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Wilbur Ade Scholarship

The Wilbur Ade Memorial Scholarship is designed to raise the level of achievement in traditional music of Indiana youth, keeping the traditional musical forms of Indiana alive and vibrant.

 

The Wilbur Ade Memorial Scholarship is awarded to Indiana youth on a rolling basis to help cover expenses for attendance at fiddle camps or any other traditional music camps.  

About Wilbur Ade

Wilbur Ade was born in Tippecanoe County, IN, in 1913. Shortly after, his family moved to a rural farm near Brookston, IN. He farmed for 63 years until his death in 1992. His passions were family, farming, raising hunting dogs, fishing, and music. 

 

When Wilbur was 14 years old, he traded his bicycle for a guitar. He was friends with the Barrett boys, who lived nearby and took guitar lessons from their mother. 

 

As a young man, Wilbur enjoyed playing for local square dances. The neighbors would gather at a friend’s house for a carry-in supper then clear the furniture out of the parlor and have a square dance. 

 

When the Indiana Fiddlers' Gathering began, Wilbur enjoyed playing in the festival's jam sessions.  He never missed a festival and would attend every day possible. 

 

Wilbur spent many wonderful years at the Fiddlers’ Gatherings, and his family wanted to honor his memory and love of music by establishing The Wilbur Ade Memorial Scholarship to encourage young musicians.  

Eligibility

  • Be an Indiana resident

  • Be age 8 to 18

  • Demonstrate a passion for traditional music

  • Show individual ability

Deadline & Timetable

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Please note that it can take up to 60 days to review an application and provide a decision. Apply in enough time to suitably complete the application, as well as allow enough time for us to make our decisions.

Apply

Applications can be emailed to ifg@indianafiddlersgathering.org with "Wilbur Ade" in the subject line.

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