NFA News

The National Flute Association is thrilled to announce that the 2026 Frances Blaisdell Convention Scholarships have been awarded to Iris Cao and Khia Ingram.

This annual scholarship, named for pioneering flutist Frances Blaisdell, funds a trip to the NFA’s Annual Convention for two student flutists, one high school and one undergraduate. The scholarship winners will receive $1,500 each, a complimentary pass to the NFA’s Annual Convention, and a one-year membership with the NFA to take advantage of the organization's educational and professional resources.

“I'm incredibly honored to receive the Frances Blaisdell Scholarship this year,” says Iris Cao, a student at Novi High School. “Being able to attend the NFA Convention in Portland is truly a dream come true, and I can't wait for four days of learning, connecting, performing, and continuing Frances Blaisdell's legacy through sharing this experience with my own community.”

“I am deeply honored to receive the Frances Blaisdell Scholarship and attend my first NFA Convention,” says Khia Ingram, a senior at Truman State University. “One of the most valuable parts of growing as a musician has been gaining new perspectives, and I am excited for the opportunity to learn from performers, educators, and fellow flutists from across the country. I look forward to attending performances, workshops, and masterclasses while meeting more people within the flute community. This scholarship makes it possible for me to experience an opportunity that would otherwise be out of reach, and I am grateful for the chance to continue growing as a flutist and musician.”

“The National Flute Association’s Frances Blaisdell Scholarship represents far more than financial assistance—it is an investment in the future of our art form,” says Dr. Stephen Clark, who coordinated this year’s application process. “By recognizing exceptional young flutists with both talent and promise, the scholarship provides opportunities that can shape careers and inspire lifelong artistic growth. We are proud to honor Frances Blaisdell’s legacy by supporting the next generation of young flutists whose passion, dedication, and musicianship will continue to enrich the flute community for years to come.”

Iris and Khia will attend the NFA’s 54th Annual Convention, which will be held Aug. 6-9, 2026 in Portland, OR. Learn more about the Frances Blaisdell Convention Scholarship at nfaonline.org/blaisdell. This scholarship is made possible by generous donations from supporters and members of the NFA.

Iris Cao (L) and Khia Ingram

About Khia Ingram

Khia Ingram is a senior at Truman State University, where she studies flute under Dr. Julianna Moore and serves as Principal Flute of the Truman State University Symphony Orchestra. She is the winner of the 2026 Truman State University Symphony Orchestra Gold Medal Concerto Competition and was selected for the National Flute Association’s Emerging Artist Mentorship Program, where she was mentored by Ben Carlee. Khia has also worked in live sound technology, assisting with recording campus performances, and serves as a mentor in Truman’s TruSelf program, supporting first-year students as they transition to college life.

About Iris Cao

Iris Cao is a 17-year-old flutist from Novi, Michigan. She began her musical journey at age 5 on the piano, eventually taking up the flute in her middle school band. She has been studying with Yang Xuan since 2022. Iris was notably a 4-time All-State musician and principal flute of the 2025 Michigan All-State High School Orchestra. She has also won the 2025 Birmingham Musicale Junior Woodwind Competition, the 2025 Southeast Michigan Flute Association High School Young Artist Competition, and the 2024 AGM NAIC Woodwind Competition. Currently, she serves as the principal flute of the Detroit Symphony Youth Orchestra, Novi Wind Ensemble, and Novi Marching Band. Outside of flute, Iris enjoys Mock Trial, art, and teaching music through the organization ECHO. 

About Frances Blaisdell (1912-2009)

Frances Blaisdell was among the first women to enter the male-dominated world of orchestral music. Following her retirement from performing, Blaisdell taught at Stanford University until her death in 2009 at age 97. In 1994, Blaisdell received the NFA’s Lifetime Achievement Award for her trailblazing status as a flutist. In 2005, she was also awarded a Lloyd W. Dinkelspiel Award to honor her exceptional contributions as a flute educator at Stanford.

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