| Contest | Place | Year |
|---|---|---|
| National Hammer Dulcimer Championship | First | 2006 |
In 2006, first place was awarded to Shawni Pederson a professional musician, music teacher and college student from Santa Clarita, CA. This was Shawni’s first time to enter this contest. Originally she just wanted to as she says, “scope out the competition for next year (2007),” but she added, “My dad talked me into signing up to compete the afternoon before the contest.” And of course she’s glad he did. She is a college student at Thomas Edison State College pursuing a BA Degree. In addition to the hammer dulcimer she plays the piano and guitar. She has been playing the hammer dulcimer for about 5 years. Her first one and the one she played in the contest was the one she received as a gift from her parents for her 17th birthday. Will she play the new one she won as a result of her first place finish in this contest? I’m sure she will! Shawni said, “There is so much talent here at this Festival, it’s very inspiring. Maybe next year my whole family can enjoy the Festival.” She and her family make up a band called “The Pedersons.” For her efforts she takes back to CA the 1st Place Trophy, $100 and a Huddleson UL400C 15-15 Fully Chromatic hammer Dulcimer by Mike Huddleson Stringed Instruments of Wichita, KS