Alan Emerson, born in Owensboro, KY, received his BME (1994) and MME (2004) degrees from Murray State University, and also completed National Boards for Teaching Music (2022).
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, James Madison Middle School and Browning Springs Middle School Bands. James Madison bands have 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, 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 (25 state finals appearances, 10 state championships, 8 Murray State Festival of Champions Grand Champions), Concert Band, 3 Jazz Bands, Brass Choir, Chamber Winds, Percussion Ensemble, and two Winter Guards. Mr. Emerson proudly team-teaches these ensembles with Mr. Cory Mullins and Mr. A.G. Van Fleet.
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 is also serving on the executive board for the Kentucky Music Educators Association (2021-2027). Mr. Emerson is also an active clinician for middle and high school concert bands and jazz bands.
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 junior-senior English teacher at Madisonville-North Hopkins. Mrs. Emerson taught the MNHHS color/winter guards from 2002-2022. Mr. and Mrs. Emerson have one child, Jane, born in 2012. Jane proudly plays saxophone at James Madison MS and receives dance instruction in Hopkinsville KY at BlueGrass DanceCats.
email: [email protected]
Cory Mullins, from Murray, KY, graduated from Calloway County High School (2007) and received his Bachelor of Music Education degree (2011) from Murray State University. In 2018 he received his Masters Degree in Advanced Study of Education: Curriculum, Instruction & Teacher Leadership.
Mr. Mullins was a member of the Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps (2009-10).
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 Senior High School and Mt. Vernon Jr. High School. 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 Hopkins County Schools, where he served as the Director of Bands at Browning Springs Middle School for 11 years. The Browning Springs Bands grew and maintained 20% of the student enrollment. The Browning Springs Band program has received numerous Distinguished ratings at KMEA 2nd District Concert Festival Assessment. In 2025 Mr. Mullins began his tenure at James Madison Middle School.
Mr. Mullins has been a Director of bands for the Madisonville North Hopkins High School Marching Maroons since 2013. During this time he has been a co-teacher for the Marching Band, Concert Bands, Pep Bands, and Jazz Ensembles.
Mr. Mullins is a Visual Concept Designer and has designed for the Marching Maroons (2011, 2017-21 & 2024 - current) Mt. Vernon (2012) and worked as a drill designer for the MNH Winter Guards (2017-2019).
Mr. Mullins has been an active participant and conductor for the Glema Mahr Center for the Arts Summer Musicals: (2013-14), Pit Orchestra Conductor, 2016, 2024, 2025 Pit Orchestra Performer.
Besides his teaching duties in Hopkins County, he is 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 Visual & Performing Arts teacher at Hanson Elementary School. They have three children Henry, Andy & Darcy Mullins.
email: [email protected]
Mr. Mullins was a member of the Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps (2009-10).
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 Senior High School and Mt. Vernon Jr. High School. 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 Hopkins County Schools, where he served as the Director of Bands at Browning Springs Middle School for 11 years. The Browning Springs Bands grew and maintained 20% of the student enrollment. The Browning Springs Band program has received numerous Distinguished ratings at KMEA 2nd District Concert Festival Assessment. In 2025 Mr. Mullins began his tenure at James Madison Middle School.
Mr. Mullins has been a Director of bands for the Madisonville North Hopkins High School Marching Maroons since 2013. During this time he has been a co-teacher for the Marching Band, Concert Bands, Pep Bands, and Jazz Ensembles.
Mr. Mullins is a Visual Concept Designer and has designed for the Marching Maroons (2011, 2017-21 & 2024 - current) Mt. Vernon (2012) and worked as a drill designer for the MNH Winter Guards (2017-2019).
Mr. Mullins has been an active participant and conductor for the Glema Mahr Center for the Arts Summer Musicals: (2013-14), Pit Orchestra Conductor, 2016, 2024, 2025 Pit Orchestra Performer.
Besides his teaching duties in Hopkins County, he is 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 Visual & Performing Arts teacher at Hanson Elementary School. They have three children Henry, Andy & Darcy Mullins.
email: [email protected]
Mr. A.G. Van Fleet is from Rochester Kentucky, and graduated high school in 2012 from Butler County High School in Morgantown Kentucky. He earned his music education degree from WKU in 2024. While at WKU, Mr. Van Fleet studied trumpet and jazz under Dr. Sarah Herbert. He also performed in the Trumpet Ensemble, Jazz Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, and University Singers
During and prior to his time at WKU, Mr. Van Fleet taught band at several band programs in the area as well as gave private lessons. His student teaching was completed at Grayson County High School where he taught under Aaron and Ashley Bell.
