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CALL FOR PROPOSALS | Perform or Present at the Next NFA Convention!

Call For Proposals

The 54th Annual NFA Convention
Origins: Celebrating Trailblazing and Discovery
Portland, OR

August 6th - 9th, 2026


Origins: Celebrating Trailblazing & Discovery

Ready to submit your proposal? CLICK HERE or scroll down for instructions.  
 

Our 2026 convention will take place in Portland, Oregon, a destination that represents westward expansion, hopes, and dreams. We want to honor origins, the products of imagination, and what has come to life in the hands of trailblazers throughout the world. We also want to celebrate the pathways of the flute in America, as we celebrate the semiquincentennial (250th) anniversary of the United States.

Proposals must be submitted by Wednesday, October 1st at 11:59pm Central US Time.


A Message from the Program Team:

I am thrilled to invite you to join what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of music, creativity, and community. Pack your flutes (and your sense of adventure), because in 2026 we’re heading to Portland, Oregon, a city known for its imagination, trailblazing spirit, and yes—really good coffee!

Our theme for the 54th annual National Flute Association convention is “Origins: Celebrating Trailblazing and Discovery.” That means we are diving into the stories, sounds, and sparks that started it all—whether it’s the bold steps of a flutist who broke new ground, the influence of pioneers who took their art to new lands, or the global innovations that continue to shape our ever-evolving flute world, we want to honor our origins, the products of imagination, and what has come to life in the hands of trailblazers throughout the world.

We will also be commemorating a big moment: the 250th anniversary of the United States of America! What better time to spotlight the rich, diverse, and creative trajectory of the flute in this beautiful country? We are calling for proposals that embrace this spirit of curiosity and celebration—from across the US, the Americas, and around the globe.

Here’s what we’re looking for:

• Performances that explore musical origins, innovation, or cultural fusion. (Imagine ragtime, first works for the Boehm system, music for flute with a non-western accompanying instrument)
• Lectures and panels that highlight flute pioneers, American flute history, or global influences. (Think European/African/Asian/South American Influences, flute makers ancestry)
• Creative projects that push boundaries, tell new stories, or reimagine what the flute can be (explorations with electronics, multidisciplinary collaborations, headjoint modifications/adaptations)
• Innovative research, teaching methods, or collaborative projects that reimagine configurations and repertoire (i.e. Lessons we can learn from other types of flutes and flute playing)
Trailblazer Hall (NEW): There will be a dedicated lobby area showcasing poster presentations. Main topics will include "trailblazers" in the United States, the Americas, or the rest of the world (including world flutes). We also welcome other topics of research that may benefit our community in the form of a poster outlet (dissertations, theses, articles, etc).
• Lastly, the I Want You campaign: We would like to hear from flutists whose career and journey has included service in the US Armed Forces! Join us in a special ensemble featuring flutists who currently serve or formerly served.

Proposals will be accepted until 11:59pm (CT) on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, via the online submission form. If you have questions, please reach out to myself (Daniel Pardo) or to Assistant Program Chair, Ana Paola Rincones.

We are very much looking forward to hearing from all of you and creating something incredible together.

2026 Program Team:

Daniel Pardo_Crop

Daniel Pardo

Program Chair

Ana Paola Rincones_Crop

Ana Paola Rincones

Assistant Program Chair


Proposal Guidelines & Instructions:

We welcome proposals in the following categories:
  • Solo Performance (flute alone; flute + other performer, including keyboard, electronics, percussion or any other instrument)
  • Chamber Music (groups of 2-5 players in any instrumental configuration. Note that groups of 6 or more flutes is considered a flute choir - see below)
  • Workshop
  • Lecture
  • Lecture Recital
  • Warm-up Session
  • Sight-reading Session
  • Panel
  • Poster Presentation

You must be an NFA member to submit a proposalClick here to join or renew your membership.

While complete recitals will be considered, we encourage members to submit proposals that include single works that can be programmed in shared recitals. You will have the option to add up to 5 works; there is no guarantee that all proposed works will be accepted. If you are submitting a panel, lecture, workshop, or poster presentation, there is no need to add works.  

Please also note that we are no longer accepting gala concerto proposals for the 2026 convention. 

Special Note for Flute Choirs (6+ flutists): Flute Choir proposals will be accepted through a separate Flute Ensemble Festival application, which will be published later in the year. Do not use this form to apply for the Flute Ensemble Festival. The deadline for Flute Choir proposals via the Flute Ensemble Festival is November 18, 2025.


