Honorary Life Membership

2025 Honorary Life Member
Krista Seely

Krista Seely has had a life-long association with WSMTA. Her childhood teachers were active members of WSMTA. Krista first joined the Skagit Valley Chapter as a high school student member. She began teaching under the mentorship of her then-teacher, Shirley Greenstreet, nwho served as WSMTA Treasurer many years ago.

After high school, Krista attended Whitworth College, where she studied with Margaret Saunders Ott. “Mrs. Ott had so many exceptional students. It was both humbling and seriously motivating to study in that environment!” Krista said, reflecting on her college years. “We were all encouraged to help out in the organizations that supported us, like WSMTA. It has been an honor to serve WSMTA alongside many of Mrs. Ott’s former students.”

After graduating college and working in marketing for Spokane Symphony, Krista relocated to the Bellevue area. There, she found a home with the Eastside Chapter for several years, with inspiration from programs presented by Sharon Van Valin, Lois Jacobsen and others. Fast-forward a number of years, and Krista, with her husband John and young children, relocated to Bainbridge Island. After a break from teaching, Krista consulted the yellow pages of the PHONE BOOK (if you can imagine!) to get in touch with a local chapter of WSMTA. There was a small listing, and Krista was quickly connected with a warm and inviting member of the Kitsap Chapter. This has led to many cherished friendships and soo many good times through the years.

Krista has served as chapter president, along with ten years of board service in various offices. For the past several years, she has chaired Kitsap’s annual Young Musicians Festival. For WSMTA, Krista volunteered as Young Composers Chair for six years, and on the Board of Directors for nine years, including state president from 2017-2019. She was also a member of the WSMTA Education Board for seven years, including three years as Education Board Chair. She has also served twice as chair of the WSMTA Nominating Committee.