The Madison Scouts are pleased to announce the Brass Instructional Team for the 2020 season, including:

Ross Gordon, Caption Head
Dylan Hyman, Assistant Caption Head
Scott Carr, Consultant
Brent Marquart, Consultant
Kat Willer, Intern

Kenneth Kamping, Trumpet Instructor
Shawn Nichols, Trumpet Instructor
Trevor Turner, Trumpet Instructor
Thomas Vieira, Trumpet Instructor

Andy Grindle, Mellophone Instructor 
Murphy Pulliam, Mellophone Instructor 
Harrison Thornton, Mellophone Instructor 
Elayna Youngson, Mellophone Instructor 

Matt Cocagne, Baritone Instructor
Jeremy Cover, Baritone Instructor
Kyle Hamrick, Baritone Instructor
Edgar Ortiz, Baritone Instructor
Shea Pierce, Baritone Instructor

Matt Cole, Tuba Instructor
Mack Garner, Tuba Instructor
Kevin Graham, Tuba Instructor
Tyler Sage, Tuba Instructor

Ross Gordon, Caption Head

After graduating from the University of Wisconsin Peck School of the Arts with a Masters Degree in Orchestral Conducting, Ross Gordon was appointed as an Assistant Band Director at Sam Rayburn High School (Houston, TX) and is currently an Assistant Band Director at North Mesquite High School (Dallas, TX). In 2014, Ross joined the Legends, serving as the Brass Caption Head through 2019. Ross, with the support of management, a committed staff and talented members, built the Legends brass program to be one of the elite open class programs in the country. Under Ross’ leadership, the Legends brass section was a consistent Drum Corps International World Class semi finalist and open class medalist, growing from 42 members in his first year to a consistent 72.

Ross gained personal drum corps experience as a marching member of the Phantom Regiment and Carolina Crown (Jim Ott and John Brazale winner).  While at Crown he had the opportunity to learn from Matt Harloff and Donnie VanDoren, among others. Ross was also a member of the Carolina Crown small brass ensemble and the world renowned Creamsicles vocal ensemble.

Dylan Hyman, Assistant Caption Head

Dylan’s experience as an educator and performer has crossed the marching arts spectrum in brass and percussion throughout the past decade. Dylan has performed with the Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps, Carolina Crown, and NorthCoast Academy Percussion Ensemble.

During his time as a baritone player with Carolina Crown, the brass line was awarded the Jim Ott Award for three consecutive years. In his final summer with Carolina Crown in 2013, the corps also took home its first DCI World Championship. As drumset player for NorthCoast Academy, Dylan was also a WGI Percussion Independent World Class Finalist for four consecutive years, two of which in a performance that placed in the top six.

Dylan began teaching the Legends Drum and Bugle Corps in 2014 and became the Assistant Brass Caption Head in 2016. Legends has since become a consistent Open Class medalist and World Class semifinalist. After teaching and consulting with multiple music programs in Michigan for over 10 years, Dylan is currently the Brass Caption Head at BOA Regional Finalist, Lake Orion High School. Dylan also currently works as a Commercial Construction Project Manager at his family’s business.

Scott Carr, Consultant

Scott Carr is excited to be returning to the Madison Scouts for the 2020 season. Scott has 25-plus years of experience as a performer, instructor, and designer in the pageantry arts. Scott developed a passion for music at a very young age performing with such ensembles as Owen Valley High School (IN), Bluecoats, Crossmen, Troopers, and the Star of Indiana (Jim Ott winner).

His teaching experience with drum corps includes the Phantom Regiment (2005 visual staff), Blue Stars (2006-2012, 2019 brass staff) Bluecoats (2015-16 brass staff) and the Madison Scouts (2017-18 brass staff). Scott is especially proud of being a part of the resurgence of the Blue Stars back into finals in 2008 and the Bluecoats winning their first DCI title in 2016. Scott is an active designer and instructor in the southern Indiana area working with such groups as Orleans Jr.Sr High School, Paoli Jr.Sr High School, Owen Valley High School and Evansville North High School.

Scott has a bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Indiana State University in Terre Haute, IN (2001) with a focus on vocal and instrumental music. During his time in Terre Haute Scott was a member of the ISU Wind Ensemble and Marching Sycamores. He also studied tuba privately with Dr. Richard White and Brett Stemple, principle tuba of the Malaysian Philharmonic. Scott currently works for the Hoosier Upland Economic Development Corporation in the Head Start division in Paoli, Indiana, helping underprivileged/low-income children and families.

