The Wheeling Symphony's Artist-in-Residence "Voices and Music" program, which began in the fall of 2002, was created to serve those children in Wheeling, West Virginia, who typically "fall through the cracks" when it comes to exposure to the joy and discipline that music can inspire.
 
Its aim is to use basic elements of vocal and instrumental music to connect with at-risk youth and provide them with greater confidence and added incentives for excelling in school. Thanks to the generosity of corporate and private funding sources, Artist-in-Residence Scott Reed continues to carry out the important vision of this program at three locations that serve a high population of approximately 150 at-risk youngsters at Laughlin Memorial Chapel, Madison School and Wheeling Catholic School.

The Wheeling Symphony's Artist-in-Residence program in 2008-2009 was made possible by the Robinson S. Parlin Trust, administered by WesBanco Trust and Investment Services, with additional support from the Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe Foundation, and Target.

At Laughlin Chapel:

Children in the lower grades each received a recorder on which they learned to play many melodies. The older students had the options to play the recorder, further their band instrument or string instrument studies, or play in the African Hand Drum group known as the Young Lions. This past year the program purchased electronic keyboards and guitars and offered these additional choices to the older Laughlin Chapel students. For the first time a guitar class was opened up to high school students, with 11 students signing up for guitar and three for keyboard. “They absolutely loved it,” Reed said. “The guitarists got to keep the guitars to take home and practice throughout the school year. There was also an option to purchase the guitar at a discount should they want to own the instrument.”

At Madison School:

Madison School’s Anchor program saw another successful year of progression of after school music. The birth of the guitar program began here and has been so successful that it has grown into two separate classes, one for beginners and one for second year players. Because many of the students want to continue playing after graduating from Madison, the guitar program was extended to Triadelphia Middle School’s Anchor program. Reed said the students enjoy performing at local nursing homes, especially at Christmas.

At Wheeling Catholic Elementary:

Wheeling Catholic Elementary School has added an after school music program as well. The children here are divided into two groups, pre-kindergarten through third grade and fourth through eighth grades. The older students enjoy when Reed explores music with them through their computer lab, while the younger children prefer musical activities that gets them moving.

Reed also noted, “At any of the elementary locations, it is also common for me to assist the students with their homework. Getting their homework done is a big part of the after school programs’ goals. Working with the kids and being a positive influence in their lives makes it all worth it to me. In turn, these children all treat me only with the utmost respect.”