West Virginia Symphony Orchestra Announces 2026 Vaughan Fellows

CHARLESTON, W.VA. (1/30/2026) – Three high school students have been selected to serve as the 2026 Student Symphonic Fellows for the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s (WVSO) Andrew and Amy Vaughan Student Symphonic Fellowship Program.

Lydia Jackson, a junior at Greenbrier East High School, Wesley Cutright, a junior at Robert C. Byrd High School and Eleanor Hoblitzell, a senior at Charleston Catholic High School were chosen as the 2026 Vaughan Fellows following an interview and audition process held in Charleston on January 16. These students will build upon their knowledge and mastery of music by sitting on stage alongside WVSO musicians during rehearsals and will conduct personal research about the music the WVSO performs. They will also meet Music Director Maurice Cohn, guest conductors, renowned guest artists and staff during the second half of the Elliot Foundation Symphonic Series.

Lydia Jackson, violin, performs with the school orchestra, marching and concert band at Greenbrier East High School.  .  She is a two-year member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, plays with the New River Youth Symphony, a 3-time all-state orchestra member and has participated in various honor bands and ensembles.  Lydia also attended the WV Governor’s School for the Arts.

Wesley Cutright, horn, performs with the orchestra, marching, jazz and concert band at Robert C. Byrd High School.  He also plays with the Fairmont State symphonic band and the Shinnston community band. 

Eleanor Hoblitzell, violin, performs with the Kanawha County Schools combined high school orchestra SCORCH and has been a member of the WV Youth Symphony since third grade.  She is currently in the position of assistant concertmaster and was the runner-up in the 2025-2026 WV Youth Symphony’s concerto competition.  Eleanor participates in many other playing activities such as being a member of the Charleston Light Opera Guild’s volunteer pit orchestra, attended WV Governor’s School for the Arts, and playing at a variety of church and community events.

 Sponsored by Dr. Andrew and Amy Vaughan of Charleston, this fellowship program began in 2002 to develop and encourage West Virginia high-school students to pursue careers as professional musicians, educators, composers or conductors. This monitored and time-intensive training program for serious music students remains a unique program among orchestras throughout North America.

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 87th 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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