PACIFIC NORTHWEST Regional Practicum: MARCH 26-27, 2026
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
Join us in Yakima for the 2026 Pacific Northwest Regional Practicum!
This two-day in-person gathering brings together Teaching Artists from across California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, and more for an energizing mix of learning, reflection, and connection. Hosted by Yakima Music en Acción, the Practicum is your chance to:
- Level up your practice with interactive workshops led by expert clinicians.
- See artistry in action through real-time classroom observations.
- Reflect and problem-solve with peers in collaborative conversation groups.
- Build your network of Teaching Artists who share your passion and challenges.
You’ll walk away with new tools, fresh ideas, and a stronger sense of community to fuel your work back home.
Don’t miss out! Registration closes March 5. Scroll down for workshop details, travel info, and more.
About the Host organization
At YAMA, every young musician can find a place to belong and grow.
Our orchestras are designed to meet students where they are, offering a progression of ensembles—Preludio, Chamber, Combo, and Philharmonia—that help each musician discover the right fit for their skills, goals, and passions. No matter the level, every ensemble provides opportunities to build musicianship, practice collaboration, and experience the joy of performing together.
Last season, the YAMA Orchestras consisted of over 100 3rd through 12th graders from 23 different schools in the Yakima School District. We are gratefrul to have Garfield Elementary School as our home base, where we rehearse four days a week.
Learn more: https://yamamusic.org
featured clinician
ALAN WONG
Alan Wong (he/him) has dedicated his 25-year career to helping youth, educators, and communities to grow. He has worked as a lead facilitator and trainer (and previously Program Director) with innovative arts-education and professional development organizations Power of Hope and Partners for Youth Empowerment – as well as with his own training company, Alan Wong: Facilitation and Training.
Alan is currently a senior facilitator at BELONG Partners (and founder/leader of the DOOL program) where he helps school districts to implement trauma-informed strategies and adopt equitable practices, while building social emotional skills within classrooms.
A poet and musician himself, Alan weaves creativity and arts-based practices into all of his work. He has led Artful Facilitation workshops for organizations throughout the Northwest and United States and in countries as diverse as China, Korea, Thailand, Myanmar, Brazil, Ecuador, India and beyond.
Growing up as part of a multi-racial family in South Seattle, Alan has been committed to working toward equity and bringing diverse cultures and communities together since his early days. His Chinese name, 平 “Peng,” means “peace” and “balance” – qualities he strives to embody himself and share with the communities he serves.
WORKSHOPS
ARTFUL FACILITATION IN THE MUSIC CLASSROOM
This two-day professional development workshop introduces Teaching Artists and program staff to Artful Facilitation as an approach that blends performance, classroom management, and youth development to create engaging, student-centered learning environments. Using interactive arts-based methods such as storytelling, movement, music, and collaborative activities, participants will explore how facilitation differs from traditional teaching, particularly in youth-led, group-based settings where participation, connection, and shared ownership are essential.
Participants will experience and practice concrete strategies for centering student voice and agency, strengthening group dynamics, and building classroom cultures where young people feel safe to take risks and express themselves. Designed for staff who may be new to facilitation-based training, this workshop emphasizes practical tools, reflection, and transferable activities that support culturally responsive practice, positive group culture, and meaningful music-making.
Understand and apply artful facilitation principles that sit at the intersection of performance, classroom management, and youth-led learning.
Implement interactive, arts-based strategies that increase student engagement, peer connection, and collaborative music-making.
Center student voice and agency in lesson design and facilitation choices to foster ownership, confidence, and belonging.
Build group environments that encourage positive risk-taking, trust, and participation across diverse learning spaces.
sample schedule
Day 1
9:00 – 10:00 Breakfast and Opening Session
10:00 – 12:00 Workshop #1
12:00 – 12:45 Lunch
12:45 – 2:30 Workshop #2
2:30 – 3:00 How Do We Observe?
3:45 – 6:00 YAMA Site Visit and Peer Observations
6:30 – 8:30 Regional Networking Social
Day 2
9:00 – 9:30 Breakfast
9:30 – 11:00 Observation Feedback
11:15 – 1:00 Workshop #3
1:00 – 1:45 Lunch
1:45 – 4:00 Workshop #4
4:30 – 5:45 YAMA Site Visit + Student Panel
5:45 – 6:30 Closing Reflections
Attending the pacific northwest Regional Practicum
march 26-27, 2026
The TATI Regional Practicums are designed to be intimate, personalized conferences between a committed group of Teaching Artists. By registering for the Pacific Northwest Regional Practicum and securing one of these limited spots, you are committing to attend both days in their entirety.
General Registration: $125
Cohort Alumni receive a 30% discount for life.
Current Cohort Members receive 1 free registration valid in the year they are enrolled in the Lab Cohort program.
travel and lodging
Hotel Recommendation
A block of discounted rooms has been reserved at:
Holiday Inn Yakima
802 E Yakima Ave, Yakima, WA 98901
T: +1.509.494.7000
Hotel Amenities:
WiFi
Complimentary parking
Business center
Fitness center
Pool
Room Rate: $139/night (excl tax and fees)
