Farmington Marching Invitational

Ensemble Quick Details

Registration Window: open through August 31st, 2024.

Event date: Saturday, September 21st, 2024

Entry fee: $275 made payable to "Farmington Band Boosters"

Admission prices: $10 for adults and $5 for non-performing school-age children

Our 2024 Judging Panel is comprised entirely of current and/or retired band directors:

Music Ensemble - Linda Huck, Farmington

Music Effect - Keith Ruether, Lebanon

Visual Ensemble - Mark Martin

Visual Effect - Todd James, Oklahoma City, OK

Percussion- Shane Batchelor, Grain Valley

Guard - Mary Jo Miller, Missouri State

Festival Info

Field competition will be structured according to the number of schools entered and MSHSAA classification in football (Class 1-6). The competition will NOT be a "prelims/finals" format. Should any class be too small to "stand alone," two or more classes may be combined. Place awards will be presented to ALL participating bands. Caption awards (music, visual, percussion, & auxiliary) will also be presented for each class. Entries will be accepted through August 31. Order of performances will be determined by timestamp of online entry. Check back often for updates, schedules, maps, etc. The final mailing containing the schedule and other pertinent information will be sent out electronically on September 1 to the email address given on the entry form. If you have any questions, you may contact me by telephone or email at 573-701-1300 x2220 or <enaes@farmington.k12.mo.us>.

Clinic Format

The option for a clinic was first offered in 2022. With our competition being early in the year, many schools do not perform their whole show and do not have every detail completed. The clinic offers the best educational situation for veteran and young teachers alike. Directors are able to use their clinic time however it best fits their band: rehearse a certain chunk a few times, rehearse a few sections a few times, do one full run, do a basics block, or whatever can fit in your clinic time. Think of it as a short rehearsal with 6 additional expert staff members. Directors and any other staff are encouraged to sit in the bleachers with the judges to discuss what they see and hear, and can receive feedback right away. If directors would rather be on the field and then come over to the bleachers after, that'd be fine as well. Please contact Elliot Naes if you have any additional questions.

FMI History

In September 1998, the first annual Farmington Marching Invitational was held in memory of Mr. John Biri. John was president of the Farmington Band Boosters the preceding year. It was his dream to someday host a competitive marching festival for high school bands. Since that time, the Farmington Band Boosters have hosted this event on the third Saturday in September. Field performances are held on Jack Richardson Field in Haile Memorial Stadium. Over the years, the contest has hosted as many as 32 bands. Proceeds benefit the Farmington Band Boosters.