We are proud to host the UMKC Conservatory Concert Festival directly on the UMKC Volker Campus! All ensembles will perform in White Hall, located inside the Olson Performing Arts Center at 4949 Cherry Street, Kansas City, MO. 

Yes. The Festival promises to be educational and inspirational for your ensemble, and you will want to be a part of the full experience. It is imperative that your ensemble attends all scheduled events. Countless hours of preparation have gone into the schedule to ensure that each performing ensemble receives a complete and attentive audience. Ensembles that do not participate in their assigned audience time and master classes may forfeit their right to apply for this Festival in the future. Attending other ensemble performances is part of the educational aspect of the Festival. As a performing ensemble, playing to a knowledgeable and attentive audience is very rewarding.

Each ensemble receives 60 minutes of stage time and directors can choose to use this time in any manner they wish. For example, an ensemble may perform for 30 minutes and receive a 30 minute clinic; or, some may choose to program a 40 minute performance in exchange for a 20 minute clinic. The 60 minutes are inclusive of concert music, reading of program notes, and any required set changes between pieces. Because of limited setup and tear down time, risers are not permitted.

Yes. All music played must be published, printed, and currently available to directors. Diversity in programming and performance is a key objective for the UMKC Conservatory Concert Festival. As such, all programs must include at least one composition by a composer from a historically marginalized group such as but not limited to women, Indigenous/Native, Black/African-American, Hispanic/Latinx, Asian American, and/or Pacific Islander. 

Part of what makes the Festival such an unparalleled experience is the attention to detail and quality that goes into every aspect. UMKC Conservatory will produce a high-quality program book for the Festival that includes information on all of the participating ensembles. This program will be a lifelong keepsake and eliminates the need for ensembles to produce and provide their own printed programs for their Festival performance. Each ensemble will receive one (1) full page in the program book. Proofs will be sent for director’s approval prior to printing. Each participating director will receive one complimentary copy of the Festival program book; digital copies will be available for all participating students, directors, chaperones, and audience members. 

UMKC Conservatory will provide the percussion equipment as indicated on the Supplied Equipment List. Concert grand pianos will be provided in the performance areas. We hope to provide ALL large equipment needed for your performance to ease in logistical flow. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the performing ensemble to secure equipment beyond that supplied by UMKC for warm-up and performance. Due to time and space demands, performing ensembles are not allowed to use their own equipment to substitute items on the Supplied Equipment List. Additionally, risers are not permitted.

Each ensemble will receive an audio recording, an audience view video, and a conductor view video.  Both the recording and videos will be unedited. 

Participants will adhere to a dress code as well as a code of conduct that enhances the world-class atmosphere of the Festival. Ultimately, each director determines ensemble dress code. There are restroom facilities available should students in your ensemble need to change clothes.

Meals are not included in the Festival pricing structure. UMKC Conservatory will offer the option to purchase meal vouchers for use in the on-campus dining facilities at an additional per person cost. You may also choose to take your students to any number of restaurants around downtown or order meals to be delivered straight to the Folly lobby.

Yes! Hampton Inn & Suites has offered a significantly reduced rate of $123 per room, which includes breakfast and wifi access. The Hampton staff will also obtain all of the necessary bus parking permits and bill your school on your behalf, making the entire experience as stress-free as possible. The Hampton Inn & Suites are conveniently located 1.5 miles away from UMKC and only 4 miles away from the Folly Theatre. 

The physical address of the Hampton Inn & Suites is: 4600 Summit St, Kansas City, MO 64112

In order to receive the special rate, please mention the UMKC Conservatory Concert Festival at time of booking; additionally, please inform the Hampton staff if you require any bus parking permits. 

Kansas City is a vibrant and visitor-friendly city with plenty to do! Enjoy a meal at any one of our internationally renowned BBQ joints, find inspiration at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, or cheer on your favorite team at the Big 12 National Championship. At the end of the day, take in the beautiful sunset from the top of Liberty Memorial and head to our historical Jazz District for some mind-blowing performances! More information can be found at the VisitKC website.