Skip Schrock

Skip Schrock (1959–2026) was a Kansas City-born alto saxophonist, artistic director, and dedicated public servant whose lifelong passion for music included leadership roles in KC-area ensembles like the Mid America Freedom Band and Capital City Productions, alongside significant service in Missouri and national government.

Biography

Early life

Born May 12, 1959 in Kansas City, Missouri, to Raymond Eugene Schrock and Shirley Jean (Eckart) Schrock Burton. He graduated from Jefferson City High School and New Mexico State University, where his love for music blossomed.

Arrival in / connection to Kansas City

Born in Kansas City, Skip’s early musical and educational work was rooted in Missouri, with later ties to the Kansas City music community through ensembles and his final years working in the KC area.

Career / contribution

Skip’s early career combined music and education: Assistant to the Jefferson City High School Band Director, directing the JCHS Jazz Ensemble and Beginning Band at Simonsen Junior High in Jefferson City. He also taught band at Orchard Farm School District in St. Charles County.

He transitioned to public service with the Missouri Department of Revenue, then key roles in the Governor’s offices of Mel Carnahan and Roger Wilson (Assistant Scheduler, Director of Constituent Services, Assistant to the Governor). He served in Washington, D.C. as Director of Correspondence for Senator Jean Carnahan. Later work with the Missouri Democratic Party and a Kansas City non-profit, before moving home to care for family and working with the Garden City Water Department.

Throughout, music remained central. An accomplished alto saxophonist, he played in numerous ensembles including the River City Saxes Quintet, Little Theatre of Jefferson City orchestra, Capital City Productions orchestra (where he served as Artistic Director), ffortissiMO KC’s Loud and Proud Band, and the Mid America Freedom Band (Artistic Director and Vice President).

Later years

Skip continued his musical leadership and public service commitments until his passing on June 16, 2026 in Holts Summit, Missouri, surrounded by family.

Death + memorial

Raymond Eugene “Skip” Schrock passed away June 16, 2026. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Survived by brother Greg (Penny) Schrock, sister Jeanna (John) Jackson, step brothers and sister, nieces, grandnieces/nephews, uncle, cousins, friends, and companion Lucky. Preceded in death by parents, stepfather, step brother, and grandparents.

Defining contributions to Kansas City

1. Artistic Director and Vice President of the Mid America Freedom Band, a volunteer community jazz ensemble based in Kansas City for LGBTQ+ and allied musicians.
2. Artistic Director of Capital City Productions orchestra, contributing to local theater and music productions.
3. Lifelong dedication to jazz and music education, performing in multiple Missouri and KC-area ensembles while mentoring through his work.
4. Public service in Missouri government and advocacy work with ties to the Kansas City area.

Cultural legacy

Skip Schrock is remembered for bridging music and public service, bringing his saxophone and leadership to KC’s vibrant jazz and community music scenes, including key roles in inclusive ensembles like the Mid America Freedom Band. His work supported the cultural life of the region while exemplifying dedication to community and the arts.

Contemporaries + collaborators

• Members of Mid America Freedom Band, Capital City Productions, River City Saxes, ffortissiMO KC Loud and Proud Band.
• Local Missouri and KC music educators, directors, and performers.
• Government colleagues from Missouri governors’ offices and Senator Carnahan’s staff.

Sites in KC associated with this person

• Venues and events associated with Mid America Freedom Band and ffortissiMO KC in the Kansas City area.
• Local theater and orchestra performances tied to Capital City Productions.

Source materials

• Obituary from Dickey Funeral Homes.
• References to Mid America Freedom Band and other ensembles in KC music contexts.
• Government service records and family tributes.

Controversies + complexity

None noted in available sources; remembered for music, service, and family.

Sources