Arts board of directors, he has served as board member of Drum Corps International from 2012-2020, most of that time as the Vice Chair, and as the DCI Membership Chair from 2022-2024. In 2024 he was awarded DCI Chairman's "George Bonfiglio" award for activity leadership.
Before taking the role of Executive Director, Chris was a serial entrepreneur with a primary focus on technology startups. He was responsible for developing product and branding strategies and had over 20 years of experience working with various organizations, from startups to public companies. Chris has taught many MBA classes and has been a guest instructor and mentor at Miami University's school of business.
Chris is an alumnus of the Scouts having marched mellophone in 1984, 1985, and in the 2006 Alumni Reunion Project.
He holds a bachelor's degree from Purdue University, a master's degree in business administration from Miami University, and is currently pursuing another master's degree from Xavier University.
Chris Komnick Secretary (ex officio) This is some text inside of a div block.
Job Titles:
- Director of Bands at Destrehan High School
- Mellophone Lead Instructor
Chris Williams is in his eighth year of teaching, serving as the Director of Bands at Destrehan High School in Destrehan, Louisiana. Mr. Williams had been teaching actively in the drum and bugle corps activity teaching brass at the Blue Knights from 2014-2017 and Phantom Regiment from 2018-2020.
Chris Williams is the Director of Bands at Destrehan High School in Destrehan, Louisiana. He received his Bachelor's of Music Education in 2015 as a summa cum laude graduate from Northwestern State University and his Master of Music Education from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2021. While studying at Northwestern State University, he served as a drum major for the Spirit of Northwestern, studied trumpet under Galindo Rodriguez, and conducting under Dr. Jeff Mathews.
He has been active in the drum and bugle corps activity, teaching brass at Blue Knights from 2014-2017 and at Phantom Regiment from 2018-2020. Additionally, he was a visual instructor at the Louisiana Stars in 2016.
His professional affiliations include National Association for Music Education (NAfME), Louisiana Music Educators Association (LMEA), Louisiana Association for Jazz Education (LAJE), and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. In 2018, Mr. Williams received recognition as an Outstanding Young Music Educator through LMEA. He currently serves as a member of the Arts Leadership Team in his school district developing and integrating curriculums for the instrumental music programs.
Dan Hoffman is a marching arts educator, choreographer, and designer based out of Mesa, AZ. Born and raised in Syracuse, NY, Dan graduated from the University of Rochester in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts in Music and a Minor in Dance. His education is supplemented by ample performance experience, including three seasons as a contra player with the Boston Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps.
As an educator, Dan began his career as a marching band visual instructor with his alma mater West Genesee High School in Camillus, NY. He then served as the drill writer and visual caption head for the Medford High School Marching Band in Medford, MA, from 2016-2018. During that time period, he was also a visual instructor with the Oregon Crusaders.
Since moving to Arizona in 2018, Dan has assumed the roles of staff coordinator and visual instructor with Breakthrough Indoor Percussion, visual caption head with the Highland High School Marching Band, and visual instructor with the Casa Grande Union High School Marching Band and Indoor Percussion. Dan returns to the Madison Scouts for his second summer as a visual instructor.
Daniel Yeh Director This is some text inside of a div block.
Job Titles:
- Director of Programs
- Member of the Administration & Management Team
- Programs Director
- Director of Programs & Corps Director
- Director of Programs for Forward Performing Arts
David Lofy serves as the Director of Programs for Forward Performing Arts and Corps Director to the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps. He currently resides in Eau Claire, WI with his wife, Catherine. He received his Bachelor's in Music Education from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and Master's in Music Education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where he served as a Graduate Assistant to Illinois Bands.
From 2012-14, David performed with the Madison Scouts. Before his return to the Scouts as a member of the administrative team in 2017, he taught the Oregon Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps from 2015-16.
A life-long Wisconsinite, David is dedicated to increasing opportunities for students to participate in the marching arts and to provide key educational and leadership resources to educators around the state.
Job Titles:
- Front Ensemble Instructor
Dom Santini currently resides in Perrysburg, OH where he teaches K-8 music at Airport Community Schools. He has previously studied under Dan Maslanka and Mark Stone. Dom marched with NorthCoast Academy (2014) Redline Percussion (2015-2016), and Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps (2014-2016) where he worked with Nick Pourcho, James Sparling, Alex Klutz, and many others.
