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 

Pre-register now to perform at the beautiful Audrey J. Walton Stadium! This year's festival will feature: 

• Up to thirty field bands in four divisions
• Prelims/Finals format (10 finalists; top score in each division and six remaining high scores)
• CompetitionSuite digital scoring and adjudication with HD video
• Instant digital access to feedback to help prepare those ensembles advancing to finals
• Indoor percussion and guard competitions
• Registration fees not due until September 1

To secure your spot, click the button below now!

FOC 2023 Pre-Registration

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