The 2026 NACWPI National Conference will be held March 1-2, 2026, on the campus of South Dakota State University in Brookings, South Dakota. All events will take place in The Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center, a state-of-the-art performance and instructional facility featuring the
Larson Memorial Concert Hall (1,000 seats) and Founders Recital Hall
(225 seats). All conference attendees receive a complementary ticket to
enjoy the Boston Pops live in concert! |
Richard Weerts Composition Contest
The Richard Weerts Composition Contest, named in honor of long-time NACWPI Secretary/Treasurer Dr. Richard Weerts, is seeking original manuscripts of chamber works for no more than five performers. The exact instrumentation may be selected by composers. Entries submitted by January 15, 2026, will be adjudicated by a panel of NACWPI members with the winning composer notified on or near February 15, 2026. Membership in NACWPI is not required to participate in this contest. The winning composition will be premiered at the 2026 National Conference and the winning composer will be recognized with a $1,000.00 (USD) prize. For more details, please visit the Richard Weerts Composition Contest page.
Registration
Conference registration is open through February 10. The registration page may be accessed HERE.
All Conference performers and presenters, including current and retired wind and percussion faculty/instructors, accompanists, supporting musicians, and graduate students must preregister for the Conference by February 10.
Current and retired wind and percussion faculty/instructors and wind and percussion graduate students must also be "Active," "Retired," or "Student" NACWPI members by February 10 in order to perform or present at the National Conference. If your membership is not current, please join or renew online before registering for the Conference below.
Accompanists and other supporting musicians (voice, strings, etc.) who are attending in order to assist NACWPI members in their presentations and performances are NOT required to be members of NACWPI, but must preregister for the Conference online below by February 10.
Hotel AccomodationsCountry Inn & Suites by Radisson | TransitAir: Sioux Falls Regional Airport Ground: Sioux Falls - 56 mins |