Philhower, 17, a junior at Hamilton High School, plays every Sunday at Zion Lutheran Church in Hamilton and that’s where the surprise of a new trombone was recently awarded. Jaime Morales-Matos of Miami University and conductor of the Central Ohio Symphony played a critical role in the selection of Philhower and also in making the instrument available, Stanbery said.
Stanbery said the trombone and case are valued at $3,000, but were sold to the foundation for $1,200.
Philhower has been studying privately at no cost with Matthew White, a distinguished trombonist in Cincinnati, Stanbery said. White makes the weekly drive to Hamilton to instruct Philhower and also several other students, he said.
Philhower is a three-year member of the Hamilton High School marching band, jazz band and concert band and the Great Miami Youth Symphony and has been accepted as a member of the prestigious Cincinnati Youth Symphony Concert Orchestra.
He called receiving the trombone “a blessing from God.”
He said there’s “a major difference” between the trombone that has been played by members of the Cincinnati, Dayton and Columbus symphony orchestras and the one that belongs to Hamilton High School.
Eventually, Philhower said, he hopes to play in a professional orchestra, but first he wants to play in college.
Stanbery said Philhower is the latest in a path already blazed by such Hamilton notables as world-renowned pianist Bryan Wallick, and operatic soprano Olivia Yokers, among others.
Philhower, because of his dedication to his craft, is “a really fine, an ideal kid,” Stanbery said.
Philhower recently applied for a $1,000 musician scholarship, but finished second to a violinist who was selected to play in Vienna. He was disappointed, Stanbery said.
Right after the scholarship winner was announced, Stanbery said a group gathered and talked about “how can we help this kid.”
The answer was a new trombone.
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