RANDY ADAMS
A native of Tell City, Indiana, Mr. Adams is in his 11th year as Director of Bands at Madisonville North Hopkins High School. Prior to that, he spent 17 years as Assistant Director of Bands at MNHHS and Director of Bands at Browning Springs Middle School. He received his BME (’96) and MME (’06) from Murray State University.
His teaching accomplishments include numerous Distinguished Ratings with Madisonville North Hopkins and Browning Springs at the KMEA 2nd District Concert Band Festival. Mr. Adams has also helped Madisonville North Hopkins achieve 18 appearances at the KMEA State Marching Band Finals, including 10 state championships from 2005 to 2014. Madisonville North Hopkins has marched at Presidents Clinton’s Second Inauguration, Disney World’s New Year’s Eve Light Parade, The Citrus Bowl Parade, and the World War II Monument dedication. Most recently, Madisonville North Hopkins performed at the New York Wind Band Festival in 2012 at prestigious Carnegie Hall, where the Concert Band received a Gold Rating and the Symphonic Band was a featured ensemble.
Mr. Adams also teaches Percussion Ensemble at MNHHS and co-teaches at James Madison Middle School with Alan Emerson and Browning Springs Middle School with Cory Mullins. Mr. Adams enjoys performing in and outside of the community, as well as being an active marching band arranger and adjudicator. He has been the guest conductor at the Quad State Junior High and Senior High Band Festivals at Murray State University. Mr. Adams has been included in Who’s Who Among American Teachers and National Honor Roll’s Outstanding American Teachers publications. In 2012, Mr. Adams received a Certificate of Merit for Marching Excellence from the National Band Association and was named the Madisonville Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Teacher in 2015. Mr. Adams has served as the KMEA District 2 Marching Band Chairman. He is a member of National Band Association, Kentucky Music Educators Association, NAfME, Kentucky Education Association, Phi Beta Mu Bandmasters Fraternity, Percussive Arts Society, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Professional Music Fraternity.
Mr. Adams has been married for 21 years to his wife, Dr. Sara Balduf Adams (’97), who is a historical musicologist and an Associate Professor of Music at Madisonville Community College. They are the proud parents of 2 daughters; Clara Jean (11) and Ella Ray (9).
Email Mr. Adams here
A native of Tell City, Indiana, Mr. Adams is in his 11th year as Director of Bands at Madisonville North Hopkins High School. Prior to that, he spent 17 years as Assistant Director of Bands at MNHHS and Director of Bands at Browning Springs Middle School. He received his BME (’96) and MME (’06) from Murray State University.
His teaching accomplishments include numerous Distinguished Ratings with Madisonville North Hopkins and Browning Springs at the KMEA 2nd District Concert Band Festival. Mr. Adams has also helped Madisonville North Hopkins achieve 18 appearances at the KMEA State Marching Band Finals, including 10 state championships from 2005 to 2014. Madisonville North Hopkins has marched at Presidents Clinton’s Second Inauguration, Disney World’s New Year’s Eve Light Parade, The Citrus Bowl Parade, and the World War II Monument dedication. Most recently, Madisonville North Hopkins performed at the New York Wind Band Festival in 2012 at prestigious Carnegie Hall, where the Concert Band received a Gold Rating and the Symphonic Band was a featured ensemble.
Mr. Adams also teaches Percussion Ensemble at MNHHS and co-teaches at James Madison Middle School with Alan Emerson and Browning Springs Middle School with Cory Mullins. Mr. Adams enjoys performing in and outside of the community, as well as being an active marching band arranger and adjudicator. He has been the guest conductor at the Quad State Junior High and Senior High Band Festivals at Murray State University. Mr. Adams has been included in Who’s Who Among American Teachers and National Honor Roll’s Outstanding American Teachers publications. In 2012, Mr. Adams received a Certificate of Merit for Marching Excellence from the National Band Association and was named the Madisonville Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Teacher in 2015. Mr. Adams has served as the KMEA District 2 Marching Band Chairman. He is a member of National Band Association, Kentucky Music Educators Association, NAfME, Kentucky Education Association, Phi Beta Mu Bandmasters Fraternity, Percussive Arts Society, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Professional Music Fraternity.
