UMKC Day — Campus Visit & Masterclasses with UMKC Conservatory Faculty

Sunday October 19th

James C. Olsen Performing Arts Center

4949 Cherry Street, Kansas City MO 64110

&

Grant Hall

5228 Charlotte St

Kansas City MO 64110

Join us for UMKC Day, a dynamic masterclass experience led by distinguished faculty from the UMKC Conservatory’s Instrumental Studies program. This immersive event invites YSKC students to engage in specialized sessions across a range of instruments, culminating in ensemble coaching and insightful performance techniques.

Visiting Faculty – Instrumental and Ensemble Leaders

Our expert faculty lineup includes instrumental coaches and ensemble leaders dedicated to fostering musical growth across wind, string, and percussion areas:

• Joseph Genualdi – Violin Faculty  
• Benny Kim – Violin Faculty  
• Scott Lee – Viola Faculty  
• Mike Mermagen – Cello Faculty  
• Keith Wymer – Double Bass Faculty
• Jane Carl – Clarinet Faculty / Instrumental Studies Area Coordinator  
• Celeste Johnson – Oboe Faculty  
• Leigh Muñoz – Bassoon Faculty
• Terri Sánchez – Flute Faculty  
• Alberto G. Suarez – Horn Faculty
• JoDee Davis – Trombone Faculty
• Keith Benjamin – Trumpet Faculty
• Dr. James Snell – Timpani Faculty

Alongside this stellar lineup, we are excited to feature two exceptional session leaders:

• Dr. Christopher “Chris” Kelts – Assistant Professor of Music & Director of Orchestras at UMKC Conservatory  
• Dr. Steven D. Davis – Rose Ann Carr Millsap Missouri Distinguished Professor of Music, Director of Bands & Wind Ensembles, and conductor of the YSKC Symphony Orchestra  

What to Expect

• Instrument-Specific Masterclasses
  Guided by faculty in flute, oboe, violin, viola, cello, clarinet, and wind/percussion, providing one-on-one and ensemble instruction.
• Ensemble Coaching
  Led by Dr. Kelts and Dr. Davis, focusing on orchestral dynamics, phrasing, and ensemble cohesion under expert guidance.
• Artistic Mentoring
  Faculty mentors will provide feedback on technique, interpretation, and artistic expression suited to both solo and ensemble performance.
• Networking & Insight
  Gain valuable exposure to university-level faculty and learn about UMKC’s music programs, expectations, and opportunities.

Summary for the Events Page

UMKC Day is a rare chance for YSKC students to immerse themselves in rigorous, high-level instruction from renowned UMKC Conservatory faculty—spanning all major orchestral instruments and ensemble direction. With masterclass sessions led by leaders like Chris Kelts and Steven D. Davis, this event promises transformative growth and inspiration for aspiring musicians.

Closed to the public.