SAVE THE DATE! for the 2026 WSMTA State Conference
with the Bardin-Niskala Duo:“Music is CENTRAL!”
June 27-29, 2026 at Central Washington University in Ellensburg
March came in like a LION and (hopefully) will go out like a lamb. . . but just now, as I write this, it is REALLY WINDY and much snow is predicted for the mountain passes!
We are excited about the Conference! Here are some reminders:
- REGISTER NOW! Early-bird admission runs until May 15th.
- New this year, the first ever Student Artwork Contest. The winning design will be featured on the cover of this year’s Conference Booklet and also be used on WSMTA swag for purchase at the Conference. The deadline for submission is extended to April 8. Click here to learn more.
- Also new this year is “Works in Progress”, an opportunity for composers to work directly with our guest artists, the Bardin-Niskala Duo, in the early to mid-stages of writing their piece for cello and piano, to hear what works and what doesn’t, and to get direct feedback, suggestions, and insights. Click here to learn more and sign-up. The deadline has been extended to April 15.
- The Duo will also work with both collaborative and solo musicians in a traditional “Lesson with the Artist.” Click here for more information and to submit. The deadline has also been extended to April 15.
- Auction Baskets! The basket auction is always a highlight—start planning now for your chapter’s contribution to this FUNdraiser!
Here are more highlights of some of the 23 presentations now scheduled for the Conference:
Leann Ostercamp, a Steinway artist, will discuss how collaborative artistry requires a multi-disciplinary approach of being able to orchestrate, transcribe, reduce, and “re-compose” a score. She will show examples of how playing less and/or reimagining the score is crucial in many forms of accompaniment.
Susan Chan, will introduce several new teaching and performance piano pieces written by internationally renowned Chinese composers, providing a window through which to experience the works of some of today’s finest Chinese composers who drew inspiration from Chinese folk music, instruments, poetry and philosophy, as well as to requests for pedagogy pieces valuable for students.
I look forward to meeting new friends and reconnecting with old friends in ELLENSBURG in June!