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UMKC Conservatory Concert Festival

Greetings from the UMKC Bands at the Conservatory! We're thrilled to invite your wind bands to participate in the 2026 Music for All UMKC Conservatory Concert Festival — a prestigious two-day celebration of music, artistry and collaboration on Feb. 25-26, 2026.

This festival is sponsored by Meyer Music and Music for All and designed to foster musical growth, cooperative encouragement and mutual respect among music programs, students, parents, boosters and administrators.

A Non-Competitive Celebration of Excellence

Unlike traditional contests, our festival embraces a non-competitive atmosphere — offering space for artistic exploration and excellence without the pressure of ratings or placements.

Participating ensembles are recognized as being among the finest in North America and will experience:

  • Meaningful performance opportunities
  • Constructive feedback from esteemed clinicians
  • A supportive environment centered on shared musical passion

What to Expect

Throughout the day, participating ensembles will:

  • Perform on the UMKC Volker Campus for a knowledgeable and appreciative audience.
  • Receive personalized feedback from a distinguished panel of clinicians.
  • Participate in a post-performance clinic with one of our festival clinicians.
  • Attend and observe other ensemble performances, ensuring a full day of inspiration and engagement.

Each ensemble’s concert will be attended by fellow musicians, educators, families and friends — cultivating an atmosphere of shared artistry and respect.

Festival fee: $40 per student (includes all experiences listed above)

Masterclasses and Featured Performances

All participating students will also enjoy masterclasses with UMKC Conservatory faculty, offering invaluable interaction with world-class performers whose artistry represents the highest level of musical achievement.

In addition, all invited ensembles will attend special performances by:

  • UMKC Conservatory Wind Symphony — conducted by Steven D. Davis, Director of Bands
  • UMKC Conservatory Wind Ensemble — conducted by Joseph Parisi, Associate Director of Bands

Both ensembles will tailor their programs to inspire and connect with high-school musicians, creating an unforgettable experience.

Festival Clinicians

  • Steven D. Davis, UMKC Conservatory
  • Joseph Parisi, UMKC Conservatory
  • Emily Moss, University of New Mexico
  • Scott Teeple, University of Wisconsin

How to Apply

If you'd like to attend, please email UMKC Bands with the following information:

  1. School and director name(s) with preferred contact information.
  2. Number of ensembles you plan to bring to the festival, including the approximate student count for each.

A member of the Conservatory staff will follow up with further details.

Application deadline: Monday, Sept. 29, 2025
Contact email: bands@umkc.edu
Event date: Wednesday and Thurday, Feb. 25-26, 2026

We Look Forward to Seeing You There

Through our shared enthusiasm for music, education and the performing arts, we’ve created something truly unique — a festival that celebrates artistry over competition and fosters lifelong musical connections.

We can't wait to welcome you and your students to Kansas City in 2026!