Oscar performs on Show 486.

Oscar José Machado Morón (bassoon), 17, is currently a senior at Northwest High school in Germantown, Maryland. Originally from Venezuela, he began his musical journey in the “Vicente Emilio Soho” Conservatory of Lara. After much searching, he discovered his companion, the bassoon, and has since been a dedicated student of the instrument. Oscar José is currently Principal Bassoon of the DC Youth Orchestra Program (DCYOP), and is a private student of Joseph Grimmer, Principal Bassoon of the Washington National Opera.

Oscar José’s musical beginnings are actually credited to his grandmother who felt that he had a “responsive” ear to musical tunes, which led her to sign him up for classes at the Conservatory. For the first year, he studied only basic music theory, but was eventually introduced to the bassoon and had the opportunity to study with his first teacher, Professor Andres Riera. Due to the economic and security conditions in his country, Oscar José and his family fled to the United States for a better life. At the time, they were unsure if Oscar would be able to continue to pursue his musical studies, however, DCYOP, accepted Oscar José into their program, gave him the opportunity to study with professors like Dr. Amylia Barnett, and introduced him to the Washington Musical Pathways Initiative. Not long after joining the Pathways program, Oscar José began attending summer camps while still in 8th grade. He has since been given the opportunity to attend summer programs such as the Interlochen Arts Camp, Bocal Majority, VIA Academy, Eastern Music Festival, and Kinhaven Summer Sessions.

As a high school senior, Oscar José aspires to continue his music studies at the University of Maryland, alongside engineering. He has been rigorously taking AP and College Classes at Montgomery College in order to realize that goal. He has high hopes and is not ready to give up on his dreams!

Receiving the Award will allow Oscar José to purchase a new bocal for his bassoon and will pay for much needed reed making equipment. The funds will also allow him to take consultation lessons ahead of his upcoming college auditions, and to attend a summer festival this coming summer of 2026.