LEYIRA GININWA

Leyira Gininwa (20), of Mounds View, MN, joins the Madison Scouts drum major team after previously marching euphonium in 2019. He currently attends the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire where he is pursuing a degree in international business with a desire to enter the jewelry industry. At school, Leyira has performed with the Blugold Marching Band and participates in the Black Male Empowerment and 'The Navigators' Christian ministry groups. With experience as a saxophone, bass drum, and euphonium performer, Leyira assists in teaching various marching ensembles in Minnesota.

"This corps has taught me an immense amount about being the best version of myself that I can be. I can say with confidence that every season with the Madison Scouts is guaranteed to deliver significant life lessons. I am honored to be a part of such a notable organization and exhilarated to continue my journey with such an electrifying group of people."

THEA KILBANE

Thea Kilbane (20), of Austin, TX, is entering her second season with the Madison Scouts. She currently attends The University of Texas at Austin where she is pursuing a degree in instrumental music education. At school she studies clarinet with Prof. Jonathan Gunn. Thea has been a member of The University of Texas Longhorn Band and performs with the UT Wind Symphony and Wind Ensemble during the school year. In the summer and fall, she works as a field technician at Rouse High School in Leander, TX.

“Being a part of the Madison Scouts community ultimately has changed my life in so many positive ways. The experience has been so enriching and meaningful to me, and I'm grateful to be able to continue developing as a person with everyone involved this summer.”

KAMERON LANNAN

Kameron Lannan (20), of Orlando, FL, is entering her second season with the Madison Scouts. She will be attending Rollins College as a junior in the fall, studying instrumental music education and conducting. At school, she performs in various ensembles as a flute and student conductor. Kameron is an intern for a nonprofit organization, Orlando Youth Chamber Ensembles, working as a flute instructor. She is also a fellow with Girls Who Conduct, a conducting mentorship program for female and non-binary conductors. In the summer and fall, Kameron teaches student leadership, drum major technique, and woodwind instruments in the Central Florida area. She has participated in Florida’s College Symposium and many independent groups throughout her musical career in addition to serving her high school program as drum major for three years. She has represented her school in many festival events such as All-County and All-State.

“The opportunity to continue to serve this organization that has impacted me so much as a developing musician is an honor and a privilege. The Madison Scouts membership and leadership inspire me every day to grow as a person and musician. I am thrilled to continue to be a part of this legacy and tradition.”

ZAYRA MATA-VELAZQUEZ

Zayra Mata-Velazquez (21), of Dewitt, Michigan, is entering her second season with the Madison Scouts. She currently attends Michigan State University where she is pursuing a degree in psychology with a minor in leadership of organizations. At Michigan State she’s been a volunteer, worker, and member of the Spartan Marching Band, marching in the Big Ten Flag Corps Section. Her previous experience in DCI started in Kalamazoo, Michigan where she was a conductor for Legends Drum & Bugle Corps. She was also a drum major in high school and in the 2017 BOA Honor Band in the Tournament of Roses Parade. Zayra is currently in the works of creating a non-profit organization within the marching arts/music realm that focuses on the education of mental health. She hopes to one day become a corps director and if the future allows for it, go back to school to study music education.

“I realized during my virtual season at the Madison Scouts I am in the arena. I’m constantly reflecting on how I can become a better leader, friend and model to everyone including myself. The Madison Scouts have the ability to push your skills to the max while simultaneously creating the most understanding environment. I’m incredibly honored I’m a part of advancing the organization and cannot wait to continue to learn from the phenomenal staff members of the Madison Scouts. Remember to be you, be confident and be brave.”

DANIEL MODL

Daniel Modl (21), of Chippewa Falls, WI, is entering his fourth season with the Madison Scouts. He currently attends the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire where he is pursuing degrees in music-liberal arts and psychology-behavior analysis. At school, he studies saxophone with Dr. Alastair Wright and conducting with Professor Nobuyoshi Yasuda. Daniel has played for a variety of ensembles at UWEC such as the Wind Ensemble, University Orchestra, and his saxophone duo Taurus. He also serves as drum major for the Blugold Marching Band and the Blugold Varsity Band under the direction of Dr. Randy Dickerson.

“As I close out my time in drum corps I am filled with anticipation and excitement for my last season. I see it as the golden opportunity to serve the Madison Scouts one last time with such an incredible and inspiring team. I have learned so much from all of them and I cannot wait for us to be unstoppable this season!"