UMKC Bands at the Conservatory

That's a wrap on KCCS 2026!

Participants engaged with inspiring presentations from Dr. Joseph Parisi, UMKC musicology faculty members Dr. Andrew Granade and Dr. Jane Sylvester, and former NAfME President Deborah Confredo. Their expertise and insights challenged us to think deeply about music, teaching, and leadership.

Most of all, we were inspired by the conductors, who led with musicianship and vulnerability. Their willingness to take risks, share their artistry, and grow alongside one another made this week truly special!

Thank you to everyone who helped make KCCS a memorable experience. Roo Up!!!

KCCS is officially underway! We’re thrilled to welcome participants from 16 different states to the UMKC campus for a week of music-making, collaboration, and growth.

We’re especially excited to have Dr. Kevin Sedatole serving as our guest conducting clinician and Dr. Chen Yi sharing insights on her band music in a featured lecture. Here’s to an inspiring week of learning from these remarkable artists and educators!

Carol Jantsch is in the house!!! 🎶

We’re excited to welcome Carol Jantsch, principal tubist of the Philadelphia Orchestra, as a guest artist with the Conservatory Wind Symphony for the Midwest Regional Tuba and Euphonium Conference here at UMKC. She’ll perform Giancarlo Castro D’Addona’s Tuba Concerto at tonight’s headline concert along with Professor Jarrett McCourt performing Kevin Day’s Metallic Figures. Catch them both at 7:30PM CT in White Recital Hall!

Congratulations to UMKC conducting graduate student David Alesco on his acceptance into the 11th Annual U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” Conductors Workshop! 🇺🇸🎶
Hosted by the premier musical organization of the United States Army, this highly selective workshop accepts only five active participants from across the country and provides the opportunity to conduct the renowned U.S. Army Concert Band. Over the course of the intensive five-day program, participants receive mentorship and coaching in score study, rehearsal technique, and conducting from leading professionals in the field, culminating in a public concert performance.
We are incredibly proud of David for this outstanding achievement and excited to see him represent UMKC at this prestigious national workshop this summer!

Congratulations to the Harmony Project KC Band Program on a spectacular spring concert! 🎶❤️

We are so proud of the incredible students and grateful for the dedicated educators and administrators who make this program possible. UMKC conducting graduate students David Alesco, Steven Collins, Avery Southard, Blake Hordé, Benjamin Gerrard, and Cooper Haywood, along with UMKC percussionist David Oosse, teach and support this outstanding program, expanding access to meaningful music education opportunities for students and families throughout the Kansas City community.

Bravo to everyone involved on a fantastic performance and a wonderful semester of music-making!

From the first downbeat to the final take, the Conservatory Wind Symphony teamed up with tuba soloist Professor Jarrett McCourt to record Metallic Figures by Kevin Day!

An exciting and high-level collaboration filled with energy, precision, and great music-making. Projects like this showcase what happens when artistry and collaboration come together. 🎶✨

A huge thank you to Professor McCourt and Kevin Day for sharing your incredible musicianship and time with us!

RooUp! 💙💛🦘

The UMKC Conservatory Wind Ensemble had an awesome time connecting via Zoom with Thai composer Jinnawat Mansap to dive into his piece Hanuman! 🐒🇹🇭

Students got to explore the inspiration behind the work and hear firsthand about the creative process that brings it to life. There’s nothing like working directly with the composer to take the music to the next level! 🎶✨

Huge thanks to Jinnawat for sharing your time, insight, and artistry with us!
GO ROOS! 💙💛🦘
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📆 Tuesday, April 28th
⏰ 7:30pm
📍 White Recital Hall at the James C. Olson Performing Arts Center
🎟️ https://umkcconservatory.universitytickets.com/w/event.aspx?id=1637
🎥 https://www.youtube.com/UMKCConservatory

Mark your calendars for Tuesday, April 28! The Conservatory Wind Symphony and Conservatory Wind Ensemble take the stage for a vibrant evening of music, featuring tuba soloist Professor Jarrett McCourt. Experience two outstanding ensembles, unforgettable repertoire, and a night of artistry you won’t want to miss. Get your tickets at the link below or tune in live on the UMKC Conservatory channel!
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📆 Tuesday, April 28th
⏰ 7:30pm
📍 White Recital Hall at the James C. Olson Performing Arts Center
🎟️ https://umkcconservatory.universitytickets.com/w/event.aspx?id=1637
🎥 https://www.youtube.com/UMKCConservatory

Thank you to VOCE Custom Recording for coming out and recording “Under the Harvest Moon” by Aaron Perrine with the Conservatory Wind Ensemble on Saturday! 🌕🎶

The UMKC Campus Band and Philharmonic Orchestra take the stage for an exciting evening of music on Monday, April 27th!
Come pack the hall and cheer on our incredible musicians. Can’t make it in person? No worries—tune in to the livestream on the UMKC Conservatory YouTube channel and enjoy the performance from anywhere! 💙⭐️
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📆 Monday, April 27th
⏰ 7:30pm
📍 White Recital Hall at the James C. Olson Performing Arts Center
🎟️ https://umkcconservatory.universitytickets.com/w/event.aspx?id=1636
🎥 https://www.youtube.com/UMKCConservatory