Organizers for the 2026 JCC Maccabi Games are inviting members of the Kansas City Jewish community to audition to perform the national anthems at the event’s opening ceremony, which will take place Aug. 3.
Auditions to perform the United States, Canadian and Israeli national anthems are open now through April 30 and are available to Jewish vocalists and instrumentalists of all ages and experience levels connected to the Kansas City Jewish community. Individuals, groups and ensembles are encouraged to apply.
“We are so excited to present such a fun and engaging opportunity for our community to be involved in the upcoming JCC Maccabi Games,” said Samantha Hammontree, co-chair for the opening ceremony committee. “We’re looking for performers of all levels to share their talents with Kansas City and with the Maccabi community in August.”
Applicants must submit a one-to-two-minute video audition by April 30. The video should feature the performer singing the full anthem a cappella. Vocal performances will be performed without instrumental accompaniment.
Videos do not need to be professionally produced, and phone recordings are welcome. Applicants are encouraged to record in a quiet space with good lighting. Both landscape and portrait orientations are acceptable, and groups or ensembles may submit one video together.
Application videos for singing the U.S., Canadian or Israeli national anthems must include the applicant’s name and connection to the Kansas City community at the beginning. The video should be uploaded to YouTube or shared via Google Drive and then shared via link to .
Applicants may indicate interest in performing one, two or all three anthems.
Selected singers or instrumentalists will receive coaching and preparation from POP Project KC ahead of the performance. Participation is a volunteer and unpaid opportunity, and applicants do not need to be professional singers or have prior performance experience.
More information is available at jcckcmaccabi.org/nationalanthems or by contacting Tammy Ruder at or (913) 981-8878.
Performers must be available for a required rehearsal on Sunday, Aug. 2, as well as the opening ceremony on the evening of Monday, Aug. 3.