Job Titles:
- Co - Caption Head
- Designer from Grove City
Donnie Ross is an Arranger and Designer from Grove City, OH where he also resides with his beautiful wife Nikki, and their Boston Terrier Buddy. He is a founder of WGI PIW's Cap City Percussion, and currently serves as the Front Ensemble Arranger and Program Coordinator for both Cap City World and Cap City 2. Outside of designing, his days are spent as the Percussion Director of Central Crossing High School.
His performance experience includes the Glassmen Drum and Bugle Corps (2007-2009) and Matrix Percussion (2006-2010). He then returned to be on staff for both organizations - Glassmen in 2012, and Matrix in 2012-2013. From 2019-2022 he was a member of the percussion staff with the Phantom Regiment Drum And Bugle Corps. Donnie has performed as a clinician across the Midwest and Europe. Highlights include performing at the 2007 PAS Convention and 2008 IPE Championships in Europe.
Doug Tholo Director This is some text inside of a div block.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Administration & Management Team
- Program Coordinator
Dr. Mark Waymire has been a music educator and pageantry designer for over thirty years. His tenure as educator includes fifteen years in the public schools and fifteen years as a university professor. Ten years were spent as Director of Bands at Seguin High School, Seguin, Texas. The Seguin band program grew in size and notoriety under Mark's leadership which includes multiple appearances as a BOA Texas Regional Finalist. His scholarly research based in the study of expert teaching has been presented over fifty times nationally and internationally.
Mark's drum corps experience began with his membership in the Phantom Regiment, where soon after aging out, he spent six years in various roles as part of the brass and visual staff, 1987-1992. He joined the staff of the Madison Scouts in 2001, remaining until 2006, serving in various roles including brass caption head, 2003-2006. In 2007, he served as brass caption head for the Glassmen. His most recent drum corps experience was with Spirit of Atlanta, 2009-2013, where he served as Director of Programming and Education. After a three-year absence, Spirit rose into the top twelve during the 2011-2013 seasons. Mark has adjudicated for DCI over the past ten years and is an active judge for WGI, BOA, and several state associations.
Drew Hadley Director This is some text inside of a div block.
Job Titles:
- Athletic Trainer
- Member of the Administration & Management Team
Dylan Lynch is a Wisconsin native from the small town of Saint Croix Falls. His mother Michelle introduced him to music and sports from a very young age. They have been a big part of his life ever since. Dylan joined the Madison Scouts in the Summer of 2022 as the Assistant Athletic Trainer and transitioned to the Head Athletic Training role the following Summer.
Dylan received his Bachelor's of Exercise Science from Carroll University in 2018 and his Masters of Athletic Training from UW-Stevens Point in 2022. He has been working at the University of Wisconsin-Stout as an Assistant Athletic Trainer since the Fall of 2022. There he covers Football, Men's Hockey, Baseball and Track and Field.
Beno Morris joins the Madison Scouts for his first season, bringing over 40 years of experience in the music industry. Since 1987, he has served as a drum corps consultant for ensembles including Velvet Knights, Santa Clara Vanguard, Cadets, The Academy, Mandarins, and Troopers. He has also worked with numerous marching bands across Indiana, Michigan, Texas, California, and Florida, as well as indoor percussion groups like Northcoast Academy and Cavaliers Indoor.
His expertise in sound design began at Six Flags Magic Mountain and continued with SWANK Audio Visual, where he worked with top artists such as Lionel Richie, Patti LaBelle, Madonna, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and at major events including Coachella and Miss Teen USA.
A former performer with the Cavaliers (1978-1984), Beno brings a deep passion for the marching arts and audio production to his work.
Job Titles:
- Front Ensemble Instructor
Eric Sorenson is a professional percussionist and educator based inDetroit, Michigan. Eric holds a Bachelor of Music (BM) degree in Percussion Studies/Jazz Performance from the Fred Fox School of Music at The University of Arizona, as well as a Master of Music (MM) degree in Jazz Studies/Performance from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan.
