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Bringing world-class music to Waynesboro since 1937

In May of 1937 the fledgling concert association invited residents to join this new organization. The newspaper article said 600 members was the goal; subscriptions were $3.00. That’s $65.58 today, which makes our current $50 price a bargain.

The season opened in September of 1937, and every September after that until the 84th season was postponed a full year to open in September of 2021.

Three concerts a season was the rule for most of the first 33 seasons, and then four concerts became the plan. Five concerts made an appearance in season 38, but it wasn’t until season 77 (2013–14) that five became customary. That lasted until a six-concert season was presented in season 81, and six concerts are on the docket in season 88, opening with The Bronx Wanderers and closing with GQ, an elegant take on some of the most famous music ever written.

Including this 88th season, WCCA has presented more than 330 concerts over eight decades for contract costs that exceed $2.9 million in today’s dollars. And the key to long-term success and survival is a loyal membership. So thank you, each and every one of you.


88
Seasons of Music
330
Concerts Presented
2.9
Million+ in Concert Costs
8
Decades Strong

Giving back to those who serve our community

At a 2017 meeting a member of the Board challenged WCCA Board colleagues to find ways for the Association to “give back” to the community.

The Board subsequently approved a proposal to express appreciation to current or formerly serving area resident military members, first responders (including medical, security, etc.) and educators and their families at a designated concert. The idea was to identify two concerts each season for that purpose, and invite those honorees and families to attend as guests of WCCA.

From the first of these concerts, held in our 81st season (2017–18), a dozen “appreciation” concerts have been held with more than 2,000 military, first responders & educators and family members attending free of charge. More often than not, the Waynesboro Beneficial Fund Association or the Franklin County Community Foundation was the concert sponsor.

In the current season, along with their families, the 9 November The Waddington Brothers salutes military residents, and the 29 March The Limelifters concert recognizes first responders and educators. It’s a small way for WCCA to “give back” to the community that supports the Association, and for all of us to say “thank you” to those who support all of us.


12
Appreciation Concerts Held
2000
Free Attendees
2017
Program Established

Investing in WCCA's future and supporting young musicians

WCCA has two types of endowment funds: one dedicated to long-term support of the Association, the other providing scholarships to WASHS graduates. Both are within the Franklin County Community Foundation family, invested under management of The Foundation for Enhancing Communities.

Since 1987, WCCA has awarded $20,770 in scholarships to graduating WASHS students pursuing further education in the field of music.


20770
In Scholarships Awarded Since 1987


WCCA Endowment Fund

The Board of Directors established a WCCA endowment invested under management of The Foundation for Enhancing Communities. Income from this endowment is available to support the annual operating budget, helping ensure the long-term sustainability of the Association.

Joseph Bowers Scholarship Fund

Named for a long-time member of the WCCA Board of Directors, this fund made its first award in 1988 — $100 to Gregory Tulenko. Over the years annual awards have increased in value. Including awards of $1,000 in 2023 and $1,500 in 2024, total awards from this fund since 1987 are $18,270.

Kowallis Family Scholarship Fund

Named for long-time high school vocal music director, WCCA member and WCCA president Gerald Kowallis and his wife Mary Jo and the family, this fund recognizes long community service and lifelong support of music by the entire Kowallis family. Its first two awards were $1,000 in 2023 and $1,500 in 2024.


Recent Scholarship Recipients

2023: $2,000 to Harmonie Wong, pursuing a music therapy degree at West Chester University
2024: $3,000 to Cassidy Wheeler, pursuing a music education degree at Millersville University

Please consider a tax-deductible gift to the WCCA Endowment, the Joseph Bowers Scholarship Fund, or the Kowallis Family Scholarship Fund. All WCCA endowments accept donations online at waynesboropaconcerts.org.

Volunteers needed for our 90th anniversary celebration

Do you “scrapbook”? Want to help your concert association? Have some time to spare?

Our history began in 1936, and we’ve been collecting memories ever since: programs, photos, newspaper articles, artist bios and the like. Funny stories like the singer and the fly. Prior to today’s comfortable 1,500-seat auditorium, for decades our loyal audiences “enjoyed” concerts on hard-wood chairs in buildings without air conditioning.

