The Madison Scouts are pleased to announce the return of Van Mathews and Bill Zeier to the brass and visual instructional teams respectively.“Van and Bill were mainstays to the Scouts instructional team throughout the nineties,” said Chris Komnick, Executive Director. “Van helped established the signature sound of the Scouts brass line while Bill was instrumental in establishing the visual technique that identified the Scouts look. They bring a lot of experience and wisdom to our instructional team and we are excited to welcome them home.”

Van is the Director of Bands at L.D. Bell High School in Hurst, Texas. During his tenure, the L.D. Bell Blue Raider Band has been a Bands of America Regional Champion, Bands of America Super Regional Champion, and Texas UIL 6A State Marching Contest Medalist. As well, they have multiple top 3 finishes at the Bands of America Grand National Championships.From 2000-2009, Mathews served as a member of the brass staff for the Blue Devils. Prior to joining the Blue Devils in 2000, Van was the brass caption coordinator and a member of the instructional staff with the Madison Scouts from 1992-1999. Van began performing in 1984 with the Suncoast Sound and aged out as a member of the Madison Scouts.Van received his Bachelor of Music degree from the University of South Carolina and his Master of Science degree from the University of Illinois. While at the University of Illinois, he completed all course work for the Ed. D. in Music Education.Bill Zeier is a freelance graphic designer in the Dallas Metroplex Area. He has worked with Fortune 500 companies in web and print design. An alumnus of the Scouts, Bill was on the Scouts visual team from 1992-2001. He was a member of the visual staff of the Sky Ryders from 1988-1991 and Blue Devils visual staff from 2002-2008.Bill’s drum corps experience began as baritone player with the Sky Ryders and continued in the euphonium section of the Madison Scouts. He aged out of the Scouts in 1986. Mr. Zeier currently works with the L.D. Bell Blue Raider Band and the Prosper Mighty Eagle High School Marching Band. Bill’s marching bands have advanced to the Texas State Marching Competition at the 3A and 5A level placing in the top three in the state. Bill has also worked with marching bands participating in the Band of America competitions. His groups have medaled at the regional, super regional and national level.