JAMES F. DUNPHY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FOR PARKERSBURG-AREA STUDENTS

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James F. Dunphy

James F. Dunphy

CHARLESTON, W.VA. (2/22/18) – Instrumental students in Wood and surrounding counties are invited to apply for a new 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.


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.


Applications for the fall 2018 scholarship selection are open to students in grades 8 through 11 in Jackson, Pleasants, Ritchie, Wirt and Wood counties and are available online at wvsymphony.org. The deadline to apply is April 13. Auditions will be held Saturday, April 21, in Parkersburg.


The scholarship fund that Dunphy’s family established this year also supports visits by Loh to instruct students in the Wood County Strings Program, and additional educational lectures in Wood County schools.


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


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 78th 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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West Virginia Symphony Orchestra Announces 2018 Vaughan Fellows

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CHARLESTON, W.VA. (1/31/18) – A young clarinetist from Ona and an emerging violinist from Charleston are the 2018 Student Symphonic Fellows in the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s (WVSO) Andrew and Amy Vaughan Fellowship Program.

As Vaughan fellows, Armaan Karimpour, a sophomore at St. Joseph Central Catholic High School in Huntington, and Aya Hobeika, a junior at George Washington High School in Charleston, will build upon their knowledge and mastery of classical music by sitting on stage alongside WVSO musicians during rehearsals. They will also meet renowned guest artists during the second half of the 2018 Capitol Conference Center Symphonic Series and conduct personal research about the music the WVSO performs.

The selection committee awarded an honorable mention to a third finalist, Dustin Parsons, of Cottageville, who is honing his tuba-playing skills as a senior at Ravenswood High School.

Aya, 17, is a member of the West Virginia Youth Symphony Orchestra, the West Virginia All-State Symphony Orchestra, NAfME National Symphony Orchestra and the West Virginia Youth Symphony Orchestra Quartet. Aya also plays soccer and is a member of Model United Nations Club and Junior Civitan Club.

Armaan, 16, is principal clarinetist for his school band, sings tenor in the school chorus and provides vocal and instrumental music for his church’s music ministry. He is co-principal clarinet for the West Virginia Youth Symphony and was 1st chair of the All-County Band for four years, 6th chair in the 2017 All State Band and principal chair for the 2018 All-State Orchestra. Armaan also play tennis and is a member of his school’s Key Club, Science Olympiad and Student Council.

Dustin, 18, is a member of Ravenswood’s wind ensemble, jazz band, marching band and Future Farmers of America.

Sponsored by Drs. Andrew and Amy Vaughan, this fellowship program started in 2002 helps to develop and encourage West Virginia high-school students to pursue careers as professional musicians, educators, composers or conductors.

Applicants audition before the selection committee, complete an application that includes an essay that explains their interest in the program as well as their professional and academic goals, and submit at least two letters of recommendations.

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 78th 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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