We're headed to Kansas City!
The 47th Annual NPM National Convention will take place in Kansas City, Missouri, from July 8-11, 2024.
The theme, “Fountains of Faith,” is inspired by the fountains of Kansas City: over 200 fountains are scattered through the city, which originated in the 1800s as a way to provide drinking water to animals as they traveled through the city (source: VisitKC.com). Fountains, both new and old, now populate Kansas City, giving the city its theme of “City of Fountains.”
About the 2024 Convention
The 2024 convention will include the city’s rich musical history, including its organs.
Kansas City has some of the finest pipe organs in the United States today. For example, the city’s Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts (pictured, right) showcases a 102-rank Casavant Frères organ. (Click here to learn more)
Kansas City has a rich legacy of excellent choral music. From the Kansas City Chorale to the Kansas City Symphony, choral music is a vibrant part of music and culture. Not only that, the Diocese of Kansas City continues that rich tradition of choral music in their churches. Expect to see this tradition reflected in the events and topics addressed at the 2024 Convention.
2024 Pastoral Musician of the Year: Paul French
NPM is excited to announce that the 2024 Pastoral Musician of the Year is Paul French.
Paul French is Music Director at Chicago’s Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, where he leads a thriving choral program for both children and adults. For twelve seasons he was music director of the William Ferris Chorale, the acclaimed Chicago-based professional choral ensemble which specialized in performances of 20th and 21st century works.
Mr. French has studied composition, chant, conducting and organ at St. John’s University (Collegeville, MN), Northwestern University and the Pontificio Instituto di Musica Sacra in Rome. A composer of more than 200 instrumental and choral works including pieces for adult and children’s choirs, voice, organ, brass and orchestra, he has also held lengthy tenures National Association of Pastoral Musicians Choir Director Institutes and served as the long-time Director of Choral Recordings for World Library Publications. Paul French is also the President of the American Federation of Pueri Cantores, and is editor of the Pueri Cantores Choral Series of distinguished choral literature for youth choirs published by GIA Publications.
Paul will be honored at the 47th Annual Convention.
About the Kansas City NPM Chapter
The NPM Chapter of Greater Kansas City includes Kansas City/St. Joseph, Missouri, and Kansas City, Kansas. Their guiding principles are:
Foster a welcoming environment and hospitality to all.
Program intentionally to include intergenerational and multi-cultural topics and involvement.
Provide broad and dynamic spectrum of communication to our membership.
Foster an active collaboration with our diocesan worship/liturgy office.
Provide relevant, on-going formation and training to our members.
Increase active NPM chapter involvement.
Next Steps: What to Expect
The National Association of Pastoral Musicians is now accepting proposals for breakouts, concerts, and events for the 2024 Convention in Kansas City, Missouri. All members are invited to submit their proposed ideas. Don’t delay!
Please submit this online form no later than August 30, 2023 at 11:59pm EDT.
