MADISON SCOUTS - Key Persons
Aaron Wells is in his twenty-sixth year of teaching in the state of Indiana and is currently in his eighteenth year at Edgewood High School where the group is a two time marching band and two time winter percussion state champion! Aaron began his drum corps career in 1992 with the Star of Indiana where he played soprano in the drum corps for two years and was a member of Brass Theater playing trumpet for three years.
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.
Andy Grindle is currently in his seventh year as the Band Director and Music Production teacher at Kernan Middle School in Jacksonville, FL. Over the last six years, the KMS bands have grown from 43 students to over 260 students enrolled in a band class and have consistently earned Superior ratings at the Florida Bandmasters Association Music Performance Assessment.
Job Titles:
- Cymbal Instructor
- Instructor from Farmington Hills
Anna Koh is a cymbal instructor from Farmington Hills, Michigan, now residing in Smyrna, Georgia. Since 2019 she has taught winter and fall cymbal lines at Dakota High School, Lake Orion Percussion, Plymouth-Canton Educational Park and Huron Valley Percussion. She currently instructs cymbals at Atlanta Quest and designs for Dakota High School.
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.
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.
Brian Keith is an active performer and music educator in the central Kentucky area, where he is from. While completing his Bachelor of Music from the University of Kentucky he marched two summers with the Madison Scouts, as well as many seasons with WGI ensembles such as Music City Mystique, Gateway Percussion, and Tate's Creek Indoor Ensemble. After his career in the marching arts, he received his Masters of Music from the University of North Texas where he served as a graduate assistant.
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 teaches 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.
Starting her first year with the Madison Scouts on team movement, 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).
Carley Belknap is a cymbal educator based in the Northern Virginia area. Carley began teaching cymbals with the Bellbrook High School Indoor Percussion Ensemble in 2023. She has since continued to teach cymbals at both the Madison Scouts and the George Mason University Indoor Drumline.
Carly Smith (she/her) is an active performer and dance/color guard educator from Cross Lanes, West Virginia. She also has an expansive experience in the marching arts, having been a performing member with Spirit of Atlanta for two years and the Madison Scouts for four years. She is currently a cast member of AMP Winter Guard.
Carmen Crook Director This is some text inside of a div block.
Job Titles:
- Visual Designer & Coordinator
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.
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 currently serves the DCI Membership Chair.
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 has 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 and a master's degree in business administration from Miami University.
Chris Komnick Secretary (ex officio) This is some text inside of a div block.
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 in his eighth year of teaching, serving as 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.
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. 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.
Christy D'Angelo Chairperson This is some text inside of a div block.
Daniel Copeland is a freelance percussion educator and performer originally from Des Moines, Iowa. He graduated from Iowa State University in 2019, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. During his undergraduate years, he performed with several Midwest marching organizations including the Iowa State Marching Band, Crossroads Indoor, and The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps.
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
Diane Goetsch Director This is some text inside of a div block.
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:
- 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.
Dr. Jason Sulliman is an innovative brass teacher who combines principles from kinesiology and cognitive science to rethink pedagogy in the 21st-century. Jason is Associate Professor of Trombone at Troy University. He is also a Trombone Tutor for the North American Brass Band Summer School in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Brass Pedagogy Specialist for the Alpha Institute in Kingston, Jamaica. Over a fifteen-year period, Jason was a performer, music manager, and conductor of the Broadway show 'Blast!".
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 Bradley is a native of McDonough, GA and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from Jacksonville State University. Currently, he serves as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado, where he is pursuing a Master's Degree in Trumpet Performance.
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.
Job Titles:
- Front Ensemble Instructor
Job Titles:
- Director from Columbus
- Front Ensemble Coordinator
Garrett Lind is a middle school band director from Columbus, Ohio, and has been teaching music in Dublin City Schools for three 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 six years and now serves as the Director and Program Manager of Cap City 2.
George Stuteville is an Indianapolis native who currently resides outside of Detroit, MI. George has a long history in the pageantry arts marching with Glassmen and Matrix as a performer, and studied percussion performance at Butler University. George began his high school teaching career with Carmel and Plainfield High Schools in Indianapolis before moving to Tennessee and working with Ravenwood High School.