Esteban Chavez is pursuing a Master's in Horn Performance at Texas Tech University, where he serves as a teaching assistant in the Horn Studio and performs with the TTU Symphonic Wind Ensemble, University Symphony Orchestra, Horn Octet, and Graduate Brass Quintet. He recently won a position with the Lubbock Symphony Orchestra. A Madison Scouts mellophone alumnus (2021-2022), Esteban is excited to work with the next generation of Scouts.
Job Titles:
- Director from Columbus
- Front Ensemble Coordinator
Garrett Lind is a middle school band director from Columbus, Ohio. He has been teaching music in Dublin City Schools for four years. Garrett graduated with a bachelor's degree in Music Education from Otterbein University where he spent four years studying under Dr. Michael Yonchak and Dr. Jack Jenny. Along with teaching high school music, Garrett has taught at Cap City Percussion for seven years and now serves as the Director and Program Manager of Cap City 2.
Job Titles:
- Choreographer & Instructor
Greg Hamilton was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA, and marched with the Bluecoats (2015-17), Pride of Cincinnati Winter Guard in (2018-19, 2022), and was a member of the POC Dance Ensemble in 2020.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Administration & Management Team
- Operations Director & Assistant Corps Director
Gregg Auby Chair This is some text inside of a div block.
Kenneth Kamping is a Middle School Band, Orchestra, and Digital Music teacher at Mineola MS in Mineola, NY. He received his B.A. in Trumpet Performance from SUNY Purchase, and M.A. in Music Education at LIU Post. Ken's marching experience includes the Sachem Arrows Marching Band (2010-2013), The Sunrisers Drum and Bugle Corps (2013-2014), and Carolina Crown (2015, 2016, and 2018).
Job Titles:
- Front Ensemble Instructor
Hunter Mays is an active performer, educator, and student who currently resides in the Dayton area. His career as a performer and educator spans numerous genres and settings: chamber music, orchestra performance, solo percussion, and the marching arts. Currently he is finishing up a Bachelor's degree in Percussion Performance at Wright State University. Previous to aging out of WGI and DCI, he was a member of Cap City from 2017-23, aging out as center marimba and ensemble leader; and aged out with Carolina Crown in 2022.
Job Titles:
- Designer
- Tenor Instructor
Hunter Torbert is an educator and Visual Designer from Brazil, Indiana. He currently works at Northview High School (2021 - Present) and has taught at other music programs around Indiana including Owen Valley High School, Terre Haute North High School, Edgewood High School, and One Indoor Percussion. He also co-wrote material for Legacy Indoor Percussion based in Florida.
Ian McNeill is currently a freelance teacher and musician in the Atlanta area. Ian was a member of the Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps from 2015-2017, where in 2017 he was the DCI I&E champion for tuba performance.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Director of Bands and Marching Band Coordinator at Burnet High School
- High Brass Instructor
Jacob Picht is the Assistant Director of Bands and Marching Band Coordinator at Burnet High School in Burnet, Texas. His DCI experience includes performing with the Troopers, Blue Knights, and Carolina Crown, as well as serving on the brass staff for the Troopers (2022) and Madison Scouts (2023-present).
Job Titles:
- Member of the Administration & Management Team
- Food Operations Manager
Job Titles:
- Member of the Administration & Management Team
- Battery Arranger & Percussion Co - Caption Head
- Cap City Percussion As a Designer
- Co - Caption Head
James Sparling currently works with Cap City Percussion as a Designer (20-present) and World Battery Coordinator (19-21, 23-present) and as Director of Percussion at Rouse High School and Wiley Middle School (22-present) in Austin, TX.
Janelle Ewing Director This is some text inside of a div block.
Jeff Manion Vice Chair This is some text inside of a div block.
Jenna Bartz has been a music educator for eight years and is currently one of the band directors at Raytown High School and Raytown Middle School just outside of downtown Kansas City, MO. Jenna marched with the Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps for three seasons (2010-2012) before going on to teach on the brass staffs at Colts, Genesis, and the Madison Scouts.
