2025 Festival of Champions Program

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL MISSOURI

Festival of

Champions 2025 GUIDEBOOK

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Welcome!

Schedules Campus Map Directions for Personal Vehicles Upcoming UCM Bands Events Tickets Rules and Regulations Adjudicators T-Shirts Stadium Concourse /Air Grams Performing Bands Food/Beverage UCM Marching Mules Awards tton to retur u b n

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UCM Division of Music

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UCM Bands Performances

WELCOME TO

UCM

Welcome to UCM! We are so grateful that you’ve joined us for the 45th Annual Festival of Champions. Please make yourself at home here on campus and don’t hesitate to reach out to UCM faculty, staff, or students with any questions you may have.

We are thrilled to host approximately 2,400 dedicated high school performers today! If you’re reading this, you already know just how committed these incredible young people are, and how much this experience means to them. Please enjoy each show, applaud/scream/yell/whistle ENTHUSIASTICALLY (i.e. loudly) to demonstrate your encouragement and appreciation, and, most importantly, congratulate your students individually and sincerely for their hard work and courage. There is nothing in this life that compares to live, collaborative performance - enjoy every moment!

This festival would not be possible without the generous support of the UCM administration, our community sponsors, or our amazing UCM Band student volunteers. Please thank these people when you encounter them. Every dollar we receive goes one of three places: (1) making this event meaningful for visiting students, directors, family members, and friends; (2) UCM Band student scholarships and expenses; and (3) charity specifically, the Ararat Temple’s Hospital Transportation Fund that enables children from the KC area to get the specialized medical care they need in other cities.

Thank YOU for being here, and for all you do to support today’s student performers.

We know that being a “band parent” (or similar) demands a lot of time and energy.

That said, after watching and listening today, we think you’ll agree that this time and energy could not be better spent. Now, please sit back, relax, and ENJOY THE SHOW!

Corey Seapy Director of Bands

Sarah Baker Director of Athletic Bands

Lorena Navarro Percussion Instructor

Alex Smith Director of Percussion

Bailey Ross Color Guard Instructor

2025 FIELD SHOW COMPETITION SCHEDULE

2025 Field Show Schedule

2025 FIELD SHOW COMPETITION SCHEDULE

2025 Field Show Schedule

UCM MARCHING MULES EXHIBITION & PRELIM/INDOOR AWARDS 4:45 PM

2025 FIELD SHOW COMPETITION SCHEDULE

2025 Finals Schedule

UCM MARCHING PERCUSSION EXHIBITION & FINALS AWARDS 9:30 PM

2025 INDOOR COMPETITION SCHEDULE

2025 Indoor Percussion Schedule

2025 INDOOR COMPETITION SCHEDULE

2025 Indoor Guard Schedule

ARARAT SHRINE CENTER The Ararat Shrine Center is one of 190 Shrine Centers throughout North America. The membership of Ararat now numbers approximately 4000 and comprises membership in the west-central portion of the State of Missouri. Many distinguished names are numbers among the nobility of Ararat. Its officers and members have always been among the community’s civic, religious, and fraternal leaders. Ararat is especially proud that former U.S.President Harry S. Truman was a member for over fifty years and, at one time, served on the Divan of Ararat. He had to resign due to the obligations assumed when he became a United States Senator from Missouri.

ARARAT TEMPLE'S HOSPITAL TRANSPORTATION FUND The shrine of North America maintains 22 Shriner’s Hospitals for Children around the United States where children are threated free of any cost to their parents. These hospitals treat a child from birth to age 18. At the present time there are active 882 patients on Ararat’s rolls. Ararat’s nearest hospital is in St. Louis and treats orthopedic problems. A van is maintained by Ararat to transport patients and a parent to St. Louis from Kansas City for outpatient and follow-up appointments, again at no cost.

The van averages 4 1/2 trips a week from Kansas City to St. Louis.

The hospital in Chicago specialized in spinal injuries or irregularities, cleft lip and palates, plus orthopedic problems. The hospital in Cincinnati, OH, treats burns to children as does the hospital in Galveston, TX. Transportation of patients to any hospital except St. Louis is done by commercial air transportation and those tickets are paid by Ararat’s Hospital Patient Transportation Fund. Burn patients requiring emergency transport to the hospital in Cincinnati are taken by an air ambulance.

These jet airplanes are a fully staffed operating room in the air, and are funded completely from the temple’s Transportation Fund.

WWW.ARARATSHRINE.ORG

2025 FESTIVAL OF CHAMPIONS

CAMPUS MAP

KEY

DIRECTIONS FOR PERSONAL VEHICLES PLEASE DO NOT PARK IN DESIGNATED BUS/TRAILER LOTS. We have well over 100 large vehicles to accommodate, and performer safety is our top priority.

Please adhere to the map above, signage, and the instructions of parking volunteers.

FREE car parking is located on the corner of Washington and South, several lots off Washington, and a few others around campus.

Any lot that is NOT designated as a bus/trailer lot is available to you free of charge.

Many student performers will be crossing Washington St. - please drive slowly!