Performance Proposals: A recording of your playing is required for each work on your proposal. Provide a working link such as YouTube, Vimeo, SoundCloud, Google Drive, OneDrive, Box, or Dropbox. Access must be set so that anyone with a link can view the video or files. A recording of your playing the proposed work is preferred, if the piece is not a newly commissioned work.

Panel/Lectures/Workshops: May include detailed outlines, videos of prior presentations, or PowerPoint presentations shared via a working link such as Google Drive, OneDrive, Box, or Dropbox. Access must be set so that anyone with a link can view the files. 

Warm-up/Sight-reading session: Please include a detailed outline including repertoire, skill level, participants target, thematic topics, and accurate timing for your session. Supplemental materials can be shared via a working link such as Google Drive, OneDrive, Box, or Dropbox. Access must be set so that anyone with a link can view the files. 

Poster Presentation: Posters selected for display will represent the best flute-related research and investigation. The visual format of the poster allows researchers to display their concepts succinctly and invite conversation. At specific times during the convention, authors will be present to discuss their work with attendees. You must be present at the convention to present a poster. More information on poster formats and production will be provided.

AV Requirements: There will be limited audio and video resources available for your presentation. Be specific on your needs below and list everything you need in the application. You are responsible for bringing adapters to connect to the hotel/convention center equipment and all other equipment needed for the session. A personal laptop computer is the recommended method of playing audio files, video files, and using PowerPoint on this equipment. The NFA cannot provide laptops or iPads. Download all pertinent materials to your computer and exclusively present from there. Do not depend solely on the conference center's WIFI for internet access, as NFA cannot ensure its reliability or speed, even with paid access. On site printing is not provided by the NFA. NOTE: The NFA cannot provide a tech to run your audio and video needs. Please make sure that you are either able to run it yourself or that you bring someone that can assist you.

Performer Bios: You are required to submit all performer bios (including your pianist) with your proposal form. Bios must be <500 characters. Please prepare these bios before beginning your proposal. 

Supplemental Materials: You can share with us any supplemental materials that support your proposal, including presentations, images, brochures, workshop/lecture outlines, etc. Provide supplemental files via working links to YouTube, Vimeo, Google Drive, OneDrive, Box, or Dropbox. Access must be set so that anyone with a link can view the files or videos. Please note that if you plan to use handouts in your proposed session, you must upload these handouts after your proposal is accepted. The NFA will contact you with instructions for sharing your handouts.

Accessibility: The NFA is committed to meeting the accessibility needs of all convention participants. Presenters whose proposals are accepted will be asked if they have accessibility needs as part of the session confirmation process so that NFA may provide the necessary support.


Additional Guidelines:

  • Each NFA member may submit up to three proposals, but each must be in a different category. For example, an applicant may submit one solo performance, one chamber performance, and one lecture, but not two solo performances and one lecture. Failure to abide by these specifications will result in disqualification of the additional proposals. Please note that it is common for only a portion of the proposal to be accepted.
  • NFA committees may submit up to five proposals. These must reflect the mission and goals of the committee. Committee proposals that represent the interests of an individual committee member will not be reviewed or accepted.
  • Proposals submitted may not be commercial in nature. They may not promote a specific product or service.
  • You must be an NFA member to submit a proposal. Click here to join or renew your membership.
  • If you have date restrictions during the 2026 Convention (example: your chamber group is only available Thurs-Fri), please make a note somewhere in your application. While the NFA will try to honor your request, we cannot guarantee that you will receive your requested date. 

To Submit Your Proposal:

Step 1: Review the Guidelines

Please read all guidelines on this webpage carefully before beginning your proposal. Failure to abide by the guidelines can result in your proposal not being accepted. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us and ask!

Step 2: NFA Membership
Ensure that your NFA membership is up to date. An active membership is required to submit a proposal. You can learn more about NFA membership here.
Step 3: Prepare Your Proposal Materials
You must prepare your materials (recordings, supporting documents, etc.) before beginning the proposal form. All supplemental materials must be uploaded to YouTube, Vimeo. Google Drive, OneDrive, Box, or Dropbox, and entered into the proposal form as a working link.

Step 4: Submit Your Proposal
Proposals must be submitted in your Member Portal. Once logged in, click "Events & Proposals," then "2026 Convention Proposal Application." Follow the steps to complete your application. 

Tools & Resources

Proposal Workshop:

Questions?

If you have any questions or problems with your proposal, please email Mily Harrod, NFA Membership Manager, at mharrod@nfaonline.org