youth playing in concert

2026 National Flute Association Convention

Portland, OR – August of 2026

Bellevue Youth Symphony Orchestra (BYSO) is honored to share that our submission to the National Flute Association (NFA) Annual Convention has resulted in an official invitation to perform at this prestigious international event. The convention will take place August 6–9 in Portland, Oregon at the Oregon Convention Center and attracts nearly 3,000 flutists from around the world.

BYSO has been invited to perform as part of the Flute Ensemble Festival, and may also participate in an Exhibitor Showcase. This represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our students to share their artistry in an international setting filled with world-class performances, masterclasses, competitions, and panel discussions.

Who Is Eligible

Flute students currently assigned to Youth Symphony, Flute Orchestra, Philharmonia, Flute Choir, and Sinfonia are invited and encouraged to participate.

  • Students must be 13 years old by June 1, 2026.

  • Students younger than 13 must receive approval from Dr. Sandy Saathoff to participate.

Leadership

  • Conductor: Dr. Sandy Saathoff

  • Additional Support: Two BYSO flute coaches will rehearse with and perform alongside students.

  • Two BYSO administrators will also travel with the students to the convention.

Repertoire

  • BYSO Flutes Concert

    • Serendipity

    • Stompin’ at the Savoy (with guest solosit)

    • México Mágico or La Bruja Llorona

    • A Town with an Ocean View

    • Fire from The Elements

       

  • Opening Flute Choir (directed by Phyllis Louke), featuring music by Oregon composers and arrangers.
    • Origins by Adrian Dee (WORLD PREMIERE)
    • Prevailing Winds by Louke
    • Canyon Dreams by Louke
    • Flirtations by Louke
    • Bohemian Rhapsody by Freddie Mercury, arr. Lisa L. Ochoco
  • ALRY Exhibitor Showcase – introducing the music of Kari Cruver Medina
    • Carousel of Time
    • Sirens
  • Some students will be assigned Alto and Bass flutes for the NFA performances. While families will assume liability for these instruments and their care, there is no additional cost for students to utilize these instruments during the summer preparation period.

Performances at the Convention

BYSO flutists will present three performances:

  1. Combined Flute Ensemble open to all convention attendees (often over 300 flutists!) – Thursday, August 6 at 10:00 AM

  2. Featured Performance – Thursday, August 6 at 6:15 PM

  3. Exhibitor Performance representing ALRY Publications on Friday, August 7 (time TBD)

Schedule (Required Participation)

  • Sunday, August 2: Local Rehearsal, 1:00–5:00 PM

  • Monday, August 3: Local Rehearsal, 4:00–8:30 PM (includes dinner)

  • Tuesday, August 4: Local Rehearsal, 4:00–8:30 PM (includes dinner)

  • Wednesday, August 5: Travel to Portland /Rehearsal / Group Dinner (all day / overnight)

  • Thursday, August 6: Day 1 of Conference / Two Performances / Group Dinner (all day / overnight)

  • Friday, August 7: Day 2 of Conference, One Performance & Travel Home (all day)

***If students and families wish to attend the remaining two days of the conference independently, students must be signed out to a parent/guardian or approved caregiver on Friday, August 7 before 4:00 PM.***

Why Participate?

Students will:

  • Perform on an international stage

  • Attend world-class recitals, masterclasses, and lectures

  • Participate in open group playing opportunities

  • Explore new repertoire and meet professional performers and educators

  • Try flutes and accessories in the Exhibit Hall

  • Bond with BYSO peers in a supportive, inspiring setting

This extraordinary opportunity allows BYSO flutists to represent our organization at the highest level while growing musically, artistically, and personally. We encourage all eligible students to consider joining us for this unforgettable experience.

Cost

$1,300 per student, which includes:

  • Tuition
  • Hotel (double occupancy, 2 nights)
  • Roundtrip Amtrak ticket

  • Local Portland transportation

  • Two group dinners in Portland

  • Two group dinners during local rehearsals

  • NFA membership – good for 12 months! (Benefits of Membership)

  • NFA Convention registration – for full convention (schedule will be available by July 1)

  • Optional private coaching sessions with Dr. Sandy during the month of July.

Please note:

  • No scholarships are available for this opportunity.

  • Payment plans are available.

  • No payment is required at the time of registration.

  • Students will be responsible for purchasing their own meals in Portland (beyond the two group dinners). There will be food vendors on site at the convention and the hotel does have food options. We anticipate this would include 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 1 dinner, plus any snacks they wish to have.

Registration Timeline

  • Registration Deadline: March 27

  • BYSO will confirm participation in the NFA Convention by Monday, April 13 and will send payment links at that time.

  • A minimum of 20 students must register in order for BYSO to accept this invitation.

REGISTER

FAQs

  • If a student has registered and paid and their plans change, what is the cut-off date for a refund?
    • No refunds will be issued after June 30, 2026.
  • Will there be chaperones?
    • Yes! We are interested / are in need of at least 2 parent chaperones. We will also have two BYSO administrators acting as chaperones, Dr. Sandy as a point person for all adult supervisors, and two BYSO coaches.
    • If you are interested in being a chaperone, please reach out to admin@byso.org or indicate that on your student’s registration form.
  • Can a student travel independently to and from the conference?
    • This will be considered on a case by case basis. That said, any student who travels independently must be present for all group activities at the convention.
    • There will be additional agreements and liability releases required.
  • Can a student opt out of planned group activities?
    • No. That said, during the two days of the convention students will have some freedom to create their desired experience. Participation in the planned group activities is important for students to be able to create bonds and a memorable experience!
  • Can parents/family members attend the convention?
    • YES! And highly encouraged to do so. We will be providing more information on how family members can attend the convention and watch our performances.

More Information

  • If you have any questions about BYSO at NFA, please reach out directly to Dr. Sandy at flutes@byso.org
  • If you want to learn more about NFA and this year’s convention, please visit: https://www.nfaonline.org/

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