Holden St. will be CLOSED to car traffic between South St. and Clark St. for bands and props.

Please do not attempt to drive on the East side of the stadium.

The lots off Washington St. immediately West of the stadium fill quickly. For those who are able, we recommend parking further away and enjoying the walk to Walton Stadium.

‘25-’26 SPECIAL EVENTS TAP to sign up & learn more!

OCT

25

NOV

Homecoming Parade & Pregame Show register your band

Honor Wind Symposium

22

nominate your top students

JAN

Alumni Band Day

24

FEB

sign up now

Honor Band Festival

15

nominate top students OR self-nominate

APR

Claude T. Smith Festival register your band

2-3

TICKETS General admission tickets will be sold at the Southwest Gate (Main entrance at Washington Street) and at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center.

All-Access: Field Show & Indoor Competitions (wristband access) $20 for ages 10+ (gate price) $10 for military and ages 65+ $5 for children 5-10 years old FREE for children 0-5 years old

Indoor Competitions Only (ticket access) $10 for ages 5+ (door price) FREE for children 0-5 years old For your convenience, cash, credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, and Discover), and check (UCM Bands) are accepted.

ADJUDICATORS WILL ALDERMAN Will Alderman (b. 1990) currently serves as Assistant Professor of Percussion at Eastern Michigan University. Previously, he has served as Assistant Professor of Percussion & Music Theory at Northwest Missouri State University, an instructor at Bridgewater College, Eastern Mennonite University, Washington & Lee University, and Kalamazoo College.

As a multi-instrumentalist, performer, and composer, Will has performed in a variety of mediums worldwide. Currently, he performs with his quartet, Without Borders, which has recorded and released its very own marimba quartet transcription of Béla Bartok’s String Quartet No. 5. The ensemble has toured with the work; performing in Taiwan, Japan, and throughout the United States. Without Borders has premiered several of their own works including Will’s new composition, "Farewell to Shadowlands," for percussion ensemble and acoustic guitar. In addition to his quartet, Will has had the privilege of performing with several world-renowned artists such as Gordon Stout, Casey Cangelosi, Valerie Naranjo, and Gif Howarth. An avid performer, Will was awarded 2nd Place in the Open-Duo Division of the 2022 Great Plains Marimba Competition and 1st Place in the 2023 NABBA Percussion Ensemble Competition. Will was the drummer for the rock band, Capt. Cat, who released their debut album, Crystal Sound System, in the summer of 2019.

Will has served as the percussion arranger for over a dozen marching programs throughout the United States including the Portage Central Marching Band, Genesis Percussion, The Northwest Missouri State University Bearcat Marching Band, and the Western Michigan University Bronco Marching Band. He has arranged and composed several solo and ensemble works for percussion with many more on the way. Recently, Will has published a new book of intermediate-advanced marimba etudes titled, "Etudes for Marimba: Four New Works for the Advancing Marimbist,” a marimba duo, “The Beginning of the End of the World,” and a percussion orchestra work, “The Wood Between the Worlds.”

Will received his D.M.A. in Music Performance and Pedagogy from James Madison University, M.M. in Music Performance from Ithaca College, and B.M. in Music Performance from Western Michigan University. Will is a member of the Percussive Arts Society.

In his free time, Will enjoys playing disc golf, running, and spending time with friends and family. Will is a proud Artist Endorser of Tama/Bergerault, Innovative Percussion, and Black Swamp Percussion products.

ADJUDICATORS CHRISTOPHER HOCH Dr. Christopher Hoch is in his eleventh year as director of Marching and Athletic Bands at The Ohio State University. An associate professor in Ohio State’s School of Music, Dr. Hoch holds the Endowed Chair for the Director of The Ohio State University Marching Band and also serves as associate director of university bands.

Prior to his appointment, he served one year as interim director, two years as associate director, and one year as assistant director of the Marching and Athletic Bands at Ohio State. In addition, he served three years as director of The Ohio State University Marching Band Alumni and seven years as director of bands at Rutherford B. Hayes High School in Delaware, Ohio.

Dr. Hoch’s work with The Ohio State University Marching Band has received national and international recognition for innovation and creativity in show design; he has been the architect behind many of the shows that have been watched by millions of people on YouTube and at sites across the country.

In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Dr. Hoch serves as the musical director of the Scioto Valley Brass and Percussion Company, a Columbus-based British-style brass band, and he is active around the state and nation as a clinician, guest conductor, musical arranger and guest speaker. Dr. Hoch’s Ohio State education includes bachelor’s degrees in music education and mathematics, master’s degrees in instrumental conducting and music education, and a PhD in music education.

