Jan Kraybill

Future Stages Festival is a free one-day community event that showcases Kansas City’s youngest artists in diverse performances spanning multiple genres. More than 600 local performers, ages 5 – 18, showcase their talents throughout the day on four stages: Muriel Kauffman Theatre stage, Helzberg Hall stage, the Saint Luke’s Outdoor Stage and the Kansas City Symphony’s Mobile Music Box stage. Additionally, family-friendly arts activities are hosted on the south lawn and indoors in Brandmeyer Great Hall. With more than 30 youth performances as well as entertaining and educational arts activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

Registering for the event is encouraged so patrons can receive up-to-date information on any announcements, changes, performances and activities of the day. Registering is FREE and helps the Kauffman Center staff prepare for the number of people planning to attend. Learn more and register here: https://www.kauffmancenter.org/future-stages-festival/

I get to provide music at the Julia Irene Dennie-Kauffman pipe organ to bridge the stage changes between acts in Helzberg Hall. I hope you'll join me in this day, and be inspired by these talented young performers!

I'll serve as keyboard clinician at this annual educational experience for church musicians from a wide variety of denominations.

Visit https://www.su.edu/conservatory/conferences-institutes-2/church-music-institute/ for more information.

I'm thrilled to join the U.S. Air Force Band of Mid-America in the grand opening performance of the 2026 national convention of the American Guild of Organists. This concert celebrates the 250th birthday of the United States’ Declaration of Independence, adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. This founding document severed the relationship of the original thirteen colonies with Great Britain, outlined basic philosophies regarding human rights and dignity, and established core principles of democratic government. Its creation involved difficult conversations and compromises, and it launched a country whose strength lies in our ability and courage to work together through difficult circumstances. Music has symbolized and inspired diverse voices in these conversations over the past 250 years. This is truly something to celebrate!

Planned repertoire includes:

JESSICA HUNT (b. 1987): Fanfare Exultate (premiere, commissioned for this concert)

FRANCIS SCOTT KEY (1779-1843), JOHN STAFFORD SMITH (1750-1836), arr. JEREMY MARTIN: The Star Spangled Banner

BRIAN PFOLTNER (b. 1962): Pikes Peak Overture

JOHN PHILIP SOUSA (1854-1932), arr. KENNETH SINGLETON: Liberty Bell March

Arr. ROBERT CRAY, MSgt JEREMY MARTIN, SrA PATRICK LENZ: Armed Services Medley

KATHARINE LEE BATES (1859-1929), SAMUEL A. WARD (1848-1903), arr. KAITLIN MCCARTHY: America the Beautiful

FELA SOWANDE (1905-1987): Go Down, Moses

JULIA WARD HOWE (1819-1910), arr. PETER J. WILHOUSKY: Battle Hymn of the Republic

MAX REGER (1873-1916): Variationen und Fuge über "Heil, dir im Siegerkranz" (My Country 'Tis of Thee)

CAMILLE SAINT-SAËNS (1835-1921), arr. KENNETH SINGLETON: Adagio and Finale from Symphony No. 3, "Organ"

For general information about the convention, and to inquire about obtaining tickets to this particular concert, visit https://www.agostl2026.org/. Visit often, as more information is posted frequently. Join me in attending the entire convention and be inspired by the many performers who will share music-making in St. Louis all week!

Every year, The Hymn Society in the U.S. and Canada holds a conference which gathers authors, composers, scholars, leaders, and lovers of congregational song to explore the past, present, and future of singing together across theological boundaries. I love these conferences and I invite you to join us!

I will teach a workshop on the closing day of the conference, in which we'll explore the fascinating science behind the sounds we hear, and the waves that surround us that are beyond human hearing. We'll discuss how sound is used in our own and in other species for connection, communication, comfort, and more. We'll explore “the music of the spheres” coined by scientist/theologian/philosopher Pythagoras and the “music of our home” discovered by Apollo space missions.

Learn more about the conference at https://thehymnsociety.org/event/.

I'm always thrilled to play on this annual celebration of French organ music, sponsored and hosted by Mario Pearson, the director of music at the beautiful "gold dome" Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in my hometown, and co-sponsored by the Greater Kansas City Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.

This year I'll be performing the dramatic Sonata/Symphony No. 1 by Alexandre Guilmant. My performance begins at 4:30pm, but I encourage you to join me for the entire glorious three hours of music! The Festival's motto is "Venez quand vous pouvez, restez aussi longtemps que vous voulez, partez quand il vous le faut." (Come when you can, stay as long as you want, and leave when you must.)

A large screen projects a live video feed from the organ console, so the audience can see hands and feet in action. A livestream will be available for those unable to attend the event in person.

For much more information, visit https://www.kcago.com/events/french-organ-music-festival-xiv