Mr Van Fleet is in his second year as band director at Browning Springs Middle School and assistant band director at Madisonville North Hopkins High School where he assists in all ensembles including Concert Band, Marching Band, Jazz Band, Trumpet Ensemble, and Brass Quintet. He loves teaching all things band, and sharing his passion for music with all students.
Outside of band, Mr. Van Fleet has an 11 year old son named Oliver who he’s very proud of and just started 6th grade band. He also loves ice cream, nerdy movies, and Braves baseball!
email: [email protected]
During and prior to his time at WKU, Mr. Van Fleet taught band at several band programs in the area as well as gave private lessons. His student teaching was completed at Grayson County High School where he taught under Aaron and Ashley Bell.
Mr Van Fleet is in his second year as band director at Browning Springs Middle School and assistant band director at Madisonville North Hopkins High School where he assists in all ensembles including Concert Band, Marching Band, Jazz Band, Trumpet Ensemble, and Brass Quintet. He loves teaching all things band, and sharing his passion for music with all students.
Outside of band, Mr. Van Fleet has an 11 year old son named Oliver who he’s very proud of and just started 6th grade band. He also loves ice cream, nerdy movies, and Braves baseball!
email: [email protected]
Born and raised in Madisonville, Kentucky, Kirsten Mendoza is a proud graduate of Madisonville North Hopkins High School, where she graduated in 2018. She went on to attend Murray State University, earning her Bachelor of Arts in Painting and a teaching certificate in 2022.
A former member of the MNHHS Band and Color Guard, Mrs. Mendoza never lost her connection to the program or her love for the performing arts. In the fall of 2022, she began her teaching career as an Art Instructor at James Madison Middle School while also returning to MNHHS as a Color Guard Coach. That winter, she began her first season coaching the MNHHS Winter Guard. Mrs. Mendoza is passionate about helping students build confidence, develop their skills, and discover the same love for performance that first brought her to color guard. Outside of school and the band program, Mrs. Mendoza enjoys volunteering at her local church, painting at home, hiking with her husband, Juan, and spending time with her cat and two dogs.
Mrs. Mendoza is incredibly excited to be part of the MNHHS Band program once again and looks forward to helping its students grow while continuing to build upon the program’s legacy.
A former member of the MNHHS Band and Color Guard, Mrs. Mendoza never lost her connection to the program or her love for the performing arts. In the fall of 2022, she began her teaching career as an Art Instructor at James Madison Middle School while also returning to MNHHS as a Color Guard Coach. That winter, she began her first season coaching the MNHHS Winter Guard. Mrs. Mendoza is passionate about helping students build confidence, develop their skills, and discover the same love for performance that first brought her to color guard. Outside of school and the band program, Mrs. Mendoza enjoys volunteering at her local church, painting at home, hiking with her husband, Juan, and spending time with her cat and two dogs.
Mrs. Mendoza is incredibly excited to be part of the MNHHS Band program once again and looks forward to helping its students grow while continuing to build upon the program’s legacy.
Greg Deahl, from Madisonville, is a 2008 graduate from Madisonville North Hopkins. He marched for the Marching Maroons starting in eighth grade. During his time at North, he played in the front ensemble, bass line, and tenor line. After high school, he went to Murray State University where he performed with the Racer Band for two years. This is his second year as a percussion instructor for the Marching Maroons. He enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter and watching Cardinals baseball and all things Kentucky Wildcats. He works as the Solutions Team Manager at Hibbs ElectroMechanical. He is thrilled to be part of the Marching Maroons staff and is looking forward to the 2025 season!
Brent Burris is presently in his 32nd year of education. 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 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 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 (a 33-time ISSMA finalist). 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 has been named Outstanding Young Band Director by Phi Beta Mu for the state of Kentucky, 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 been a presenter at the KMEA In-Service Conference. He has served as an adjudicator and clinician in Kentucky, Indiana, Missouri, Mississippi, and Tennessee. He owns Brent Burris Designs (specializing in band consultation and drill), and has designed for KMEA state champions and ISSMA state finalists.
