BMC 2026 High School Awards
String Awards in honor of Ethel Cook Winds and Percussion Awards in honor of Nicholas Bussard Piano Awards in honor of Nancy Bussard Vocal Awards in honor of Jack and Ginny Frymire
WHEN: The BMC High School Music Awards • January, February and March 2026
• Strings: January 30, 2026
• Winds/Percussion: February 2, 2026
• Piano: February 13, 2026
• Voice: March 13, 2026
WHO: All BMC Competitions are open to all high school music students (grades 9-12) in Whatcom County and to students from neighboring counties who study with Whatcom County teachers.
WHAT: Contestants are to perform music of a classical nature, no more than 8 minutes long. Please be prepared to introduce yourself, your accompanist, and what you will be performing. Students need to provide a copy of their music for the adjudicator, music will be returned. You are responsible for acquiring and paying for your own accompanist. Memorization is not required, unless your event is Voice. An adjudicator will judge your performance and provide feedback. Awards will be determined for 1st, 2nd, 3rd place, and an additional prize. Results of the competition will be announced at the end of the evening’s performances. Top award winners will be invited to perform at a Bellingham Music Club matinee program later in the season.
WHERE: Auditions will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, 119 Texas St., Bellingham, WA and will run from 4 pm to approximately 7pm depending on the number of entries.
BMC will invite Award Winners to perform in concert on the following dates: Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at 10:30 AM for Strings and Winds/Percussion; and Wednesday April 1, 2026 at 10:30 AM for Piano and Voice. These concerts will also be at Trinity Lutheran Church at 119 Texas St. in Bellingham. Students will receive their awards checks following each concert.
HOW: There is no charge to apply for the 2026 BMC High School Music Awards. Please complete the online application by the deadline listed in the form below. A student may perform in more than one competition, and needs to submit an application for each competition entered, because applications go to different coordinators. One biography per entrant is sufficient.