Brenton Marquart, Consultant

Brenton is currently the associate director of bands at Bridgeland High School in Cypress, TX. In its inaugural two years, Bridgeland has advanced to both the 5A and 6A Area Marching Band Contests and was named a BOA regional 2A champion.  Concert bands under Brenton’s leadership have earned consistent UIL sweepstakes awards. Prior to teaching band, Brenton won a position with the U.S. Navy music program as a trombonist where he played in the U.S. Fleet Forces band in Norfolk, VA for 5 years. While in Virginia, Brenton performed regularly with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra and Richmond Symphony Orchestra as a substitute bass trombonist.

During his summers, Brenton helps organize and run the EPICSOUNDSCAPES summer brass workshop. He works closely with world renowned tuba virtuoso and conductor of Salt River Brass Band, Patrick Sheridan focusing on the Breathing Gym and Brass Gym. Brenton holds a master’s degree in bass trombone performance from Northwestern University and a bachelor's degree in music education from the University of Houston. He was also a marching member of the Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps from 2005-2007. Brenton is very excited to return to drum corps with the Madison Scouts brass team this summer.

Kenneth Kamping, Trumpet Instructor

Kenneth Kamping is currently pursuing his M.A. in Music Education at LIU Post, and will be completing his student teaching this upcoming Spring. Receiving his B.A. in Trumpet Performance from SUNY Purchase, Kenneth has learned from, as well as performed with, some of the most sought-after musicians on Broadway and in New York City including Tony Kadleck, Graham Ashton, and Richard Clymer. During his time at SUNY Purchase, he served as the Principal Trumpet player for the Symphony Orchestra and all Chamber Ensembles during his Junior and Senior year.

Kenneth has taught multiple marching bands in the New York area over the past 4 seasons. Kenneth has been lucky enough to teach the Sachem Arrows Marching Band for 2 seasons (2017 and 2018), serve as Drill Writer and Visual Caption head for the Hicksville Marching Comets (2019), as well as Drill Writer, Music Composer, and Visual Caption head for the Mineola Mustang Marching Band the past 4 years (2016 - present). Kenneth was fortunate to be a part of the team that brought Mineola to a New York State Field Band Championship in the Small School 2 Division (2018). 

Kenneth’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). Kenneth was honored to be a part of the 2016 hornline winning the Jim Ott and John Brazale awards for Best Brass Performance and Best Visual Performance. Kenneth is extremely excited to be joining the brass team at the Madison Scouts for the 2020 season.

Shawn Nichols, Trumpet Instructor

Shawn Nichols has been highly involved with music and the marching arts since his childhood. Hailing from Jenison, MI, he is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Trumpet Performance at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, MI. He is an active musician and educator in the area. Alongside his participation in numerous ensembles at GVSU, he plays lead trumpet in the Holland Concert Jazz Orchestra and performs regularly with the Grand Rapids Symphonic Band. He also holds a visual caption role with the Jenison high school marching band and teaches private lessons in the district.

After graduating high school, Shawn marched 3 years with Drum Corps International member corps, including the 2013 season with Carolina Crown and the 2015-16 seasons with the Bluecoats. Following his ageout, he held a brass instructor role for 3 seasons with the Legends Drum and Bugle corps in Kalamazoo, MI. Shawn is very excited to join the team and membership of Madison Scouts for their 2020 season as a brass instructor, with a focus on high brass. 

Trevor Turner, Trumpet Instructor

Trevor has been involved in the marching arts for over eight years. As a drum major in high school, he had the opportunity to attend leadership clinics such as SASi Leadership and Jones Leadership, where he learned many valuable leadership skills that he carries with him to this day. Trevor has attended the University of North Texas where he has studied Music Education. He was a member of the Green Brigade, Basketball band, and was principal trumpet of a university ensemble as well.

