Celebration of Bands!

How to Qualify

• Step 1: Record your group using the audition requirements below  

• Step 2: Upload your audition videos to the form found below under the Audition Requirements

That’s it! Good luck and we can’t wait to review your audition!

Audition Requirements for the 2025 Celebration of Bands 

• Submit 2 audition videos that reflect your school and community.  
  • At least one of these videos needs to show a parade style presentation and must be long enough to show a song into cadence and back into the song.  
  • The second video may be of a field show. 
• Audition videos do not need to be from formal performances and students do not need to be in uniform. They can be recorded on the school track or parking lot.  
• You do not need to apply with any particular pieces; we are evaluating the talent level of your group.  
• The audition videos need to show the whole band moving and playing. We need to be able to see that the performers are in step. 
• Audition videos should reflect within 15% of the number of performers on your application. 
• All audition videos must be from within the past 12 months. 

Submissions will start being accepted on December 26, 2024 and will close on February 4, 2025.

Not all bands that audition will be selected to participate.

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR AUDITION!

Winds Clinician: Dr. Tim Sexton 

Dr. Timothy S. Sexton is an advocate for positive and energetic music education.  Originally from Hokes Bluff, Alabama, Dr. Sexton proudly serves as the Associate Director of Bands for the Tarpon Springs Leadership Conservatory for the Arts.  Prior to moving west of Tampa, he completed his doctorate and served as a graduate teaching assistant for Dr. Jared Rawlings at The University of Utah.  Tim is in demand as a clinician for concert ensembles, adjudicator for state-marching circuits, actively consults with numerous scholastic and independent ensembles, visually designs shows for a variety of programs and also presents at district, state, and national conferences across the United States. 

As a professional performer, Tim has traveled internationally as a cast member, swing performer, and soloist with Blast! Brass Theater.  He was able to tour with this Tony & Emmy award-winning ensemble throughout all prefectures of Japan in 2014.  Thereafter, Dr. Sexton served as the Band Director at Red Bud Middle and Sonoraville High Schools located in Calhoun, Georgia until pursuing his graduate studies.  At The University of Utah, Tim served as an instructor of record for multiple courses in undergraduate conducting, music technology, and music education while frequently conducting their concert band, wind ensemble, and chamber programs. 

Dr. Sexton has proudly been affiliated with successful groups within the pageantry arts for over a decade.  During his summer experiences, Tim tours as a lead brass instructor with The Bluecoats drum & bugle corps of Canton, Ohio. He previously taught on brass staff with The Cavaliers and visual staff with the Madison Scouts and Crossmen drum and bugle corps.  During the winter seasons, Tim has been fortunate to teach and design for competitive WGI ensembles across the US since 2014. 

Dr. Sexton received his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Instrumental Conducting with a secondary focus in Music Education from The University of Utah.  Tim completed a Master of Music degree in Trumpet Performance from Boise State University, and he acquired a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education with a focus on Instrumental Pedagogy from Jacksonville State University (AL).  Tim also served as a graduate assistant for Dr. Joe Tornello while in Boise, assisting with aspects of athletic bands and concert ensembles.  His prior trumpet teachers include Dr. John C. Merriman, Dr. Chris Probst, Professor Clark Hunt, and Dr. Derek Ganong.  Dr. Sexton’s prior conducting teachers include Dr. Jeremy Stovall, Dr. Kenneth G. Bodiford, Professor Marcellus Brown, Dr. Joe Tornello, Professor Scott Hagen, Dr. Jared Rawlings, and Dr. Rebekah Daniel.  Tim’s professional affiliations are as follows: Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Kappa Kappa Psi, International Trumpet Guild, FMEA, FBA, PCMEA, and NAfME. 

Tim lives west of Tampa, Florida with his fiancé, Dr. Amy J. Bovin, and their two cats, Lily and Maya. 

Percussion Clinician: Mr. Ryan Luis 

 Originally from California, Ryan Luis is a passionate musician and educator currently residing in Gallatin, TN, with his wife, Kelsey. His musical journey began with the Concord Blue Devils, where he marched in the C Corps from 2009 to 2012, followed by the B Corps from 2013 to 2015, 2017, and the World Class ensemble in 2018 and 2019. Throughout his time with the Blue Devils, Ryan was honored to receive the DCI Open Class High Percussion Award in 2013 and 2014, and he played a key role in securing the Open Class World Championship title in 2014 and the World Class Championship in 2019. He is also a proud member of the Blue Devils Hall of Fame, recognizing his contributions and achievements within the organization. 

