L.D. Bell High School Percussion Ensemble

Performer Details

Performer Bio Synopsis

The L.D. Bell High School Percussion Studio represents the nationally recognized band program of Hurst–Euless–Bedford ISD in Hurst, Texas. As an integral component of one of the nation’s most accomplished comprehensive band programs, the L.D. Bell Percussion Studio is built on a tradition of excellence, innovation, and competitive success at the regional, state, and national levels. Located in the heart of the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex, L.D. Bell High School is a grades 10–12 campus serving a diverse student population of over 2,700. The percussion program consists of 120 students in grades 7–12 split between three campuses. The studio maintains an active and highly visible performance schedule, consistently earning recognition at premier events such as the Plano Drumline Contest, the North Texas Percussion Festival, and the TCU Percussion Festival. Students regularly compete in UIL solo and ensemble competitions along with the TMEA All-State process, earning consistent recognition from the local through the state level. In Spring 2025, the Percussion Studio was honored with the Outstanding Percussion Award at the Dallas Winds Invitational. The percussion section has contributed to the L.D. Bell Band’s consistent UIL Sweepstakes Award performances, earning Superior ratings in marching and concert and two state marching titles (2000, 2004). On the national stage, L.D. Bell Percussion was a driving force behind the band’s achievement as a Bands of America Grand National Champion (2007). More recently, the entire band program traveled to New York City and participated in the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The band program represented not only the local DFW community, but also the entire state of Texas as the only high school band selected from the state. The L.D. Bell Percussion Studio is committed to building strong musicians, leaders, and teammates through a challenging and supportive percussion program. Through performance, competition, and service, our students strive to represent our school and community with dedication, integrity, and pride.

L.D. Bell High School Percussion Ensemble

Conductor's Bio

Matt Kossick is an Associate Band Director and Director of Percussion at L.D. Bell High School. Mr. Kossick directs all percussion activities for the entire L.D. Bell cluster, which includes Bedford Junior High, Hurst Junior High, and Central Junior High. During his tenure with the L.D. Bell Blue Raider Band, the band has been a Bands of America DFW Regional Finalist, BOA Waco and North Texas Regional Champions, San Antonio Super Regional Finalist, and attended the UIL 6A State marching contest. Mr. Kossick’s Concert groups have received multiple awards including outstanding percussion at both the HS and MS level of the Dallas Winds Invitational. The L.D. Bell Percussion ensemble recently won the 2026 intermediate small division at the TCU percussion festival. Additionally, the Bedford Junior High Ensemble just attended the Music for All Sandy Feldstein Percussion Festival. Previously, from 2019-2021, Mr. Kossick was the Assistant Percussion Director at Trinity High School. During that time, he also directed the Harwood Junior High Percussion Ensemble that won both the Midwest and Percussive Arts Society International Percussion Ensemble competitions during the 2019-2020 school year. Mr. Kossick earned his Master’s of Music degree in Percussion Performance at the University of Miami. During his graduate studies, he served as a teaching assistant for the University of Miami Athletic Bands. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the University of North Texas. Mr. Kossick was also awarded the Outstanding Undergraduate in Percussion award for the 2017-2018 school year. Outside of school, Mr. Kossick spent three summers participating in Drum Corps International. In 2015, Mr. Kossick was a member of the front ensemble of the Troopers Drum Corps. During the 2016 and 2017 seasons, Mr. Kossick performed with the Santa Clara Vanguard front ensemble. The SCV percussion section won the Fred Sanford high percussion achievement award for both of these seasons.

Additional Directors

Alexander Irvine