Jan Kraybill

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

I'm pleased to present a concert at this small-but-mighty church in my hometown metro area. If the weather's nice, I might arrive on my Harley. More information coming soon!

I played the dedicatory concert at this church's organ, and was thrilled to be invited back on the spot for the next year, and the next ... and presto, this has turned into an annual event with friends, to which I look forward each year! More information coming soon.