Job Titles:
- Front Ensemble Instructor
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 Director This is some text inside of a div block.
Henry Huck is a soon to be graduate of Emporia State University and will be earning an undergraduate degree in Music Education. During his time there, Henry was an active member and leader in the Emporia State Marching Hornets, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, and many chamber ensembles. Henry was a member of the Madison Scouts in 2022-23.
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).
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.
Jack Flood is a percussion educator in the Dayton-Cincinnati area. Originally from Canton, MI, and drumming since he was 7 years old, he attended the Plymouth Canton Educational Park for his high school education. He marched at Redline Percussion and continued on to the Crossmen, Carolina Crown, and Rhythm X.
Jacob Allison (he/him) began his color guard career at Severna Park High School in Maryland in 2012. His marching experience includes Towson University Winter Guard (2016-2018), Cadets2 (2017-2018), The Cadets (2018-2019), AMP (2019-present), The Hawthorne Caballeros (2021-2022), and will spend this upcoming summer marching with the Reading Buccaneers.
His teaching experience ranges from novice to world class. He previously taught the following: Arundel High School (2017-present), Camp Hill High School (2022-2023), Raiders Drum and Bugle Corps (2022), Reading Buccaneers (2023), Madison Scouts (2023-present).
Currently Jacob lives in Severna Park, MD and is an instrumental music teacher for Anne Arundel County Public Schools.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Director
- High Brass Instructor
Jacob Picht is currently the assistant director of bands and marching band coordinator at Burnet High School in Burnet, Texas. Jacob was an active performer in Drum Corps International, having been a member of the Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps (2018, 2019) the Blue Knights (2020), and Carolina Crown (2021).
Job Titles:
- Member of the Administration & Management Team
- Food Operations Manager
Job Titles:
- Cap City Percussion As a Designer
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 Treasurer 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:
- Visual Designer & Coordinator
Jeremy Hunt is a six time DCI finalist visual designer, 8 time BOA finalist visual designer and a multi medalist designer in WGI percussion. Recently, Jeremy has written for three different drum corps finalists, The Cavaliers (2023), The Phantom Regiment (2015), Spirit of Atlanta (2010-2013), and the Colts (2007-2009).
Jeremy Oliver is a visual designer and educator who currently resides in Dayton, Ohio. Currently, Jeremy serves as the Visual Coordinator for Cap City Percussion, and as the Visual Caption Head at Lakota East High School. Jeremy has previously worked with Rhythm X Winds, Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps, Seattle Cascades Drum and Bugle Corps, Walled Lake Marching Band/Percussion, Kettering-Fairmont High School, and Divergent Performing Arts Winds and Percussion Ensembles. Outside of the marching arts, Jeremy works in Lakota Local School as an Intervention Aide for students with Emotional Disabilities.
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 recently completed his master's in Music Education and Trombone Performance at Eastern Michigan University. His graduate research centered around trombone pedagogy used at the Paris Conservatoire during the nineteenth century. John serves on the visual staffs at the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps and Cap City Percussion.
Johnathon Bower recently completed his master's in Music Education and Trombone Performance at Eastern Michigan University. His graduate research centered around trombone pedagogy used at the Paris Conservatoire during the nineteenth century. John currently enjoys teaching marching band and teaching private lessons for Plymouth-Canton Community Schools and Clio Area Schools. John serves on the visual staffs at the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps and Cap City Percussion. John's performance includes marching Glassmen from 2009-2012. In 2017, John performed with RhythmX Winds, winning a WGI World Championship. 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.
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 15th 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.
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.
Katherine Norris is in her sixth year as a Band Director at Henry Middle School. At Henry, Katherine conducts the Symphonic Band and teaches the beginning flute, clarinet, and double reed classes. She also assists with the Concert and Honors Bands. In 2019, Katherine began serving on the brass staff of the Madison Scouts. She is also a part of the Curriculum Faculty for Forward Leadership, a program offered by the Madison Scouts. During summers, she works with different programs as a facilitator for the curriculum.
Kellen Beaty is from Normal, IL. He 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.
