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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 45th Annual UCM Festival of Champions | Saturday, October 18, 2025
Directors, a few spots remain and there’s still time to register your band! Click here to sign up:
Stay tuned for ticket information, a performance schedule, and more!
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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.