ADJUDICATORS J AY J O N E S Dr. Jay Jones is an Associate Adjunct Professor of Music Education at the University of Missouri – Kansas City Conservatory, a position he has held since 2022. Prior to his appointment at UMKC, he taught middle and high school instrumental music for thirtyone years in the state of Missouri, teaching in both the rural and suburban settings. At UMKC, Dr. Jones teaches both undergraduate and graduate level music education courses and supervises the field experience components of the music education degree program. Jones is also an adjudicator trainer for the Missouri State High School Activities Association. He holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Central Methodist University, a Master of Science in Teaching Instrumental Music from Northwest Missouri State University, and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

During his public-school tenure, Dr. Jones developed a reputation for building outstanding band programs at all levels. At the small school level, Jones spent six years teaching in the Stewartsville School district. During that time, the Stewartsville program earned local, regional, and national recognition. In 1995, the Stewartsville concert band earned the Sweepstakes Award at the Gateway Music Festival in St. Louis, earning the top prize from bands across the country. The following year, the concert band was invited to perform for the Missouri Music Educators Association; both accomplishments were firsts in the school’s history. In 1998, Jones left Stewartsville to become Director of Bands for the Platte County R-3 School District, a position he held for twenty-three years. During his tenure, the enrollment and stature of the instrumental music program increased significantly.

Under his leadership, the Pride of Platte County Marching Band, the district’s competitive outdoor performance ensemble, won thirteen Grand Championships in Missouri, Iowa and Nebraska. Concert ensembles under Dr. Jones’ direction have performed at state and national festivals and have performed at the annual inservice of the Missouri Music Educators Association three times. The Platte County Wind Ensemble has performed at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts twice and in 2020, Dr. Jones and the Wind Ensemble collaborated with composer Alex Shapiro and Grammy Award nominated organist Dr. Jan Kraybil on the premiere of a new edition of her work Liquid Compass to feature the wind ensemble and pipe organ.

Dr. Jones has received the national Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers Award seven times, is listed in the National Honor Roll of Outstanding American Teachers and has his biography listed in Who’s Who in American Education twice. Jones’ professional biography has been included in Who’s Who in America thirteen times and has been listed in Who’s Who in the World seven times. In 2011 Jones was honored with the Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction by the National Society of High School Scholars and in 2016, he was presented an Honorary Lifetime Membership in the Tri-M Music Honor Society by the students of the Platte County music department. In 2019, Dr. Jones received the Legacy in Education Award from the Smithville School District for his lasting impact on former students. Dr. Jones received the Phi Beta Mu Charles Emmons Outstanding Band Director Award in 2023 and was inducted into the Platte County Pirate Hall of Fame that same year.

ADJUDICATORS KYLIE KRUG Kylie M. Krug has been involved in the marching arts for more than 20 years as a performer, technician, instructor, choreographer, designer, and adjudicator.

Her career in the pageantry arts began at Smithville High School (2005–2009), as a performer and captain. She went on to perform with the Bearcat Marching Band Color Guard at Northwest Missouri State University from 2009–2013, where she also held the roles of captain and choreographer. After graduation, she worked as a technician and choreographer for several winter guard ensembles spanning elementary through collegiate levels and served as director of the Maryville High School Color Guard program. In 2016, she co-founded the first NWMSU Winter Guard and led the Bearcat Winter Guard as director through 2022.

Mrs. Krug earned a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business, Animal Science, and Music in 2013 and a Master of Business Administration in 2019, both from Northwest Missouri State University. During the week, she serves as the Admissions Operations Coordinator at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. She lives in Bellevue, Nebraska, with her husband and two (soon to be three!) daughters.

ADJUDICATORS SCOTT KUHLMAN Scott Kuhlman retired in 2022 as the Director of Bands at Lee’s Summit North High School, where he taught for the final 13 years of his 27 year teaching career. Prior to teaching in Lee’s Summit, Scott taught in the Blue Springs, Belton, and Springfield (MO) School Districts.

Mr. Kuhlman’s bands consistently received exemplary ratings at the district and state level. In 2011, the Lee’s Summit North Symphonic Band performed at the Missouri Music Educators Association Convention. Mr. Kuhlman was a 2014 recipient of the Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce Excellence in Teaching Award.

Scott is active as a clinician and adjudicator in the state of Missouri, and served as the Band Vice President of the Missouri Music Educators Association from 2014-2016. Scott has a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Central Methodist University in 1995 and a Master of Music Education from the University of Central Missouri in 2005.

His professional affiliations include the National Association for Music Education, Missouri Bandmasters Association, Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity, and the Missouri State Teachers Association. Scott is a 1987 graduate of Hannibal High School, where he was a student of M. Craig Buck and Wm. Terry Boone. In retirement, Scott teaches private saxophone lessons, occasionally substitute-teaches, and is enjoying the opportunity to travel and play more golf. He lives in Lee’s Summit with his newly retired wife, Jeanne. They are the proud parents of two sons, Christian and Nathan.

ADJUDICATORS S T E P H E N M AT T H E W S Mr. Stephen Mathews is currently in his second year as the Director of Instrumental Studies at Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, MO where he directs the Wind Symphony, Jazz Ensemble and the Marching Band. He is in his first year of this position after directing bands in the public and private k12 school system for 39 years. Mr. Mathews is a native of California where he taught for 21 years before moving to Missouri in 2006.

During his tenure in California, his bands gained recognition throughout the state and performed in the Pacific Northwest, Hawaii, and Canada. His marching bands received many awards and recognitions. Mr. Mathews’ concert bands consistently received “Straight 1’s” at festivals and his junior high and high school concert bands performed at the California Band Directors Association and the California Music Educators Association State Conferences.

