Faculty member Mason Bates has been named the Kennedy Center's first-ever composer-in-residence. In addition to writing music, Bates will curate a new music series and find ways to reach new audiences, according to an article in The Washington Post. On his website blog, Bates notes he'll have a hand in all Kennedy Center events, from symphony and opera performances to jazz and ballet. He also floats a raft of ideas, proven and new, such as presenting classical music in alternate venues and mixing genres like jazz and electronica (both Bates trademarks), as well as tapping smartphones and other technologies to transform the concert experience.