The Music Roots program and Danny Thomas won the 2023 Arkansas Governor's Arts Award for Folklife Preservation!

 

Establishing the Music Roots program within the school system was the brainchild of Danny Thomas and, over the 25 years of this program, folk music has permeated all generations literally saving the musical culture of this community. Mr. Thomas was the superintendent of the Mountain View School District when he applied for a career orientation grant in 1997. The goal of the grant was to create a career path for young people in this small town known for folk music.

 

Partnering with the Ozark Folk Center, and then music director, Elliott Hancock, the Music Roots program was formed. The idea was to teach kids how to play the folk instruments of guitar, fiddle, autoharp, dulcimer, and banjo. Even better, the classes were during the school day, the lessons were free, and the students had access to free loaner instruments! Hundreds of children gained skills, some went on to become professional musicians and many can be found playing around the court square today!

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The Committee of One Hundred has helped to fund Music Roots since inception and funding is now also provided by the Mountain View Bluegrass Association, Ozark Traditions, and others. 

 

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