This summer, the Conservatory will host composers, conductors and musicians of all ages in our workshops, symposiums and camps on the Volker campus.
June is a busy month for the UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance, as our faculty and guests welcome students of all ages for summer events. The UMKC Percussion Workshop and UMKC Double Reed Institute both return for their second year, and well-established summer programs, such as the UMKC Jazz Camp and Summer Composition Workshop, continue to bring in participants from around the country.
Contact music-ce@umkc.edu for more information or to register.
Advanced Choral Conducting Workshop, May 30 – June 1: Join us in Kansas City for a workshop focusing on conducting technique for the choral conductor. Current high school and university faculty as well as graduate students in conducting are welcome to apply. Participants may enroll either as conductors or as observers. Conducting spots are limited to 12 participants.
UMKC Percussion Workshop, June 5 – 7: The UMKC Percussion Workshop provides students in high school (Grades 9 – 12) and middle school (Grades 6 – 8) the opportunity to hone their technical skills and improve their musicianship by working with UMKC percussion faculty and guest artists. Teachers will present a variety of master classes and conduct rehearsals in preparation for the final percussion ensemble concert to showcase the repertoire learned in the workshop. If you’re a percussionist who wants to grow as a musician — and have fun doing it — register today!
Kansas City Saxophone Workshop, June 10 – 14: The Kansas City Saxophone Workshop gives high school students (Grades 9 – 12) the opportunity to study with renowned saxophone performers and instructors. Workshop sessions are designed to help students discover and realize their full artistic potential while building technique, studying solo classical literature and learning the fundamentals of jazz style and improvisation. Students will also perform in saxophone quartets and large saxophone ensembles coached by the distinguished faculty. Whether you’re looking to make All-State band, prepare for college auditions, or are just trying to improve, this workshop is for you!
Kansas City Conducting Symposium, June 17 – 22: KCCS is an inspirational program for instrumental conductors (orchestral and wind ensemble) wanting to improve at the art and skill of conducting. In its ten-year history, college and university faculty, conductors in the schools, as well as graduate students and upper-division undergraduates studying conducting have attended.
KCCS participants conduct a chamber music ensemble five times during the week on repertoire chosen by Steven D. Davis. Postural analysis to help move in a healthy manner is a vital part of the week as well. Additional sessions have been presented on topics including: pedagogy, gesture, rehearsal techniques, chamber music coaching, historical contexts, philosophy and literature. Steven D. Davis, along with UMKC Conservatory faculty and distinguished guest clinicians, has designed a symposium to help conductors serve their musicians and offer ways to make an immediate difference with any ensemble.
Summer Composition Workshop, June 17 – 22: Composers will broaden their horizons and hone their craft in this mix of classes and small group sessions with UMKC Conservatory faculty. This exciting week-long experience helps young composers find their creative voices while improving their musical skills and joining the community of composers and new music lovers. Participants’ compositions are critiqued and discussed with distinguished faculty, allowing each composer to grow artistically while creating new music.
Throughout the workshop, composers participate in discussions of notation, music theory, orchestration and music aesthetics. Participants listen to, analyze and discuss the music of our time as well as the great achievements of the past. Small group sessions with mentors provide participants with valuable one-on-one feedback as they stretch their compositional abilities and creativity to meet new challenges.
UMKC Jazz Camp, June 24 – 28: Steeped in the rich jazz history of Kansas City, the UMKC Jazz Camp brings world-renowned performers and jazz educators to Kansas City to work with talented young instrumentalists ages 12 and up. Jazz Camp co-directors Bobby Watson and Dan Thomas and distinguished clinicians provide insight and inspiration to student combos in a welcoming environment. Participants form lasting friendships as they delve deep into jazz in intensive combo rehearsals and coaching sessions. Daily master classes with Jazz Camp faculty, theory and improvisation classes, and frequent faculty performances provide a well-rounded experience that touches on all aspects of jazz performance and history. Jazz Camp participants improve technical and improvisational skills, and aural acuity while studying the standards of the past and new, innovative literature. All instruments are welcome. The UMKC Jazz Camp concludes with a public performance by the student combos.
UMKC Double Reed Institute, June 25 – 29: The UMKC Double Reed Institute provides high school students (ages 13 – 19) the opportunity to work with UMKC double reed faculty, play chamber music, learn the craft of reed making and perform. Double reed (oboe and bassoon) students will benefit from learning to play music in a variety of settings including master classes, lessons and chamber music. All students will also have the opportunity to learn to make their own reeds in dedicated reed making classes.
Need more info? Call Elizabeth Valle, 816-235-5448, vallee@umkc.edu
Ask about our summer kids classes and day camps for ages infant–teens.
–Jessica Riggins
