THE KOSTE CLASSIC

March 12-14, 2026

Hosted by The Choirs of Manchester & The Manchester Choral Association

Registration for TKC2026 is NOW OPEN!

Join us March 12th-14th, 2026

The Tradition of Excellence Continues…

ADDITIONAL INFO REGARDING CONCESSIONS, FOOD TRUCKS, GEAR, VENDORS, AND MORE COMING SOON FROM THE MANCHESTER CHORAL ASSOCIATION!

ADMISSION

  • Students will have a hand stamp for general admission seating. General admission tickets will be sold to the public and available for purchase at the door. 

  • Stand Still Choirs on Thursday, March 12th: TBA

  • Show Choirs on Friday, March 13th: TBA

  • Show Choirs on Saturday, March, 14th: TBA

  • 3 Day Pass: TBA

  • VIP Pass: TBA

  • SCORING 

  • In 2025, we utilized paper scoring with digital records and recordings shared via google drive.

  • We are currently examining the best option for scoring and tabulations for TKC26

  • SOLO COMPETITION

  • The TKC solo competition will take place on Saturday, March 14th, 2026.

  • Participant may be any middle or high school age student, does not have to be affiliated with a participating choir.

  • HOMEROOMS 

  • Available on Friday and Saturday for each group, as we are able to open them. 

  • LIVESTREAM/ RECORDING

  • There will be NO VIDEO RECORDINGS available. However, there will be a LIVE FEED available in the open commons for those who may not make it into the theater for a specific performance time.

  • We will provide a LIVESTREAM link.

2025 Judging Panel

Concert Choirs: Dan Baker, Chris Hansen, Antonio Hunt

Show Choirs: Dan Baker, Jack Himmelman, Nikki Kimbrough, Tay Stinson

Solo Competition: Adam Pulver

Meet the Judges & Production Team!

  • Dan Baker

    Concert Choirs & Show Choirs

    Dan Baker is the Executive Producer for ⁠Heart of America⁠, one of the most prestigious and well respected organizations in the world of show choir. Prior to this he was the Director of Choirs, Music Chair, Online Music Course Developer, Technical & Music Director for the school musical and also the Auditorium Director at Huntington North High School. For five years at the start of his career, he was Director of Choirs, Music Department Chair, International Baccalaureate Music Coordinator, Musical Director, Show Choir Band Director and Music Theory Instructor at Northridge. At both schools, his choirs have gained notoriety at both a State and National level as finalists and contest champions receiving “Gold” ratings and Grand Champions on various occasions including twice achieving the state All-Music Department Award.

    He is one of the few directors in Indiana to have both a show choir and a concert choir in the Indiana state finals the same year. For four years, Dan was the Education Editor and Co-Creator of “Song in Motion” The Show Choir Magazine” covering all national and international aspects of show choir. In 2016 he was the Northeastern Indiana Excellence in Education Music Teacher of the Year.

    Dan holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Telecommunications from Ball State University, and Vocal Performance and Music Education degrees from Indiana University. This school year Dan was named Huntington County Community Schools Secondary Teacher of the year, Indiana Teacher of the Year top 25, and also one of the Top Ten Indiana teachers of the year. With his wife, Heather and his “fur” babies, Lucy, Katze (pronounced “cat-sah” & Furmata: the Destroyer, they welcomed their first child, Bryant, this last February.

  • Jack Himmelman

    Show Choirs- Band

    Jack Himmelman is a graduate of Manchester High School and Old Dominion University, where he studied instrumental Music Education. His love of show tunes and the theater was born while playing in the bands for Capital Swing and Touch of Swing, and has led him to a career working in themed entertainment as the Entertainment Manager at Kings Dominion. In his free time he enjoys being a dad to his new twin daughters, and that’s it, because twin daughters!

  • Antonio Hunt

    Concert Choirs

    Assistant Professor; Director of Choral Activities

    Randolph Macon College

    Bio coming soon...

  • Robyn Kim

    Contest Director

    Mrs. Robyn Kim is a 1995 graduate of Manchester High School where she was an active participant in the choral music program, performing in the Ninth Grade Mixed Ensemble, Touch of Swing and Capital Swing. In 1999, she graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and received a BA in Music Education.

    After college, Mrs. Kim taught three years of middle school in both Henrico and Charlotte-Mecklenburg counties. In 2002, she had the privilege of returning to her alma mater and became one of two choral directors at Manchester High School.

    In her tenure at MHS, she has directed Touch of Swing for twelve years. Under her direction, TOS earned Grand Champion at the FAME and Showstoppers National Show Choir Competitions, as well as other top honors. In 2010, Mrs. Kim took over the choral program at Manchester, directing both show choirs, Capital Swing and Touch of Swing, as well as the Chamber Ensemble, the Treble Choir, Just Swingin’ and Vocal Legacy. She currently holds professional memberships in the National Association of Music Education, Virginia Choral Directors Association, the Virginia Music Educations Association and the Virginia Educators Association. Mrs. Kim is happily married to her husband and MHS alum, Ho, and mother to her beautiful children Addisen and Walker.

