When people talk about the magic of an Ashokan Music & Dance Camp, they often mention the music first. But ask someone who has attended, and you’ll quickly discover that the experience is about much more than workshops and performances. It’s about community, belonging, inspiration, and finding your place within a living tradition.
This spring, Pay It Forward Scholarship recipient Patrick McGinn-Hammer experienced that firsthand during Ukulele Weekend at the Ashokan Center.
In a heartfelt note to our team after the event, Patrick shared what the experience meant to him:
“It was truly one of the most joyful and educational experiences I have ever had.”
Surrounded by more than 110 musicians, learners, teachers, and lovers of folk music, Patrick found not only exceptional instruction but also an atmosphere of warmth and encouragement.
“I made friends quickly, and I honestly do not think I met a single bummer the entire weekend. There was simply nothing to be bummed about. The atmosphere was warm, encouraging, informative, musical, and deeply alive.”
Throughout the weekend, campers attended workshops, participated in jams, enjoyed faculty performances, and celebrated one another during the beloved Camper Cabaret, which featured an impressive 27 acts. For Patrick, the experience was both inspiring and transformative.
“I can already tell how much the experience has improved my ukulele playing. I will absolutely carry the techniques I learned into my own musical work and into my teaching moving forward.”
Patrick also reflected on the opportunity to learn from renowned instructors including Cathy Fink, Marcy Marxer, Armand Aromin, and Ukulele Weekend Director Ben Hassenger.
Their teaching, musicianship, and dedication to preserving and sharing traditional music embody what Ashokan’s Music & Dance Camps are all about: passing knowledge from one generation to the next while creating new connections and communities along the way.
Perhaps most importantly, Patrick’s story demonstrates why the Pay It Forward Scholarship program exists.
At Ashokan, we believe that financial barriers should not prevent passionate musicians, dancers, singers, and teachers from participating in these life-changing experiences. Pay It Forward Scholarships help make our camps accessible to individuals who will carry what they learn back into their own communities, classrooms, performances, and creative work.
Every scholarship awarded represents more than one person attending a camp. It represents countless future students, audiences, and community members who will benefit from the skills, inspiration, and traditions that scholarship recipients share with others.
Help Keep the Music Going
Pay It Forward Scholarships are made possible through the generosity of supporters who believe in the power of music, dance, education, and community.
If stories like Patrick’s inspire you, please consider making a donation to support future scholarship recipients. Your gift helps ensure that talented musicians, teachers, and culture-bearers can continue learning, growing, and sharing these traditions with others.
Together, we can keep Ashokan’s music and dance traditions accessible, vibrant, and thriving for generations to come.
Learn more about Pay It Forward Scholarships or make a donation today to help create the next Ashokan success story.