The mission of the Music Department at KCKCC is to develop the well-rounded musician through theory and practice – artistically, intellectually, and technically. This well-rounded musicianship is achieved through studying and performing music of not only the classical tradition, but also in the jazz and contemporary popular styles. Students integrate theory and practice in an environment in which they become active learners through their relationships with faculty, who themselves continue to grow as artists and teachers.
The primary objective of the Choral Music Program at KCKCC is to educate the students and the community about vocal ensemble music through stylistic variety and tonal diversity, based on historical precedent. This objective is achieved by exposing choir members to music of different nationalities and/or cultures and their commitment to recreate a unique tone quality that identifies with the cultural environment of each composition. The KCKCC Vocal Jazz Program takes pride in performing collegiate and professional-level vocal jazz ensemble literature. The program is recognized regionally and nationally for performance and creative programming. Students study vocal jazz five days a week (4 days of ensemble rehearsal and a weekly vocal styles class). Lastly, most of our students in choir and vocal jazz receive a full-tuition vocal music scholarship from the college (where they can be any major, but must participate in choir and applied voice).