Nathan Brito, a rising senior and euphonium player at Ripley High School, has been named the 2025 Dr. James F. Dunphy Memorial Scholar by the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra.
Nathan Brito, a rising senior and euphonium player at Ripley High School, has been named the 2025 Dr. James F. Dunphy Memorial Scholar by the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra.
CHARLESTON -- Rising Ripley High School senior Nathan Brito, of Jackson County, West Virginia, has been named the 2025 winner of West Virginia Symphony Orchestra's Dr. James F. Dunphy Memorial Scholarship.
Brito 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 WVSO Music Director Maurice Cohn.
Brito is a euphonium player in the Ripley High School concert band, marching band, show choir band and jazz band. He began studying trumpet in elementary school but switched to euphonium in high school.
Brito says music has taught him important life skills and helps him think in a way that is applicable to make the world a better place, according to a news release from WVSO.
Ripley High School Band Director Randall Miller described Brito as a dedicated, hardworking musician with the drive to be better and good leadership skills. Miller wrote, “His dedication to broadening his musical experiences demonstrates his eagerness to grow as a musician.â€
Ihla Freshour, an upcoming freshman French horn player from Blennerhassett Middle School, was awarded honorable mention. Her band director Alyssa Bumpus stated, “She is one of the most motivated, kind, hardworking students I’ve ever had the privilege of teaching.â€
Three additional finalists who auditioned for the scholarship include: Lauren Deem (violin) from Williamstown Middle/High School; Jensyn Stump (tuba) from Williamstown Middle/High School; and Charles Ellison (percussion) from Williamstown Middle/High School.
This is the eighth year of the award honoring Dr. James F. Dunphy (1930-2011), a lifelong devotee of and advocate for classical music who lived in Parkersburg, West Virginia, for nearly 40 years.
Learn more about "West Virginia’s premier performing arts organization" at wvsymphony.org.