Mr. Adams has been married for 21 years to his wife, Dr. Sara Balduf Adams (’97), who is a historical musicologist and an Associate Professor of Music at Madisonville Community College. They are the proud parents of 2 daughters; Clara Jean (11) and Ella Ray (9).
Email Mr. Adams here
ALAN EMERSON
Alan Emerson, born in Owensboro, KY, received his BME (1994) and MME (2004) degrees from Murray State University. Mr. Emerson began his teaching career in Owensboro at Audubon Elementary School and Apollo High School.
In 1995 Mr. Emerson began teaching for the Hopkins County School system and works with Madisonville North Hopkins High School and James Madison Middle School Bands. James Madison Middle School (160 students, grades 6-8) currently has 32% of the student body involved in the instrumental music program. The 7th and 8th grade bands continually receive distinguished ratings at KMEA large ensemble festival. James Madison bands have also competed in the "Music in the Parks" festivals and "Holiday World" music festival and have been rated superior on each occasion and winning all classifications, including high school, in 2004, 2011, 2014 and 2017. The 2016 James Madison 8th grade band was selected and performed in the Kentucky Chapter of the Phi Beta Mu concert festival; one of 2 Middle school bands selected.
Madisonville North Hopkins High School Band (100 Members) offers many outstanding ensembles for its students: Marching Band (22 state finals appearances and 10 state championships, 8 Murray State Festival of Champions Grand Champions), Symphonic Band, Concert Band, 2 Jazz Bands, Brass Choir, Chamber Winds, Percussion Ensemble, and two Winter Guards. Mr. Emerson proudly team-teaches these ensembles with Mr. Randy Adams and Mr. Cory Mullins. Madisonville North Hopkins has performed at Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, President Clinton's Second Inauguration, and the World War II monument dedication, Disney World's parades including New Year’s Eve Light Parade, and the New York Wind Band Festival at prestigious Carnegie Hall in February 2012.
Besides his teaching duties in Hopkins County, Mr. Emerson is also a composer/arranger for Fannin Musical Productions and an active arranger for high school marching bands with over 130 shows to his credit.
Mr. Emerson’s drum and bugle corps experience includes Star of Indiana (1988), The Crossmen (1994-1998) and Eklipse (2003). Mr. Emerson has been awarded the KMEA 2nd District Middle School "Music Educator of the Year" numerous times and is the 2004 recipient of the Hopkins County Middle School "Teacher of the Year" and 2015 Kentucky Music Educators Middle School “Teacher of the Year.”
Mr. Emerson is married to Sarah, an AP senior English teacher at Madisonville-North Hopkins. Mrs. Emerson was involved with the MNHHS color/winter guards from 2002-2022. Mr. and Mrs. Emerson have one child, Jane, born in 2012.
email Mr. Emerson here
Alan Emerson, born in Owensboro, KY, received his BME (1994) and MME (2004) degrees from Murray State University. Mr. Emerson began his teaching career in Owensboro at Audubon Elementary School and Apollo High School.
In 1995 Mr. Emerson began teaching for the Hopkins County School system and works with Madisonville North Hopkins High School and James Madison Middle School Bands. James Madison Middle School (160 students, grades 6-8) currently has 32% of the student body involved in the instrumental music program. The 7th and 8th grade bands continually receive distinguished ratings at KMEA large ensemble festival. James Madison bands have also competed in the "Music in the Parks" festivals and "Holiday World" music festival and have been rated superior on each occasion and winning all classifications, including high school, in 2004, 2011, 2014 and 2017. The 2016 James Madison 8th grade band was selected and performed in the Kentucky Chapter of the Phi Beta Mu concert festival; one of 2 Middle school bands selected.
