Stan Kenton Christmas Brass

Experience the Joy of Christmas with the Stan Kenton Brass at West Heights United Methodist Church on Sunday, December 14 at 10:30am!

Come celebrate the joy of Christmas with the exhilarating music of Stan Kenton Christmas Brass. Sunday, December 14 at 10:30am, West Heights UMC presents it's 50th annual Christmas concert featuring soaring trumpets and roaring brass, sounding out traditional carols that bring forth the spirit of the season.

Stan Kenton was born in the Delano area of Wichita in 1911 and became a pianist, composer, arranger, band leader and jazz educator. We are delighted to be able to share the Stan Kenton Christmas Brass in 2025.

This began at West Heights when Newt Graber, pianist, band leader and "gig king of Wichita," got a group of about 22 jazz musicians together to perform at the church. It has been a tradition ever since. After Newt's death in 1995, Henry "Hank" Elder directed the group. "Hank" was director until his death in late 2006 when Lisa Hittle, the director of the jazz program at Friends University for 30 years took over the tradition. Lisa passed the baton to Anthony Panek who will be directing for the fourth year.

For 50 years, West Heights has offered a unique Christmas musical experience. The ensemble's lively performance creates an ocean of sound proclaiming Christmas joy. In 1961 Stan Kenton recorded an album that brought to the carols a freshness that had not been heard before. It would take years before A Merry Christmas! would be universally accepted as a wondrous work to be savored and enjoyed by everyone of all ages. As audiences have discovered, the music soars and sometimes moves along at different tempos while not altering the character of the carols, nor intruding upon their sacredness.

The morning's celebration will start off at 9:00 with a delicious pancake breakfast in the Family Life Center. The breakfast will feature breakfast favorites- pancakes, sausage, eggs and juices. Additionally, West Heights hosts a mini craft fair and bake sale. Come early for an uplifting morning. A freewill offering will be received to help support the musicians. We invite you to come experience the joy of this special Christmas music.

West Heights UMC

745 N Westlink Ave

Wichita, KS 67212