04/30/2026
This past February, students from the Instrumental Conducting Mentorship Program traveled to Providence, Rhode Island, to attend the 2026 College Orchestra Directors Association (CODA) National Conference at the University of Rhode Island.
The conference included workshops, masterclasses, panel sessions, and concerts, where participants were surrounded by a vibrant community of conductors, educators, and emerging musicians from across the country.
Ayame Merkel ’28 reflected on the passion of presenters and clinicians. “They displayed such deep passion for their craft through presentations, masterclasses, and their eagerness to connect with the next generation of conductors,” she said.
A highlight of the conference was a student conducting masterclass with guest clinician Diane Wittry, who offered thoughtful praise and feedback that helped participants refine their technique and grow in confidence in real time. Students also attended sessions such as CODA’s Women’s Advocacy Initiative, highlighting underrepresented women composers and conductors.
For Cayla Nelson ’28, the sense of community stood out most. “The community there was so supportive, and I felt very much at home despite it being my first CODA.” She also connected with members of the W&L network, including ’22 alum Missy Thomas, and found student-focused sessions especially valuable to her for building community in the W&L Orchestra.
As a CODA member and Director of Instrumental Activities at W&L, Dr. Chris Dobbins has long championed for opportunities like this. He said, “Our trip to Rhode Island was amazing. CODA gives students space to attend workshops, masterclasses, panel sessions, and concerts, while also networking with peers and professionals.”
Student travel was supported in part by the Bradford C. Gooch ’58 Endowment for Music, which funds conference travel and off-campus learning opportunities.
