West Virginia Symphony Orchestra Announces James F. Dunphy Memorial Scholarship for Parkersburg- Area Students

CHARLESTON, W.VA. (2/17/2022) – Instrumental students in Wood and seven surrounding counties are invited to apply for a locally-based scholarship that offers private music lessons with a West Virginia Symphony Orchestra (WVSO) musician, invitations to WVSO rehearsals and personal interactions with Music Director Lawrence Loh.

Students in grades 8-11 from Jackson, Pleasants, Ritchie, Wirt, Calhoun, Roane, Tyler and Wood counties are encouraged to apply online at wvsymphony.org/education. The application deadline is March 21, 2022, with live auditions and interviews to be scheduled for early April. Scholarship activities for the chosen student take place throughout the 2022-2023 school year. 

The Dr. James F. Dunphy Memorial Scholarship Fund honors the late James Dunphy (1930-2011), a lifelong devotee of and advocate for classical music who lived in Parkersburg for nearly 40 years. Dr. Dunphy worked as a research scientist for DuPont and studied music as a passion and hobby. 

The scholarship fund established by the Dunphy family also supports visits by WVSO’s Music Director Loh to work with students in the Wood County Strings Program, and to provide additional educational presentations in Wood County schools.

This program is in its firth year. Previous scholarship winners include Kyle Jones (French horn) from St. Marys High School; Zoe Daugherty (violin) from Williamstown High School; Eli Hall (bassoon) from Roane County High School and Ethan Hupp (French horn) from Ravenswood High School.

For more information, contact Betty King at bking@wvsymphony.org.

The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra is West Virginia’s premier performing arts organization, presenting classical and pops concerts annually throughout the Mountain State. Currently in its 83rd season, the WVSO is a proud member of the community and enriches the region by providing affordable, high-quality concerts, collaborations with West Virginia arts organizations and a nationally award-winning education program.

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