Van Mathews has been an active educator, consultant and adjudicator for more than three decades, instructing music and pageantry arts at the highest levels of achievement. Formerly Director of Bands at L.D. Bell High School, his ensembles there earned multiple Bands Of America Regional and Super-Regional Championship Titles, three Texas UIL State Marching Championship Medals and were BOA Grand National Finalists every year they attended. A Drum Corps International participant since 1984, Van instructed with the World Champion Concord Blue Devils for nine seasons, earning the Jim Ott Best Brass Award at DCI World Championships on six occasions. He has designed and coordinated for DCI’s Madison Scouts and Crossmen and is currently on staff with the Boston Crusaders. Van is a regular adjudicator for BOA Regional, Super-Regional and Grand National Championship events, Texas UIL State and Colorado State Championships. Prior to L.D. Bell, Van directed bands at Haltom, Lewisville and Lake Highlands High Schools. His concert ensembles consistently received the highest ratings at Texas UIL Concert and Sightreading contests performing university caliber literature and inspiring countless students to earn accolades and scholarships, many choosing to pursue musical careers. Van holds degrees from the University of South Carolina and University of Illinois and is a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Pi Kappa Lambda, and Gamma Beta Phi. He lives in North Richland Hills, Texas, with his wife and two children.