Charleston, WV - The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra is pleased to announce the 2024 winner of the Dr. James F. Dunphy Memorial Scholarship.

Jillian Carr, freshman at Williamstown Middle/High School in Wood County, successfully auditioned and interviewed for the scholarship, which offers private music lessons with a WVSO musician, the opportunity to attend WVSO rehearsals and concerts, and personal interaction with the Symphony’s Music Director Maurice Cohn.

Carr, daughter of Jake and Erin Carr, is a percussionist in the Williamstown Middle/High School concert band, marching band, and jazz band. While she began learning percussion much later than her peers, her dedication to become one of the best is apparent in her many accomplishments as only a freshman. Carr has received multiple superior ratings in Solo and Ensemble competitions, placed third chair in Middle School Regional Honors Band, and first chair in High School Regional Honors Band. She performed as a guest musician with the South Eastern Ohio Symphony Orchestra and was invited to participate in the Percussion Honors Festival at Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio. This year, Carr has also served as one of the Drum Captains for marching band. “Music is the biggest part of my life. I am extremely driven and disciplined to work hard in accomplishing my goals and dreams. As of now, I plan on pursuing music and percussion as a career,” Carr said.

Jed Corra, band director at Williamstown High School, described Carr as a dedicated student with the drive to be better and help others around her. Corra wrote, “She is not only an amazing young woman with a hard work ethic, but she also has a great passion for music and I am so excited to see what she will do moving forward!”

“We were impressed by Jillian’s exceptional performance on the marimba, along with her maturity and drive to excel. We are delighted that she was selected as the WVSO’s Dr. James F. Dunphy Memorial Scholar, and we look forward to her growth as she pursues her passion for music next year and beyond,” said a representative from the Dunphy Family.

Eight additional finalists who auditioned for the scholarship include: Matthew Adams (percussion) from Williamstown Middle/High School; Nikolas Amos (trombone) from Blennerhassett Middle School; Lorelei Dent (piano) from Blennerhassett Middle School; Isaiah Fisher (trumpet) from Ripley High School; Sara Jung (clarinet) from Williamstown Middle/High School; Anissa O’Dell (flute) from Ripley High School; Eden Pack (flute) from Wirt County High School; and McKenna Ryder (flute) from Ripley High School.

This is the seventh year of the award honoring Dr. James F. Dunphy (1930-2011), a lifelong devotee of and advocate for classical music who lived in Parkersburg for nearly 40 years.

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 85th 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.