THE KOSTE CLASSIC

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.

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!

Concert Choirs

Assistant Professor; Director of Choral Activities

Randolph Macon College

Bio coming soon...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Concert Choirs

Bio Coming Soon

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.