Texas Border Business
ALAMO – PSJA Memorial Early College High School Music Student Israel MacDonald was accepted to the prestigious National Youth Orchestra 2 (NYO2) to be held this summer in New York. The incoming Senior and State Outstanding String Bass Soloist is looking forward to working with some of the best musicians in the nation through this program.
NYO2 is a free orchestra program that comes together alongside the National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America (NYO-USA) and NYO Jazz each summer for intensive training and performance opportunities. The program focuses on recruiting musicians from communities underrepresented in classical music. Participating musicians work closely with top players from American orchestras and conservatories during a residency at Purchase College, State University of New York.
MacDonald thanks his teachers at PSJA Memorial and the support he has received throughout his years at PSJA ISD that have helped him continue to pursue his dream of playing string bass at a higher level.
“I’ve had a lot of supportive teachers throughout my time at PSJA,” shared MacDonald. “This experience will be life-changing and it will give me a glimpse of what a career in music would be like. I’ll get to meet and play among the top high school musicians in the world.”
MacDonald recently earned a Division 1 rating at the UIL Solo & Ensemble Contest and was among a few students in the State to be recognized as an Outstanding String Bass Soloist. Most recently he performed a 3-piece solo recital at the PSJA Memorial ECHS Auditorium.
“As his teacher I am extremely proud of him. Personally, I feel that his results validate the work ethic and dedication of the PSJA ISD Fine Arts Department,” said PSJA Memorial ECHS Orchestra Director Martin Treviño. “Along with Israel’s musical goals, I want to acknowledge the resiliency our youth can achieve despite the ongoing hardships our world has faced.”
According to Treviño, the 17-year-old musician has been a member of the Region XV All-Region Symphonic Orchestra for the last three years. He was also selected to participate at the Texas All-State Philharmonic Orchestra in 2019 and made it into the Texas All-State Symphony in 2021.
“We are so proud of Israel for sharing his passion for music and representing PSJA ISD at such a prestige level in the industry,” said PSJA Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jorge L. Arredondo. “We wish him the best as he shines in New York among the best musicians in the nation!”
PSJA ISD offers all students the opportunity to participate in the following superior music programs: Band, Orchestra, Choir, Jazz Band and Mariachi. To learn more about these programs visit www.psjaisd.us.