Madisonville North Hopkins High School Band (100 Members) offers many outstanding ensembles for its students: Marching Band (22 state finals appearances and 10 state championships, 8 Murray State Festival of Champions Grand Champions), Symphonic Band, Concert Band, 2 Jazz Bands, Brass Choir, Chamber Winds, Percussion Ensemble, and two Winter Guards. Mr. Emerson proudly team-teaches these ensembles with Mr. Randy Adams and Mr. Cory Mullins. Madisonville North Hopkins has performed at Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, President Clinton's Second Inauguration, and the World War II monument dedication, Disney World's parades including New Year’s Eve Light Parade, and the New York Wind Band Festival at prestigious Carnegie Hall in February 2012.
Besides his teaching duties in Hopkins County, Mr. Emerson is also a composer/arranger for Fannin Musical Productions and an active arranger for high school marching bands with over 130 shows to his credit.
Mr. Emerson’s drum and bugle corps experience includes Star of Indiana (1988), The Crossmen (1994-1998) and Eklipse (2003). Mr. Emerson has been awarded the KMEA 2nd District Middle School "Music Educator of the Year" numerous times and is the 2004 recipient of the Hopkins County Middle School "Teacher of the Year" and 2015 Kentucky Music Educators Middle School “Teacher of the Year.”
Mr. Emerson is married to Sarah, an AP senior English teacher at Madisonville-North Hopkins. Mrs. Emerson was involved with the MNHHS color/winter guards from 2002-2022. Mr. and Mrs. Emerson have one child, Jane, born in 2012.
email Mr. Emerson here
CORY MULLINS
Cory Mullins, a native of Murray, KY, graduated from Calloway County High School (2007) and received his Bachelor of Music Education degree (2011) from Murray State University.
In 2012, Mr. Mullins began teaching for the Metropolitan School District of Mt. Vernon (IN) and was director of the instrumental programs at both Mt. Vernon High School and Mt. Vernon Jr. High. During his tenure at Mt. Vernon, Mr. Mullins directed the Marching Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band, Percussion Ensemble, Chamber Winds and Winter Guard.
In 2013, Mr. Mullins began his teaching career with the Hopkins County schools. He is currently serving as the Director of Bands at Browning Springs Middle School. As
well as one of the Assistant Band Directors at Madisonville North Hopkins High School which he team teaches the Marching band, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Jazz ensembles and chamber winds with Mr. Randy Adams & Mr. Alan Emerson.
Besides his teaching duties in Hopkins County, Mr. Mullins is an alumnus of Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps (2009, 2010), an alumnus of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia
Music Fraternity, Kentucky Education Association, Kentucky Music Educators Association and actively plays in community events. Mr. Mullins is married to Mrs. Amy Mullins, the Fine Arts teacher at Hanson Elementary School.
email Mr. Mullins here
Cory Mullins, a native of Murray, KY, graduated from Calloway County High School (2007) and received his Bachelor of Music Education degree (2011) from Murray State University.
In 2012, Mr. Mullins began teaching for the Metropolitan School District of Mt. Vernon (IN) and was director of the instrumental programs at both Mt. Vernon High School and Mt. Vernon Jr. High. During his tenure at Mt. Vernon, Mr. Mullins directed the Marching Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band, Percussion Ensemble, Chamber Winds and Winter Guard.
In 2013, Mr. Mullins began his teaching career with the Hopkins County schools. He is currently serving as the Director of Bands at Browning Springs Middle School. As
well as one of the Assistant Band Directors at Madisonville North Hopkins High School which he team teaches the Marching band, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Jazz ensembles and chamber winds with Mr. Randy Adams & Mr. Alan Emerson.
Besides his teaching duties in Hopkins County, Mr. Mullins is an alumnus of Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps (2009, 2010), an alumnus of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia
Music Fraternity, Kentucky Education Association, Kentucky Music Educators Association and actively plays in community events. Mr. Mullins is married to Mrs. Amy Mullins, the Fine Arts teacher at Hanson Elementary School.
email Mr. Mullins here
KIRSTEN MENDOZA
Born and raised in Madisonville Kentucky, Kirsten Mendoza graduated from MNHHS in 2018 and attended Murray State University, graduating in 2022 with a bachelors in Art and a certificate in teaching.
