- Pronouns:
- He/Him
George is from Marietta, Georgia, and will pursue a B.A. in viola performance at the Jacobs School of Music, where he will study with the world-class violist Professor Li Kuo Chang, who was the Chicago Symphony’s principal violist for nearly 40 years! George takes pride in his successful audition and college application season in which he won every audition he attended. This success led to several full-ride scholarships, including the Wells. His preferred dinner guest would be the famed violist William Primrose, who authored important books on viola technique and commissioned several concerti which are now staples in the repertoire. His favorite books include Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None, Brandon Sanderson’s The Way of Kings, and J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Lord of The Rings. His most impactful personal experience was listening to Richard Strauss’ Tod und Verklärung in Atlanta’s Symphony Hall: “I was so profoundly moved that I decided there on the spot, that I wanted to play professionally.” George identifies with Robert Schumann’s dictum: "To send light into the darkness of men's hearts—such is the duty of the artist.” The best advice he has ever received is encapsulated in this statement: “Auditions are not to evaluate how well you can play, but rather to determine how much you love playing; teachers can fix technique and ability, but they cannot make you love music.” George would like to thank Dr. Perry Holbrook and Mrs. Cindy Beard: “For my entire musical career they have led me, encouraged me, molded and motivated me, and inspired me. They were, are, and will continue to be my teachers and mentors.” George will hold the Neal Gilliatt Scholarship.