This week, Xavier E-News caught up with freshman Domenico DaSilva '17, a clarinetist for the InterSchool Orchestras of New York (ISO). He will be performing with the ISO at the Edward and Elaine Altman Concert on Wednesday, May 28, named for the two benefactors that helped make the orchestra possible - the concert takes places at Jazz at Lincoln Center's Frederick P. Rose Hall. The ISO provides an opportunity for children of all ages, skill levels and economic backgrounds to grow in a love of music and excel in their art. To buy tickets for the event or make a donation to the orchestra, see Domenico's page at the ISO.

E-News: When did you start playing the clarinet?
Domenico DaSilva: I started playing the clarinet when I was in the fourth grade. I was attending PS 87 on the Upper West Side and they had an instrumental program which started in 4th grade. Our teacher encouraged all of us students to join, and I wasn't sure about doing it, but I decided to give it a try. They gave me the clarinet because that was only instrument that still had space left in the class, but after the first lesson I was excited about it. I couldn't put the clarinet down when I got home from school that day.

E-News: When did you first get involved with the ISO?
Domenico: I was progressing quickly in the class and I wanted to learn more, but it was a large group of young kids so it didn't move as fast as I would have liked. The instrumental teacher recommended the InterSchool Orchestras of New York to my mother and to consider having me audition because it would be an excellent learning experience for me. I auditioned at the end of 4th grade and I was accepted into their beginner level orchestra. At that time, I also began studying with a private instructor who prepared me to play with the orchestra. The ISO holds auditions twice a year that are open to all students through senior year of high school. Once you are accepted, they will place you in the appropriate level orchestra according to your musical ability and as you advance as a musician, you can move up to the next level. Today, I play in their Symphonic Band which is a wind ensemble for intermediate and advanced players.

E-News: What are the best parts about being a musician? What are the most challenging?
Domenico: The best part about being a musician in the ISO is the opportunity to play as a group with other students and meeting kids from other schools all over NYC. They have excellent coaches and conductors that teach you how to play together as a group, and you get the opportunity to play in some of the most famous venues in NYC. We've even performed at Carnegie Hall and before a Mets game at Citi Field. The most challenging part about being a musician is making the time and commitment to practicing especially if they give us a song that you don't quite enjoy playing.

E-News: How have you been preparing for the Edward and Elaine Altman Concert concert next Wednesday?
Domenico: In order to prepare for the concert, I go to a two and a half hour rehearsal once a week and have a dress rehearsal before the actual show. I also practice the music we will perform just about every day. Usually the higher level ensembles will play more shows a year. With the Symphonic Band, I will have performed six times this year. Some shows take place in large theaters while some are smaller community concerts.