Karl Baumgartner, age 15, is a 5th generation Ventura County native and a 9th grade honor student at West Ranch High School. He began playing violin at five years old and currently studies violin with Alexander Treger. In addition, he studies piano with Maria Shcherbakova.
He is a member of the West Ranch High School Orchestra and has participated in the Ventura College Orchestra. Karl is a prize winner in local and regional violin competitions. He shares the gift of music by playing the violin and piano for the elderly in convalescent homes.
Parallel to his musical journey, at age 6, Karl started his martial arts training. At age 12, Karl earned his first-degree black belt in Taekwondo and Hapkido. Presently, he is preparing for his second-degree black belt in Taekwondo and Hapkido and trains in Krav Maga and Jiu Jitsu. Through mentoring beginner martial artists, Karl nurtures partnership and innovative thinking.
Academically, Karl is intensely fascinated with history, archaeology and philosophy. He finds math and science both profound and intriguing. His future goal is to help humans adapt to the effects of climate change and rising sea levels by designing and building underwater cities or metropolises that float on water.
At leisure, Karl enjoys riding horses, swimming, skiing and of course, playing computer games.