In addition to his performance experience, Ryan has shared his love for music by teaching at Monte Vista High School in Danville, CA, during the 2016-2017 season and at Independence High School in Thompson Station, TN, from 2018 to 2024. He played a pivotal role in helping Independence achieve the Game Day Live National Championship three times from 2021 to 2023. 

Academically, Ryan holds a degree in Residential Construction Management and Land Development from Middle Tennessee State University. He currently applies his expertise as a Construction Manager at Beazer Homes, where he is committed to delivering quality homes and fostering community growth. 

Guard Clinician: CJ McCrory

CJ McCrory is a clinician, consultant, educator, and designer for the Marching Arts activity residing in Knoxville, TN. Locally, he is the Color Guard Coordinator for the University of Tennessee’s Pride of the Southland Marching Band, the Director of Color Guards for Hardin Valley Academy and Hardin Valley Middle School programs, as well as serving as Board President for the East Tennessee Performing Arts Association. Expanding out of Tennessee, CJ is also currently involved with multiple groups across the Nation in these various roles. His goals within the activity are to spread his love and passion for the Marching Arts, and assist in creating the next generation of educators.

CJ’s past Color Guard marching experiences have included The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps, Pride of Cincinnati (IW), and Eklipse Winterguard (IW), as well as marching mellophone with the Pride of the Southland Marching band. In his teaching experience, CJ has been privileged with the opportunity to work with Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps, The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps, Artistry in Blue (IA), Beau Monde Independent (IA), Lexis Winterguard (IW), Carmel HS (SW), and Avon HS (SW). 

PLEASE NOTE: This itinerary is subject to change. A final, more detailed itinerary will be emailed to all registered bands closer to the event date. 

There is limited capacity for this event. Auditions will be reviewed, and bands will be selected by Varsity Performing Arts staff members and Disney personnel. 

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23: Arrive to Orlando, Florida! 

• Arrival into Orlando from your hometown.
  • We suggest that if you are driving, you arrive into Orlando by 3:00 pm to allow for registration and check in.
  • If you are flying, we suggest you land at Orlando International Airport (MCO) by 11:00 am to allow time to get your bags and travel to Coronado Spring Resort. 
  • Just a reminder that transportation to and from the Airport is not included in the hotel travel package. We will have a link to Mears Connect that will provide a discount on their airport transportation.

• Once arriving at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, you will be able to check in to your rooms after 4:00 pm.   Band Directors will also check in on site with VPA to receive additional information/items for the event.
• This evening we will have a mandatory rehearsal at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort Convention Center.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24: Rehearsal Day and Park Time 

• Enjoy a hot buffet breakfast this morning at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort Convention Center with all of the bands at the event.

• After breakfast, we will have a morning rehearsal with our world class clinicians.

• Once rehearsal concludes, bands are free to enjoy any of the Walt Disney World Theme Parks!

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25: Performance Day! 

• Enjoy a hot buffet breakfast this morning at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort Convention Center with all of the bands at the event.

• After breakfast, bands will depart Coronado Springs Resort for their performance at Magic Kingdom. Performance time will be announced approximately one month before the event. 

• After the performance, bands will be free to enjoy the parks at Walt Disney World! 

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26: Depart home from Orlando! 

**Attendees will only perform one time.  

CLICK HERE to view 2025 Celebration of Bands Pricing Information!

TOUR COST, RESERVATIONS & PAYMENTS: The total number accepted for the tour is limited. Completed reservation application and $200.00 (non-refundable) per person deposit MUST BE RECEIVED IN THE VARSITY SPIRIT LLC OFFICE on or before the dates listed below: (This deposit is credited towards your total cost.)

HOW DOES PRICING WORK?
Pricing is per person based on the total number of people in the room regardless if they are a participant or a spectator. For example, 3 participants and one spectator would be the quad rate per person. The participants would each pay the participant quad rate and the spectator would be the quad spectator price. All prices listed are per person.

PAYMENT DEADLINES: 

• $500 per band deposit due by April 1, 2025.

