SAVE THE DATE!
for the 2026 WSMTA State Conference with the Bardin-Niskala Duo
June 27-29, 2026 at Central Washington University in Ellensburg!
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”. (We especially encourage ensembles!)
Supplementing the Young Composer’s Project will be the opportunity for student composers to submit a “Work in Progress” for a composition session with the Duo. Please encourage your students to apply for this unique opportunity! Applications will open online on January 15 and close on April 15. Winter is a great time for students to start their “Work in Progress”!
Also new at the Conference this year will be more opportunities for collegiate artists to perform solo and in ensembles, with time scheduled for “MORE Music”. Contact Jeff Snedeker, MORE Music Chair, if YOU would like to participate or you know of musicians—collegiate? teachers?–who would. We encourage all instruments and genres of music to apply!
Submitted by Carol Cross, 2026 WSMTA Conference Co-Chair