Music Program at William Jewell College

09/12/2026

Calling all William Jewell choir alumni — it's time to come home and sing!

Join us for our Choir Alumni Reunion & Homecoming Chapel Service — a chance to step back into the risers, reconnect with old friends, and raise your voice alongside current students and the Jewell choral family.

Alumni Rehearsal: Thursday, September 24 · 7:00pm
Homecoming Chapel Service: Friday, September 25 · 7:30pm
Gano Chapel

Whether it's been 2 years or 20 — your seat is waiting.
Register: https://williamjewell.formstack.com/forms/jewell_choral_events_2026_2027

09/09/2026

Registration Deadline this Friday. Pianists, we’d love to see you on the hill!

09/08/2026

Big news in the Music Program!

William Jewell is strengthening its music program with two key appointments.

Langston Hemenway has been named program director of music. In addition to being a key part of musical life at William Jewell, he has collaborated with notable composers including Michael Daugherty, John Mackey, Kristin Kuster, Steven Bryant and others, and is published by GIA Music.

Joining him is Jay Carter, class of ’05, who returns to campus as Associate Professor of music and music alumni engagement. A countertenor specializing in music before 1800, Carter has performed with leading ensembles such as the American Bach Soloists, National Symphony Orchestra, Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra, Houston Symphony, St. Louis Symphony, Bach Collegium Japan and Bachfest Leipzig.

We are proud to welcome both educators as they help shape the next chapter of music at William Jewell.

Watch Jay Carter's recent performance with the Indianapolis Baroque Orchestra here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oe6bxNrBlvU&list=RDoe6bxNrBlvU&start_radio=1

09/04/2026

Free Lecture Series 📣📣📣
Faculty and students at William Jewell College and pianists of all ages from the community are invited to attend a guest lecture by Dr. Allen Myers of Nouvelle Publishing. He will present "Inspiration for Teaching Composition Through Improvisation and Piano Repertoire" and share ideas on how to encourage young pianists to compose. The lecture is free and open to the public. This will take place on Wednesday, September 23, 2026 in Pillsbury Music Center, room 306 at 11:00 am.

08/26/2026

Jewell Grad Spotlight 🎭🎶:
This summer, class of ‘26 grad, Ivan Calderon worked both in Frozen at The White Theatre at the J (Ensemble, Kristoff US) and as a swing for The Coterie Theatre’s production of Pete the Cat.

Way to go, Ivan! We miss you on the Hill.

📸 Frozen photo by Connor Dudzik-Smalley, courtesy of the White Theatre at the J

📸 Pete the Cat photos by Tressa Lee and Paul Andrews, courtesy of The Coterie Theatre.

William Jewell College Alumni Jewell Theatre Co. Friends and Alumni William Jewell College Choirs

08/21/2026

Congratulations to Jewell voice faculty member, Joanna Ehlers. She was awarded First Honorable Mention for The American Prize in Vocal Performance—opera division, 2026—The Friedrich and Virginia Schorr Memorial Award.

08/07/2026

The William Jewell College Keyboard Comments Day will be Saturday, September 19th, 2026 on our beautiful campus.

The event is an opportunity for students to play 1-2 pieces with music or from memory in a low-stress environment. Teachers do not need to volunteer to work the event, just enroll students. This is for pianists of any age, including adults.

Can't attend in person but would like the feedback? There is an online submission option! Check out the details by scanning the QR code in the attached flyer or by clicking the registration link here: https://forms.gle/Xx7aYLVJEFm9pG3W8

07/15/2026

CONGRATULATIONS to two of our William Jewell College Alumni: Jason Bean and Jim Freise on their acceptance for the MMEA Conference, “Listen. Connect. Create.” (January 26-30, 2027)

We are looking forward to hearing your incredible ensembles!! 🎶❤️🖤🎶