Wheeling Park High School hosted various Wheeling Symphony Orchestra employees on Tuesday, October 29th. Inspired by local organization, Reshaping Impact for Students and Employers (RISE), the high school aimed to bring potential employers to interested students even sooner.
Recently, Director of Public Relations, Karin Butyn met with the Executive Director of the WSO, Sonja Thoms, to discuss ways to further engage and connect with students in the area. “Since taking this role, one of my goals has been to focus on relationships between what our community has to offer and what our students can offer and learn in return,” states Butyn, “meeting with Sonja gave the perfect opportunity to engage our arts, media, and marketing students.” Thoms adds, “The WSO is committed to supporting and celebrating music education in the Ohio Valley because we believe that a lifestyle with music inspires and empowers our youngest generation.”
The panel opportunity was shared with high school students who are in classes geared towards the panelists: art, marketing, media, chorus, band, and strings. More than 30 students attended, and Butyn moderated the panel featuring questions from those in attendance. “My hope is that a student sees that an opportunity exists in Wheeling to not only enjoy the arts, but to potentially be employed in the arts field as well,” states Butyn.
The school hopes to offer panels throughout the school year in a variety of disciplines that connect students with various professions in the community.
At this specific panel, students will hear from:
-Sonja Thoms, Executive Director
-John Devlin, Music Director
-Dr. Gail Looney, Director of Foundations & Government Relations/Orchestra Librarian/3rd Flute & Piccolo
-Sadie Varlas, Marketing & Communications Manager
-Lauren Baker, Customer Relations Manager
-Jason Sivert, Operations & Education Coordinator
Thank you to Stephanie Hockenberry from the City of Wheeling’s Growth and Retention Office, WTOV NEWS9, and The Intelligencer / Wheeling News-Register for joining us!
We can’t wait for the next unique opportunity!
#Community #CareerOpportunities #TogetherWeAchieve