Trevor has worked with several ensembles throughout the North Texas area, such as Denton High School, Liberty High School, and most recently Poteet High School. Trevor has also enjoyed being able to travel and work with ensembles such as the Plainfield High School band in Indiana to help bring his knowledge of both music and visual pedagogy to the table. Trevor also leads visual programs for indoor groups such as the Poteet Indoor Drumline where they achieved several high rankings throughout the indoor season. Ensembles that Trevor has contributed to have gone on to receive superior ratings in music and visual captions. In the drum corps world, Trevor spent four years marching. He began his marching career with the Troopers in 2016. He went on to spend two more years with them, being section leader as well as being a marching member. Trevor aged out with Carolina Crown in 2019, when the hornline received its seventh Jim Ott award for high brass performance. Trevor enjoys teaching private lessons with beginner trumpets in the North Texas area as well.

Thomas Vieira, Trumpet Instructor

Thomas Vieira is currently in his third year serving as Assistant Director of Bands at Whiteland Community High School in Whiteland, Indiana. His teaching responsibilities include three concert bands, two jazz ensembles, and an AP Music Theory course. During his time at Whiteland, all bands have received Gold Ratings at ISSMA Concert/Jazz Band Contest and the Marching Band has been named Semi-State Finalists in ISSMA Class A. 

Thomas received his undergraduate degree With Honor from Michigan State University where he studied Trumpet with Rich Illman and Justin Emerich and was a member of the MSU Symphonic Band, Wind Symphony, and Symphony Orchestra. During this time, Thomas was also a member of the Glassmen Drum and Bugle Corps (2012) and Carolina Crown (2013, 2014, 2016) where he was a part of the corps’ first World Championship in 2013. Thomas currently resides in Indianapolis, Indiana and is very excited to be a part of the Madison Scouts Brass Staff!

Andy Grindle, Mellophone Instructor

Andy is thrilled to return home to the Madison Scouts organization for the 2020 season. He is currently the Director of Bands and Choirs at Kernan Middle School and Assistant Director of Bands at Sandalwood High School, located in Jacksonville, FL. He received his Bachelor of Music Education (K-12) degree from West Liberty University and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Music Education.

Andy began his drum corps experience with the Madison Scouts in 2011.  From 2012 - 2016, Andy served on the brass educational faculty of the Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps. Most recently, in 2019, Andy served as the Brass Caption Manager of the Genesis Drum and Bugle Corps, helping to lead the brass section to their best finish in corps history. 

Outside of drum corps, Andy served in the West Virginia Army National Guard from 2012-2018 as a trumpet player in the 249th Army Band. He received the Commandant’s Coin of Excellence at the Army School of Music for his leadership and motivational qualities. He is a member of the Florida Music Educators Association, the Florida Bandmasters Association, and the National Association for Music Education.

Murphy Pulliam, Mellophone Instructor

Murphy Pulliam, originally from Monroe, Georgia, is currently in her fifth year as a music education major at the University of Georgia. She studied french horn under Dr. Cathy Kilroe-Smith, Dr. Jean Martin-Williams, and Dr. James Naigus. During her time at UGA, she twirled for a year in the Redcoat marching band as a majorette. Murphy began both band and twirling during fifth grade and has pursued both ever since. In addition to marching band and twirling, she has also been deeply involved with ballet since high school.

Murphy aspires to become an elementary music teacher once she graduates in May and also hopes to secure a position working with a marching band. Once she graduated high school in 2015, Murphy began marching with Carolina Crown and marched for four consecutive years, serving as the mellophone section leader in the final year. Murphy is excited to give back to the drum corps community through teaching the mellophones at Madison Scouts. She looks forward to working with such a legendary corps and contributing to its impressive history this upcoming season!

Harrison Thornton, Mellophone Instructor

Harrison Thornton is currently a senior Music Education Major at the University of South Carolina. During his time at USC, Harrison has worked with several high school programs including James F. Byrnes and River Bluff High School.

Harrison has also been a member of the USC Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, and Marching Band. Harrison marched mellophone with Carolina Crown during the 2016, 2017, and 2018 seasons. This will be his first year on the Madison Scouts brass staff and he is excited to begin this journey.

Elayna Youngson, Mellophone Instructor

Elayna Youngson is a student at Florida State University where she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Instrumental Music Education. While at Florida State she studied horn and performed in several ensembles, including the Wind Orchestra under the direction of Mr. Richard Clary. She also performed with the FSU Marching Chiefs and was the Visual Caption for the Lincoln High School Marching Band in Tallahassee, Florida.

Elayna marched with Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps as Drum Major in 2017 and 2018. She was a member of the 2019 Legends Drum and Bugle Corps brass staff and is looking forward to spending the 2020 season with the Madison Scouts.