Kevin Arechavala is a lifelong resident of South Jersey, and has two decades of experience performing and teaching in the marching arts. Kevin has performed with ensembles such as Field of View Winterguard, Emanon Winterguard, AMP Winterguard, Jersey Surf Drum & Bugle Corps, Madison Scouts Drum & Bugle Corps, and the Reading Buccaneers Drum & Bugle Corps. As a teacher, Kevin has helped lead the Audubon High School Marching Band to a USBands National Championship, aided AMP Winterguard in breaking into the top 6 of WGI world class, and is now the caption head of the new "Pride of the Profs" marching band at Rowan University. Kevin is also an alumnus of Rowan University with a BA in music. This is Kevin's third year on staff with the Madison Scouts, and he looks forward to giving back to the organization he aged-out with.
Job Titles:
- Designer
- Instructor
- Technician
- ICU / ER Nurse
Kiri Guldner is an Arizona-based visual designer, technician, and choreographer who has been active in the pageantry community since 2014. She has performed in the DCI and WGI circuits as a contra player, horn sergeant, drum major, and visual soloist. As an educator, she has worked with numerous high school and independent groups, including the 2023 Madison Scouts. She is excited to be back for another season with the group!
When not teaching choreography or contra, Kiri works as an ICU/ER nurse in the Phoenix Valley. She enjoys practicing her harp and playing with her cat, the Purrminator.
Lauren Moffatt Burns has been involved in the pageantry arts her whole life. She is currently in her 12th year teaching at Council Rock South HS in Holland, PA, home of the WGI Philadelphia Regional. 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 in her 12th year teaching at Council Rock South HS in Holland, PA, home of the WGI Philadelphia Regional. 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.
Will Cole is an elementary school music teacher in Fayetteville, GA. Will's drum corps experience includes four years as a marching member of the Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps from 2013 - 2016, as well as four years on staff with Music City Drum and Bugle Corps, one year with Southwind, and one year with Atlanta CV.
A North Carolina native, Mack Garner received his undergraduate degree in Music Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and is currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Western Governors University. Mack finished his fourth and final season of drum corps in 2016. He is an alumnus of the Jersey Surf Drum and Bugle Corps (2013), the Madison Scouts (2014), and the Carolina Crown (2015-2016).
Dr. Jason Sulliman is an innovative brass teacher who combines principles from kinesiology and cognitive science to rethink pedagogy in the 21st-century. Jason is Associate Professor of Trombone at Troy University. He is also a Trombone Tutor for the North American Brass Band Summer School in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Brass Pedagogy Specialist for the Alpha Institute in Kingston, Jamaica. Over a fifteen-year period, Jason was a performer, music manager, and conductor of the Broadway show 'Blast!".
A North Carolina native, Mack Garner received his undergraduate degree in Music Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and is currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Western Governors University. Mack finished his fourth and final season of drum corps in 2016. He is an alumnus of the Jersey Surf Drum and Bugle Corps (2013), the Madison Scouts (2014), and the Carolina Crown (2015-2016).
Marybeth Willey has taught a number of ensembles across the country working on visual staff and with drum majors. Her programs have been perennial BOA regional finalists and semifinalists at BOA Grand Nationals, performed at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, won state championships and performed in DCI finals. Marybeth is also a clinician with Marching Health athletic performance training.
Marybeth Willey is from Centerville, Ohio where she marched trumpet and flugelhorn in the Centerville Jazz Band and the Miami University Marching Band and was drum major for both ensembles. Beginning in 2006, Marybeth worked with the Fred J Miller Summer Clinic Program instructing drum majors and student leaders across the country for over 10 years.
Marybeth has taught a number of ensembles across the country working on visual staff and with drum majors. Her programs have been perennial BOA regional finalists and semifinalists at BOA Grand Nationals, performed at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, won state championships and performed in DCI finals. Marybeth is also a clinician with Marching Health athletic performance training.
Marybeth is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University in Social Studies Education and taught US History and government beginning in 2017. She then received her Masters in Educational Leadership from Furman University in 2023. She currently lives in Greenville, SC with her husband and is an Assistant Principal at Clover Middle School.
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 Director This is some text inside of a div block.