We’re looking for volunteers to help us organize and preserve that history and to feature it in our 90th anniversary season, 2027–28.

Could that be you? Talk to any Board member, or reach out through our Contact page.

We'd love your help preserving nearly nine decades of concert memories. Contact Us

A featured artist from every season — 87 seasons and counting


1937 — Russian Imperial Singers
1938 — Lansing Hatfield, Baritone
1939 — Marjorie Edwards, Violin
1940 — Daniel Ercourt, Piano
1941 — Kraueter Trio
1942 — John Dudley, Tenor
1943 — Trapp Family Singers
1944 — Marina Svetlova, Ballerina
1945 — Appleton & Field, Piano
1946 — Nikolai & Joanna Graudan, Cello/Piano Duo
1947 — Sanroma, Piano
1948 — Columbus Boys Choir
1949 — Rosario & Antonio, Spanish Dancers
1950 — Loretta & Murray Dranoff, Piano Duo
1951 — DePaur Infantry Chorus
1952 — Angelaires, Harp Quintet
1953 — Vienna Academy Chorus
1954 — Robert Shaw Chorale
1955 — Obernkirchen Children’s Choir
1956 — Igor Gorin, Baritone
1957 — Liebling Master Singers
1958 — Camilla Wilson, Soprano & Todd Duncan, Baritone
1959 — Columbus Boys Choir
1960 — The Icelandic Singers
1961 — Netherlands Chamber Orchestra
1962 — Orfeon of Coimbra
1963 — David Bar Illan, Piano
1964 — The Revelers
1965 — Dick Shorey, Percussion Pops

1966 — Four Go Dancing
1967 — Jeffrey & Ronald Marlowe
1968 — Colleen Corkre Dance Group
1969 — Adiss & Crofut
1970 — Ballet Brio
1971 — Fiesta Mexicana
1972 — Texas Boy Choir
1973 — Lee Evans Orchestra, Chorus
1974 — Carnival of Mexico
1975 — New Christy Minstrels
1976 — George Shearing Quintet
1977 — The Four Freshmen
1978 — Ronnie Brown Trio
1979 — Jury’s Irish Cabaret, Dublin
1980 — Aspen Soloists
1981 — Mainz Chamber Orchestra
1982 — New Christy Minstrels
1983 — The Chanticleers
1984 — Empire Brass
1985 — John Gary & Friends
1986 — From Opera to Broadway
1987 — Marriage of Figaro
1988 — Paul Kuentz Chamber Orchestra
1989 — Slovenian Mastersingers
1990 — Tommy Dorsey Orchestra
1991 — New York Theatre Ballet
1992 — Stecher & Horowitz
1993 — Vivaldi Orchestra of Moscow
1994 — Helicon, Folk Music

1995 — Wu Han, Piano
1996 — Carl Peterson, Scottish Tenor
1997 — Dale Gonyea
1998 — Side Street Strutters, Dixieland
1999 — Brothers Four
2000 — Christina Pagararo, Piano
2001 — Pasadena Roof Orchestra
2002 — Elizabeth Von Trapp, Vocalist
2003 — Daniel Sutton, Piano
2004 — Glenn Miller Orchestra
2005 — Edgar Cruz
2006 — Artie Shaw Orchestra
2007 — Saxophobia
2008 — Daniel Narducci
2009 — War Bonds, WWII Songs & Letters
2010 — Legacy of Floyd Cramer, Piano
2011 — Thomas Pandolfi, Piano
2012 — Red Head Express, Walker Family
2013 — Jim McDonough, Piano
2014 — Live From Nashville
2015 — Ethan Bortnick
2016 — Tenoré
2017 — The Fabulous Hubcaps
2018 — FiveSax
2019 — Tajci: Waking Up in America
2020 — Season postponed (COVID-19)
2021 — Trio Pacheco
2022 — Chester Gregory
2023 — The Dallas Brass
2024 — Bennie and the Jets


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