Classical Next

Classical Next

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Each month we recognize one student on air during KBACH’s Classical Next initiative, celebrating the future of classical music. Tune in each month to hear our interview with this month’s winner and if you know a student who deserves recognition, nominate them today!

Pianist Luke Wagner in the KBACH studios.
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This month, we’re so happy to recognize 13-year-old pianist, Luke Wagner. Luke attends Highland Lakes and practices piano and violin daily at school and at home. He’s won several competition awards over the past few years, placing first place at the Great Composers Competition in 2021. Luke also enjoys playing piano duets with his twin brother, Sean and some of his favorite composers are Chopin, Bach and Haydn. Luke enjoys drawing and practicing the Chinese cultured sport, Wushu in his free time. Congratulations to our March honoree, Luke Wagner!

If you know a student between the ages of 7 and 13 who sings or plays an instrument, nominate them now for KBACH's Classical Next recognition.

13-year-old vocalist and pianist, Olivia Spini in the KBAQ studios
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This month, we're honoring 13-year-old vocalist and pianist, Olivia Spini. She started singing in choir in 3rd grade and plays piano and electric guitar. Olivia attends Explorer Middle School and studies at Bach to Rock. She has been participating in musical theater since she was six, and she’s excited to be starring as “Wonka” in the Phoenix Youth Theatre production of Wonka this April! Those who know Olivia describe her as a passionate, sassy, and straight-A student.She also loves reading, going to the movies, and making music with her family and friends. Congratulations to our February honoree!

If you know a student between the ages of 7 and 13 who sings or plays an instrument, nominate them now for KBACH's Classical Next recognition.

11-year-old violinist Yooni Choi in the KBAQ studios
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11-year-old violinist Yooni Choi is our honoree this month. She’s been studying violin for three years through Sounds Academy, she performs with the Phoenix Youth Symphony and attends Chandler Prep Academy where she also plays with her school orchestra. Yooni loves being able to express her emotions through music and one day wants to become a Therapist and heal people through music and the arts. She also loves drawing and calligraphy. Congrats to our January winner!

If you know a student between the ages of 7 and 13 who sings or plays an instrument, nominate them now for KBACH's Classical Next recognition.

13-yr-old musician Israel Kim in the KBACH studios
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This month we are honoring 13-year-old Israel Kim. He’s been playing cello and piano for almost six years now through SOUNDS Academy where he also learns about the importance of creativity, leadership, and persistence. Israel was a part of the Phoenix Youth Symphony Orchestra and was accepted to play in the YOLA Festival in Los Angeles this past summer where he studied with Gustavo Dudamel.  In his free time, Israel enjoys coding elements into video games, and anything related to technology. Congratulations to Israel Kim!

If you know a student between the ages of 7 and 13 who sings or plays an instrument, nominate them now for KBACH's Classical Next recognition.

11-yr-old pianist Vania Dutta in the KBACH studio
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This month, it’s 11-year-old Vania Dutta. She has been playing piano for five years and attends school at BASIS Ahwatukee. She’s performed in many piano competitions and has served as the pianist for the BASIS Ahwatukee music program for the last year. She loves performing for live audiences and enjoys the challenge of having to memorize the music before a performance. In her free time, Vania enjoys swimming, running, and baking with her parents. Congratulations to our October honoree. 

If you know a student between the ages of 7 and 13 who sings or plays an instrument, nominate them now for KBACH's Classical Next recognition.
Classical Next singer Afton Campbell
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This month, it’s 13-year-old Afton Campbell in the spotlight. She’s been playing piano for eight years, and has been singing for four. Afton attends American Leadership Academy West Foothills, and she sings with her school’s solo and ensemble groups, her church choir, and Karla Thalman’s Singers. She loves singing with the alto section since they provide the beautiful harmonies and foundation that the other singers build off. Afton also accompanies her school and church choirs on piano. One of her favorite things about making music is that she can express all her emotions, and she loves Romantic composers like Tchaikovsky and Grieg. In her free time Afton loves reading, drawing and calligraphy. Congratulations to our September honoree!
 
If you know a student between the ages of 7 and 13 who sings or plays an instrument, nominate them now for KBACH's Classical Next recognition.
Pianist Evelyn Hannah in the KBAQ studio.
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This month, it’s 12-year-old pianist Evelyn Hannah in the spotlight. She’s been playing for six years and performs with her studio group. She attends Aspire at Connolly Middle School and her favorite thing about making music is getting to make her pieces come alive. She recently upgraded from an upright piano to a blonde wood baby grand. As soon as she pressed the first note, it sounded warm and sweet, and she knew it was her piano. Evelyn's favorite composer is Mozart and she also loves dancing, swimming and reading. Congratulations to our August honoree!

If you know a student between the ages of 7 and 13 who sings or plays an instrument, nominate them now for KBACH's Classical Next recognition.

Daryl Yang
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This month, it's 7 year-old violinist Daryl Yang in the spotlight. She's been playing violin since she was three and has quickly advanced for such a young player. She now outplays her dad and performs music by Paganini, Sarasate and Wieniawski. She can even learn movements as quick as one day. She attends school at BASIS Chandler and also loves playing video games and doing arts and crafts in her free time. Congratulations to our July honoree!

If you know a student between the ages of 7 and 13 who sings or plays an instrument, nominate them now for KBACH's Classical Next recognition.

Adeline Rowley
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This month, it’s 12-year-old violinist Adeline Rowley in the spotlight. She’s been playing for six years, has performed with the Metropolitan Youth Symphony, and attends school at BASIS Mesa. What she enjoys most about music is seeing her own progress, so she always stays after school to practice. Adeline is growing into a wonderful concertmaster, and she is eager to help her fellow students at any time. She loves Debussy and enjoys swimming and diving classes in her free time. Congratulations to Adeline Rowley.

If you know a student between the ages of 7 and 13 who sings or plays an instrument, nominate them now for KBACH's Classical Next recognition.

Photo of Justin Kang
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This month we are honoring 13-year-old pianist and cellist, Justin Kang. He’s been playing piano and cello for five years. He attends Arizona School for the Arts, studies at Rosie's House and Arizona Piano Institure and also plays cello with the Phoenix Youth Symphony Philharmonic. He comes from a family of musicians who inspired him to play and his favorite musical memory is playing duets at the AZ Piano Institute Summer Camps. He also enjoys composing his own music and creating things from scratch, like his own foosball or skee ball games. Congratulations to Justin Kang!

If you know a student between the ages of 7 and 13 who sings or plays an instrument, nominate them now for recognition.

Easton Riedel
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This month, it’s 13-year-old pianist Easton Riedel in the spotlight. He’s been playing for six years and began playing organ at his church in 2019. He and his older brother play duets by Schubert together, and they love listening to Reel Music Saturday evenings on KBACH. Easton also teaches his younger sister music. His favorite thing about making music is mastering a difficult piece. He’s homeschooled and likes to play soccer with his city league and would like to be a heart surgeon when he grows up. Congratulations to Easton Riedel!

If you know a talented musician between the ages of 7 and 13, nominate them now for KBACH’s Classical Next.

Daniel Yang
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This month, we’re so happy to recognize 13-year-old violinist, Daniel Yang. Daniel has been playing for 6 years, attends school at BASIS Mesa, is currently concertmaster and plays with the Metropolitan Youth Symphony, Division 1. His favorite music memory is when he first performed live, back in 2nd grade, and he enjoys the nerves and excitement of performing live. Daniel likes watching sports, physics and has a can-do spirit. Congratulations to Daniel Yang!

If you know a talented musician between the ages of 7 and 13, nominate them now for KBACH’s Classical Next.

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