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Festival of Champions
For over 40 years, the UCM Bands have been proud to host some of the most outstanding band programs in the region for its annual marching band competition, the Festival of Champions. Beginning as the Missouri Music Bowl in 1978, this competition has grown to showcase over 30 of the best bands from Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, Nebraska, and Illinois each year. The event includes competitions in field show performance, indoor percussion, and indoor guard. Directors can participate in one or all three competitions in the same day.
The field show competition is set up as a prelim/finals format. Immediately after the preliminary round, the UCM Marching Mules will perform in exhibition. UCM Marching Percussion performs immediately after the finals round.
We welcome bands of all sizes and all levels of proficiency to gain a productive experience.
The 42nd Annual UCM Festival of Champions
Register now to perform at beautiful Audrey J. Walton Stadium! This year's festival/competition will feature:
- A virtual pre-assessment option to help get your ensemble in top shape for the live performance
- 28 field bands in four division categories (A, AA, AAA, AAAA)
- Prelims/Finals format
- Instant audio feedback to help prepare those ensembles advancing to finals
- Instant video feedback from the visual adjudicators to help prepare those ensembles advancing to finals
- Registration fees not due until September 1
Click the red registration button below.
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Areas of Competition
Field Show Competition
The field show competition features both Prelim and Finals. Field show bands are grouped into four competitive classes based on total number of performers (excluding auxiliary units and drum majors).
Indoor Percussion Competition
Groups participating in the indoor percussion competition are grouped in their school's field show competition band or the Missouri MSHSAA classifications.
Field show participation is not required to enter the indoor percussion competition.
Indoor Guard Competition
Groups participating in the indoor guard competition are grouped in the same class as their school's field show competition band or Missouri MSHSAA classification.
Field show participation is not required to enter the indoor guard competition.
Resources for Directors and Spectators
For Directors
Information for directors participating in the annual Festival of Champions competition are located in the Director's Portal. Please use the link provided in the email after registration to access this secured site or email UCM Bands for the link.
For Parents & Spectators
Click here for the UCM Festival of Champions guidebook for parents, families, and the general public.