Matthew Cocagne, Baritone Instructor

Matthew “Matt” Cocagne is currently enrolled as a music education student at the University of Michigan-Flint. While he has been enrolled, he has studied trombone and  performed with several of the university’s ensembles, including the Wind Symphony, Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, Brass Trio, and Brass Ensemble, and currently resides as the treasurer on the university’s NAfME (National Association for Music Educators) chapter board. Matt has also worked as a freelance musician, being hired to play in several musical productions and holiday church services in the Flint area.

Matt has been teaching local marching ensembles since 2016. After graduating high school, he was hired by his alma mater, Grand Blanc High School, as a visual technician for the marching band. Since 2018 he has been working with the Flushing and Lake Orion marching bands as a visual and brass technician, as well as a choreographer. Matt has also been involved with the Grand Blanc Indoor Percussion Ensemble since 2016, who recently received the gold medal in WGI A Class.

Matt marched for three years (2015, 2017, 2018) in the Legends Drum & Bugle Corps hornline. He was also given the position of Horn Sergeant at Legends for the 2018 season. Matt completed the 2019 Drum Corps season in the hornline at Carolina Crown, ultimately culminating in receiving the Jim Ott high brass award. This will be Matt’s first year on the brass staff with the Madison Scouts and is excited to begin the 2020 Drum Corps season.

Jeremy Cover, Baritone Instructor

Jeremy is completing a bachelor's degree in music education at the Schwob School of Music at Columbus State University. He has been studying trombone with Dr. Brad Palmer since 2016 and also studied with both Lyndon Meredith of the London Philharmonic and Carol Jarvis during his time studying at the Trinity Laban Conservatoire in London, England. He spent 7 years marching with various drum corps: 1 year with Music City, 2 years with Spirit of Atlanta, and 4 years with Carolina Crown, culminating in aging out with Carolina Crown in 2019.

Kyle Hamrick, Baritone Instructor

Kyle Hamrick is currently a senior music education major at the University of Oklahoma and will be graduating in May of 2020. During his time at OU, he has performed in many ensembles, including the OU Wind Symphony. Kyle has also been a member of The Pride of Oklahoma Marching Band and is a tech at Carl Albert High School. 

Kyle marched with Carolina Crown from 2016 to 2019 as a baritone player. During his time at Crown, he was a recipient of the Jim Ott memorial award for best brass performance 3 times (2016, 2017, 2019). This will be his first year on brass staff with the Madison Scouts and he is excited to begin the 2020 season.

Edgar Ortiz, Baritone Instructor

Edgar Vincent Ortiz grew up in the southern part of Texas known as the Rio Grande Valley.  After graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley in May of 2019, Edgar moved to Athens, Georgia.  As a student at UTRGV, Edgar performed with the University Wind Ensemble and the Tuba/Euphonium Ensemble.  He is also a proud brother of Kappa Kappa Psi and served as the president during part of his time as an active brother.

Outside of college, Edgar worked with the marching bands at Sharyland Pioneer High School and Edinburg North High School along with Edinburg North’s Indoor Winds.  Edgar also taught visual technique and choreography with UTRGV Winds in 2019 as they set out to compete in the Wgi circuit as a first-year group and earned the bronze medal in World Class at Dayton, Ohio. Edgar started performing in Drum Corps International as a member of Genesis Drum and Bugle Corps.  He marched the euphonium at Genesis in 2011 and 2012 and then went on to march with Crossmen in 2013 and Carolina Crown in 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018.

Edgar now lives in Athens, Georgia where he has been working with the marching band at George Walton Academy and has recently started working as a parapro assistant band director at Clarke Central High School.

Shea Pierce, Baritone Instructor

Shea Pierce is a music teacher, freelance trombonist and private lesson instructor in the Northwest Arkansas Area. For the past 6 years, Shea has been a sought after Marching Band Instructor and Visual Clinician/Designer in West Kentucky, The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, Michigan, and Northwest Arkansas.

Shea’s drum corps career began in 2012 with Carolina Crown, winners of the John Brazale High Visual Award, the Jim Ott High Brass Award, and the Silver Medal. In the years following, Shea worked as a Visual Technician at Legends Drum and Bugle Corps, and with various high school marching ensembles. While in Northwest Arkansas, Shea has assisted in teaching and choreography at Bentonville High School, a regular BOA St. Louis finalist and a BOA Grand National Semi-finalist. He is currently teaching elementary music, runs a private lesson studio, and is a member of several regional jazz and classical performing ensembles.

