2026 Mid-America Performing Arts Alliance Youth Orchestra Festival 

July 27-31, 2026
9am-5pm
UMKC Conservatory - Grant Hall
5228 Charlotte St.
Kansas City, MO 64110

Train. Perform. Transform.
A premier orchestra festival for high school and collegiate musicians featuring world-acclaimed faculty, elite chamber music training, and next-level orchestral performance. Experience an intensive week of chamber music coaching, masterclass instruction, and professional-level rehearsals designed to elevate your artistry, all on the beautiful UMKC Campus, and KC Plaza.

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.

Faculty
Christian Bouey, Violin
Henry Wang, Violin
Leslie Henrie, Violin
Nathan Humphrey, Violin
Ilvina Gabriellan, Violin
Julius Adams, Viola
Ashley Stanfield, Viola
Grace Ho, Cello
Meredith McCook, Cello
Tatiana Tessman, Piano
Leigh Munez, Bassoon
TB, Woodwind
Geoff Landman, Saxophone
Jesse Henkensiefken, Conductor

Orchestral Repertoire
- Shostakovich Piano Concerto No. 2 featuring 2025 MAPAA Piano Competition 1st Prize Winner, Eddison Chen.
- Gershwin An American in Paris

Five exciting days of music making!
Open to orchestral strings, winds/brass, percussion and keyboard players enrolled in high school/university. Renowned faculty offering side-by-side learning and performance opportunities.

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

Prescreening Recordings
All string players are required to submit a 5 min performance clip via YouTube/Vimeo to mapaacorp@gmail.com as part of their application. Festival Scholars will be selected by directors - Scholars receive free tuition and additional performance opportunities.

Dormitory Stay/Lunch Options
There are dorm rooms available upon request ($75 per night/per student).  We will also partner with UMKC Catering, as our festival attendees will have access to the university cafe or students may bring a sack lunch.

Download the Youth Orchestra Festival flyer!