| Contest | Place | Year |
|---|---|---|
| National Bluegrass Banjo Championship | Second | 2004 |
The second place winner in 2004 chose an OME Megatone Bluegrass Banjo by OME Banjos of Boulder, CO as the prize for his efforts. Clayton Cunningham, a 22-year-old Hydroelectric Power Plant Mechanic from Gore, OK entered this contest for the first time this year. Clayton was born and raised in Bartlesville, OK and is a rather musically talented young man. In addition to the banjo he plays the guitar, mandolin, fiddle and bass. Clayton received his first banjo at the age of 14 from a former National Champion, Danny Gilliland. Clayton said, “I was very much interested in the banjo.” He came this year and entered this contest as a result of encouragement from friends and family. Clayton plays in a band called “Common Tyme” whose members include Cody Frost (2nd place Flatpick 2002), Scott Schmidt (Walnut Valley Mandolin Champion 2002), James Wolmack and Todd Woodward. When not working or playing music, Clayton loves to hunt, fish and spend time with his beautiful wife, Kari Ann, and we believe these are in reverse order as far as priority is concerned.