Bands under his direction have made multiple 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 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 (a 33-time ISSMA finalist). 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 has been named Outstanding Young Band Director by Phi Beta Mu for the state of Kentucky, 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 been a presenter at the KMEA In-Service Conference. He has served as an adjudicator and clinician in Kentucky, Indiana, Missouri, Mississippi, and Tennessee. He owns Brent Burris Designs (specializing in band consultation and drill), and has designed for KMEA state champions and ISSMA state finalists.
Chase Brummer is a 2024 graduate of MNHHS, where he was a member of the Marching Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band, and Percussion Ensemble. He is currently a Music major at Centre College, where he performs with the college’s Symphony Orchestra and Jazz Ensemble. Brummer has performed with the community theater pit orchestra for the Glema Mahr Center’s summer productions from 2022 through 2025. Chase enjoys serving his community through music and is excited to work with the MNHHS band!
Cayce Spence has been a member of the Marching Maroons staff since 2022, serving as the weapons coach specializing in rifle and sabre. A graduate of Madisonville North Hopkins High School, Class of 2011, Cayce credits her marching band experience as one of the most influential parts of her life, shaping both her character and her passion for the activity.
In addition to her work with the Marching Maroons, Cayce has coached for other programs and written choreography for various color guards. However, she believes there is nothing quite like being back with the Marching Maroons and giving back to the program that helped shape her. She continues to value the opportunity to mentor students, sharing her expertise while also growing alongside them. Outside of coaching, Cayce enjoys life with her husband, Jacob, of 11 years and their 5-year-old son, Theo. Together, they treasure time spent in their family bubble & cheering on the Marching Maroons!
In addition to her work with the Marching Maroons, Cayce has coached for other programs and written choreography for various color guards. However, she believes there is nothing quite like being back with the Marching Maroons and giving back to the program that helped shape her. She continues to value the opportunity to mentor students, sharing her expertise while also growing alongside them. Outside of coaching, Cayce enjoys life with her husband, Jacob, of 11 years and their 5-year-old son, Theo. Together, they treasure time spent in their family bubble & cheering on the Marching Maroons!
Student Teacher 2026
Hi! I’m Emily McAdams, a Music Education major at Murray State University with an instrumental emphasis and an ESL endorsement. I’m passionate about creating a welcoming, fun, and encouraging music classroom where every student feels like they belong. I love helping students build confidence, try new things, and discover the joy of making music! I’m so excited to learn, grow, and make music with my students during my student teaching experience!
Hi! I’m Emily McAdams, a Music Education major at Murray State University with an instrumental emphasis and an ESL endorsement. I’m passionate about creating a welcoming, fun, and encouraging music classroom where every student feels like they belong. I love helping students build confidence, try new things, and discover the joy of making music! I’m so excited to learn, grow, and make music with my students during my student teaching experience!
Paige Brummer is a 2026 graduate of MNHHS, where she participated in Marching Band, Concert Band (trombone), and Percussion Ensemble. While with the Marching Maroons, she was a member of the front ensemble and stood as Drum Major for two years. Paige is currently attending Transylvania University while pursuing a major in Biology and a minor in Music. She is also a member of the Concert Band and Chamber Orchestra at Transylvania. Paige has performed in the orchestra of the Hopkins County Schools’ theater productions and the community theater productions as well. She is excited to teach and continue to grow with the Marching Maroons!
Emma Hampton is a 2022 graduate of MNHHS. She marched for the Marching Maroons, where she was field commander for three years. Aside from band, she is a 6th grade math teacher at James Madison Middle School. This is her 5th year assisting with the band. She is so excited to be a small part in their show and cannot wait to see all the band’s hard work pay off!
Elizabeth Clemmons is a proud 2019 graduate of Madisonville North Hopkins Highschool where she marched clarinet as a Maroon for 4 years. This is her 7th year helping with the band! She grew up in Madisonville, KY attending First Christian Church and playing in the church orchestra. She also attended college at Murray State University and graduated in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. While at Murray State, she was a member of the Racer Band for 3 years and was Vice President of Community her Junior year of college before student teaching. She is also a 5th grade reading teacher at Pride Elementary and loves helping students in all possible ways of learning and growing. She is thrilled to see the season flourish this season!