Mike Madonia

Mr. Madonia has been teaching for 5 decades in every level of Music Education. He earned a Bachelor of Music Education from De Paul University and master’s degree from VanderCook College of Music.  He is currently the director of the College of Lake County Concert band and applied trumpet instructor. Prior to his arrival at CLC, he has served as director of bands at Robert Morris University, Interim Director of Bands at De Paul University and the applied trumpet instructor for South Suburban College and St.
Xavier University.

During his tenure at these schools, he simultaneously served as Brass Staff or Caption Head at the following Drum and Bugle Corps. Pioneer, Spirit of Atlanta, New Jersey Surf, Colts, and Kilties.

Mr. Madonia is a sought-after Marching Band Clinician and Adjudicator across the
Midwest, having taught at the high school level for 36 years where his bands were
consistently winning multiple contests throughout the year including Bands of America Summer National Finalist, Bands of America Regional Finalist, Illinois State Marching Band Finalist, and University of Illinois Superstate Concert Band Champions, Illinois State University Concert Band Champions as well as hundreds of awards for Jazz Band
and indoor color guard.

Mr. Madonia is the regional coordinator for Festivals of Music and Executive Director for the Chicago Area Jazz Festival, Midwest Music Festival and Illinois High School Association judge assignment coordinator. As a performer, Mr. Madonia is a very active trumpet player performing with members of the Tonight Show Band, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Ricky Nelson, The Vogues, Rita Rudner and many others.

​Alex M. St. Louis

​Alex M. St. Louis is the Director of Bands at Cudahy High School and Cudahy Middle School, where he has led the band program since 2023. Passionate about student growth and music education, he directs a variety of ensembles and is committed to building a strong, inclusive music culture in the Cudahy community.

Before his appointment in Cudahy, Alex completed his student teaching under the guidance of Amy Fuchs and Guy Gregg at Oak Creek High School. He holds an Associate of Arts with an emphasis in Teacher Education and earned his Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point, graduating magna cum laude. He is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Music Education from UW–Stevens Point as well.

In 2024, Alex was honored with the Barry Manilow Music Teacher Award. He actively participates in professional development through conferences such as WMEA, the Midwest Clinic, and TMEA, where one of his arrangements was premiered.

In his free time, Alex enjoys spending time in nature and with his family. He’s an avid fisherman and disc golfer, and he takes pride in showing his 1925 Model T Speedster.
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Justin Clintsman

Justin Clintsman has always been curious and active about the marching arts. From riding his bike 3 miles one way at the age of ten to watch drum corps rehearse at a near by high school to finding ways of still being active, learning and supporting local ensembles in and throughout his community.

 Justin started his marching career at an all Age Corps Racine Kilties. From there he marched with Blue Stars, Phantom Regiment, Star United and CWi Winter guard.

 As a fan, supporter and, alumn in the Drum Corps community, it has always been a focus to give back to an activity that means so much. After realizing there were not as many marching ensembles that benefited all, Justin realized a calling of helping create and establish a SoundSport / Drum and Bugle Corps.

Currently Justin is a sought after writer, designer, and adjudicator in the Midwest. He enjoys golf, learning new skills and hobbies, and teaching with his wife, Rebecca. They also have a dog named Tater. 
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