While in California, Mr. Mathews served as Interim Director for the Senior Division of the Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra and the Merced Junior College Jazz Ensemble. He was an adjudicator for two associations and served on the California Music Educators Bay Section and the Northern California Band Association Executive Boards. He was also awarded Pitman High School Teacher of The Year in 2003 and 2006, and in 2006 given the California Music Educators Association Bay Section Gilbert T. Freitas Outstanding Music Educator Of The Year award.

Since coming to Missouri, Mr. Mathews enjoyed the opportunity of working with many talented students at Rock Bridge High School. He served as Director of Bands and worked with the middle school bands that fed into Rock Bridge. The Rock Bridge Wind Symphony received the highest ratings at State Festival and the Jazz Ensemble was consistently recognized for its outstanding performances. Under his direction in 2010 and 2015, the Rock Bridge Wind Symphony performed at the Missouri Music Educators Association State Conference and in 2013, the Rock Bridge Jazz Ensemble performed at MMEA and the Jazz Education Network (JEN) International Conference in Atlanta, Georgia.

In 2020, Mr. Mathews retired from teaching in the public schools and taught band at private Christian schools in Columbia and Springfield, MO. As a saxophonist and pianist, Mr. Mathews was a member of the San Jose Wind Symphony while residing in California and is frequently invited to adjudicate for jazz, concert and marching festivals. He not only adjudicates for MSHSAA but for OSHSAA as well.

UCM Music Auditions Sat, Feb 14, 2026 Sat, Feb 16, 2026 ALL musicians are eligible to audition for music scholarships.

Financial awards range from $250/yr to FULL TUITION AND GENERAL FEES! Auditions are required for prospective music majors and minors, and strongly encouraged for all other musicians considering UCM.

ADJUDICATORS L O R E N A N AVA R R O Lorena Navarro is a percussionist, educator, and composer. She has had the honor of sharing the stage with members from Sō Percussion, Sandbox Percussion, Bang on a Can All-Stars, and Akropolis Reed Quintet. She has performed internationally as an Artist in Residence at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity in Canada.

As an educator, Lorena serves as the interim Assistant Instructor of Percussion at University of Central Missouri where she teaches private lessons, coaches percussion ensemble, and teaches the UCM Marching percussion section.

As a composer, she explores writing for percussion and mixed chamber ensembles. She premiered her first solo written for marimba at the 2024 Gather Listen Hear Festival at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. Her arrangement, My Neighbor Totoro: 3 Movements for Percussion Ensemble, was premiered by the Michigan State University Percussion Ensemble. She currently arranges for the UCM Marching percussion section and has previously written for the MSU Spartan Drumline.

Lorena is currently pursuing her D.M.A. in Percussion Performance at Michigan State University. She earned her M.M. in Percussion Performance from Michigan State University and B.S. in Music Education from Utah Valley University.

ADJUDICATORS

TIM O’CONNOR Timothy O’Connor is an accomplished marching percussionist with performance experience at the highest levels of the activity.

He has performed with the Kansas City Chiefs Rumble Drumline, bringing energy to NFL game days and stadium events; toured nationally with the Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps, a worldclass drum corps known for its excellence in marching music and percussion; and competed with Gateway Indoor Percussion on the WGI Circuit.

Tim also spent four years with the Kansas State University Marching Band, performing at major collegiate events and contributing to one of the largest college bands in the country.

ADJUDICATORS A M B E R PAT T E R S O N Once a guard girl, always a guard girl! I started in marching band in 8th grade playing clarinet and fell in love with performing. In high school, I spent three years in Winterguard and two in Color Guard. Spinning rifle and putting my heart on the field was everything. I even attended a WGI workshop and have judged a few tryouts since then.

These days, I’m a self-employed hairdresser with almost 20 years behind the chair, still fueled by that same creativity and passion for expression. And yes, I still spin from time to time because you can take the girl outta guard, but you can’t take the guard outta the girl.

ADJUDICATORS A N YA P O G O R E L O VA Dr. Anya Pogorelova is the Director of Bands at Washburn University where she teaches courses in music education, conducting, and directs the Marching Ichabods, University Band, and the Washburn Wind Ensemble. Prior to joining the music faculty at Washburn, Anya taught at the middle school, high school, and collegiate level in Saskatchewan, Georgia, and Missouri.

As a passionate advocate for access to music education for all, Anya is the founder of the Topeka New Horizons Band and previously served as the assistant director of the Roeland Park New Horizons Band. She maintains an active schedule as a clinician and guest conductor throughout the country and is consistently inspired by the next generation of young musicians.

In 2024, Anya was selected as the winner of The American Prize in Conducting for band/wind ensemble, college/university division. She is a proud alumna of the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory (DMA, MM), Georgia State University (MM), and the University of Saskatchewan (BM, BEd).

