2026 Mid-America Performing Arts Alliance Junior Youth Orchestra Festival

July 28-31, 2026
10am-5pm
UMKC Conservatory
James C. Olson Performing Arts Center
4949 Cherry St.
Kansas City, 64110

Train. Perform. Transform.
A premier orchestra festival for middle school string players featuring acclaimed regional faculty, offering next-level orchestral rehearsal and performance. Experience an intensive week of techniques class, intensive sectionals, and engaging rehearsals designed to elevate your artistry, all on the beautiful UMKC campus. This year the festival will include an exciting guest appearance by none other than Orchestral Clinician, Kirt Moiser.

Take your music further.
Join a high-impact festival where our mentors teach the next generation how to actively listen, critically think, and create nuance and musical beauty. The festival also includes masterclass instruction, techniques on how to play more efficiently and cleaner, and group learning exercises in an orchestral setting. The festival culminates with a finale concert.

Four exciting days of music making!
Open to orchestral strings enrolled in middle school.

Applications Due May 1st
Recordings & Application Fee: $100 (due May 1st)
Tuition: $200 (due July 1st)

Prescreening Recordings
All sting players are required to submit a 2-3 min performance clip via YouTube/Vimeo to mapaacorp@gmail.com as part of their application.

The video should showcase the student’s best ability on their instrument of choice. This can include scales, etudes, or solo repertoire. Excerpts from school music or youth orchestra music can also be accepted if the prior choices are not prepared.

Lunch Options
We will partner with UMKC Catering, as our festival attendees will have access to the university cafe or students may bring a sack lunch. Students can expect to spend $10-15 per lunch.

Download the Junior Youth Orchestra Festival flyer!