• $200 per person deposit is due by August 15, 2025

FINAL PAYMENT IS DUE IN THE VARSITY SPIRIT LLC OFFICE ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 16, 2025 UNIFORMS WILL NOT BE SHIPPED UNTIL THE BALANCE OF PAYMENT IS MADE.

*Trips may sell out prior to deadlines. Registrations are taken on a first come, first served basis with deposits.

Cancellations on or before August 15, 2025 will receive a full refund except for the $500 deposit. For cancellations between  August 16, 2025 and September 16, 2025 an additional $100 per person penalty will apply. After September 16, 2025, there will be no refunds.

Tour packages include unlimited admission into Magic Kingdom® Park, Epcot®, Disney’s Hollywood Studios®, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park for multiple days. Park Reservations must be made for each day. 

EXTRA NIGHTS: A limited number of rooms are available for Saturday, November 22^nd  or Wednesday, November 26^th  for an additional fee of $365 per room per night. Please indicate if you wish to purchase an extra night on your registration form. Adding an extra night DOES NOT automatically upgrade your Park Hopper®

TICKET UPGRADE: You may upgrade your 3-day Park Hopper® to a 4-day Park Hopper® day or a 3-day Park Hopper®  to 5-day Park Hopper®. Please indicate on your rooming list if you wish to do this.

• 3-day Park Hopper® to a 4-day Park Hopper® – TBD
• 3-day Park Hopper®  to 5-day Park Hopper® – TBD

EXTRA PARK HOPPER® TICKETS:

These are available for purchase for anyone not on the hotel travel package.

• 3-Day: $600
• 4-Day: $765
• 5-Day: $845

FINAL PAYMENT: If final payment is not received on or before September 16, 2025 and special written arrangements are not made and approved with Varsity Spirit LLC, you will automatically be removed from the tour, which will result in a complete forfeiture of all monies paid.

CHAPERONES:  More information to come

*Includes unlimited admission into Magic Kingdom® Park, Epcot®, Disney’s Hollywood Studios®, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park for multiple days. Park Reservations must be made for each day. 

Bands selected to participate will receive the link to register after they submit their audition.

Registration Specialist – Uriel Cabnillis ucabanillas@varsity.com 

*Please do not email credit card information. After your registration is received, you will receive a confirmation via email. Once that is received you may contact the Varsity office at 800-238-0286 to make a credit card payment. Registration will not be complete until payment is received. 

Waivers: 

• Adult Release Waiver – COMING SOON 

• Minor Release Waiver  – COMING SOON 

Airfare from your hometown to Orlando is not included in the cost of the trip and will be the responsibility of the attendee. 

• Walt Disney World no longer operates the Disney Magic Express. Attendees will be responsible for their roundtrip transportation from the Orlando International Airport to the resorts. We have partnered with MEARS to provide a guests discount off of transportation to and from the airport! 

• MEARS Direct Connect Information Coming Soon! 

CLICK HERE to view our travel partners and airline discounts that are available! 

 

Coming soon!

To help manage park capacity, the Walt Disney World Resort has introduced the Disney Park Pass service, a Theme Park reservation system. In order to make your Theme Park reservations, you will need a My Disney Experiences account and valid Theme Park admission linked to it. Varsity Spirit will send you a ticket confirmation order number for all customers paid in full. Then, simply create a My Disney Experience account and select the dates and Theme Parks you wish to visit. To enter a Theme Park, both a reservation and valid admission for the same Park on the same date are required. Please note that reservations are limited in capacity, subject to availability and are not guaranteed until confirmed. Park availability is very limited and Varsity Spirit will not be able to assist with park reservations.

• For those spectators and participants on our hotel travel package and those who purchased a Walt Disney World Park Hopper pass from Varsity Spirit,  a park reservation for Magic Kingdom will be pre-loaded on to your ticket for Tuesday, the day of your performance.

IMPORTANT NOTE WHEN PURCHASING THEME PARK TICKETS: The reselling or the transferring of theme park tickets in the state of Florida is a crime as described under Florida state laws; Florida Statutes s. 817.361 and Florida Statutes s. 817.36

Park Reservation How-To Resources:

• Booking Park Reservations Step-by-Step

*Please note that NO changes/upgrades are possible after ticket orders have been placed. And remember, no Disney Park Hopper tickets will be sold on site during registration this year.

Coming soon!

Coming soon!

CLICK HERE to view more information about Varsity Spirit’s fundraising partners!