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The Washington Symphony Orchestra recently announced its latest Young Artist Competition winner—Ryan Fulton, of Canon McMillan High School. Fulton competed against other student musicians from around Washington County to win this year’s $1,000 prize.

Ryan Fulton, of Canon McMillan High School.

At the WSO’s “Abracadabra” concert on May 5, he was featured as a trumpet soloist on Franz Joseph Haydn’s Concerto for Trumpet and Orchestra in Eb, First Movement.

“I chose to play this piece because it is a staple amongst trumpet players, and because it very pretty to the listener's ear,” said Fulton.

Fulton, a senior at Canon McMillan High School, participates in a number of the school’s band-related ensembles. He is a four-year member of the marching band, four-year member of the jazz band, three-year member of the percussion ensemble, two-year member of the pep band, and four-year member of the symphonic band.

In addition to the aforementioned activities, Fulton founded a brass quintet at the high school, "Pike Street Brass Quintet."

“Not only do I participate in instrumental music, but I am also a member of the Canon-McMillan's Men's Ensemble, who rehearses before school and tours with the choir and sings at the choral concerts,” said Fulton. “I also participated in the honors choir at Canon-McMillan for a year as well.”

Fulton has participated in many PMEA festivals and other special music events. He has participated in District Orchestra for three years, District Band for two years, Region Band for two years, All-State Wind Ensemble for two years, region orchestra for one year, district choir for one year, and region choir for one year.

Fulton is an active member in Canonsburg United Presbyterian Church's Wind Ensemble and a member of the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra. He also attended the Eastman School of Music Summer Trumpet Institute this past year.

“Music is what defines my life, said Fulton. “It is something I am very passionate about and is something that is present in my life one way or another every day. Being able to both create music and enjoy it is something I absolutely adore, and I could not live without it.”

Outside of his activities in school, Fulton likes to sing and play the steel drums. He also enjoys lifting weights and running in his spare time.

Fulton has been privately studying the trumpet since the fifth grade and currently studies with Chad Winkler, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra’s fourth trumpet. He is the son of Brian and Lori Fulton of Canonsburg.

For more information about the WSO or the Young Artist Competition, visit www.washsym.org.

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