WV Symphony announces 2019 Vaughan Fellow

CHARLESTON, W.VA. (1/25/19) – Ethan Hupp from Ravenswood was named the 2019 Student Symphonic Fellow for the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s (WVSO) Andrew and Amy Vaughan Fellowship Program. He was chosen after an audition and interview process held on January 11 at the Clay Center.

Hupp, a junior, plays the French horn at Ravenswood High School and was also named the 2018 WVSO Dunphy Scholar. In addition to that honor, Hupp has been a member of the WV All-State Band, All-State Honor Choir, and All-State Chamber Choir.

The committee awarded honorable mentions to Ashley Elswick, a senior clarinetist from Riverside High School and Johni Alexander, a senior flutist from Buffalo High School. Elswick was a multi-year participant in All-County and All-State bands while at Riverside High School; Alexander is a member of Buffalo High School Concert and Marching bands and served as field commander this year.

Hupp will build upon his knowledge and mastery of music by sitting on stage alongside WVSO musicians during rehearsals. He will also meet renowned guest artists during the second half of the Elliot Foundation Symphonic Series and City National Ban Casual Classics Series and will conduct personal research about the music the WVSO performs.

Sponsored by Dr. Andrew and Amy Vaughan, 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 WVSO is West Virginia’s premier performing arts organization, presenting classical, pops, family and chamber-music concerts annually throughout the Mountain State. Currently in its 79th 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.

###