Gifts for Future Generations
There’s no way G.W. Bands could have such a fabulous School Marching Band without the support of our numerous patrons. Donations go toward instrument maintenance and new uniforms, but there’s many different ways of getting involved. Find out how you can help keep a lifetime of tradition alive for generations to come. Thanks for supporting the great tradition of G.W. Bands!
Recent Donors
James
Swain
James Garland Swain, 91, husband of Bobbye Alley Swain. James served his country by enlisting in the United States Army. He was employed by Woodall Chevrolet, formerly Tamson Chevrolet, where he retired after many years of service. He could play many different instruments and also played in the Starmont Swing Band. James was a lifelong member of Mount Vernon United Methodist Church.Always a love of music in the household, Bobbye (his wife) played piano and he played almost everything else ... there was always music aroundHe asked that his collection of instruments be donated to GWHS because he wanted to share his love of music with others. He attended G.W. High School and many of the events he played were there. Living most of his life in Danville, sharing his collection with the students there was only natural. He understood that this can be an expensive hobby and didn’t want money to be a barrier to entry for someone who wanted to play music.
On Thursday, May 14, the Womack Foundation made a $50,000 donation to the George Washington High School (GW) band.
The donation was made by Charles Womack and his mother, Bobbye Raye, in honor of the late Patrick Womack.
“His loves in life were music, the memories he had growing up in Danville, and the life-long friends he made at this school,” Charles Womack said.
Cody Kesling, GW band director, said this donation will be earmarked for the instruments the band needs most, including saxophones, flutes and clarinets.
“This means a lot to me that the community is here to support the program,” Kesling said. “...This absolutely makes my heart explode.”
Womack
Foundation
Patrick
Womack
Scholarship
In the spring of 2020, G.W. Band members Dakota McBride(Saxophone), Mason Diaz(Trumpet), Daryl Brimmer(Trombone) and Tavon Tate(Drum Set) were awarded Patrick Womack Scholarships. This foundation was organized by Charles Womack and Gracie Womack.
"Patrick Womack was my brother and a multi-talented musician playing guitar and piano in many styles. At 51-years-old cancer took him away from us far too soon. The Patrick Womack Music Scholarship Fund has been established to help young musicians in the Triad of North Carolina with funding for quality musical training and instructional classes focusing on, but not limited to, classical and jazz music. Patrick loved all types of music, but later in life fell in love with classical music. And though he was an accomplished player, he began taking piano lessons and his knowledge and passion were reborn. Thru this rebirth of musical awareness, Patrick felt strongly that all musicians could benefit from quality instruction and music education and wanted to help others benefit as he did.
“The money can’t go to bands. Bands break up,” said Patrick. “It has to be for music education and instruction. But if there’s a student, who’s really deserving and is having to borrow or rent an instrument, we can buy them one.”
With those words he stuck up his thumb in a very positive gesture of approval.
Every year in December, we will give away a portion of the fund to Triad musicians who submit their information including: Name, address, instruments played, number of years playing, have you played live? If so, how often."
Winners will be featured in YES! Weekly newspaper to verify donations.