GWU senior is Symphony of RC scholar

Hannah Thurman. Photo Contributed.

Hannah Thurman, a senior at Gardner-Webb University, is the latest selected Betty Jo Carpenter Symphony Scholar for the Symphony of Rutherford County. A violinist majoring in Music Education, she is sharing her talents in the first violin section of the symphony as it prepares for its 35th Anniversary Concert, "Celebrating 35 Springs," scheduled for April 30 at the Foundation Performing Arts Center.

Thurman has studied violin for 11 years. She credits her Crest High School orchestra teacher, Peter Strickland, for sparking her interest in pursuing music as a profession. At Gardner-Webb she has studied violin with Calin Lupanu and is currently studying with Dr. Nathan Southwick. She has served as Concert Master for the Gardner-Webb University Orchestra since 2021.

About her experience as a Symphony Scholar, she says she "will contribute to the loving community of musicians that is already well established." She adds, "I love playing with those who choose to prioritize community and quality performances."

As a future music teacher, she says she is looking forward to "sharing her passion for music, while at the same time, helping others discover their own passions."

The Betty Jo Carpenter Symphony Scholars Program, named for one of its founders, is designed to provide community orchestra experience to young musicians who may have never played with a multi-generational group with various abilities and backgrounds. For the Symphony, it is also an avenue for obtaining players to fill needed positions.

For more information about the Symphony of Rutherford County, visit rcsymphony.org.