Women Band Directors International

2026 Summer Conference

Marie Cotaya - WBDI Past President and Hall of Fame Member 3171934 - 492026 (8 x 3 in)

2025 WBDI Meeting & Luncheon at The Midwest Clinic

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Marie Cotaya - WBDI Past President and Hall of Fame Member 3171934 - 492026 (8 x 3 in)

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Marie Cotaya
1934-2026
WBDI Past President & Hall of Fame Member

It is with deep sadness that Women Band Directors International mourns the passing of past president and Hall of Fame member, Marie Cotaya. She passed away on April 10, 2026, and had recently celebrated her 92nd birthday. Marie’s legacy is woven into the very fabric of our organization—through her leadership, her mentorship, and her unwavering commitment to supporting and uplifting women in the band profession.

As a past president, Marie helped shape the direction and spirit of WBDI, ensuring that those who followed would inherit a community grounded in excellence, inclusion, and advocacy. As a Hall of Fame member, she stood as a model of achievement and service, inspiring generations of band directors to lead with both skill and heart.

We honor not only her accomplishments, but the lasting impact she made on colleagues, students, and friends across our profession. Her influence will continue to resonate in rehearsal halls, classrooms, and podiums for years to come.

Marie will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

https://www.womenbanddirectors.org/mariecotaya

Obituary

Trailer for the WBDI Legacy Video of Gladys Stone Wright
in Celebration of Her Birthday and International Women's Day March 8, 2026

Gladys Stone Wright:
Promoting Women on the Band Podium

The American Bandmasters Association Research Center at the University of Maryland has created a wonderful display and YouTube Video celebrating the legacy of Gladys Stone Wright. Below is a link sharing the online video. In the video, Gladys is recognized for being one of the founders of the Woman Band Directors International.

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Latest News

The WBDI Texas Chapter now has 100 members!!!

Welcome to Dietze Music, our newest corporate member and summer conference sponsor!

The Woman Conductor, Special Issue #118 - Gladys Stone Wright

By uniting and working together, we are able to help each other in many ways - socially and professionally.

Gladys Stone Wright, Founder

WBDI

Women Band Directors International (WBDI) represents women band directors of all pedagogical levels and years of experience from college students to retired directors.

It is the only international organization for women band directors featured toward promoting women, providing support and community, and mentoring women in the band field.