A former member of the MNHHS band and color-guard, Mrs. Mendoza never lost contact with the program and her love for the art form. In the fall of 2022, she began her first year of teaching at JMMS as an art instructor as well as her first year of coaching color guard at MNHHS. In the following winter, she began her first season of coaching the MNHHS Winter Guard.Outside of school, you can find Mrs. Mendoza volunteering at her local church, painting at home, or taking care of her cat, dog, and loving husband. She is beyond excited to be a part of the MNHHS band program once again to help continue to build its legacy.
Born and raised in Madisonville Kentucky, Kirsten Mendoza graduated from MNHHS in 2018 and attended Murray State University, graduating in 2022 with a bachelors in Art and a certificate in teaching.
A former member of the MNHHS band and color-guard, Mrs. Mendoza never lost contact with the program and her love for the art form. In the fall of 2022, she began her first year of teaching at JMMS as an art instructor as well as her first year of coaching color guard at MNHHS. In the following winter, she began her first season of coaching the MNHHS Winter Guard.Outside of school, you can find Mrs. Mendoza volunteering at her local church, painting at home, or taking care of her cat, dog, and loving husband. She is beyond excited to be a part of the MNHHS band program once again to help continue to build its legacy.
CAYCE SPENCE
Hi! My name is Cayce Spence and I am the Rifle Coach for the MNH Maroon Color Guard. I attended MNHHS from 2007-2011 graduating from a band program that changed my life. Marching Band instilled skills that I am forever grateful for and provided friendships that will last a lifetime. I am a mother to a wonderful 3-year-old, Theo, and wife to Jacob for 9-1/2 years.
In my free time I enjoy playing outside with Theo and being around our families. In addition to my home life, I am an Office Manager for Charbon Contracting here in Madisonville, KY.
Being welcomed back into the Maroon Band family has been a wonderful, and craved, experience. I am so excited to see what this band will accomplish this season and for many years to come!
Hi! My name is Cayce Spence and I am the Rifle Coach for the MNH Maroon Color Guard. I attended MNHHS from 2007-2011 graduating from a band program that changed my life. Marching Band instilled skills that I am forever grateful for and provided friendships that will last a lifetime. I am a mother to a wonderful 3-year-old, Theo, and wife to Jacob for 9-1/2 years.
In my free time I enjoy playing outside with Theo and being around our families. In addition to my home life, I am an Office Manager for Charbon Contracting here in Madisonville, KY.
Being welcomed back into the Maroon Band family has been a wonderful, and craved, experience. I am so excited to see what this band will accomplish this season and for many years to come!
LIAM COURSEY
Liam Coursey, of Madisonville, Ky, Graduated from MNHHS in 2017 before getting a BME (in vocal music) from Murray State University in 2022.
Mr. Coursey began assisting with the MNHHS Marching Band immediately following his graduation and has continued on staff ever since. He has also assisted the choirs of MNHHS and James Madison Middle School with performances since early 2017, before his graduation.
Mr. Coursey has been part of several pit orchestras for performances at the Glema Mahr Center for the Arts, in Madisonville, and in 2021 he became the Director of Music for summer camps and Community Theater performances.
While at Murray State Mr. Coursey was part of the Concert Choir, Treble Bass Chorus, Town and Gown Chorale, and the Jazz Orchestra (as pianist). He accompanied many University ensembles, and soloists, in his time at MSU, and was fortunate enough to be world premieres of pieces, both as a pianist and a singer. It was also during this time that he started as an Organist for local churches.
In April of 2022 Mr. Coursey was hired as Itinerant Choral Director for Hopkins County Schools, serving at MNHHS and JMMS, where he also leads the Drama Club, and continues to assist with the Marching Maroon band program. He is absolutely thrilled to be part of the Maroon family and continue to support the programs which have shaped his life to this point.
Liam Coursey, of Madisonville, Ky, Graduated from MNHHS in 2017 before getting a BME (in vocal music) from Murray State University in 2022.
