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 two locations that serve a high population of at-risk youngsters,
Laughlin Memorial Chapel and Wheeling Catholic School.

Laughlin Chapel first opened its doors
in 1972 and has operated as a safe haven for youth who live in the surrounding
inner-city neighborhoods of Wheeling. At this facility, Artist-in-Residence
Scott Reed works with children in grades kindergarten through fifth
who attend Madison, Ritchie, and Wheeling Catholic Grade Schools, with
between 90 - 100 children benefiting from the program each week. With
Laughlin Chapel's $1.8 million expansion this past year came a dedicated
classroom space for the Voices and Music program.

Wheeling Catholic School is a small parochial
school of approximately 90 students that is considered "the last
neighborhood school" in Wheeling. The small school is under funded
and had been completely lacking in music curriculum until Mr. Reed implemented
a general music program for kindergarten through eighth grade. The 2005-06
school year's curriculum will be divided into the following four categories:
General Music, History, Instrumental, and Vocal. General music study
will concentrate on the basic foundations and principles of music. Instrumental
lessons will include band, guitars, hand bells, keyboards, percussion,
and recorders. Vocal study will focus on singing in a choral setting.

The Wheeling Symphony's Artist-in-Residence
program in 2005-06 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.

To date, the Wheeling Symphony's
Artist-in-Residence program for 2006-07 is sponsored by the Robinson
S. Parlin Trust, administered by WesBanco Trust and Investment Services.