Job Titles:
- Director of Bands at Vestavia Hills High School
- Low Brass Instructor
Jerell Horton is the Director of Bands at Vestavia Hills High School (AL). He is a graduate of Samford University. Mr. Horton has served on staff as the Leadership Clinician for the Auburn Summer Marching and Leadership camp and leads a group of adult volunteers at Music For All Summer Symposium. Mr. Horton is a National Board Certified teacher and was named to SBO magazine's 2014 list of 50 Directors Who Make a Difference.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Administration & Management Team
- Visual Supervisor & Drill Writer
Jeremy Hunt is a seven time DCI finalist visual designer, 8 time BOA finalist visual designer and a multi medalist designer in WGI percussion. Recently, Jeremy has written for five different drum corps finalists, Madison Scouts (2024), The Cavaliers (2023), Phantom Regiment (2015), Spirit of Atlanta (2010-2013), and the Colts (2007-2009).
Job Titles:
- Asst. Caption Head
- Visual Designer
Jeremy Oliver is a visual designer and educator who resides in Dayton, Ohio. He is the Visual Coordinator for Cap City World Percussion, the Visual Caption Head at Lakota East High School, the Director of Indoor Percussion at Walter E. Stebbins High School, and is a Visual Instructor for Kettering-Fairmont Indoor Percussion.
JJ Frederico is a percussion performer, educator, and arranger originally from Cleveland, OH. He is currently finishing his degrees in Music Education and Percussion Performance from Wright State University in, Dayton, OH, where he lives with his fiancé and their two dogs.
Job Titles:
- Black Star Drum Line Director
Job Titles:
- Battery Coordinator
- Director at William Mason High School
John Scharf currently serves as the Percussion Director at William Mason High School in Mason, Ohio. He oversees the marching percussion ensemble and concert percussion activities during the school day. John received his Bachelor's degree in Music Education from Michigan State University.
Johnathon Bower holds a master's and bachelor's in Music Education from Eastern Michigan University. During his graduate studies he also completed coursework for the trombone performance track. John researched and presented on nineteenth century trombone pedagogy from the Paris Conservatoire. Currently John serves the Electrical and Computer Engineering students at Purdue University as an academic advisor.
Before his current role he spent nine years as a band director, lesson teacher, clinician, and freelance trombonist. John is on the visual staffs at the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps and Cap City Percussion. John marched Glassmen from 2009-2012. In 2017 John won a WGI World Championship with RhythmX winds. He is an avid orchestral performer, playing in several community orchestras, pit orchestras, and the Wayne State Orchestra.
Jonathan Marrero has been in the activity for many years, he marched in AMP winter guard for 13 years, Jersey Surf, Carolina Crown, and Blue Devils. John is also one of the directors of color guard at Unionville High School. He has been teaching ever since he was sixteen and loves getting to help students find their potential throughout a season. John will be graduating from Rowan University this spring and is very excited to come back for year two with Madison Scouts and plans to make many more great memories.
Job Titles:
- Instructor
- Head for the BOA Semifinalist Signal Mountain High School Band
Jordan Pitner is a full time pageantry instructor and visual designer from East Tennessee. Jordan is the visual caption head for the BOA Semifinalist Signal Mountain High School Band. He also serves as the director & founder of indoor winds programs Paragon Independent and Signal Mountain HS Indoor Winds.
As a drill writer and show coordinator, Jordan collaborates with high school, independent, and collegiate programs across the country. His programs have performed at national holiday parades, state marching band finals, and been awarded multiple BOA Class Champion awards spanning across Tennessee, Indiana, Arizona, and Texas.
Jordan currently lives in Chattanooga Tennessee with his soon-to-be-wife and their three dogs.
Job Titles:
- Instructor
- Bass Instructor
Josh Nees is a percussionist and educator based in Northeast Ohio. He has worked with many marching bands in the Akron area including Norton High School, Nordonia High School, New Philadelphia High School and The Akron School of the Arts, Firestone High School where he was the Percussion Director from 2014-2019. Currently Josh is in his 16th year with Matrix Performing arts as a drum technician.
Juana Sandoval is from Huntingburg, Indiana. She began her marching career with Elevate World Guard (2022-23). She also marched her age-out year with the Madison Scouts (2022). After completing her age-out, she became the color guard intern for the 2023 season and is now on guard staff for the 2024 season.
