Draylen Mason Fellows Program Feature

Meet the 2023-24 Draylen Mason Fellows!

Top row: Fellows Jordyn, Cerys, and Davi; Middle row: Fellows Autumn, Travis, and Vic.
Bottom row: Mentors Michael, Cristal, and Allyson.

We are pleased to welcome and announce our 2023-24 Draylen Mason Fellows and Mentors! Jordyn, Cerys, Davi, Autumn, Travis, Vic, Michael, Cristal, and Allyson have been meeting monthly since August, getting to know each other, learning more about Draylen, playing music, and discovering more about themselves as unique artists.

With the help and support of artists and teachers at Austin Soundwaves, the fellows and mentors will collaborate to create an original capstone performance. Drawing on a theme the cohort chooses that addresses a social justice issue important to them and their community, the cohort will infuse their performance with music, poetry, visual art, speech, and theatre. The capstone takes place on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 in the Draylen Mason Music Studio at KMFA Classical 89.5. (Mark your calendars!)

DMFP is modeled after creative youth development pedagogy and practices, which very intentionally centers learning and ownership on the shoulders of these remarkable students, all of whom are in high school (with one mentor a music major in college). Guidance and support come from program staff at Austin Soundwaves and visiting artists through workshops, private lessons, collaboration in original music-making and composition, rehearsals together, and performances in public throughout the cohort year.

The Draylen Mason Fellows Program is an incredible challenge for the fellows, mentors, and staff, but one that is beyond rewarding as we all strive to embody all the great things that made Draylen such an inspiring and talented person. Find out more about the Draylen Mason Fellows Program and the incredible musician and person we honor every day.