Classical Next

Classical Next


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!

Classical Next singer Afton Campbell
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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Emily Fletcher

This month, we’re so happy to recognize 11-year-old violinist, Emily Fletcher. Emily has been playing for 5 years. She also studies piano and trumpet and takes mandolin lessons from her dad. Emily performs with the Metropolitan Youth Symphony, she competes in fiddle competitions, and last year she sang in her first musical, Into the Woods. She says playing keeps her calm and happy, and she loves singing and harmonizing with her two sisters. Her other interests include wood burning, sewing, reading, and running. Congratulations to Emily Fletcher!

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!

Joshua Lee

Joshua Lee is our January recipient of Classical Next! He’s 12 years old and has been playing violin for 5 years. He says, “whenever I make music, it helps me relax and my stresses from school and everyday life disappear.” His favorite musical memory was after a performance of Pablo Sarasate’s Introduction and Tarantella. After the recital, a senior gentleman gave him a star made of dollars because he loved the performance. He plays with the Phoenix YouthSymphony Orchestra (PYSO) and is also the concertmaster of his school orchestra at BASIS Ahwatukee. Congratulations to Joshua Lee!

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!

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