Juana has taught multiple groups for the past six years throughout Southern Indiana, including Southridge HS and Jasper HS.
Juana is currently studying at the University of Southern Indiana for a double major in special education and elementary education.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Administration & Management Team
- Music Design Supervisor
K.J. Stafford is a full-time music arranger, educator, adjudicator and consultant with over 20 years of experience teaching, writing and designing for band programs, drum corps and percussion ensembles throughout the United States.
Kellen Beaty is from Normal, IL. He will be graduating from Illinois State University in May with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Systems Technology and will be pursing a job in the field of Data Analytics.
Kellen has been a part of the marching arts since 2016 and is currently the director of the Normal Color Guard and Winter Guard based in Normal, IL. He marched his DCI career with the Madison Scouts (20-23) and was a captain during each of his years at the Scouts.
This will be his fifth year with the Madison Scouts, and he is ecstatic to continue his education in the world of the performing arts.
Kelli Duncan is a euphonium player and low brass educator based in the Pacific Northwest. She recently earned a Doctor of Musical Arts in euphonium performance from the University of Oregon, where she studied with Michael Grose and served as a graduate teaching assistant. She also holds Master of Music and Bachelor of Arts degrees from Arizona State University, studying under Dr. Deanna Swoboda, Sam Pilafian, and Dr. Pat Stuckemeyer. Specializing in breathing techniques and performance psychology, Kelli emphasizes a science-based, music-driven approach to brass playing.
Lauren Moffatt Burns has been involved in the pageantry arts her whole life. She is currently teaching at Council Rock South HS in Holland, PA, home of the WGI Philadelphia Regional, where she has helped build very successful fall and winter programs since 2012. She & her husband founded, choreographed, and taught Impact Independent Winter Guard from 2008-2012 (WGI IA 5th place 2010, WGI IA Champion 2012). In addition, Lauren has taught at the Bluecoats Drum & Bugle Corps and the Lehigh Valley Knights Drum & Bugle Corps.
Lauren Moffatt Burns has been involved in the pageantry arts her whole life. Her teaching experience includes numerous high school programs in Pennsylvania and Virginia. She is currently teaching at Council Rock South HS in Holland, PA, home of the WGI Philadelphia Regional, where she has helped build very successful fall and winter programs since 2012. She & her husband founded, choreographed, and taught Impact Independent Winter Guard from 2008-2012 (WGI IA 5th place 2010, WGI IA Champion 2012). In addition, Lauren has taught at the Bluecoats Drum & Bugle Corps and the Lehigh Valley Knights Drum & Bugle Corps. She was the Asst. Program Coordinator for the Raiders Drum & Bugle Corps in 2018, and Program Coordinator in 2019, bringing the team back into Open Class Finals. She joined the team at the Madison Scouts in 2021.
Lauren has been on the Executive Board for the Mid-Atlantic Indoor Network (MAIN) color guard circuit since 2014. Her performance experience includes Golden Sabers Winter Guard, the Magic of Orlando Drum & Bugle Corps, the Crossmen Drum & Bugle Corps, and the Micro Magic Performance Ensemble, which toured in the US and Japan.
Lauren received a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Lebanon Valley College. She and her husband, John, live in Glenside, PA with their adorable puppy, Tipp. She is the owner of two Hallmark Gold Crown stores in Dresher & Harleysville, PA.
Job Titles:
- Instructor
- Certified Snowboard Coach
Lorhan Tiger is currently a Certified Snowboard Coach and EMT based out of Eagle, Colorado. She moved to Colorado in 2021 after attending college at Appalachian State University. She marched with Spirit of Atlanta in 2016 and The Cadets in 2017.
Jenna Bartz has been a music educator for eight years and is currently one of the band directors at Raytown High School and Raytown Middle School just outside of downtown Kansas City, MO. Jenna marched with the Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps for three seasons (2010-2012) before going on to teach on the brass staffs at Colts, Genesis, and the Madison Scouts.
