Blake Duren was born and raised in St. Louis, performing on low brass instruments and bass guitar. He then traveled to Columbia and the University of Missouri where he graduated with his Bachelor of Music Education. While at Mizzou, Mr. Duren performed with the top ensembles in the areas of concert, jazz and athletic bands and he studied tuba under Dr. Angelo Manzo. His upright bass playing can be heard on “In This Hid Clearing…” recording with the Mizzou Wind Ensemble. One notable achievement was his selection as Drum Major for Marching Mizzou. Working in Cameron, MO from 2007-2019, Mr. Duren worked with the middle school and high school bands, continuing a long-standing tradition of excellence. During his tenure there, the Symphonic band received 12 years of “1” ratings at MSHSAA Music Festival, the marching band received 1st place in class awards at parade competitions, and the 7:02 Jazz Band received top ensemble and soloist awards at jazz festivals. In 2014 Mr. Duren completed his Masters in Educational Leadership degree through Northwest Missouri State University and received National Board Certification in Instrumental Music. He is also held leadership positions for the Northwest Missouri Music Educators District, judges tuba for All-District/All-State Band auditions and co-presented a tuba workshop at the Missouri Bandmasters Association Summer Conference. In 2016, he was selected as a finalist for Northwest Missouri Teacher of the Year. Currently, Mr. Duren is the Director of Bands at Antioch Middle School and Assistant Band Director at Oak Park High School in the North Kansas City School District. In 2023, he received his Educational Specialist Degree through NWMSU. In 2022, 2023 and 2024, he won Kahler Education Grants from the NKC Education Foundation to support the Antioch Middle School Jazz Band. Mr. Duren lives in Kansas City with his wife, and two children. Mr. Duren is a member of the Missouri Music Educators Association, the Missouri Bandmasters Association, the Cameron Municipal Band and the Missouri State Teachers Association.

Chris Kauffmann is currently the Director of Bands at Oak Park High School in the North Kansas City School District. Mr. Kauffmann conducts the Oak Park Symphonic Band, the Oak Park Marching Northmen Band, and the Oak Park Jazz Band. Mr. Kauffmann previously served as the Lead Band Director at Platte City Middle School, while also Conducting the Platte County Concert Band and assisting with the Pride and Traditions Marching Bands. Other previous positions include Director of the Bands in the North Platte School District for seven years and Assistant Director in the Willard School District for two years.

Mr. Kauffmann currently holds a Masters in Music Education degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory. Mr. Kauffmann also received a Bachelor of Instrumental Music Education with honors from Missouri State University. While at Missouri State, he was active in all areas of the Pride Bands, including the Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, and multiple Jazz Bands.