Decorah High School flautist wins young artist competition

A Decorah High School music student has won a young artist competition. Decorah High School senior and flautist Kayla Burggraf was chosen as the winner of the "Friends of the Waterloo/Cedar Falls Symphony Young Artist Concerto Competition" on Sunday, January 24th. She played the Mozart Flute Concerto #1 in G major, K.313.

Kayla was one of 19 contestants performing on either piano, strings, or winds. The competition is for high school students only. The winner receives a scholarship stipend and the opportunity to play their concerto with the Waterloo/Cedar Falls Symphony at the Gallagher/Bluedorn Performing Arts Center on the University of Northern Iowa campus on April 20th.

"Kayla has had remarkable success with her flute," said DHS band director Jim Fritz. "She has worked hard and its great that she gets to see the reward! She has a bright future in front of her."

Burggraf was recently the co-principal of the Iowa All-State Orchestra and has received numerous "Best of Center" performance honors at State Solo and Ensemble Contest throughout her high school years. She intends to pursue a degree in flute performance following graduation from high school. Kayla studies with Suzanne Ernst, Nicole Esposito and James L. Fritz. She is the daughter of Mary Beth Gallant and Markus Burggraf.