ADJUDICATORS JEFFREY STOREY Jeff Storey is a graduate of the University of Illinois and has been involved in the pageantry arts as a performer, choreographer, clinician, consultant, instructor, director, and judge for over 50 years. He has judged marching bands, dance/drill teams, and color guards in Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa. Jeff is the founder and past-president of the Mid-Continent Color Guard Association. He has directed and instructed several award-winning color guards and drill teams in the Midwest. Jeff has served as a judge for Iowa State Drill Team Association solo/team events, trained judges through the National Dance Coaches Association, and actively judges for the Indiana High School Dance Team Association, Mid-Continent Color Guard Association, and Central States Performance Association.

Jeff’s first formalized music instruction was under the tutelage of Dorcas Herren who taught general music and piano in the Monticello (IL) school system. Under her guidance, Jeff learned to love music, from the rehearsal process to the performance. Other influential teachers who guided Jeff along his musical journey included Lawrence L. Stoner, Jr. and Gilbert J. Papp at the high school level and both Gary Smith and Dr. Shirley Meyer Blankenship at the University of Illinois. Jeff first joined color guard while in grade 10 under the direction of Lauren Faith Stoner. Since then, Jeff has been involved with all capacities within the pageantry arts. Jeff has worked with pageantry programs from various schools and school districts locally including: Belton, Blue Springs, Blue Valley, Francis Howell, Grandview, Hickman Mills, Olathe, Park Hill, Shawnee Mission, and Springfield. Personal highlights include: lead in the 4th grade Christmas Pageant, John Phillip Sousa Award, and Camper of the Week, Smith-Walbridge Camp. Leadership highlights include: Marching Bands of America High Color Guard Award, WGI Scholastic Open Finalist, and Indiana High School Dance Team Regional Head Judge.

After several years in education, Jeff is a retired high school administrator.

He attributes his skills as a judge to the years of working with experts in pageantry arts, in-depth philosophical conversations with the varied judging communities, and continuing education through a variety of pageantry exposure.

ADJUDICATORS SHARON TOULOUSE Although graduating from high school in Corpus Christi, TX Sharon Toulouse calls Lawrence, KS home. After graduating in 1998 from The University of Kansas with a bachelor's in Music Education, Sharon became the assistant director of bands at Lawrence Free State High School. In 2002 Sharon enlisted in the US Army as trumpet player with the 312th Army Reserve Band in Lawrence, KS. Following graduation from her Master’s degree in Instrumental Wind Conducting from the University of Kansas in 2005, she accepted a position in the active Army as an officer/conductor where she commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. During her Army career, she worked with The U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Band (TRADOC) at Fort Monroe, VA, and The United States Army Field Band at Fort Meade, MD. After the birth of her son Timothy in 2011, she separated from active duty and joined the Washington, DC National Guard Band as their Executive Officer (XO).

In 2012, Sharon returned home to Kansas after accepting the position of Assistant Director of Bands at the University of Kansas. With her return to Lawrence, she rejoined the 312th Army Band, this time as their XO. In 2016, she was assigned command of the 451st Army Reserve Band in Minneapolis, MN. After two years of command in Minnesota, she was selected to be the 88th Readiness Division Regional Staff Band Officer, where she advocated for 4 bands and 8 band officers in the 88th Readiness Division. In 2018, Sharon again returned to the 312th Army Band, this time as their Commander. She retired from the Army Reserves in September of 2023 as a Chief Warrant Officer 4. She was recently named the KU Associate Director of Bands and the KU Director of Athletic Bands in which her duties include leading the KU Marching Jayhawks, directing the KU Men's Basketball Band, overseeing all other athletic pep bands, and directing the KU University Band.

2025 FESTIVAL OF CHAMPIONS

COMPETITION RULES & REGULATIONS FIELD PERFORMANCE All bands must be prepared to step off at their assigned starting time.

All bands must be in performance for 7-12 minutes.

All bands will have a maximum of 2 minutes to clear the field.

Performance timing begins with the announcement of your band over the public address system in 15-minute intervals.

Judging begins with the first note of music or the first movement of any band member.

Bands may begin to pre-set and/or warm-up immediately following the conclusion of the previous band’s performance.

Bands are asked to be quiet and respectful while other bands are performing.

SCORING Visual Effect/Musical Effect = averaged to 300 points possible Music Performance, Ensemble/Music Performance, Individual = averaged to 300 points possible Visual Performance, Ensemble/Visual Performance, Individual = averaged to 200 points possible Auxiliary = 100 points possible Drumline = 100 points possible TOTAL points possible = 1000 (x 0.1 for final score) IF TWO BANDS ARE TIED IN THEIR FINAL POINT TOTAL, THE HIGHER TOTAL IN "MUSIC PERFORMANCE, ENSEMBLE" BREAKS THE TIE.

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2025 FESTIVAL OF CHAMPIONS

CONCOURSE Concessions will be available on the concourse throughout the day. Enjoy some popcorn! Try your luck at the "Fastest Hands Competition" for some percussive prizes! Purchase vintage UCM Bands swag! Take a FREE 360-degree selfie! Learn more about UCM Music! All proceeds support UCM Band students.