Zach Bethel is a trombonist and brass educator in the Madison, WI area. Zach has served on the Madison Scouts brass staff since 2024. He is currently the Adjunct Low Brass Instructor at Concordia University Wisconsin where he teaches lessons and performs with the CUW faculty brass quintet.
Will Cole is an elementary school music teacher in Fayetteville, GA. His drum corps experience includes four years as a marching member of the Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps (13-16), as well as four years on staff with Music City Drum and Bugle Corps, one year with Southwind Drum and Bugle Corps, and two years with Atlanta CV Drum and Bugle Corps.
Kelli Duncan is a euphonium player and low brass educator based in the Pacific Northwest. She recently earned a Doctor of Musical Arts in euphonium performance from the University of Oregon, where she studied with Michael Grose and served as a graduate teaching assistant. She also holds Master of Music and Bachelor of Arts degrees from Arizona State University, studying under Dr. Deanna Swoboda, Sam Pilafian, and Dr. Pat Stuckemeyer. Specializing in breathing techniques and performance psychology, Kelli emphasizes a science-based, music-driven approach to brass playing.
Job Titles:
- Designer
- Member of the Administration & Management Team
- Music Manager & Front Ensemble Designer
Matt Hahn is an active designer and percussion educator in the Dayton, OH area. Matt is currently the Front Ensemble and Sound Designer for the Madison Scouts Drum And Bugle Corps. In 2012, Matt founded Resonant Music Design, a company specializing in marching arts design and education of all kinds.
Matthew Warren is a visual educator and drill writer based in Phoenix, Arizona. He spent five years marching with The Academy on Euphonium, two years marching at Breakthrough, one year at Dark Sky, and one year at RCC all on cymbals.
He began teaching with Madison Scouts in 2023, and also has experience working on the administration team with Blue Stars (2022-23). In addition to his summer experience, he also works with two Indoor percussion groups in Arizona - Flux and Linea.
Michael Bender Director This is some text inside of a div block.
Michael Garvin Treasurer This is some text inside of a div block.
Michael Latch is a dedicated performer and educator in the color guard community with over twelve years of experience. A native of the greater Philadelphia area, he began his marching career at Garnet Valley High School, participating in both marching band and indoor guard. He later attended West Chester University, performing with the Incomparable Golden Rams Marching Band (2017-2019).
His performance experience includes Jersey Surf (2015), Madison Scouts (2017), and Bluecoats (2019-2020), and he recently completed his third season with Fusion Winterguard. As an educator, he has worked with several high school programs, including West Chester East, Garnet Valley, and Downingtown East, and currently teaches at Unionville High School, Madison Scouts, and the Reading Buccaneers.
Job Titles:
- Front Ensemble Instructor
Michael Reese is a professional music educator based out of Cincinnati, Ohio. He graduated from Marietta College with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education (2017), as well as a minor in Political Science and a certificate in Teacher Leadership. Michael received his Masters of Music Education from Ohio University (2023). He currently teaches the 7th and 8th grade concert bands, jazz bands, and middle school drumline at Mason Middle School and is the front ensemble coordinator for the 12-time BOA Grand National Finalist William Mason High School Marching Band.
Michael Robinson Director This is some text inside of a div block.
Mike Jensen, originally from Kalamazoo, Michigan, currently serves as a Soprano Bugler with "The Commandant's Own" United States Marine Drum & Bugle Corps at Marine Barracks Washington, DC. He has spent ten years with the Marine Drum & Bugle Corps from 2011-2015, and again from 2019 to the present. From 2015 to 2019 he served as a Civil Affairs Specialist in the United States Marine Corps Reserve (SMCR) and was also the Assistant Band Director at West Potomac High School in Fairfax County, Virginia during that time. Mike performed with the Madison Scouts (07-10).
Sarah Pichardo was born and raised in El Paso, TX where she graduated from the University of Texas at El Paso with a degree in Multidisciplinary studies in 2017. She performed with the Blue Knights (2011-15) and served as color guard captain in 2014-15. She also participated in numerous independent winter guards including FeniX Independent from Arizona State University in 2014 and Americas Independent (2015-17), Black Gold (2019-20) and most recently with Origins Color Guard based out of Austin (2022-present).
