The Jacomo Chorale has been serving the cultural and artistic needs of Jackson County and the surrounding area since 1983

  Past Directors

Harold Neal 

The JACOMO Chorale was founded by Harold Neal, the retired director of the Independence Messiah Choir. The fall of 1983 saw 27 singers gather to begin a new musical group, with performances during the first few years for churches, civic groups, and other private performances. He retired at age 65 and turned the Chorale over to Sue Nichols. Harold Neal passed away quietly in November 2004 at the Groves retirement home, Independence, MO.

Sue Nichols

 Sue Nichols directed the group for two and half seasons, leading the Chorale in fulfilling its mission of providing a variety of music to all types of audiences in the Kansas City area.

Jeffrey Carter, DMA

 Jeffrey Carter directed the Chorale starting January 1989 to February 1998. Jeff and the Chorale presented a wide variety of literature each season. The fall concert generally featured a major work with orchestra. Members of the Chorale and various donors from throughout the community generously supported these performances. A traditional family sing-a-long Christmas concert and a lighter “pops” concert in the spring were also part of the season. Currently, Jeffrey Richard Carter, a native of the Kansas City, Missouri area, is Assistant Professor of Music Performance at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana.  He is a versatile conductor and teacher whose performance experience and training ranges through nearly 1000 years of western musical tradition, and who has gained success with university ensembles, amateur choral groups, show choirs, volunteer church choirs, and specialized organizations.  His performing and educational endeavors have taken him to the continents of Asia, South America, and Europe, in addition to the continental United States.

Rebecca Burns

Becky became the Chorale’s fourth musical conductor in February 1998. Ms. Burns holds degrees from the University of Northern Colorado and the University of Nebraska, and is pursuing her Doctorate at the Conservatory of Music at UMKC. Her musical experiences include orchestral and choral conducting, as well as performing as a flutist, violist, and vocalist. She served as interim conductor for the Pride of the Prairie Orchestra in Colby, Kansas, and was the director of Choral Music for McCook Community College in Nebraska. Her choirs have performed throughout the United States and England. She frequently serves as guest conductor, adjudicator, and clinician throughout Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri. Ms. Burns is the recipient of the Certificate of Honor from Pi Kappa Lambda and holds memberships in the American Choral Directors Association, the National Music Educators Association, Tau Beta Sigma, and Pi Kappa Lambda. In addition to teaching and conducting, Ms. Burns sits on numerous community boards and sings with the Kansas City Symphony Chorus.

James L. Wrolstad

   James L. Wrolstad resigned as the Artistic Director of the Jacomo Chorale after two seasons.  With twenty-five years of experience in music education and performance, Wrolstad brought a dynamic quality to his music which inspires performers and audiences alike.  Wrolstad’s enthusiasm and passion for music is tangible to anyone around him. James is going back to finish earning his degree in music education.  Currently, Wrolstad is pursuing a doctorate degree in music education at Shenandoah University, Winchester, Virginia.  He is studying instrumental conducting with Timothy Hankewich, Associate Conductor of the Kansas City Symphony.  He teaches orchestra in the Liberty Public School District and is active in his church as a keyboard worship team leader, bass player and vocal soloist.

News & Events

Open Auditions

Please call Dianna, at (816) 690-6985, (816) 229-0812, or (816) 536-9058 to schedule an audition appointment. For more information, please email us.

Weekly Rehearsals

Rehearsal times will be Thursdays from 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm weekly.  We meet at the Mission Woods Community of Christ building on Duncan Rd in Blue Springs.  Click here for directions.

New Director Announcements

We are very excited to have as our Director  J. Seth Farrow.