AIR GRAMS Air Grams will be sold by the Warrensburg Band Parent's Group, the Band-Aides. These spirited messages will be announced during the intermissions between each band's performance. The cost is $5 per message and all proceeds support WHS Band students.

@UCMBANDS @UCM.BANDS WWW.UCMBANDS.COM

Harrisburg Raytown South El Dorado Springs Midway Crest Ridge William Chrisman Shawnee Mission North Raytown Parkway North Shawnee Mission West Raymore-Peculiar Van Horn Staley Smith-Cotton Republic Logan-Rogersville Platte County Truman Warrensburg Oak Park Shawnee Mission Northwest Shawnee Mission South Lee’s Summit North Lansing Leeton

PERFORMING BANDS

2025 FESTIVAL OF CHAMPIONS

Harrisburg High School 9:00 AM

The Dragon Within Directors & Staff Kevin Fearn, Haydan Fearn, Hailynn Mellowaydewitt, Taylor Derendinger

Drum Majors KyAnn Langdon, Beau Weathers

Number of Performers 55

2025 FESTIVAL OF CHAMPIONS

Raytown South High School

9:15 AM

Into the Sky Directors & Staff Marissa Romero, Mrs. Bronwyn Short, Mr. Zane Brown, Ms. Kayla Tomosieski

Drum Major Isaac LaVergne, Abby Campbell-Junior Drum Major

Number of Performers 55

2025 FESTIVAL OF CHAMPIONS

El Dorado Springs High School

9:30 AM

Dreams of Paradise Directors & Staff Nicholas Vick, Michelle Leroux

Drum Major Aleah Conard

Number of Performers 28

2025 FESTIVAL OF CHAMPIONS

Midway High School 9:45 AM

Stars Directors & Staff Danielle Ellsworth, Renee Reber, Jordan Hargis, Katy Williams

Drum Majors Rilyn Mincks

Number of Performers 34

2025 FESTIVAL OF CHAMPIONS

Crest Ridge High School 10:00 AM

Legendary Directors & Staff Luke Keenan, Deborah Stone

Drum Major Wesley Spurgeon

Number of Performers 32

2025 FESTIVAL OF CHAMPIONS

William Chrisman High School

10:45 AM

Wrath and Redemption Directors & Staff Joe Sisco, Samantha Stevens, Roger Caliman, Laney Burkham

Drum Majors Michael Parvin, Lelan Milligan

Number of Performers 85

2025 FESTIVAL OF CHAMPIONS

Shawnee Mission North High School

11:00 AM

Fantasia Espanola!

Directors & Staff Galen Whisman, Ed Tovar, Lyle Simpson, Michaela Middleton, Ellery Bailey

Drum Majors Lydia Carmody, Sawyer Manirath, Ruby Pye

Number of Performers 97

2025 FESTIVAL OF CHAMPIONS

Raytown High School 11:15 AM

The Requiem of Valhalla Directors & Staff Joseph Hill, Jenna Bartz, Tyler Rick, Joe McCutcheon, Aubrie Clarke, Octavia Duarte

Drum Majors Mariah Collins, Alek McLellan

Number of Performers 89

2025 FESTIVAL OF CHAMPIONS

Parkway North High School

11:30 AM

Bright Ideas Directors & Staff Andrew LaRose, Sarah Wilson, Steven Kruszka, Adam Weiss, Lexie Loy, Arin Davies, Anna Helmer, Jack Finley, Lauren Jackson

Drum Majors Ethan Denny, Evan Bauer

Number of Performers 100

2025 FESTIVAL OF CHAMPIONS

Shawnee Mission West High School

11:45 AM

British Invasion Directors & Staff Bill Thomas, Kevin Hupe, Kyle Brown, Brianna Thomas

Drum Majors Caroline Tims, Lydia Partin, Jake Auer

Number of Performers 90

2025 FESTIVAL OF CHAMPIONS

Raymore-Peculiar High School

12:00 PM

Til Death Do Us Part Directors & Staff Jennifer Byrne, Zach Shupe, Andy Reyes, Neil Pedersen, Kelsey Walker, Katy Ferguson

Drum Majors Caden Johnson, Jesse Johnson

Number of Performers 65

2025 FESTIVAL OF CHAMPIONS

Van Horn High School 1:00 PM

Pure Imagination Directors & Staff Josue Molina, Andrew Fansher, Andrea Dochef, Alex Caselmen

Drum Majors Jayda Anderson-Fouch, Chrimadel Kasongo

Number of Performers 64

2025 FESTIVAL OF CHAMPIONS

Staley High School 1:15 PM

Remember When Directors & Staff Meara Mitchell, Jonathon Kroeger, Candice Hill, Joseph McCutcheon, Rosaria Maenza, Addison Kimmel

Drum Majors Madalinn Gaul, Madeline Dean, Carter Walters

Number of Performers 125

2025 FESTIVAL OF CHAMPIONS

Smith-Cotton High School 1:30 PM

Little Shop of Horrors Directors & Staff Andrew Fischer, Whitney Stumborg, Stephen Broadbent, Tricia Walker, Wyatt Flandermeyer

