Music students from eight states are converging on Wichita State University this week for the Music Teachers National Association West Central Division competition.

The event is being held 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Jan. 8-10, in WSU’s Duerksen Fine Arts Center and Wiedemann Hall.

More than 80 students from 11-26 years old will compete in piano, string, woodwind, voice, brass, piano duet, chamber music-string and chamber music-wind.

This is the second round of a three-tier competition. Students who won their state competition advanced to this event. States represented in the event include Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota.

This week’s winners will advance to the national finals in April in San Antonio, Texas.

The competition is free and open to the public. Information is available at the registration desk in the main lobby of Duerksen Fine Arts Centers.

“I think it’s exciting and inspiring to be hosting so much talent and passion for music on WSU’s campus,” says Justine Sasanfar, assistant professor of piano pedagogy. “These young people are part of the next generation of music makers and music lovers, and it’s an honor to have them performing on our campus.”