Van Mathews is the Associate Director of Bands at L.D. Bell High School in the Hurst-Euless-Bedford Independent School District. Prior to joining the L.D. Bell staff, Mr. Mathews taught for 8 years in the Birdville Independent School District at Haltom High School. During his tenure, the Haltom High School Marching Band remained a consistent recipient of the UIL Sweepstakes Award, attended the Texas 5A State Marching Band Contest every available opportunity from 2000-2006, achieving finalist status in 2002 and 2004, and was a Bands of America Regional and Super Regional Finalist at every contest attended. Mr. Mathews’ concert ensembles consistently received the highest ratings at the U.I.L. Concert and Sightreading Contest and have been awarded “Best in Class” at numerous concert band contests. As a Texas resident, Mr. Mathews also taught at Lewisville High School in the Lewisville Independent School District and at Lake Highlands High School in the Richardson Independent School District.

Currently, Mr. Mathews is a member of the brass staff for the 12-time Drum Corps International World Champion Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps from Concord, California. 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 Drum & Bugle Corps from Pinellas Park, Florida and aged out as a member of the Madison Scouts Drum & Bugle Corps from Madison, Wisconsin.

Mr. Mathews 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. Van is an adjudicator for Bands of America as well as numerous local and national marching band contests. In addition, Van conducts clinics and consultations for various concert and marching programs throughout the United States and Europe. In 2000, Van joined the educational artist team for the Dynasty USA Corporation. His professional affiliations include the Texas Music Educators Association, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Pi Kappa Lambda, and Gamma Beta Phi. He lives in North Richland Hills, Texas with his patient and loving wife, Brenda and his charming daughter, Gabriella.