Incoming Ravenswood High School senior Blaine Hoff is the 2026 winner of the Dr. James R. Dunphy Memorial Scholarship. (Photo provided)

CHARLESTON – Incoming Ravenswood High School senior Blaine Hoff is the 2026 winner of the Dr. James R. Dunphy Memorial Scholarship, the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra announced Tuesday.

Hoff successfully auditioned and interviewed for the scholarship, which offers private music lessons with a West Virginia Symphony Orchestra musician, the opportunity to attend symphony rehearsals and concerts, and personal interaction with symphony Music Director Maurice Cohn.

Hoff is a trumpet player in the Ravenswood High School wind ensemble, concert band and marching band, as well as a member of the show choir and concert choir. Scott Tignor, band director at Ravenswood, described Hoff’s musicianship as being marked by focus, musical intelligence and a sincere respect for ensemble performance.

Five additional finalists auditioned for the scholarship: Lukas Mourat (violin), Cameron Coffman (trombone) and Noah Mourat (violin) from Williamstown Middle/High School; Julia Fairchild (baritone saxophone) from Parkersburg High School; and Sophia Richards (clarinet) from Ravenswood High School.

This is the ninth award honoring 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, now in its 85th season, presents classical and pops concerts annually throughout the Mountain State. The symphony works to enrich the community by providing affordable concerts, collaborations with West Virginia arts organizations and a nationally award-winning education program, according to a release from the organization.