"Ten Years Gone" - High school seniors across America have dedicated the past decade of their lives to their education, and now those ten years are gone. "It's Love" - You are going to love the memories from when you were in high school. "Don't Let it Fade" - Don't you dare let those memories disappear. Whether you hate them or love them, ten years down the line, you are going to miss those memories and wish you could go back in time and relive those moments.
This was the concept behind LaPorte High School senior Trevor McDonald's act in this year's annual Variety Show. He looped those three songs together to form that hidden meaning.
He is quite well known in the musical arena. His talent has been proven. He has created memories these past ten years, and will never let them fade.
"If I’m not pursuing music, I am probably lost. Music is something I know I need to be doing. It is just a part of my being. The experiences I've had are far better than the money behind it. Do something because you love it, not because you have to," McDonald said.
He has been interested in music far before his performance in this year's Variety Show. His love for music took off during his sixth-grade science fair.
"I am not a big science person, but the one thing that did fascinate me was the science behind a guitar. My dad had given me guitars multiple years beforehand, but my interest in them wasn’t inclined until the beginning of middle school," McDonald said.
His fascination with that instrument drove him to want to learn more about the guitar, but this time, he was interested in learning how to play. McDonald devoted the next year of his life to practicing his guitar playing. After that year had come to a close, he started playing with his church's band every Sunday.
"A lot of opportunities opened up in my life, and that is what has driven me to where I am now. If it wasn't for playing at church every weekend, I would not have the experience of performing in front of people, and being comfortable on stage. I was working to praise, but also playing to please," McDonald said.
One of the several doors opened to McDonald was when he joined Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). During meetings, student athletes worship together through prayer and music. He provided entertainment for the club, not only through his guitar playing, but also through his voice. This was when he realized that he can spread a message through music. "I didn’t start singing until I was a junior in high school, because as I grew, I got more comfortable with the thought that younger people are looking up to me, not just older people looking down. FCA is a big part of my success. It gave me an opportunity that helped me a lot in my walk with Christ, as well as music," McDonald said.
He has also performed twice in the Fourth of July parade.
This past winter, McDonald stepped outside of his boundaries and played with the La Porte County Symphony Orchestra at the Holiday at the POPS Concert.
His musical gift is natural, and runs in his blood. Family blood, that is. His father has been working at Roxy Music since he was fifteen, which is only a little younger than when Trevor began working there. In 2013, Trevor began teaching guitar lessons.
"At that point in my life, I had to think about how I could contribute to my future. All I wanted to do was study music, but that dream was out of reach. I backed it up a little, and I decided I wanted to go into music education. I saw it as my chance to get some experience so I can be a better teacher in the future," McDonald said. "Teaching lessons has been as much as a learning experience for me as it has been my students. I am glad that I pursued it at this time in my life because it will only prepare me more [for what is yet to come]."
When August rolls around, McDonald will be attending Indiana University South Bend (IUSB). He plans to major in Music Education and minor in Psychology.
"Music is ever-changing, and there is always something more to learn about it. I want to continue its expansion as much as I can. I don’t care if it dies off; I am never going to let it fade," McDonald said.
Before he ventures to South Bend, though, he will embed his musical mark on La Porte by performing with his band-mate, Matt Winter, in the first performance of the Arts in the Park summer series. It will take place the evening of June 4 at Fox Park in La Porte at 6:15 p.m. His band, Driven by Leisure, likes to take a concept of a song and customize it by looping it through McDonald’s amplifier. Winter will then either play a beat or a bassline.
This fusion of multiple arts is sure to be a hit. Do not miss Driven by Leisure’s first performance!