Drum Majors Gabriel Toderescu, Grayson Young

Number of Performers 111

2025 FESTIVAL OF CHAMPIONS

Republic High School 1:45 PM

Where the Sea Turns Red Directors & Staff Jared Brown, Dan Wyman, Elisa Riedy, Cor Fincher, Shyra Whalon, Brandon Potter, Caiden Conrad, Dawson Havens

Drum Majors Jaclyn Wade, Kayleigh Jones, Addison Rodgers

Number of Performers 117

2025 FESTIVAL OF CHAMPIONS

Logan-Rogersville High School

2:00 PM

Our Verse Directors & Staff Chris Sacco, Devin Hughes, Eric Dameron, Apryll Barnes, Chris Eshbaugh, Darwin Gist, Morgan Allen, Bradley Ashlin, Robert Fairless, Jon Rattenborg

Drum Majors Zianna Parkison, Kenny J. Bat-erdene, Cecilia Baker

Number of Performers 122

2025 FESTIVAL OF CHAMPIONS

Platte County High School 2:15 PM

Cleared for Takeoff!

Directors & Staff Connor Callahan, Dr. Matthew Bonsignore, Christine Chesney, Ray Linville, Shelly Swink, Dalton Haberman, Brooklyn Grafrath, Megan Custard

Drum Majors Indigo Teufel, Kylie VanNess, Brody Duncan

Number of Performers 125

2025 FESTIVAL OF CHAMPIONS

Truman High School 2:30 PM

Heartstrings Directors & Staff Jeremy Meyer, Dan Brewer, Alyzabeth Sullivan, Heather Abney, Caitlyn Vargas, Courtney Abney, Zack Reynolds, Sam Wolf, Caleb White, Eli Munsterman, Chris Putnam

Drum Majors Jaidyn Farnsworth, Shaylen Garrison, Meadow Gessley

Number of Performers 126

2025 FESTIVAL OF CHAMPIONS

Warrensburg High School

3:00 PM

Forged in Battle Directors & Staff Sarah Ray, Jacquelyn Starr, Bailey Ross, Ian McClaflin, Lauren Channel

Drum Majors Olivia Jayne, George Dietz

Number of Performers 113

2025 FESTIVAL OF CHAMPIONS

Oak Park High School 3:15 PM

Stained Glass: The Light Within Directors & Staff Chris Kauffmann, Blake Duren, Brian Burlingame, Jennifer Cannon, Alicia Romanowski, Adam Cannon

Drum Majors Kaycee Kufeldt, Brian Mayer, Audrey Mills

Number of Performers 125

2025 FESTIVAL OF CHAMPIONS

Shawnee Mission Northwest High School

3:30 PM

Elements Directors & Staff Brett Eichman, Grant Morgan, Ellie Ridgway, Matt Calbeck, Mitch Shulfer, Christin LaMourie

Drum Majors Malaina Perry, Kelsey Linn, Lillian Christy

Number of Performers 145

2025 FESTIVAL OF CHAMPIONS

Shawnee Mission South High School

3:45 PM

Ad Astra - To the Stars!

Directors & Staff Steve Adams, Paul Schapker, Cynthia Czczesny, Lewis Renegar, Nick Hmeljak, Morgan Haworth

Drum Majors Isaac LaVergne, Abby Campbell

Number of Performers 143

2025 FESTIVAL OF CHAMPIONS

Lee’s Summit North High School

4:00 PM

Chasing Sunshine Directors & Staff Grant Fischer, Travis Houston, Paige Brown, Kerri Craven, Vivian Scott, Amy Knost, Ethan Godfrey, David Oosee, Greg Hahn

Drum Majors Sydney Sterns, Annabelle Brown, and Brandon Truelove, Jr.

Number of Performers 140

2025 FESTIVAL OF CHAMPIONS

Lansing High School 4:15 PM

The Greatest Show Directors & Staff Bill Turley, Aaron Edwards, Blake Vignery, Natalie Akers

Drum Majors Jaden Dale, Sophie Kurz, Melina Rodriguez

Number of Performers 148

2025 FESTIVAL OF CHAMPIONS

UCM Marching Mules 4:45 PM

Road Trip USA & Missouri Mixtape Directors & Staff Sarah Baker, Alex Smith, Lorena Navarro, Bailey Ross

Drum Majors Evan Birdno, Joey Stewart

Number of Performers 160

2025 FESTIVAL OF CHAMPIONS

Leeton R-X 8:30 AM (Indoor Percussion) 12:00 PM (Indoor Guard)

Directors & Staff Lindsey McCormack

Number of Performers 15

! !!

S IP H S R A L O H C S N IO IT U T L L FU

PRESIDENTIAL ALL-STATE MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP

Covers FULL undergraduate tuition and general fees for ALL FOUR YEARS of study at UCM!

Click to find out why pursuing music at UCM is the right fit for you!

Performing members or alternates of a state-sponsored AllState ensemble at any time during their high school career are eligible for consideration!