In the fall of 2016, Shea attended the University of North Texas, where he performed with the 2 O’clock Lab Band and the award-winning U-Tubes. Shea holds a B.M. in Music Education from Murray State University.  Drawing on these experiences, Shea is excited to join the Madison Scouts for their upcoming season.

Matthew Cole, Tuba Instructor

Matthew Cole is an alumnus of the University of North Carolina Greensboro, where he studied under Dr. Dennis Askew and Dr. Justin Worley. Matthew is a graduate of the Minnesota Southeast Technical College and is now employed with Music & Arts as an Instrument Repair Technician. Matthew has performed in several ensembles while studying at UNCG, including the University Band, Symphonic Band, and the Wind Ensemble, serving as principal chair.

Matthew was a performing member of Carolina Crown through the years of 2012-2015 on euphonium. Matthew has had many international performing opportunities while at UNCG and while with Carolina Crown, including performances across Europe in Prague and the Czech Republic as well as Japan. Following the 2015 season, Matthew would go on to teach Legends Drum and Bugle Corps’ brass section from 2016-2019. This will be Matthew’s first summer with the Madison Scouts.

Mack Garner, Tuba Instructor

A North Carolina native, Mack Garner received his undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in Music Education.  At UNCG, Mack was an active member of the University Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, TubaBand, and many chamber ensembles.​ He is an alumnus of the Jersey Surf Drum and Bugle Corps (2013), the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps (2014), and the Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps (2015-16).  Mack is also an alumnus of WGI Independent Open Class Finalist Legacy presented by Carolina Gold (2017-2018).

​As an educator, Mack has taught many outdoor performance ensembles.  Previously, he has taught with the Carolina Gold Drum and Bugle Corps (2017-18), the Colt Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps (2018), and the Legends Drum and Bugle Corps (2019).​ Mack finished his student teaching at Cleveland High School in Clayton, NC.  During his time at Cleveland, Mack served as the brass educator for the Cleveland Arts Performance Ensemble Winter Winds, which took the WGI Winds World Class Championship title for 2019. Mack is currently the Band Director at Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School in Raleigh, NC and is excited to begin working with the Madison Scouts for the 2020 season.

Kevin Graham, Tuba Instructor

Kevin Graham is the Assistant Band Director at John Adams High School. He is originally from Dayton, Ohio but has spent most of his time in Northern Ohio earning his teaching license, bachelors, and masters degrees in Tuba performance from the University of Akron and Bowling Green State University. He has had the privilege of performing with various groups such as Carolina Crown, touring in Japan with Blast! "The Music of Disney," and as a guest solo artist and clinician throughout Ohio. He has also taught many marching ensembles that have earned numerous accolades throughout the regionally and nationally. Kevin is excited and enthusiastic to be joining the Madison Scouts team for the upcoming season.

Tyler Sage, Tuba Instructor

Originally from the St. Louis Area, Tyler began his DCI career as a member of the Colts in 2009, and went on to win two Jim Otts and a Silver medal as a member of Carolina Crown’s brassline from 2010-12.

Tyler holds a bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and is currently in his fifth Year as an Assistant Band director at Waco High School in Waco, TX. There he serves as head of the Jazz program as well as Visual and Brass captions. As a part of Ross Gordon’s brass team for four years now, Tyler is excited to start working with the Madison Scouts!

Kat Willer, Intern

Kat is very excited to be joining the brass staff for her first year at Madison. Her previous drum corps experience includes serving as administrative staff and vocal coach at Guardians Drum and Bugle Corps in 2018, and as a mellophone tech with Genesis Drum and Bugle Corps in 2019.

Kat is in her second year as an Assistant Band Director at Artie Henry Middle School in Cedar Park, Texas. She is responsible for teaching the second band and beginning woodwind classes at the school. During her summers, she is also a team leader with SASi.

She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Houston in May 2018, with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education. While at the University of Houston, she was a drum major for the Spirit of Houston Cougar Marching Band, president of the UH chapter of the National Association for Music Education, and a member of Kappa Kappa Psi, National Honorary Band Fraternity.