The Green Mountain Swing Scholarship Fund was established in 2008 to benefit the education and enthusiasm of young musicians.  This is accomplished mainly through awards made to individual students from schools in the greater Central Vermont area.  Students are nominated by middle and high school music teachers.  Scholarships are also awarded to students in the Green Mountain Youth Symphony. 

Most awards are for private lessons, but a few are for workshops, summer camps, and travel to cultural events and centers.  Some schools get funds for establishing or supporting special ensembles and workshops.

We feel that in addition to helping students become better musicians, these awards also strengthen music programs in the schools and provide support for the great private music teachers who are helping our youth.  We are continuously impressed by the quality and devotion of the students, school music teachers, and the private instructors.

The Fund has grown over the years, recently doubling to about $12,000 annually. Funding sources include net proceeds from performance and dance gigs, benefit concerts, donations, and grants.  

The Fund was originally established to honor Shep Resnik, who was for many years the Green Mountain Swing music director. Shep was a longtime advocate of music education. It also honors two GMS Co-Founders, Bill Steinhurst and Newell Freer, and a beloved drummer, Pete Guthmann.

Green Mountain Swing is an all-volunteer band.  All of our net revenues from gigs and all proceeds from our annual benefit dance support the Scholarship Fund.  We also raise funds from donations by individuals and organizations inspired by our mission.  The Green Mountain Swing Scholarship Fund is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.  All donations are tax deductible. 

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If you have questions about the Scholarship Fund or would like to make a contribution, please contact:

Matt Van Wagner
Administrator, GMS Scholarship Fund
27 Birch Street
South Burlington, VT 05402

Or you can mail:  matt.vanwagner@gmail.com