Save the date for the 2026 WSMTA State Conference with the Bardin-Niskala Duo. The conference will take place June 27-29, 2026 at Central Washington University in Ellensburg!
The Conference Planning Committee has been meeting weekly to make the 2026 Conference the best yet! We are excited to welcome the Bardin-Niskala Duo as our conference guest artists, with cellist An-Lin Bardin and pianist Naomi Niskala.
Because of their focus on composition and their mission of commissioning under-represented composers for their performances, we have asked them to work with students in TWO sessions: one will be a traditional “Lesson with the Artist”, but with preference given to ensembles, rather than to solo performers. The second will be for “Works in Progress”, for student composers who submit a composition to work on with the Duo. Please encourage your students to prepare to apply for these unique opportunities!
We look forward not only to the many performances that will take place over the three days of the Conference, but also to presentations on a myriad of topics. Proposals are now being accepted and I encourage you to submit one or more.
Please consider sharing your expertise on any music subject related to teaching, pedagogy, with any instrument focus, solo, ensemble, or style. More information, plus the application form can found online at: https://dev2.wsmta.org/teacher-programs/conferences/wsmta-conference/. The application deadline is Monday, Nov. 10.
Submitted by Carol Cross, 2026 WSMTA Conference Co-Chair