Since 1997
Community Connections
The Kansas City Symphony’s Community Connections Initiative was established in 1997 as a way for Symphony musicians to engage the community by sharing their talents individually and in small ensembles. Through Community Connections, Symphony musicians perform as soloists and in chamber ensembles, coach students, present masterclasses, introduce children to orchestral instruments, perform at numerous retirement communities, and present a wide range of other free programs to the public.
Community Connections encompasses educational opportunities as well as performances, serving a wide range of young people from preschool through college. It is inspiring for students to have close contact with the accomplished professionals whom they see and hear on stage at Symphony concerts.
By breaking down barriers of formality and ritual, Kansas City Symphony musicians make a personal connection with people from all walks of life.
For more information about Community Connections, contact Renee Hagelberg at (816) 218-2622 or rhagelberg@kcsymphony.org.
“How wonderful today was! The children are beginning to leave and I am hearing the excitement in their voices as they tell their parents about our ‘friends from the symphony.’ Some are having trouble with the word ‘symphony’ but they are trying to say it!”
Jenny R. Harris | Curriculum Director, St. Luke’s Hospital Child Care Center
If you would like to make a gift to support this vital community program, please contact Alex Shapiro at ashapiro@kcsymphony.org or (816) 218-2646.
Community Connections
By the Numbers 2017/18
- Connecting with 13,685 people in 26 communities in 10 counties
- 69 education programs
- 35 retirement community programs
- 21 free community and Happy Hour concerts
- 12 Healing of Music programs
- 4 programs for Symphony auxiliary groups
- 141 total programs
Locations Include
Kansas City History Museum
Carondolet Manor Retirement Community
Lansing Correctional Facility
Primitivo Garcia Elementary
Kansas City VA Medical Center
Serving 10 Counties
Buchanan County, MO
Cass County, MO
Jackson County, MO
Johnson County, MO
Lyon County, KS
Clay County, MO
Douglas County, KS
Johnson County, KS
Leavenworth County, KS
Wyandotte County, KS
And 26 Communities
Blue Springs, MO
Gardner, KS
Independence, MO
Kansas City, MO
Lawrence, KS
Lee’s Summit, MO
Liberty, MO
Mission, KS
Oak Grove, MO
Olathe, KS
Parkville, MO
Raymore, MO
St. Joseph, MO
Emporia, KS
Gladstone, MO
Kansas City, KS
Lansing, KS
Leavenworth, KS
Lenexa, KS
Merriam, KS
Mission Hills, KS
Odessa, MO
Overland Park, KS
Prairie Village, KS
Shawnee, KS
Warrensburg, MO