Maggie Brooks, a student at Fordland High School, has been selected to perform with the Missouri All-State Band, one of the highest musical honors available to high school musicians in the state.
Brooks earned her place in the elite ensemble after auditioning Dec. 6, 2025, at Hickman High School in Columbia. More than 1,500 students from across Missouri auditioned for the All-State Band, with only 107 students selected.
The Missouri All-State Band will meet, rehearse and perform during the Missouri Music Educators Association Conference, scheduled for Jan. 28–31, 2026, at Margaritaville Resort at the Lake of the Ozarks.
The 2025–26 All-State Band will be conducted by Dr. Travis Cross, professor of music and director of bands at UCLA. Cross conducts the UCLA Wind Ensemble and leads the graduate wind conducting program. He previously served as chair of the music department from 2018 to 2023 and as associate dean for academic mentoring and opportunity during the early years of the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music. His prior teaching experience includes positions at Virginia Tech and Edina High School in Minnesota. Cross holds doctorate and master’s degrees in conducting from Northwestern University and a bachelor’s degree in music education from St. Olaf College.
The All-State Band program will include “Havana Nights: El Fuego de la Noche” by Randall Standridge, “Adoration” by Florence Price, arranged by Cheldon Williams, “Yesterdance” by Travis J. Cross, “Chester” by William Schuman, and “Of Our New Day Begun” by Omar Thomas.
The band’s only public performance is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on Jan. 31, 2026, in Paradise A at Margaritaville Resort at the Lake of the Ozarks.
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