The state advisor for the group is Dr. Loren Waa New Web Site For Tri-M in Kentucky Collegiate Music Educators National Conference College and university students preparing for careers as music educators are provided with a student organization which assists them in their growth and development as a music teacher. Most of the colleges and universities in Kentucky have such groups. The state advisor for this group is Dr. Jon Gresham . Each of these sanctioned festivals, sponsored by band booster or other community groups, must meet rigorous standards of operation to be officially sanctioned. Bands throughout the Commonwealth who attend these events receive ratings which permits them to apply to attend the State Marching Band Championships.
Bands compete in one of four classes.
The KMEA State Marching Band Championships takes place in late October or early November and features the top 64 bands, sixteen from each class chosen as the result of Regional competitions held one week prior to the State Championships. Semi-final rounds are held on the same day as the Championships with the top four bands in each class moving on the Finals competition held that night. Qualified evaluators rate their performances offering suggestions for improvement of their playing skills. To participate in the events, the music teacher must be a member of the Kentucky Music Educators Association. KMEA Large Group Festivals Bands, orchestras and choral groups may participate in large group festivals at the ten district sites noted above.