Michael Latch has been a performer and educator in the color guard community for over ten years. A greater Philadelphia area native, he got his start in the marching arts in high school where he marched all four years of marching band and indoor guard at Garnet Valley HS. After high school, he attended West Chester University where he performed with the WCU Incomparable Golden Rams Marching Band in (2017-19). He has also marched with Jersey Surf (2015), Madison Scouts (2017), and Bluecoats (2019-20). He has previously been an educator with various high schools in the area including West Chester East HS, Garnet Valley HS, Downingtown East HS, and now works with Unionville HS as well as the Madison Scouts and the Reading Buccaneers. He is a current member with Fusion Winterguard.
Job Titles:
- Front Ensemble Instructor
Michael Reese is a professional music educator based out of Cincinnati, OH. 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 is a band director for Mason City Schools.
Michael Robinson Director This is some text inside of a div block.
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:
- Instructor
- Instructor from Chandler
Nicole Maestas is a visual instructor from Chandler, Arizona. She joined the Madison Scouts visual staff in Summer 2023 and has taught visual and visual ensembles in marching band, indoor percussion, winter winds, and drum corps. Nicole studied ballet in the Vaganova method for over a decade and was a member of the RCC movement ensemble. Currently, Nicole lives in Washington, DC.
Olivia Kleintz is from Chester County, PA. She performed with AMP Winter Guard and the Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps, and is currently a co-director at Unionville High School.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Administration & Management Team
- Athletic Training Intern
Orien Sims marched Black Gold (winter guard) and Madison Scouts (2018 & '21), and is entering his third season on the Madison Scouts color guard staff.
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).
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.
This will be his third season with the Madison Scouts. When he's not working, you can find him hanging out with his friends or spending lots of time with his family.
Oscar Ortiz is a marching band choreographer and freelance musician based in Texas. His drum corps career spans five years as a performer with prestigious World Class corps, including Memphis Sound, Blue Knights, The Academy, and the 2013 DCI World Champion Carolina Crown Drum & Bugle Corps. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Texas at El Paso.
Oscar Ortiz is a marching band choreographer and freelance musician based in Texas.
His drum corps career spans five years as a performer with prestigious World Class corps, including Memphis Sound, Blue Knights, The Academy, and the 2013 DCI World Champion Carolina Crown Drum & Bugle Corps. In 2015, Oscar served as a performing member of The Blue Devils International Corps, traveling across Europe and performing at notable events such as the Basel Tattoo in Basel, Switzerland, and the Chiayi music festival in Taiwan. He showcased his talents as a featured soloist in the Busch Gardens stage shows "Mix It Up" and "The Oompah Band." Notably, he has recently taken on multiple filming roles for Disney+ and Apple TV.
As an educator, Oscar has made significant contributions, working with The Horizon Drum and Bugle Corps, The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps, and The Madison Scouts. He has also been a part of various professional music ensembles, including the El Paso Wind Symphony, The El Paso Symphony Orchestra, and The Orquesta Sinfonia de Juarez.
Oscar stands as an educational leader in the marching band community throughout the United States. Since 2010, he has been actively involved in many award-winning programs at both the high school and collegiate levels, serving as a musical/visual clinician, choreographer, and program consultant for several renowned programs, such as Rivera High School (TX), Mountain Ridge High School (AZ), Millard North High School (NE), and The University of Texas at El Paso.
He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Texas at El Paso and is a member of the nationally recognized musical fraternity Phi Mu Alpha.
Job Titles:
- Instructor
- Freelance Graphic Designer and Color Guard Director
Rachel Montañez is a freelance graphic designer and color guard director originally from Long Island, NY now residing in Fort Worth, TX. Rachel was introduced to the marching arts activity at Mineola High School, where she participated in both the marching band and winterguard programs from 2008-2012. Post graduation, her performance career continued with The Cadets from 2013-2015, Alter Ego in 2013, 2017-2018 and Fusion World in 2019.
Rachel Montañez is a freelance graphic designer and color guard director originally from Long Island, NY now residing in Fort Worth, TX.
Rachel was introduced to the marching arts activity at Mineola High School, where she participated in both the marching band and winterguard programs from 2008-2012. Post graduation, her performance career continued with The Cadets (2013-15), Alter Ego in 2013, 2017-2018 and Fusion World in 2019.
