Jillian Carr, a freshman at Williamstown Middle/High School, has been honored as the recipient of the 2024 Dr. James F. Dunphy Memorial Scholarship by the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra.
Carr earned this prestigious scholarship through a successful audition and interview process. The scholarship offers her private music lessons with a WVSO musician, the opportunity to attend rehearsals and concerts, and personal mentorship from the symphony’s Music Director, Maurice Cohn.
Jillian Carr, daughter of Jake and Erin Carr, has displayed remarkable dedication to percussion. Despite starting later than her peers, Carr has achieved numerous accolades in her short time as a musician. She is an active member of the Williamstown Middle/High School concert band, marching band, and jazz band.
Throughout her freshman year, Carr has garnered multiple superior ratings in Solo and Ensemble competitions, earned third chair in Middle School Regional Honors Band, and claimed first chair in High School Regional Honors Band. She even had the opportunity to perform as a guest musician with the SouthEastern Ohio Symphony Orchestra and participated in the Percussion Honors Festival at Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio.
Additionally, Carr has served as one of the Drum Captains for the marching band this year.
“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 expressed.
Jed Corra, band director at WHS, commended Carr’s dedication and passion for music. He described her as a dedicated student with a strong work ethic and expressed excitement for her future endeavors.
“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,” commented a representative from the Dunphy Family.
While Carr is the scholarship recipient, eight additional finalists showcased their talent during the audition process:
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
McKenna Ryder (flute) from Ripley High School
This marks the seventh year of the Dr. James F. Dunphy Memorial Scholarship, honoring the legacy of Dr. Dunphy, a passionate advocate for classical music.
The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra, in its 85th season, continues to enrich the region with affordable, high-quality concerts and nationally recognized education programs.
