Conference at a Glance
The CBDNA Western/Northwestern Division Conference will be held March 18–21, 2026 at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Music.
Join colleagues, clinicians, and ensembles from across the divisions for a gathering that highlights performance, scholarship, and dialogue in service of the wind band as an artistic, pedagogical and inclusive medium.
Register Now & Reserve Lodging
Highlights
Gary Hill conducting the Intercollegiate Band
Al LaFave (President, Valley City State University, ND) leading a dialogue on contemporary issues in higher education
The world premiere of a Bridgeworks-commissioned work by Jodie Blackshaw
Recognition of A.G. “Mack” McGrannahan for years of service to the W/NW Division conferences
Multiple social and conversational events
Performing Ensembles
Featured university ensembles (selected by blind peer review):
- California State University, Long Beach — Jermie Arnold
- Boise State University — Myron Peterson
- California State University, Bakersfield — Leo Sakomoto
- Central Washington University — T. André Feagin
- Northern Arizona University — Stephen Meyer
- Sonoma State University — Andy Collinsworth
- University of Utah — Jason Missal
- Western Washington University — Paul Bain
Plus host performances by the Nevada Wind Ensemble and Nevada Chamber Players.
Scholarly Presentations
Peer-reviewed presentations will include:
- Tim Oliver — Past Patterns, Future Possibilities
- Myron Peterson, James M. David, and James Mepham — Our Battered Suitcases
- James Ripley — Louis Ballard: First Native American Composer for Band
- Matthew Schlomer — Virtuosity: Turning Understanding into Instinct
- J. Nick Smith and Trey Harris — Unlocking the Development Potential of Collegiate Athletic Bands
Venues & Lodging
Conference events will take place in the new Barbara and Harlan Hall Recital Hall and the venerable Nightingale Concert Hall.
Affordable, negotiated-rate accommodations are available through our conference partners at Caesars Entertainment’s THE ROW in Downtown Reno.
Click here for information on lodging rates and reservations.
Join Us
We look forward to welcoming you to Reno for an inspiring and enriching conference that advances scholarship, performance, and dialogue across our divisions.
