WVU School of Music senior Greta Hulterstrum is one of six students from across the country selected to join the League of American Orchestras’ Student Leadership Council.
“I was really surprised to be selected, but I’m grateful for the opportunity. I know it's going to help jumpstart where I want my career to go,” said Hulterstrum, a flute player and performance music major.
Formed in 2023, the Student Leadership Council provides a platform for the League of American Orchestras to integrate the voices of young people into its work and support the growth of student engagement within the orchestra field. The council has been responsible for an over 400% growth in student membership since its founding, increased student involvement in events, including the League’s National Conference, and multiple student engagement projects.
Hulterstrum was first introduced to the League of American Orchestras when she interned with the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra in summer 2024 as part of the College of Creative Arts and Media’s Internship Alliance program. It was that experience that sparked her interest in orchestra management and inspired her plans to pursue a master’s degree in performance and arts administration.
“This year, I saw the student council opportunity online and thought it would be a great way to get involved with my career goals, to network and meet more people,” Hulterstrum said. “I wasn’t sure if I qualified because I’d only had one internship. But I decided to apply anyway, because I want my career to be in orchestra administration, especially community engagement, and this would be the best opportunity to learn from professionals.”
Unbeknownst to Hulterstrum when she applied, her mentor from the Wheeling Symphony, Sonja Thoms, was one of the Student Leadership Council’s creators and is now one of its advisors.
“It's been great to meet with Sonja again and have her mentorship as well,” Hulterstrum said.
Members of the Student Leadership Council organize webinars for student League members and events for students during the League’s annual conference, which will be held in Baltimore in June 2026.
Each Leadership Council member is tasked with running a specific area. Hulterstrum will be heading community engagement since it is in line with her career goals. She’ll have the opportunity to work with the Community Engagement Director for the Milwaukee Symphony, Rebecca Whitney.
“I love bringing music to kids and communities. Making those connections is really the meaning of music to me, and I hope my career can be involved with that as well,” she said.
Hulterstrum encourages other students to join the League of American Orchestras. Membership is free, the benefits are vast and students may encounter someone or something that changes their trajectory.
“We're taught that you can either perform or teach, and there's so much more in music,” she said. “WVU has shown me all these opportunities where I can still be involved with music but not be playing constantly. Being part of the Student Leadership Council, with all the connections I’ll make, will be the gateway to new opportunities.”
Learn more about the WVU School of Music at music.wvu.edu and on social media @wvuschoolofmusic.