Shaping the Next Generation of Musical Leaders
Mission & Vision
Ensemble Iberica’s new Emerging Artists Collaborative is a transformative youth initiative led by Ensemble Iberica, designed to cultivate the next generation of musical leaders. Our mission is to prepare talented young musicians for real-world success by offering a professional, immersive experience rooted in artistic excellence, mentorship, and cultural exploration.
We believe in nurturing serious artistic potential through collaboration with seasoned performers, hands-on performance opportunities, and real-world training. Young artists will be carefully selected and recruited by Ensemble Iberica to participate in our season and special programming throughout the year, gaining experience alongside professional musicians in a variety of performance settings.
At the core of our vision is a commitment to modeling professional standards, fostering confidence, and equipping students with the tools, experience, and network necessary to thrive in today’s dynamic music industry. We aim to demonstrate that music is not only a powerful means of expression, but also a viable and sustainable career path.
Mentorship & Collaboration
Emerging artists work alongside Ensemble Iberica artists in environments that foster mentorship through professional collaboration and modeling.
Performance Experience
Live concerts, recording sessions, and collaborative projects with professionals.
Immersive Training
Workshops and masterclasses in diverse musical traditions from around the world.
Career Readiness
One-on-one guidance in musicianship, professionalism, and artistic identity.
Financial Literacy
Practical skills in financial planning, self-employment, branding, and long-term career strategy.
Professional Treatment
Emerging artists are treated as peers and paid accordingly, reinforcing their value and setting the standard for professional behavior and expectations.
Our Current Participants
Join us on July 17th as we proudly feature both of our new Emerging Artists in concert with the Alejandro Brittes Trio
Katherine Medina - violin
Katherine Medina is a passionate and dedicated violinist who has been studying music for six years. Born in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and currently based in Basehor, Kansas, she is entering her senior year at Basehor-Linwood High School. Katherine began private violin lessons through the UMKC Conservatory Bridges program at the start of her freshman year and has studied under Mi Qian and Filip Lazovski.
A rising talent in the region, Katherine performs with several ensembles including the Youth Symphony of Kansas City (2023–present), Ad Astra Chamber Orchestra (2024–2025), Kansas City Kansas Community Orchestra (2022–2025), and Topeka Youth Symphony (2023–2024). She is also a two-time participant in the Sunflower Music Festival’s Blanche Bryden High School Institute. In 2025, she earned a place in the prestigious Kansas All-State String Orchestra and has consistently received top ratings at the KSHSAA Solo and Ensemble Festival for both solo and chamber work. This year, she won 1st place in the violin division at the UMKC Spring Solo Festival and placed in the top 10 across all categories.
In addition to violin, Katherine has studied classical voice for seven years with Dr. Jamea Sale. She sings with Allegro Choirs of Kansas City and the Summer Singers of KC. Outside of music, she enjoys knitting, mentoring middle school students, and spending time with her cockatiel, Tweety. Katherine is also a competitive powerlifter, having placed 2nd in her weight class this year, and is a certified bilingual Spanish speaker currently learning Italian.
John David Crow - violin
John David Crow is a dedicated violinist from Kansas City, Missouri, and a graduate of Lincoln College Preparatory Academy. With a deep passion for music and education, he will begin his studies in Music Education at the UMKC Conservatory in Fall 2025. For the past five years, John has served as Concertmaster for Harmony Project KC, where he has developed his leadership skills and musical voice. He studies under esteemed teachers Reilly Mitchell and Can Balcik and has performed with the All-District Orchestra. His commitment and talent have earned him numerous Gold Ratings at the Solo and Ensemble Festival. John is especially passionate about mentorship and inspiring the next generation of musicians. His long-term goal is to pursue a Ph.D. in Music Education and become a high school orchestra director, where he hopes to build a vibrant program that nurtures student growth through musical excellence and inclusive community-building.
Emerging Artists Collaborative Founders Circle
We are deeply grateful for the generous support, which empowers us to inspire the next generation of musicians through the Emerging Artists Collaborative.
Hannah Steinhauser
Pete and Julie Walker Browne
Corliss Jacobs
Bill & Elisabeth Cutler
Randy Moore
Shelly and Ed Rodriguez
Jim and Sarah Weitzel
Judy Joss
Jennifer Maassen
Ken & Sharon Bowman
Corlis Jacobs
Val & Mark Andruss
Cindy Faulkner
Ginny Voss
Anita Pabon
Karla Deel
Susan Morgnathaler
Neil Battrum
Hermelinda Gonzalez
Norma and Greg O’Neil