Flute professor honored with service award

Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music flute faculty member George Pope was honored with the Distinguished Service Award for his service and commitment to the National Flute Association (NFA). He was presented with the award during the 46th annual National Flute Association convention.

Pope is a graduate of Northwestern University and the University of Tulsa. He served as flute professor at The University of Akron from 1978 to 2013. In addition, he was the longtime principal flutist with the Akron Symphony Orchestra from 1978 to 2002.

In 2002, he joined the BW Conservatory.

Service to National Flute Association

Pope served as vice president, then president of the NFA. His contributions to the NFA include the Remembrance and Healing Concert, which has become an annual event at NFA conventions. This concert was an extension of a 1995 AIDS memorial he coordinated.

"I was overwhelmed when I learned that I had been chosen to receive the NFA's Distinguished Service Award," Pope said. "I am deeply honored to know that my efforts have been valued, have perhaps at times made a difference."

His musical involvement goes beyond the NFA and teaching. He is a founding member of the Chamber Music Society of Ohio and the Solaris Wind Quintet. He is also involved with Tuesday Musical Association, a 130-year-old organization that awards scholarships through competition.