Paul Rudy is a composer, sound artist, sound healing practitioner, land artist and steward, photographer, and researcher. A profound and shaking experience at age eight taught him the power of sound, and a focused study and curiosity has led to a Curators’ Distinguished Professorship at the UMKC Conservatory and International awards as a composer, where he currently serves as the Coordinator of Integrated Arts Initiative. He is a Rome Prize (2010), Guggenheim (2008), Fulbright (1997), and Wurlitzer Foundation (2007 and 2009) Fellow. Recent endeavors include a sound healing practice, composing personal sound meditations for clients, and NIH supported research studying sound in the operating room to improve patient safety with Surgilab at the UMKC Medical School.

Christopher Alan Schmitz composes solo, chamber, and ensemble music that is “sublimely gorgeous” (Fanfare) and “pensive…hard-driving…and whimsical” (American Record Guide). His compositions have been performed and recorded internationally by the London Symphony Orchestra, the USAF Airmen of Note, and many others, in venues ranging from New York City (Carnegie Hall) to Alaska (Denali National Park) to London (St. Luke’s Church). Christopher’s educational music has appeared in concert programs at all levels of development and his recent solo and chamber works have been performed by the Cortona Trio, Svyati Duo, Terell Stafford, Amy Schwartz Moretti, and Denson Paul Pollard, among others.

Theodore Vidal (b. 2001) was born in Bulgaria and adopted into the United States at age two. Vidal is a passionate composer and professional musician whose global journey is shaped by a lifelong love of exploration and creativity. Dedicated to sharing life’s richness and inspired by worldly cultures, Vidal made his compositional debut at the age of fifteen and is now known for crafting music that tells stories, evokes emotions, and inspires. His musical works have been performed by global ensembles and orchestral groups.

Jack Wilds is a composer and educator whose works have brought him into collaboration with musicians aged 5-95. Ranging from children's choirs to collegiate wind ensembles and professional chamber groups, Jack's music draws on visual art, philosophical and religious texts, poetry, and absolute musical influences to create vibrant works that meet performers where they are while inspiring authentic, artistic music making.

His chamber music has been performed by the Attacca Quartet, the University of Texas New Music Ensemble, the Austin Saxophone Ensemble, and members of the New York Philharmonic and the Atlanta Symphony. His works have also been featured at international festivals and composition workshops including the International Trombone Festival, the Slider Asia Clinic in Hong Kong, the American Trombone Workshop, the International Horn Symposium, New Music on the Bayou and The Wyoming Festival.