Mr. Coursey began assisting with the MNHHS Marching Band immediately following his graduation and has continued on staff ever since. He has also assisted the choirs of MNHHS and James Madison Middle School with performances since early 2017, before his graduation.
Mr. Coursey has been part of several pit orchestras for performances at the Glema Mahr Center for the Arts, in Madisonville, and in 2021 he became the Director of Music for summer camps and Community Theater performances.
While at Murray State Mr. Coursey was part of the Concert Choir, Treble Bass Chorus, Town and Gown Chorale, and the Jazz Orchestra (as pianist). He accompanied many University ensembles, and soloists, in his time at MSU, and was fortunate enough to be world premieres of pieces, both as a pianist and a singer. It was also during this time that he started as an Organist for local churches.
In April of 2022 Mr. Coursey was hired as Itinerant Choral Director for Hopkins County Schools, serving at MNHHS and JMMS, where he also leads the Drama Club, and continues to assist with the Marching Maroon band program. He is absolutely thrilled to be part of the Maroon family and continue to support the programs which have shaped his life to this point.
ALLEN COURINGTON
Allen (Al) Courington is a native of Madisonville, Kentucky. He is a graduate of Campbellsville University, with a bachelors degree in music education and he is currently pursuing a masters degree in teacher leadership from Murray State University. Al currently serves as a visual and performing arts (music/art) teacher, and the Gifted and Talented Coordinator at Southside Elementary School. He is a member of the Tradewater Brass Quintet. Al attends First Christian Church, where he is in the choir and church orchestra. In his spare time he enjoys travel and fishing.
Allen (Al) Courington is a native of Madisonville, Kentucky. He is a graduate of Campbellsville University, with a bachelors degree in music education and he is currently pursuing a masters degree in teacher leadership from Murray State University. Al currently serves as a visual and performing arts (music/art) teacher, and the Gifted and Talented Coordinator at Southside Elementary School. He is a member of the Tradewater Brass Quintet. Al attends First Christian Church, where he is in the choir and church orchestra. In his spare time he enjoys travel and fishing.
BRENT BURRIS
Brent Burris is presently entering his 17th year of education in Muhlenberg County, serving as curriculum specialist/middle school MOVE coordinator for The Renaissance Center. He has served as band director for Muhlenberg County HS, Muhlenberg South HS, Muhlenberg South MS, Glasgow HS, and Cumberland County HS/MS (all in KY). He previously served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at Western Kentucky University, where he obtained his Bachelor of Music Education and Master of Arts in Education degrees. He also holds a Rank I in Educational Leadership from Eastern Kentucky University.
Bands under his direction have made multiple invited appearances at the KMEA In-Service Conference, performed at the Dixie Classic Grand National Adjudicators Festival (Festival Honor Band), and have received the National Band Association’s Citation of Excellence. High school and middle school concert bands under his direction have been identified with KMEA’s Exemplary Performance Status. His marching bands have been named Bands of America Grand National Semi-finalists, KMEA finalists, and have also earned numerous distinguished and grand champion awards. The 2007 Muhlenberg South Marching Suns were named the KMEA Class AA State Champion, and were the Class AA Runner-Up in 2008. Students under his direction have been named to the KMEA All-State Symphonic, Concert, and Jazz Bands, All-State Orchestra, University of Kentucky Honors Wind Ensemble, Western Kentucky University Honors Band, Murray State University Quad State, and the Kentucky All-State Baptist Youth Orchestra. From 2015-2022, he served as staff coordinator for the Castle High School band in Newburgh, IN. The Castle band was a multiple BOA Grand National finalist, as well as the BOA Class AAA National champion, Clarksville Regional champion, Indianapolis Super Regional class champion, and Louisville Regional class champion during his tenure.