Ms. Sarah Pichardo was born and raised in El Paso, TX where she graduated from the University of Texas at El Paso with a degree in Multidisciplinary studies in 2017. She currently resides in the Dallas/ Fort Worth area.
Sarah's color guard career began in middle school at Walter E. Clarke and continued on at Americas High School. After high school, she went on to perform with the Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps 2011-2015 and served as color guard captain in 2014 and 2015. She also participated in numerous independent winter guards including FeniX Independent from Arizona State University in 2014 and Americas Independent 2015-2017, Black Gold 2019-2020 and most recently with Origins Color Guard based out of Austin (2022-present).
Along with performing, Sarah started teaching right out of high school at Walter E. Clarke Middle School from 2011-2013. She then went on to teach at Franklin High School from 2013-2018 where she was first a technician then moved up into the director position. In 2018, Ms. Pichardo moved to the Dallas/Fort Worth area and served as director at J.J. Pearce High School through 2019. From 2019-2020 she was a technician and choreographer at Wylie East High School, Flower Mound High School and McKinney Boyd High School. She was the color guard co-director and dance instructor for Terrell ISD (2020-2022), director at McKinney North High School (2022-2023) and is currently the director at Wylie East High School.
Sarah is excited to be back for another summer with the Madison Scouts.
Job Titles:
- Front Ensemble Instructor
Job Titles:
- Member of the Administration & Management Team
- Athletic Training Intern
Orien Sims marched Black Gold (winter guard) and Madison Scouts (2018 & '21), and has been teaching the Madison Scouts since 2022.
Orien Sims is from Arkansas. He began his marching career as a trumpet player in the Gurdon High School band, and in his junior year, he joined color guard and his love grew for the arts from there. He marched Black Gold (winter guard) and Madison Scouts (2018 & '21), and has been teaching the Madison Scouts since 2022.
Orien teaches/techs for many guards in his area. He currently teaches full time at Arkadelphia high school as the lead choreographer. When he's not teaching guard, he is the behavior interventionist at the Louisa E Perritt primary school.
When he's not working, you can find him hanging out with his friends or spending lots of time with his family.
Job Titles:
- Instructor & Brass Choreographer
Oscar Ortiz is an international marching band and drum corps choreographer based in South Texas. He is the brass choreographer for the Madison Scouts and has worked with award-winning programs across the U.S. and Latin America since 2010. His influence spans high school, collegiate, and independent ensembles, including Rivera HS (TX), Mountain Ridge HS (AZ), and The University of Texas at El Paso Marching Band. His performance career includes Memphis Sound, Blue Knights, The Academy, and the 2013 DCI Champion Carolina Crown, as well as international tours with The Blue Devils International Corps.
Randy Ferrie Director This is some text inside of a div block.
Job Titles:
- Instructor
- Bass Instructor
Ryan Ferreira is from Richardson, TX. Ryan began his performance career in 2015 at Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps and went on to perform with The Cadets in 2018. His indoor performance experience includes Black Gold World 2018, 2019 and Origins World 2022.
Ryan has taught and choreographed for many programs in and around the Dallas area. Some of these programs include Wylie East HS, North Mesquite HS, Mesquite HS, Poteet HS, Plano West Senior HS and Southlake Carroll HS. Currently Ryan is the color guard director at L.V. Berkner High School in his hometown of Richardson, TX. This will be his second year with Madison Scouts.
Job Titles:
- Director of Bands at Cass High School
- High Brass Instructor
Sam Iddings is currently the Director of Bands at Cass High School (GA). Mr. Iddings performed with Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps, The Cadets, and Boston Crusaders. He's also has served as a member of the educational staff for the Crossmen, Atlanta CV, and Spirit of Atlanta.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Administration & Management Team
- Associate Professor of Music at Western Michigan University
- Music Director & Brass Arranger
Scott Boerma is the Director of Bands and Associate Professor of Music at Western Michigan University, where he leads the University Wind Symphony and Western Winds. Previously, he served as Associate Director of Bands at the University of Michigan and Director of the Michigan Marching Band. Scott is a DCI & Madison Scouts Hall of Fame inductee, and alumnus of the corps where he's served as an educator and brass arranger for over 25 years.