  • Nikki Kimbrough

    Show Choirs

    Nikki lights up the fitness world with over 20 years of expertise and is the CEO and founder of Get Fit with Nik, Inc. The Richmond, VA native began her fitness journey as a national spokesperson for Bally Total Fitness to inspiring audiences on top TV shows like The Steve Harvey Show, Good Morning America, and The Today Show, while contributing to publications like Time Inc, Essence, and Fitness Magazine.

    With her guiding principle of "Finding Your Fit," Nikki empowers individuals to find what makes them feel good physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Drawing from her experience as a former NCAA and professional long jumper, she infuses her work with the determination of an elite athlete, sparking motivation through her popular HIIT with Nik class and her elite athletic performance coaching.

    Beyond fitness, the Broadway performer’s passion for encouraging and nurturing talent extends to creating extraordinary theater experiences for underserved youth as the executive director and owner of the Harlem All-Stars Theater Group and a mentor for Rosie's Theater Kids. Nikki made her Broadway debut as Etta James and a Joplinaire in "A Night With Janis Joplin." She also sings with Tony nominated power couple Orfeh and Andy Karl, and Tony and Emmy Winner Kristin Chenoweth. A proud University of Virginia alumnus (Go Hoos) and lululemon ambassador, Nikki holds a BA in English (UVA) and MA in Public Relations from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. Nikki leveraged her diverse background to establish Kimbrough and Company, Inc., an entertainment and production company that turns the creative's idea into reality; where the vision takes center stage.

    As the executive producer of The Ladies First Chit-Chat Crew Talk Show streaming on Red Coral Universe, she continues to make waves in the industry. Based in vibrant New York City, Nikki's relentless determination inspires others to tackle life's challenges with unwavering resilience. She takes solace in knowing that God always has her back. With her infectious energy, she motivates her clients with a simple yet powerful message: “Don't You Quit, Find Your Fit, and Come Rock with Nik!”

  • Josh Murrell

    Event Production Lead

    A 2010 Manchester alumni, Josh is thrilled to be back at his alma mater to work with the A111 Show Choir Band. Josh received his Bachelor’s in Music Performance from Virginia Commonwealth University and can be seen performing with the KOS band, Say Less Brass Band and various community groups.

    During the week Josh is the Corporate Trainer and Laser Safety Officer for a Richmond based medical supplier providing high quality surgical equipment to hospitals and surgery centers throughout the country.

  • Adam Pulver

    Soloist Competition

    Adam J. Pulver (Mr. A) proudly works with show choirs all across our nation, from California to Georgia, and thoroughly enjoys spreading the passion of show choir and performance to all who love the stage. Having had the opportunity to judge at numerous events, clinic various groups, and assist with the developmental side of show choir programs throughout the country, Adam thoroughly enjoys watching show choir programs grow and prosper in their unique and specialized directions.proudly works with show choirs all across our nation, from California to Georgia, and thoroughly enjoys spreading the passion of show choir and performance to all who love the stage. Having had the opportunity to judge at numerous events, clinic various groups, and assist with the developmental side of show choir programs throughout the country, Adam thoroughly enjoys watching show choir programs grow and prosper in their unique and specialized directions.

  • Ryan Shapiro

    Contest Technical Director

    A 2004 alumnus of Manchester, Ryan is an experienced and versatile choreographer and performer. Specializing in show choir choreography, design and execution, serving as master of ceremonies, stage management and event production services. Ryan's experiences have taken him to stages and venues across the country with performing artist, including serving as Stage Manager for Heart of America Entertainment.

    Ryan strives to create engaging and dynamic performances that capture the audience’s imagination. With each project, Ryan takes a holistic approach to ensure that everything from the choreography to the show design and the event production is of the highest quality.

    Ryan has served show choir and performing arts departments in the region for the past 15 years as a Choreographer, Technical Director, Event Organizer, Stage and Travel Manager, Project Manager, and Show Designer including costuming, props and set.

    Hard work, dedication and the mindset of "reaching for the stars" has kept him passionate about the performing arts and always seeking to stay true to his objective: To create an exciting, enriching and educational experience in music through performance in the arts.

  • Chris Hansen

    Concert Choirs

    Bio Coming Soon

  • Tay Stinson

    Show Choirs

    Born and raised in Auburn, AL, Antavar “Tay” Stinson found his passion for the arts through a number of choral experiences with an upbringing in gospel music from his local church. Growing up, he had exposure to a variety of performance venues, most notably the Grand Ole Opry, as a singer/dancer in his high school show choir, Auburn Varsity Singers. He is a graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where he received his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the number 10 BSN program in the country. Antavar has traveled throughout the United States as a choreographer for several middle schools, high schools. He has received many accolades of Best Choreography, Best Show Design, Best Overall Effect, and Best Visuals. In addition to his freelance Choreography, Tay also works as a Travel ICU Nurse throughout the country

    Outside of being a nurse or choreographer, Tay enjoys cultivating new relationships, hiking, and trying culturally diverse foods. He is excited at every opportunity to not only empower students through the fine arts but to also bring positive life altering interventions to every patient he encounters in the Intensive Care Units.