About the Liberty Symphony Orchestra
The mission of the Liberty Symphony Orchestra is to be a part of the cultural fabric of our community through accessible, entertaining and inspiring performances.
To ensure the continued appreciation and performance of orchestral music in the greater Liberty area and surrounding communities by:
To ensure the continued appreciation and performance of orchestral music in the greater Liberty area and surrounding communities by:
- Performing quality orchestral and chamber concerts, highlighting a range of genres;
- Presenting opportunities for local artists and composers to perform;
- Providing educational programming, primarily focused on young audiences;
- Acting in a fiscally responsible manner through the implementation of cost-effective programming, and progressive marketing and fund development strategies.
Langston Hemenway, Music Director
Dr. Langston Hemenway serves as the Director of Instrumental Studies at William Jewell College in Liberty, MO, where he oversees every aspect of the instrumental division, including conducting the Wind Ensemble, directing the Jewell Jazz Band, administrating the Music Education program, and recently taking over as conductor and music director of the Liberty Symphony Orchestra.
Dr. Hemenway earned his Doctorate in Instrumental Conducting from the University of Michigan, his Master’s degree in Conducting from the University of Kansas, and his Bachelor’s in Music Education from the University of Oklahoma. His primary conducting teachers were Michael Haithcock, John P. Lynch, and William Wakefield.
An active educator, adjudicator, and clinician, Dr. Hemenway is passionate about working with community and school groups from a wide array of experience levels. Prior to his position at Jewell, Hemenway served on the music faculty at North Central College in Naperville, IL and also taught for seven years as a public school band director in Texas and Kansas, working with distinguished high school programs in the Houston and Wichita areas. In addition to his educational experience, Hemenway is an active conductor, currently serving as head conductor and music director of the Kansas City Wind Symphony, a premiere group of wind and percussion players in the KC metro area, and in August 2021 taking over as Director of the Village Brass at Village Presbyterian Church on Mission. He has also been on the podium with the Chicago Federation of Musicians (CFM) Symphony Orchestra, the Triton Community Band, and the Naperville Singers. While at Michigan, Hemenway conducted numerous recital orchestras, and served 6 seasons as the conductor of the UM Band Alumni Association (UMBAA) Concert Band, helping grow the organization into a well-respected regional ensemble. A champion of modern music, Dr. Hemenway has commissioned or premiered works from many distinguished composers including Michael Daugherty, John Mackey, Kristin Kuster, Roshanne Etezady, Joni Greene, Steven Bryant, Joel Puckett, Carter Pann, Kevin Walczyk, and David Biedenbender. Dr. Hemenway looks forward to taking the reins of the Liberty Symphony and continuing the fine tradition of its 50 year history.
Dr. Hemenway earned his Doctorate in Instrumental Conducting from the University of Michigan, his Master’s degree in Conducting from the University of Kansas, and his Bachelor’s in Music Education from the University of Oklahoma. His primary conducting teachers were Michael Haithcock, John P. Lynch, and William Wakefield.
An active educator, adjudicator, and clinician, Dr. Hemenway is passionate about working with community and school groups from a wide array of experience levels. Prior to his position at Jewell, Hemenway served on the music faculty at North Central College in Naperville, IL and also taught for seven years as a public school band director in Texas and Kansas, working with distinguished high school programs in the Houston and Wichita areas. In addition to his educational experience, Hemenway is an active conductor, currently serving as head conductor and music director of the Kansas City Wind Symphony, a premiere group of wind and percussion players in the KC metro area, and in August 2021 taking over as Director of the Village Brass at Village Presbyterian Church on Mission. He has also been on the podium with the Chicago Federation of Musicians (CFM) Symphony Orchestra, the Triton Community Band, and the Naperville Singers. While at Michigan, Hemenway conducted numerous recital orchestras, and served 6 seasons as the conductor of the UM Band Alumni Association (UMBAA) Concert Band, helping grow the organization into a well-respected regional ensemble. A champion of modern music, Dr. Hemenway has commissioned or premiered works from many distinguished composers including Michael Daugherty, John Mackey, Kristin Kuster, Roshanne Etezady, Joni Greene, Steven Bryant, Joel Puckett, Carter Pann, Kevin Walczyk, and David Biedenbender. Dr. Hemenway looks forward to taking the reins of the Liberty Symphony and continuing the fine tradition of its 50 year history.
BOARD AND STAFF
LSO is governed by a volunteer board of directors.
Ian Coleman
Shea Henderson
Andra Lewin
Aaron Money
Cory Unrein, Administrator
Music Director: Langston Hemenway
Interested in board service? Email [email protected].
LSO is governed by a volunteer board of directors.
Ian Coleman
Shea Henderson
Andra Lewin
Aaron Money
Cory Unrein, Administrator
Music Director: Langston Hemenway
Interested in board service? Email [email protected].