Job Titles:
- Director of Bands at St. Croix Central High School
- High Brass Instructor
Sean Conway is Director of Bands at St. Croix Central High School in Hammond, WI, where he has been since 2017. Previously, he worked for four years as a trumpet technician for the Pacific Crest Drum & Bugle Corps and six years prior to that as a trumpet technician for the Madison Scouts Drum & Bugle Corps after marching trumpet with the corps (09-12).
Shu Cui developed a passion for marching band through his involvement in drum corps, indoor percussion, and winter guard ensembles. His dedication to the marching arts and commitment to student development began in 2012 teaching his first program. With a background in physics, Shu combines his passion for music and precision to create engaging and visually stunning performances.
Job Titles:
- Caption Head & Brass Choreographer
Sierra Rogers is a Phoenix-based marching arts educator, drill designer, and choreographer and holds a bachelor's degree in Music from Arizona State University. Sierra joined the Madison Scouts Visual staff in the Fall of 2019, and has been Caption Head since 2023.
Job Titles:
- Education Coordinator
- Member of the Administration & Management Team
- President
- Education Coordinator / Design
- Member of the Rho Chapter of the Phi Beta Mu
Susan L. Smith is the Southern Division President of the National Association of Music Education, Associate Conductor of the Alabama Winds and Education Coordinator for the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps. Her previous appointments were as an Assistant Professor of Music Education at Troy University and Director of Bands at the Saint James School in Montgomery, AL.
Susan is an elected member of the Rho Chapter of the Phi Beta Mu and has conducted honor bands in multiple states including University of Alabama Honor Band, Samford University Honor Band, Marshall University Honor Band, and Midfest at UGA as well as District Honor Bands in Alabama, Virginia, Georgia, Florida, and Kentucky. She is an Educational Consultant and adjudicator for Music for All as well as a co-founder and executive producer of the Mind the Gap Webinar, a Podcast for young and preservice music educators. Susan is in the final phases of completing her PhD in Music Education at Auburn University.
In September 2024 she became President and CEO of the RWS Music Publishing Company after the sudden passing of her husband of 30 years, composer and educator, Robert W. Smith. Susan is committed to honoring the legacy of her late husband and continuing his goal of providing quality music curriculum materials for teachers and students and support the development of emerging young writers.
Thomas Sparling is a full-time visual designer and percussion educator based out of Cincinnati, Ohio. He received degrees in Music Education, Music Performance, Music Composition and a minor in Arts Management from Miami University (OH) in 2009. He has served as a percussion instructor at William Mason HS, Centerville HS, Bellbrook HS, Kettering Fairmont HS, and Percussion Director at Northmont HS, and La Salle HS. He currently teaches percussion at Kings HS in Cincinnati.
Job Titles:
- Asst. Caption Head
- Director of Bands at Traverse City Central High School
Thomas Vieira is currently the Director of Bands at Traverse City Central High School in Traverse City, Michigan, where he is responsible for the Trojan Marching Band, the CHS Pep Band, the Jazz Band, the Concert and Symphony Bands, the Wind Ensemble, and AP Music Theory, as well as directing the activities of the numerous percussion ensembles. Thomas toured as a trumpet player with the Glassmen and Carolina Crown, and has served on the instructional staff of the Madison Scouts since 2020.
Job Titles:
- Electronics Designer
- Sound Designer
Tim Mitchell is a Pacific Northwest native and resident with a freelance career in the marching arts. Tim is a Sound Designer and Arranger at Jeff Chambers Music: a marching show publication company serving over 200 high schools annually.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Administration & Management Team
- Assistant Corps Director
TJ Gale Director This is some text inside of a div block.
Wade Quinn is a highly experienced instructor and audio engineer with over a decade of dedication to the marching arts. Starting his career in Northern California, Wade worked with a wide range of front ensembles, where he contributed to writing, arranging, and offering expert audio consulting. His deep understanding of the craft quickly established him as a go-to resource in the region.
Job Titles:
- Front Ensemble Instructor
Zane Davison will begin teaching the Front Ensemble for the 2025 season. His marching experience includes Legends DCB (2019), Phantom Regiment (2022), and Cap City Percussion (2021-2025).