Mr. Burris has served two terms on the KMEA Board of Directors, while also serving as President of the Third District Music Educators Association. He has also served on the KMEA Conference Planning Committee, as Band-Chair and Marching Band Committee Representative for District 3, and is a member of Phi Beta Mu and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. He was named Outstanding Young Band Director by Phi Beta Mu for the state of Kentucky in 2003, has been twice included in Who’s Who among America’s Teachers, and has received citations from the Kentucky Senate and House of Representatives. His articles, The Grass Isn’t Always Greener, and Be Committed, were published in editions of the Bluegrass Music News, and he has also been a clinic presenter at the KMEA In-Service Conference. He has served as an adjudicator, clinician, and consultant in Kentucky, Indiana, Missouri, Mississippi, and Tennessee, and recently received the KMEA 25-year award.
He currently owns Brent Burris Designs, specializing in marching band drill and consultation for bands throughout the region. He is honored to serve on staff for the Madisonville North Hopkins band program.
Brent Burris is presently entering his 17th year of education in Muhlenberg County, serving as curriculum specialist/middle school MOVE coordinator for The Renaissance Center. He has served as band director for Muhlenberg County HS, Muhlenberg South HS, Muhlenberg South MS, Glasgow HS, and Cumberland County HS/MS (all in KY). He previously served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at Western Kentucky University, where he obtained his Bachelor of Music Education and Master of Arts in Education degrees. He also holds a Rank I in Educational Leadership from Eastern Kentucky University.
Bands under his direction have made multiple invited appearances at the KMEA In-Service Conference, performed at the Dixie Classic Grand National Adjudicators Festival (Festival Honor Band), and have received the National Band Association’s Citation of Excellence. High school and middle school concert bands under his direction have been identified with KMEA’s Exemplary Performance Status. His marching bands have been named Bands of America Grand National Semi-finalists, KMEA finalists, and have also earned numerous distinguished and grand champion awards. The 2007 Muhlenberg South Marching Suns were named the KMEA Class AA State Champion, and were the Class AA Runner-Up in 2008. Students under his direction have been named to the KMEA All-State Symphonic, Concert, and Jazz Bands, All-State Orchestra, University of Kentucky Honors Wind Ensemble, Western Kentucky University Honors Band, Murray State University Quad State, and the Kentucky All-State Baptist Youth Orchestra. From 2015-2022, he served as staff coordinator for the Castle High School band in Newburgh, IN. The Castle band was a multiple BOA Grand National finalist, as well as the BOA Class AAA National champion, Clarksville Regional champion, Indianapolis Super Regional class champion, and Louisville Regional class champion during his tenure.
Mr. Burris has served two terms on the KMEA Board of Directors, while also serving as President of the Third District Music Educators Association. He has also served on the KMEA Conference Planning Committee, as Band-Chair and Marching Band Committee Representative for District 3, and is a member of Phi Beta Mu and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. He was named Outstanding Young Band Director by Phi Beta Mu for the state of Kentucky in 2003, has been twice included in Who’s Who among America’s Teachers, and has received citations from the Kentucky Senate and House of Representatives. His articles, The Grass Isn’t Always Greener, and Be Committed, were published in editions of the Bluegrass Music News, and he has also been a clinic presenter at the KMEA In-Service Conference. He has served as an adjudicator, clinician, and consultant in Kentucky, Indiana, Missouri, Mississippi, and Tennessee, and recently received the KMEA 25-year award.
He currently owns Brent Burris Designs, specializing in marching band drill and consultation for bands throughout the region. He is honored to serve on staff for the Madisonville North Hopkins band program.
RUSSELL SHARTZER
Russell Shartzer is professional tubist and Jupiter Artist from Louisville, Ky. He has studied tuba with Sumner Erickson, Ryan Moore, Chris Bettler, John Jones Jr, Sam Pilafian and John Manning. Russell began teaching marching bands after marching drum corps and his a long list of success organizations on his resume. Russell has taught with the staff at Madisonville North Hopkins off and on for 20 years and is always eager to help.
Russell Shartzer is professional tubist and Jupiter Artist from Louisville, Ky. He has studied tuba with Sumner Erickson, Ryan Moore, Chris Bettler, John Jones Jr, Sam Pilafian and John Manning. Russell began teaching marching bands after marching drum corps and his a long list of success organizations on his resume. Russell has taught with the staff at Madisonville North Hopkins off and on for 20 years and is always eager to help.