judges

John Musick

Middle School & Solo Room

John Musick graduated from Millikin University where he received a degree in music education. After graduation he was the music director and bass for the nationally acclaimed singing group Chapter 6. His group is the only to ever win both the ICCA finals and the Harmony Sweepstakes international Competition. Among Chapter 6’s most notable venues are Avery Fischer Hall, The Kennedy Center, and The National Center for the Performing Arts in Hong Kong.

John has also performed as a solo artist with many of the major orchestras in the U.S. A few of these orchestra’s include The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, The Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and The Oklahoma Symphony Orchestra.

As an educator he has done clinics, festivals, and recording sessions nationwide where he specializes in vocal jazz methods, solo voice technique, and small group singing.

John is currently a choir teacher at Lyons Township High School in La Grange, Illinois. Mr. Musick is thrilled to be at the El Paso Showdown this year.

Brian Mcallister

Brian McCallister is a freelance musician living in Orlando, FL and has extensive experience as an arranger, recording artist, studio producer, performer, and music educator. His voice can be heard on choral demos for Hal Leonard, Shawnee Press, and his own solo work streaming on all platforms.

As an arranger, Brian’s gospel writing has been featured in the Illinois Music Educators Association Conference, his show choir arrangements have been sung by 40 choirs across the US, and his jazz writing has been featured in the Iowa Music Educators Association Conference.

Brian also writes and records for amusement and theme parks such as Silver Dollar City and Six Flags Great America.

Brian has sung back-up vocals with Kenny Loggins, Ben Folds, Bobby McFerrin, and Janis Siegel of the Manhattan Transfer.

Brian earned a degree in Jazz Studies from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music in 2018.

Scott Hines

Scott Hines is in his 10th year teaching at Purdue University where he works for Purdue musical organizations as a director for Heart Soul and PMO Express as well as the assistant director/accompanist/arranger for the Purdue Varsity Glee Club Before Purdue.

Scott lived and worked in Decatur, Illinois as the director/producer of Eisenhower Elite Energy Show Choir.

He has served on the staff of Show Choir Camps of America and is active as an arranger/adjudicator and clinicians for many show choirs throughout the Midwest.

Heath Gemar

Marty Lindvahl

Mrs. Marty Lindvahl is a proud graduate of Eastern Illinois University and has dedicated her life to music education and performance. Her successful 34-year career as a music educator spanned Indiana and Illinois, with her final nine years spent inspiring students at Danville High School. She has been a contest adjudicator and clinician for over three decades and has served as a guest conductor at music festivals across the Midwest. Marty remains an active member of the Illinois Music Educators Association and continues to contribute to her community as the director of the Danville Men’s Barbershop Chorus.

In addition to her teaching accomplishments, Marty enjoys performing and sharing her love of music. She is a vocalist with the popular jazz/pop group in Danville and plays bass clarinet in the Danville Municipal Band. At her church, she serves as the praise band director and volunteers with the church’s monthly food pantry, which feeds over 400 families each month.

Marty’s contributions to the local performing arts scene are extensive. She has served as a musical director and performer with Danville Light Opera and directed ensembles that have performed alongside the Danville Symphony Orchestra. Her passion for fostering musical excellence has left a lasting impact on her community.

Marty is married to Mark Lindvahl, a retired instrumental educator and school administrator. Together, they enjoy time with their two children, a married son and daughter, who have blessed them with six wonderful grandchildren. Marty continues to embrace every opportunity to share her love of music with others, whether in the classroom, on stage, or through community service.

Jarad Voss

Jarad Voss currently lives in Indianapolis, Indiana. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, he is now a freelance choreographer and performer specializing in hip-hop and urban jazz styles. 

A former dance captain for the Wisconsin Singers and Six Flags Great America Chicago, Jarad has worked on different festivals, musicals, and industrials including Miller Genuine Draft, Rayovac, and the Green Bay Packers’ Pro Shop.

A clinician and choreographer at Show Choir Camps of America, Show Choir Camp Europe, Mt. Shasta and the Southern Experience, Jarad clinics and choreographs many show choirs and dance troupes throughout the nation.

Mason Ringger

Outstanding Performer Judge

Mason Ringger is an alumni of the El Paso Gridley Modulations where he served as dance
captain for two years and received several awards for his performances during his four year career. This is Mason’s second year hosting Junior High Showdown as well as sitting as the Outstanding Performer judge for the High School competition. Mason recently graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelor’s in Communication and a Minor in Mass Media.

He now uses his skills at HillCo, a beekeeping equipment company, where he holds the title of Marketing Director. Mason is so excited to be back again in 2025 to help out with Showdown, and wishes all the groups performing the best of luck.