About Us
The Mission of the Kansas City Kansas Community Orchestra (KCKCO) is to provide the opportunity for volunteer musicians to enhance their musical talents by sharing their love of music with the community. Two of the main focal points of the orchestra are to cultivate the next generation of musicians by encouraging children to discover and master a musical instrument in a full orchestra setting, and to foster the value of community service.
The orchestra was started in 2000 by Jeff Beck, our Conductor Emeritus. As of March 2025, the conductor of the KCKCO is Arlo Kinsey. Arlo holds a degree in Music Education, emphasis in percussion, from Pittsburg State University. Arlo is currently an instrumental music teacher in the Kansas City Kansas School District, working with students of various ages and instrument areas. While getting to rehearse with talented and enthusiastic musicians is truly a joy of his work with the KCKCO, getting to experience the genuine connections the members make every rehearsal and performance is his favorite part of this group. Arlo looks to continue the culture established by Mr. Jeff Beck and expand its warmth to any and all future or current life-long musicians in the Kansas City area.
KCKCO is composed of musicians of every age, ranging from middle/high school age through adults. Any person who possesses the necessary artistic skills is eligible for membership. All are welcome and no formal audition is required. We ask that musicians have mastered or are proficient in playing an instrument, love music, and enjoy sharing it.
We rehearse every Thursday from 6:30 to 8:15 pm at London Heights Baptist Church (734 N 78th St, KCKS 66112). Most performances are also on held Thursdays at London Heights and venues across the Kansas City area.
Concerts are free and open to everyone. KCKCO is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, run by volunteers. We appreciate and depend on your generous donations. Please sign up to receive concert invitations. We are celebrating our 25th year and hope to see you soon!
Diversity Statement
A rich, beautiful music score results from skillfully combining various musical elements. Each composition uses a range of notes, melodies, harmonies, time and key signatures, and tempos to create complexity and depth. Different instruments add unique sounds and textures, enhancing the overall quality and emotion of the piece.
Just as variety enriches music itself, variety also enriches the orchestra that performs it. Every musician in the orchestra brings something unique and irreplaceable to the group. The Kansas City Kansas Community Orchestra is committed to welcoming musicians of every instrument and background. The ensemble seeks and welcomes members from every culture, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, ability, socio-economic status, age, and gender. Each member is vital to producing rich and beautiful music, ensuring the orchestra is as diverse and dynamic as the scores it performs. We believe every musician’s voice matters and each contributes to our shared harmony.