Although Rachel's passion for performing came first, she has been able to pass on her love for the activity through teaching. She's had the pleasure of teaching and choreographing for various scholastic programs around the country including Mineola High School, Oñate High School, Hicksville High School, and Scholastic Open Class Finalist Dartmouth High School. Her drum corps teaching experiences include the Oregon Crusaders, Crossmen, and Spartans.
As an educator, Rachel likes to empower her students to have a meaningful voice in the learning process and utilize critical thinking skills that transcend far beyond a football field or gymnasium. Rachel is looking forward to another summer with the Madison Scouts!
Job Titles:
- Low Brass Instructor
- Position of Director of Bands at South Forsyth High School
Reggie Humphrey holds the position of Director of Bands at South Forsyth High School in Cumming, Georgia. Highly active in the marching arts, Mr. Humphrey served as the Brass Caption Head at the Pacific Crest Drum & Bugle Corps from Diamond Bar, California (2016-2018). Before his role at Pacific Crest, he served as a brass and visual technician for the Phantom Regiment Drum & Bugle Corps (2014, 2015) and the Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps (2013).
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:
- Designer
- Asst. Caption Head
Ryan Reed is a percussion educator and designer currently in the Cincinnati, OH, area. He is the percussion director for West Clermont High School. Since 2013, Ryan has been on staff with Matrix Performing Arts. Currently he serves as the World Front Ensemble Coordinator and Staff Coordinator.
Job Titles:
- Director of Bands at Cass High School
- Low 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:
- Director of Bands and Associate
Scott Boerma is the Director of Bands and Associate Professor of Music at Western Michigan University, where he conducts the University Symphonic Band and Western Winds. Prior to this appointment, he was the Associate Director of Bands at the University of Michigan and Director of the renowned Michigan Marching Band. Scott is a DCI Hall of Fame member and alumnus of the Madison Scouts, where he's served as an educator and brass arranger for the Scouts for over 20 years.
Sean Girvin began his performance career with Westerville North High School in 2012. He marched with ConneXus from 2016-2020, Crossmen in 2016, and Carolina Crown in 2018. Sean currently resides in Cincinnati, OH, where he received a bachelor's degree in neuroscience from the University of Cincinnati.
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.
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.
Steve Swetich is a visual designer and college instructor living in Kalamazoo, Michigan. As an educator, Steve has served on the visual staffs at The Boston Crusaders, The Woodlands HS, Legends Drum and Bugle Corps, and most recently the Madison Scouts. As a performer, Steve's experience spanned 5 years at the drum corps and WGI World Class level that included The Cavaliers, Bluecoats, North Coast Academy, and Dutch Boy.
Job Titles:
- Education Coordinator
- Member of the Administration & Management Team
- Assistant Professor of Music Education at Troy University
- Member of the Rho Chapter of the Phi Beta Mu
Susan Smith currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Music Education at Troy University and the Southern Division President Elect of the National Association of Music Education. She has served as both a Bands of America (BOA) and Drum Corps International (DCI) adjudicator and has worked with various drum corps throughout her career. From brass staff to tour director to creative consultant, Susan is well versed in the inner-workings of the drum corps activity.
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 for Music for All and was previously responsible for the Chamber Music portion of the National Concert Band Festival, as well as a co-founder and executive producer of the Mind the Gap Webinar and Podcast for young and preservice music educators.
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:
- Director of Bands at Traverse City Central High School
- High Brass Instructor
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.
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:
- Designer
- Instructor
- Bass Instructor
Timon Sherman is an active instructor and designer for percussion ensembles throughout Southeast Michigan, and Associate Director of the Michigan Drumline. Originally from Oceanside, CA, and an alumnus of Eastern Michigan University, Timon has a wide array of experience in the arts.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Administration & Management Team
- Assistant Corps Director
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Will Cole is an elementary school music teacher in Fayetteville, GA. Will's drum corps experience includes four years as a marching member of the Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps from 2013 - 2016, as well as four years on staff with Music City Drum and Bugle Corps, one year with Southwind, and one year with Atlanta CV.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Assistant Programs Director & Forward Leadership Director
- Director of Forward Leadership
- Forward Leadership Director
Zayra Mata-Velazquez is the Director of Forward Leadership. She served as a drum major for the Madison Scouts from 2020-2021 and a field conductor for Legends DBC in 2019. She studied Psychology and Leadership of Organizations at Michigan State University.