People

Joanna McDonald (age 20) is a junior at Rice University, majoring in music composition. Originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma, Joanna began writing song lyrics at age six, which she later developed into compositions. Joanna has written numerous chamber and solo works performed by ensembles such as International Contemporary Ensemble and won awards at the University of Tulsa’s Annual Bela Rozsa Composition Competition. Joanna has presented her music at The University of Oklahoma’s collegiate Composer’s Workshop, attended Curtis Summerfest, and participated in The University of Tulsa Composition Seminar. Joanna’s latest work—a commission for the Virtual Guitar Orchestra—will premiere Fall 2022.