Lamar High School Student Selected for Juilliard Summer Program

Issac Jorgensen, a senior at Lamar High School in Arlington, Texas, secured a place in the Juilliard School Summer Music Program this past summer. The selection process is highly competitive, accepting fewer than 100 high school musicians from 25 countries. Jorgensen is one of those chosen to study in New York City.

The program required Jorgensen to live on the Juilliard campus at Lincoln Center for three weeks. During that period, he studied with world-class instructors and performed in multiple concerts. His role in the Lamar Orchestra as a double bass player provided the foundation for his application and preparation for the international stage.

Jorgensen had specific professional goals for the residency. He sought instruction from Tim Cobb, the principal double bassist of the New York Philharmonic, and Joseph Conyers, the principal double bassist of the Philadelphia Orchestra. Both are figures Jorgensen has long admired. The residency allowed him to refine his technique under their guidance while representing Arlington ISD Fine Arts.

Beyond technical instruction, Jorgensen cited the peer group as a key component of the experience. He noted that the student body included talented musicians from around the world. This environment challenged his perception of professional musicianship. He observed that even accomplished students at the highest level experience frustration and self-doubt.

“Every incredibly talented student at Juilliard has played embarrassingly bad, been frustrated with their technique and sound, and been crushed by critiques,” Jorgensen said. He stated that witnessing this universality of struggle helped him build confidence for his own career path. He plans to pursue professional music after graduation.

School officials attribute Jorgensen's success to the structure of the Arlington ISD Fine Arts program. Lamar Orchestra Director Andrew Walton said Jorgensen’s selection reflects his work ethic. “He puts in the work required to continually improve and refine his abilities instead of skating by on talent alone,” Walton said. Lamar High School Principal Lesley Maroney said the selection shows students can succeed at high levels when given opportunities beyond the traditional classroom.

Jorgensen credits elementary school orchestra classes with sparking his initial interest. “To be honest, I would have never found this passion of mine if it wasn’t for orchestra being an option in elementary school,” he said. He will graduate from Lamar High School this year, carrying the training and confidence gained from his time at Lincoln Center.