Elke Stockdale Scholarship Fund

The Elke Stockdale Scholarship Fund offers the opportunity for private lessons on band instruments to students enrolled in a public school band program. These students will be nominated by band directors from the Charleston Wind Symphony. This Scholarship Fund was established in Mrs. Stockdale'smemory to recognize young musicians who possess a strong passion for music-making with a persevering mindset, positive attitude, and consistent dedication to excellence in all that they do. The program will cover the cost for a student to receive private instruction on his or her primary instrument in the band program, from October through April of each school year.

Online donations accepted by clicking on the DONATE button above.

Elke Stockdale was born in Germany on March 30, 1961 to Willi and Renate Rode. Elke was one of six children and learned very early on that nothing was ever given, everything required hard work and dedication. She met an American Serviceman while he was in Germany on deployment. They were married in the Rathaus and moved to the US shortly after. Elke married into a musical family. Her husband's grandfather founded the Leonard School of Music in 1945 in Charleston, SC. His own father was a band director in North Carolina, and everyone else it seemed either taught, performed, or worked for the family's music school. Though Elke never played an instrument herself, she was surrounded by likeminded individuals; they were dedicated to their craft and worked hard with a positive attitude. Elke and her husband had a daughter who started piano at a young age, and eventually clarinet in school. She learned from her mom to have a positive attitude, strength, and love. Music, like any challenge, is learned in steps. As you progress towards new levels, a positive attitude will take you further than you ever could have imagined yourself to be.

TO DONATE:

Send Checks to

Elke Stockdale Scholarship Fund

c/o DD2 Fine Arts Office

805 S. Main Street

Summerville, SC 29483