Where Are They Now? spotlights Minnesota Varsity Featured and Showcase Artists from 2011 to 2015.
Austin Kraft from Savage, Minn., was a Minnesota Varsity 2013 Showcase Composer and 2014 Featured Composer. He recently got in touch with Classical MPR's Christine Sweet to share his latest news.
Austin Kraft, 2013 Showcase Composer & 2014 Featured Composer
Age: 18
Hometown: Savage, Minn.
Attends: Prior Lake High School
Following my experience as a Showcase Composer several years ago, the influence of Minnesota Varsity has compounded immensely into something I had never envisioned. Through the connections with the American Composers Forum in the composition portion of Varsity, I have been active in the Forum's efforts to engage high school composers near and far. Arts administration was never something that I had seen coming in my future, but it's been incredible to help, in whatever little ways I can, in developing NextNotes® — a nationwide high school composition contest led by ACF. Branching off of NextNotes®, I'm piloting NextNotes® Lab, a special opportunity for any high school composers in the Twin Cities area.
In regard to my own composing, I'm excited for how the future will unfold. I'm working on a large ensemble piece right now for winds, toying with musical notions that are unexplored frontier to me (for now). College is coming up. Fast. I know that music will play a key role in my personal development in college and beyond.
For those interested in NextNotes® Lab, check out this link.
For information on this year's season of Minnesota Varsity, please visit the Minnesota Varsity homepage.
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