Watch CBS News

Baltimore School For The Arts Grad Is Lead Orchestrator For 2022 Oscars

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A 1992 graduate of Baltimore School for the Arts will serve as lead orchestrator, conductor, composer and arranger for the 94th Academy Awards, also known as The Oscars.

Along with arranging the orchestra for the globally-watched film awards ceremony, Dontae Winslow, who was trained in music at the Baltimore school, is also performing with a trumpet.

Winslow has a message for Baltimore City students who come from troubled backgrounds like him. According to Winslow's website, he suffered childhood abuse and had a parent who suffered drug abuse.

"They can do exactly what I'm doing. Never ever give up on your dreams. Persist, have tenacity, and compassion for everyone around them," Winslow said. "You don't think when you're catching your blessings that it will pay off later. Be patient."

Winslow is no stranger to prime time, but Sunday night is one of the biggest undertakings of his career. He previously had integral roles in two previous Academy Awards, and has had a hand in three Super Bowl halftime shows.

Within four years after graduating from BSA, Winslow had a Bachelor's and a Master's Degree in Classical Music Performance from the Peabody Conservatory at Johns Hopkins University.

Winslow is also an alum of Cross Country Elementary and Falstaff Middle schools.

The 2022 Oscars will be hosted by Regina Hall, Amy Schumer and Wanda Sykes and will air Sunday, March 27 at 8 p.m. EST.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.