Maestro for a Moment FUN-draiser 2023

Nicholas Young is in his third year as director of bands at Gallia Academy High School and Middle School. Mr. Young earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education with classical saxophone emphasis from The Ohio State University in 2020. He is also a member of the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) and the National Association for Music Education (NAFME).

Mr. Young’s directing and teaching responsibilities include the Gallia Academy High School Symphonic Band, Marching Band, Jazz Band, and Pep Band. He is also responsible for the 6th grade beginning woodwind, brass and percussion courses at the middle school working in collaboration with Mrs. Marilyn Wills, as well as a high school guitar techniques course.

In his first year as director, Mr. Young led the marching band to consistent “Excellent” ratings at all contests. The high school symphonic band also earned a “Superior” rating at district contest, qualifying them for the state level for the first time since the 2018-19 school year. During his second year, the program continued to see growth and success with the symphonic band again qualifying for state level competition. During his third year, Mr. Young led the Gallia Academy Marching Band to their first OMEA state “superior” rating, something not achieved since the 1997 school year.

Mr. Young grew up in Grove City, Ohio just south-west of Columbus where he attended Grove City High School. During his time at The Ohio State University Mr. Young was a four-year member of The Ohio State University Marching Band where he led his row as squad leader. While at Ohio State, he also was a member of the top wind ensemble at the university, The Ohio State University Wind Symphony, and was also a member of one of four saxophone quartets where he performed at various saxophone clinics and conferences around the country. He currently resides in Gallipolis.

Gallipolis is my new home and I am Ohio girl through and through. I was born in Lancaster where I graduated from Logan High School, and attended college at Hocking College in Nelsonville. I am a proud army veteran and a local business owner.  I own Flour Girls Baking Company, where we specialize in custom cakes and hand decorated sugar cookies.  I have come to truly love the community of Gallipolis and that is thanks in large part to our vibrant arts community. Gallipolis is truly blessed to have the Ariel-Ann Carson Dater Performing Arts Centre and we must offer our continued support.

As one of three candidates who are competing for the special honor of “Maestro for a Moment,” with your support I will have the opportunity to conduct The Ohio Valley Symphony in a holiday performance of Sleigh Ride on December 2nd at the Ariel Opera House. The candidate that can raise the most funds will have the honor of conducting the orchestra. It’s my special privilege to work hard on behalf of this wonderful cause, and I hope you will consider lending your support!

Please consider making a tax deductible donation of $25, $50, $100, or more. Donations of $1,000 or more can receive a seat inscription. Donations can be handed to me directly at the bakery, sent via PayPal, mailed in via check (please make check payable to “The Ohio Valley Symphony” and write Maetro Selena Hunt in the memo line),  or brought with you the evening of the Symphony Concert. Don’t miss this opportunity to support a The Ohio Valley Symphony!

Thank you so much for your support!

My name is Bryan Stepp, and I am a candidate for The Ohio Valley Symphony’s annual Maestro for a Moment fundraiser!  It is an honor to be apart event to give back to this community.  I have been in the banking industry for 38 years, currently as the Executive Vice President, Lending / Credit for The Ohio Valley Bank Company.  While my office is in Gallipolis, OH I reside in Point Pleasant, WV with my lovely wife Jane.  I have three adult children, Sarah, Andy, and my stepson Tony, as well as five amazing grandchildren, Jack, Will, Evan, Caleb, and Hannah. I have a Bachelor of Business Administration from Marshall University and obtained a diploma from The Graduate School of Banking at LSU.  I am chairman of Pleasant Valley Hospital Health Foundation, Board Member of Mason County Development Authority and Polymer Alliance Zone, Inc., and a recipient of the Director’s Certificate of Appreciation from the Small Business Administration.  I am an active alumnus of Marshall University and I enjoy a game of golf whenever possible.

I have a passion for music and a strong desire to build our community.  I listen to a large variety of genres and make an effort to support live music regularly.

In my community, I volunteer throughout the year as a member of the Point Pleasant Rotary Club, Trinity United Methodist Church, and American Legion Post 23.

The Ohio Valley Symphony’s Maestro for a Moment Fundraiser is the perfect blend of two of my passions. Our region is fortunate to have the opportunity to experience and participate in productions at the Ariel Opera House and enjoy the music of The Ohio Valley Symphony, and it is essential that these programs are supported and continue.