Steve Duncan and Rex Elliott made substantial contributions to Wilkes Acoustic Folk Society Inc. and the preservation of our musical heritage. In 2004 we began honoring their memories by offering an annual DUNCAN-ELLIOTT MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP to attend the Swannanoa Gathering. Since 1991, Warren Wilson College just east of Asheville has hosted a series of workshops in various folk arts during July and August known as the Swannanoa Gathering. The Gathering is an internationally acclaimed event with some of the best in their field as instructors and mentors. Folk arts are preserved through this powerful Gathering of folks in the mountains of NC teaching and practicing their craft. Past recipients of the Duncan-Elliott Memorial WAFS Scholarship are Melanie Podbielski, Trish Wylie, Laura Ferguson, Ethan Haithcock, John Palmer, James Wagoner, Shay Lovette, Revonda Crow, Abby Huggins, Hannah ‘Josie’ Hoggard, Mary Vann Johnston, Kathleen Nicole Burnett, Liam Purcell, Chad Ritchie, Elizabeth Carter, Asa Nelson, Bobby W. Fields and Katy Farrar.
For more information about the Swannanoa Gathering, go to www.swangathering.com.
In 2013, WAFS offered a second youth scholarship. The scholarship pays tuition to attend Pete Wernick’s (aka Dr. Banjo) JamCamp at MerleFest. The camp is a unique combination of classroom and personal instruction. Camp is held daily from 9:15 am until 5 pm three days prior to MerleFest. The student comes face to face with what it actually takes to play music with others. Camp is held in the breath taking beauty of the YMCA Camp Harrison. The 1400+ acre facility is just 10 miles from Wilkesboro at 7901 S NC Hwy 18 in Boomer, NC. Meals and lodging are available for purchase on site. Past winners of JAMCAMP are Jonah Horton, Willow Dillon, Benjamin Barker, Presley Barker, Elizabeth Carter, Hallie Younger, Emma Lowe, Madison Elmore, Libby Harbour, Robert Myers, Jake Myers and Owen Combs. THANKS TO ALL OUR WINNERS FOR HELPING TO PRESERVE THE FOLKWAYS OF THE APPALACHIAN MOUNTAIN REGION.
Click here to go to www.drbanjo.com for information.
Duncan-Elliot Memorial Scholarship Application to Swannanoa Gathering
The Pete Wernick’s Jam Camp at MerleFest Application