The UMKC Conservatory hosts its annual Crescendo gala each fall to celebrate their community and raise funds for student scholarships, facilities and more. The gala is hosted each year under the leadership of several chairs and honorary chairs, who generously serve with their time, talents and connections. This year’s chairs are Merrily Jackson, John Rensenhouse and Darren Sextro. Honorary chairs are Steve and Cathy Doyal.
These longtime supporters of the Conservatory, and the Kansas City arts community as a whole, provide valuable guidance and support to the Crescendo gala and Conservatory community. Many of them have been involved with the Conservatory for years, and chairing the Crescendo gala is just one more way they generously give back.
“I've served on the board of directors of the Friends of the Conservatory for four years, and that time has reinforced how critical it is to have arts education and arts training right in the middle of the city,” Sextro said. “Funding of that type of education requires philanthropic patronage, as has been the case around the world for centuries, and my volunteer time with Crescendo is one way to continue that type of philanthropic arts tradition.”
Jackson serves on the board of directors with Sextro. She finds great value and enjoyment in what the arts provide and believes strongly in the Conservatory’s contribution to the community.
“The UMKC Conservatory is Kansas City’s talent factory, in the very best sense,” Jackson said. “It sends a steady stream of music, dance and theatre professionals into the world, and we get a front-row seat to their brilliance before anyone else does.”
Rensenhouse is a producer, director, actor and current board president of the Kansas City Actors Theatre. He refers to Crescendo as a “legendary fundraiser” and appreciates the opportunity to give back to students who he often works with during theatre productions.
“As a producer with Kansas City Actors Theatre, we rely on the great talent in the theatre department for designers, actors and stage managers,” Rensenhouse said. “Almost every production we put on includes the work of a UMKC Conservatory student or graduate. The Conservatory brings young, bright minds to our city that might not otherwise come here. It is a great lifeline for the city.”
Honorary chair Steve Doyal is a current member of the UMKC Board of Trustees. He and wife Cathy are staunch supporters of the Kansas City arts community and have provided support to the Conservatory, Kansas City Ballet and Kansas City Repertory Theatre.
Jackson, Rensenhouse, Sextro and the Doyals all understand that a vibrant arts community doesn’t happen by accident. By intentionally investing their time and efforts into Crescendo and other causes, they ensure that Kansas City will remain a hub for artists and that the UMKC Conservatory will be a part of that hub.
“When artists become arts professionals, the fact that part of their origin story was at the UMKC Conservatory is a proud part of their journey,” Sextro said. “Knowing that I played some very modest role in that is meaningful. I can't normalize enough that arts patronage is the responsibility of any vibrant philanthropic community, so that's a proud part of my volunteer time and whatever knowledge I've picked up in this arena over the years.”
With the proceeds from the Crescendo gala supporting the Conservatory’s expansion, that impact becomes even more meaningful for future generations of students and arts patrons.
“I really believe in the mission to expand and update the Conservatory facilities,” Rensenhouse said. “It will make UMKC a much more desirable place to study and, in turn, enrich the Kansas City cultural community.”
“The Conservatory is vital to Kansas City’s arts community,” Jackson added. “Co-chairing Crescendo and being a part of that has been an honor and a thrill. I've gotten to know so many gifted professionals who are massively talented and who choose to share their proficiency with people coming up.”
Through the investment of their time, Jackson, Rensenhouse, Sextro and the Doyals are providing invaluable support to current and future Conservatory students. Their impact will ripple through the Kansas City arts community and beyond, as others enjoy the talents of those they have invested in.
Learn more about the Conservatory expansion and how you can make your own meaningful contribution.
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