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT DR. COREY SEAPY: 660-543-4497 OR SEAPY@UCMO.EDU

DINING HOURS

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UCM 4:45 PM AND 9:30PM EXHIBITIONS

2025 Staff Director of Athletic Bands Dr. Sarah Baker Percussion Director Dr. Alex Smith Color Guard Director Bailey Ross Percussion Instructor Lorena Navarro Drum Majors Evan Birdno, Joey Stewart Percussion Section Leader Nelson Rivera Graduate Assistants Alicyn Quick, Joseph Fry, & Nathan Gargus Audio Engineer James Florkowski Announcer Nikolay Forste Managers Esmeralda Gomez-Gonzalez, Tevin Johnson, Ian Kelly, Cameron King, Tyler Rumore, Tori Waggoner, Emily Westerman Director of Bands Dr. Corey Seapy

36

Section Leaders Piccolo: Lucas Clark, Teagan Loehr, Erica Mallott Clarinet: Ellie Kitchin, Camryn Wingate Saxophone: Dawson Franzen, Maggie Popovich Trumpet: Barrett Conn, Nick Lebermann, Lane Patterson Mellophone: Nathan Patterson, Miles Thurmond Trombone: Olivia Bodenstab, Will Spurgeon Baritone: Grace Dalton, Tyler Quirk Sousaphone: Arnez Rodriquez Front Ensemble: Brook Elliott Snare: Bennett Roustio Quad: Tony Lewis Bass: Emmalie Cockerham Cymbals: Sydney Fris Percussion Leadership: Lumina Campbell, Matt Gannon, Griffin Garner Color Guard: Merrilee Parker, Mallory Wells

AWARDS At 4:45pm, the UCM Marching Mules will present an Exhibition performance to conclude the Preliminary Competition, featuring our two 2025 shows. Directors and Drum Majors are asked to report to the track at this time.

Preliminary Awards will then be announced as follows: Concourse Awards Indoor Percussion Competition Results Indoor Guard Competition Results Outstanding Individual Awards Field Show Results by Class: 3rd, 2nd, 1st Place in A, AA, AAA, and AAAA Finals will include the top scoring band from each Prelim class (4 total) plus the next 6 highest scoring bands, for a total of TEN open-class finalists. The order will be determined by overall Prelim score, beginning with the 10th-highest score and concluding with the highest score.

At 9:30pm, UCM Marching Percussion will present an Exhibition performance to conclude the Finals Competition.

Finals Awards will then be announced as follows:

Finalists #10-5 | 4th | 3rd | 2nd

Grand Champion

2025-2026 EVENTS 001

MARCHING MULES PREVIEW SHOW

AUG 16, 7P

Walton Stadium

002

FAMILY WEEKEND CONCERT

SEPT 28, 3P

Hendricks Hall

003

MARCHING MULE FOR A DAY

OCT 11, ALL DAY

Walton Stadium

004

FESTIVAL OF CHAMPIONS

OCT 18, ALL DAY

Walton Stadium

005

HOMECOMING PARADE & BAND DAY

OCT 25, ALL DAY

Walton Stadium

006

FALL BANDS CONCERT

NOV 13, 7P

Hendricks Hall

007

FIRST LADY’S HOLIDAY CONCERT

DEC 3, 6P

Hendricks Hall

008

MMEA PREVIEW CONCERT

JAN 19, 7P

Stoney Creek

009

ALUMNI BAND DAY & CONCERT

JAN 24, 4P

Hendricks Hall

010

WIND ENSEMBLE CONCERT @ MMEA

JAN 30, 3:15P

Margaritaville

011

HONOR BAND FESTIVAL CONCERT

FEB 15, 7P

Hendricks Hall

012

CHAMBER WINDS CONDUCTING RECITAL FEB 24, 7P

Hart Recital Hall

013

SPRING SYMPHONIC BAND CONCERT

MAR 4, 7P

Hendricks Hall

014

CTS FESTIVAL CONCERT #1

APR 2, 7P

Hendricks Hall

015

CTS FESTIVAL CONCERT #2

APR 3, 7P

Hendricks Hall

41

UCM Division of Music

Eric Honor Chair, School of Visual and Performing Arts

Alan Wenger Chair, Division of Music

Frank Fenley, flute

Jo Darmon, oboe & bassoon

Elisabeth Stimpert, clarinet

Aislinn Walters-Jakary, saxophone

James Isaac, saxophone

David Sullivan, horn

Alan Wenger, trumpet

Roger Oyster, low brass

Alex Smith, percussion

Lorena Navarro percussion

Corey Seapy, bands

Ian McClaflin, percussion

Sarah Baker, bands

UCM Division of Music

John Rutland, orchestra, violin & viola

Michael Bersin, cello & bass

Tom Pender, guitar

David Adams, voice

Jake Sentgeorge, voice

Jackson Thomas, choirs

David Aguila, music tech

Albert Kim, piano

John Check, music theory

Eric Honour, music tech & composition

Travis Garrison, music tech & theory

Cynthia Groff, piano

Mia Kim, piano

Allison Robbins, musicology

Jeff Kaiser, music tech & composition

Pat Setser, music education

Scott Maple, music education

THANK YOU!

We hope to see you in Fall 2026... if not before!