Jeremy Earnhart Moving to Irving ISD
Dr. Gene Buinger, superintendent of schools, has appointed Van Mathews as the new LD Bell High School Band Director. He replaces longtime director Jeremy Earnhart, who has taken a position as fine arts director with Irving ISD.
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An Open Letter to the Bell Band Family From Jeremy Earnhart
Mathews came to HEB ISD as the Assistant Band Director for the 2008-2009 school year. Prior to joining the L.D. Bell staff, Mr. Mathews taught for eight 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. 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. 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.
“It is with mixed emotions that we say goodbye to Jeremy Earnhart,” Mark Chandler, director of visual and performing arts, said. “His dedication, work ethic and passion for the kids have proven to be the best recipe for success with the L.D. Bell Band. I know that I speak for everyone when I say that we send with him our best wishes and heart-felt gratitude. I know that he will serve Irving ISD well as their Director of Fine Arts.”
“At the same time, we are very fortunate to have Van Mathews on the team, ready to step up and lead this great program. Mr. Mathews has a vast level of education and proven experience that he will bring as the director of bands. His passion for excellence in music education as well as his heart for family and students will prove to again provide the proper recipe for success. Together with Mr. Holt, Mr. Alvarez-Calderone and a yet un-named staff member, this team will continue the superior level of achievement that is the Bell Band, and strive for new levels of excellence.”
Mathews has a total of 18 years teaching experience in music education. He has a master’s degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a bachelors’ degree from the University of South Carolina.
He has held positions in Richardson ISD, Lewisville ISD, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and Cabarrus County Schools in North Carolina. Currently he 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, Mathews was the brass caption coordinator and a member of the instructional staff with the Madison Scouts from 1992-1999. He 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.
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 with his wife, Brenda, daughter Gabriella, and firstborn son Derek.
