The Madison Scouts are pleased to introduce the 2020 drum majors: Thea Kilbane, Kameron Lannan, Zayra Mata-Velazquez, and Daniel Modl.
THEA KILBANE
Thea Kilbane (19), of Austin, TX, is marching her first season with the Madison Scouts. She currently attends The University of Texas at Austin where she is pursuing a major in instrumental music education. At school, she studies clarinet with Prof. Jonathan Gunn and Mr. Tyler Webster (MM, AD). 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.
“I am elated to be one of the first female conductors of the Madison Scouts in its 83rd year of foundation. I’m looking forward to enhancing our tradition and to making forever-lasting relationships with everyone involved.”
KAMERON LANNAN
Kameron Lannan (19), of Orlando, Fl, is marching her first season with the Madison Scouts. She currently attends Valencia College as a freshman studying instrumental music education and conducting. She studies flute with Michelle Territo and Colleen Blagov as well as conducting with Jonathan Territo. Kameron serves as a principal flautist and conductor for her college wind ensemble. She also works on staff teaching student leadership and drum major technique at her alma mater, Edgewater High School, in Orlando. She has consistently attended Florida All-State, All-County for Orange County, and participated in the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra throughout her musical career in addition to serving her high school program as Head Drum Major for three years.
“I am so incredibly grateful and humbled for the opportunity to serve an organization that has had such an influence on me throughout my musical career. I’ve been so touched by the kindness, hard work, and passion I’ve seen so far in this group and in this drum major team. I’m thrilled to begin working, creating, and thriving with these talented people.”
ZAYRA MATA-VELAZQUEZ
Zayra Mata-Velazquez (20), of Dewitt, Michigan, is marching her first season with the Madison Scouts. She currently attends Michigan State University where she is pursuing a major in psychology and will be adding music education. In high school she was a drum major for her high school and the 2017 BOA Honor Band in the Tournament of Roses Parade. This past season she served her first year in DCI as a field conductor for Legends Drum & Bugle Corps. At Michigan State she is a part of the Big Ten Flag Corps section and is the Leadership Development chair for the Zeta Epsilon chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi.
“Allow yourself to be in the arena. Taking the first step is the hardest but the most worthwhile. Success comes with failure and failure leads to success. We at the Madison Scouts see you, believe in you, and can’t wait to see you. My love for this activity grew so much after the first camp because of the amount of love and support they showed to me, the members and organization. I can’t wait to serve and grow alongside the amazing people who are going to be the inspiration to others, starting this year and in the years to come. One day it won’t be just a dream. Be you. Be confident. Be brave.”
DANIEL MODL
Daniel Modl (19), of Chippewa Falls, WI, is marching his third season with the Madison Scouts. He currently attends the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire where he is pursuing a double major in music education and psychology-applied behavior analysis. At school, he studies saxophone with Dr. Alastair Wright and conducting with Professor Nobuyoshi Yasuda. Daniel plays in the University’s Jazz Ensemble II and the Blugold Marching Band, where he will be serving as a drum major for their upcoming international trip. Daniel also serves as the conductor of the Blugold Varsity Band.
“I’m very thankful to be returning to the Madison Scouts this season. I’m inspired by our members everyday to become a better musician and person. I cannot wait to continue our traditions while creating new ones with our corps.”