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The members of KC VITAs chamber choir standing in front of a colorful mural that reads 'I' am loved'.

KC VITAs


KC VITAs amplifies unheard voices through new vocal music and transformative experiences for a more empathetic and connected community.


Our Mission's Four Pillars

I. Amplifying Unheard Voices

At the heart of our mission is a commitment to amplifying unheard voices — the stories, perspectives, and creative expressions that too often go unrecognized in the world of vocal music.
This means:

Championing composers and creators from underrepresented communities


Showcasing new works that reflect diverse lived experiences


Creating space for bold, fresh ideas in contemporary vocal music


Listening first, then lifting up voices with intention and care


II. New Vocal Music

Since our founding, KC VITAs has been driven by a passion for new vocal music. In fact, we’ve brought nearly 100 world premieres to Kansas City since 2015. That’s nearly 100 new perspectives, stories, and sound worlds made real for the first time — right here in our city.
What is new vocal music to us? It’s music that:

Pushes boundaries and explores new vocal techniques


Reflects today’s world, voices, and emotions


Spans genres, mediums, and cultures


Comes from living composers from all around the globe


From intimate solos to experimental choral textures, we’re proud to support creators who are reshaping what vocal music can be.


III. Transformative Experiences

We believe that sound fades from memory— but an experience is unforgettable.That’s why we’re reimagining what a choir concert can be. We’re not here to simply perform music. We’re here to create transformative experiences — ones that linger in your heart, your memory, and your sense of what’s possible.
This means:

Immersive soundscapes


Innovative and unexpected venues


Thoughtful staging and storytelling


Audience engagement that sparks reflection


Programs that make you feel, think, and see differently


Whether it’s singing in a cathedral or a planetarium, collaborating with dancers, or using silence as power — we want every performance to feel alive.


IV. A More Empathetic and Connected Community

We believe that sound fades from memory— but an experience is unforgettable.That’s why we’re reimagining what a choir concert can be. We’re not here to simply perform music. We’re here to create transformative experiences — ones that linger in your heart, your memory, and your sense of what’s possible.

Partnerships are vital. Whether with fellow music ensembles, educational institutions, or mission-driven nonprofits, we’re committed to growing our collaborations — to amplify impact, expand access, and bridge communities through shared experience.

Education is also central to this connection. We’re thrilled to be expanding our educational offerings — including the upcoming launch of “The Lavender Scores,” an anthology series celebrating and sharing the work of composers from the LGBTQIA+ community.

By shining light on unheard voices, creating immersive musical experiences, and deepening our community partnerships, we believe we can help make space for deeper empathy, curiosity, and joy — both in Kansas City and beyond.

From the Press


"Modern Vibrations with KC VITAs"

91.9 Classical KC Local Feature.
Interview with Artistic Director Jackson C. Thomas and Composer in Residence Leslee Wood.

Listen Here

"The opening utterances...rose from nowhere with such an invigorating richness that it set an exciting tone for the rest of the concert. KC VITAs continued this unified sound throughout the entire concert, achieving a resonating sound regardless of dynamics or setting. The choir was well balanced throughout, and each section was easily heard in the overall mixture."

Anthony Rogers, KC Metropolis

"For me, the most innovative thing about the program was that the choral pieces were sectioned off with art song. After every two or three choral performances, a single voice was featured on an art song. It functioned like little curtains opening between acts and served as a wonderful palate cleanser between courses.

I haven’t ever seen anyone use contemporary art song in this way, and I can tell you that I want to see it again. It’s very difficult for composers to get their art song into the view of the public, and this seems a perfect solution."

Kurt Knecht, MusicSpoke

Jackson C. Thomas D.M.A.

founder & director

photograph of Jackson Thomas

Originally from Carrollton, MO, Dr. Jackson Thomas is a conductor, composer, tenor, and clinician residing in Kansas City. MO. Jackson is the Director of Choral Activities at the University of Central Missouri (a role he has held since 2021) where he previously served as the Assistant Director of Choral Activities/Opera Director. He has held elementary, middle, and high school teaching positions in the Park Hill School District, Kansas City Public Schools, Kansas City Kansas Public Schools, and at the Pembroke Hill Upper School. Jackson serves as Director of Choral Music at St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Lenexa, KS where he has directed the Chancel Choir, Orchestra, and Bell Choir since 2015, and is the Artistic Director of the Northland Community Choir. He is an active soloist of classical and musical theatre repertoire, sings with several ensembles around the KC metropolitan area, and maintains a private voice and piano studio. He holds degrees from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in Vocal Performance and German and the University of Kansas where he received his M.M. and D.M.A in Choral Conducting. Jackson's research centers around composer-conductor collaboration, inclusivity, and the pedagogy of minimalist and extended vocal techniques. You can find his compositions on MusicSpoke.com or on his website, jacksoncthomas.com.

Board of Directors