The Madison Scouts are pleased to introduce their drum majors for the 2024 season, including returning drum major Lex Rodrigues Monteiro, veteran front ensemble member Paige Shumney, and new members Jana Paulsen and Andrew Schulte.
Lex Rodrigues Monteiro
Lex Rpdrigues Monteiro (19), of Orange Park, Florida, is entering his fourth year with the Madison Scouts. Rodrigues Monteiro studies with Berklee Online where he majors in Music Theory and Composition. With experience marching mellophone and bass drum, Lex is also an educator for multiple ensembles in northeast Florida including both marching band and indoor percussion programs. He is also a remote instructor and clinician for Silent Command LLC.
“With what is now my fourth year with Madison, I am again honored to have been given the privilege of representing and leading the incredible people of this organization, I’m in the position I am today because of their continued support over the past few years. This year I look to instill a sense of pride and ownership in the members of this drum corps, the bar we set for ourselves will be high but we will work hard to achieve above and beyond what other believe we are capable of. I have full confidence in our team and in this drum corps, I am incredibly excited to see what’s in store for us in 2024.”
Paige Shumney
Paige Shumney (21), from New Baltimore, Michigan, returns to the Madison Scouts for
her second season, and first as drum major, after joining the corps on vibraphone last year. Shumney attends Central Michigan University, majoring in Instrumental Music. Percussion, being her primary instrument since her early childhood, allows her to be involved in several ensembles at the CMU School of Music. Paige serves as section leader and center snare for the Chippewa Marching Band, is an upperclassman in the CMU Percussion Studio, and a noteworthy performer in Jazz Lab 1 and the Symphonic Wind Ensemble. Outside of her scholarly and professional endeavors, Paige spends her time with floral design, makeup artistry, and daily exercise.
“As a drum major for the Madison Scouts, I desire to motivate and inspire not only the
performers, but also the staff, to strive for brilliance. I want to encourage my peers to not settle for anything less than our best. I hope to be a figure of respect, honesty, trust, and love for the corps and the community. All in all, I have confidence that I am fiercely passionate about this activity, and I have the utmost love and respect for this corps. In my time with the Madison Scouts, my world has changed completely. This corps holds a very special place in my heart, and it will continue to do so for the rest of my life. Ultimately, I have an overwhelming amount of loyalty and admiration to the Madison Scouts, and I am exhilarated to be reunited with my DCI family, on the field, one last time.”
Jana Paulsen
Jana Paulsen (19) from Antioch, IL is entering her first year with the Madison Scouts and first year of drum corps. Paulsen is currently a sophomore at Carthage College where she is studying Music Education. At Carthage College, Paulsen has been a member of the Wind Ensemble as a clarinet performer under the direction of Dr. James Ripley, and the Carthage Pep Band for two years. Outside of performing, Paulsen is the Instrumental Music Assistant for the instrumental program at Carthage College and works closely with Dr. James Ripley. Paulsen is most excited to travel to Japan touring with the Carthage Wind Orchestra in January.
Prior to joining Madison Scouts, Paulsen participated in four years of high school marching band; three years marching clarinet and one of those years of Drum Major.
“I am beyond excited to join the Madison Scouts for this upcoming season. This has been a dream come true and I can’t wait to make this dream a reality this summer! I’ve learned so much from the camps the past two years and I’m so excited to grow not only as a musician and conductor, but as a leader and be the best version of myself. Let’s get this season started!”
Andrew Schulte
Andrew Schulte (17), from Lake Saint Louis, Missouri is entering his first year as a Madison Scout. Schulte is in his senior year at Timberland High School in Wentzville, Missouri. At Timberland High School, Schulte plays the trumpet and has served as the Drum Major for the past two years. After high school Schulte plans on attending the University of Missouri where he will study Civil Engineering. Outside of school, he enjoys running, playing tennis and exploring the outdoors.
“I’m super excited to call myself a Madison Scout for the 2024 season. Being a leader and one of the faces of the Scout’s has been a dream of mine. I wanted to become part of this organization because they show great professionalism on and off of the field and display great energy. I’m honored to work with the Madison Scouts this summer and serve as their conductor”