Isla was named the first Presser Scholar at Texas A&M University, Kingsville, a Hispanic-Serving Institution where she studied Music with a double concentration in Performance and Education.
Dr. Elizabeth Janzen, Associate Chair of the School of Music, shared “Isla has embraced the concept of servant leadership. As section leader to our top ensembles, she diligently schedules sectionals and assists her colleagues with musical challenges, motivation and professionalism. She has served as President of both Sigma Alpha Iota and the TAMUK Flute Society, bringing to those organizations an impeccable sense of responsibility, dedication and creativity. Under her stewardship, the TAMUK Flute Society recovered from two difficult pandemic years; Isla played an important role in reorganizing the society’s fundraising efforts, motivating and engaging members, and re-launching their annual Flute Day. Her leadership has helped contribute to a renewed sense of community in the society, and has set a high standard of excellence (musically and academically) and commitment for her peers.”
Isla also demonstrated equity and inclusion in her music program and approach to education. Dr. Janzen explains, “A master class with a Hispanic flute professor was a pivotal moment for Isla, highlighting for her the deficit of Hispanic role models in post-secondary flute academia. This inspired her to consider more closely her own musical education, the hurdles she faced, and how she wished to contribute to solving those challenges for the next generation of Latina flutists. She identified two weaknesses in her training: her lack of familiarity with early music, as well as contemporary flute performance techniques. She became involved with the McNair Research Program, which supported her research and documentation of pedagogical strategies for approaching these styles (designed for students like herself), and later presented her research at conferences in Texas and New Jersey. These experiences, and her development of a private flute studio supporting many young Hispanic flutists, have only strengthened her determination to tear down any remaining barriers for Latina women in musical higher education.”
Isla will continue her musical education with a master’s degree in Flute Performance at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. She used the award funds to assist with her move to Madison. Reflecting on the award, Isla said, “I am so thankful to have been named the inaugural recipient of the Presser Scholar Award at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. The Foundation has done me a great service by helping ease the financial hardships of moving across the country in pursuit of higher education. I stand by the morals of The Presser Foundation and look forward to continuing to spread their purpose of inclusivity and acceptance in music as a Presser Scholar.”
