The Ridgefield High School music program is pleased to announce that Ian Whitehurst is January’s Music Student of the Month. His talent, leadership, and passion for both music and the community he plays music with has made him an essential member of the community.
Ian started playing the clarinet in sixth grade and “never stopped”, falling in love with the world of music. In only the seventh grade, Ian joined the Western Connecticut Youth Orchestra and played in the Wind Ensemble for two years before moving up to playing in the Symphonic Orchestra for WCYO. Ian has also participated in Western Regionals for the entirety of his high school career, and has played in All-States for two years. With various teachers assisting and encouraging him, he has become an incredible clarinet player.
Within the walls of Ridgefield High School Ian is the Clarinet section leader and Concertmaster for the Wind Ensemble. Ian has taken great joy both being a mentor to his peers and also creating incredible friendships which have molded his social life in high school. When discussing the music community, Whitehurst said, “The music community is full of some of the most awesome, welcoming, talented people in the entirety of RHS, many of whom are my closest friends. For any prospective or interested students, joining it is something you will never regret!”
Ian’s social personality and friendship to his peers have helped incoming students to immediately feel more comfortable within the music community, and Ian has never faltered to value the community. Ian recalls some of his favorite memories as simply spending time with the music community, especially the music community trip to Disney his Sophomore year, or accomplishing playing difficult pieces of music, including, Dvorak’s New World Symphony, Mahler’s Symphony No. 5, MVT IV &V, and Danzon No. 2, with the support of the music community.
Orchestra Director Michael McNamara says, “In addition to being one of the top clarinetists I have seen go through our program, Ian is just an all around great guy. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him in a bad mood. He’s always positive, friendly, and outgoing. He has a disarming way about him that just immediately puts you at ease and is the kind of guy that lifts your mood. I always feel a little more elevated after spending time with him. There’s going to be tough shoes to fill in a lot of ways after leaving this year. My only consolation is that he will be attending Brown University in my hometown of Providence, Rhode Island!”
Outside of school, Ian is an Eagle Scout, and a member of the National Honor Society. Additionally, he created the Ridgefield High School Ultimate Frisbee Club during his junior year, and serves as both the club’s captain and manager. Ian will be graduating from Ridgefield High School this year and will attend Brown University, where he will try out for Brown’s D1 Ultimate Frisbee team, Brownian Motion. His leadership, talent, and friendliness are attributes that the music community will greatly miss.
Thank you Ian, and good luck!