William H. “Commish” Rosebush was a longtime supporter of SPAH, and a familiar, genial face at many SPAH conventions. Following his unexpected death in 2011, his daughter Rachel established the William Rosebush Youth Outreach Fund with a donation of a portion of his estate to SPAH, and has directed that it be used “for youth and harmonica.” As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, SPAH use all gifts to the Fund in support of Youth programs, such as the Youth Scholarship.

SPAH created the Youth Scholarship Fund in William Rosebush’s name to help bring young players to the Convention, often for their first time. The scholarship covers convention registration and rooming costs at the SPAH convention hotel for the nights of Tuesday through Saturday, and full SPAH membership for each scholar through the end of the ensuing year. Each award recipient performs at the SPAH Convention and contributes his or her time while at the Convention to support SPAH Youth activities now and in the future. The Fund is also used to support SPAH Youth Outreach, introducing SPAH and the harmonica to local youth from our Convention host city by inviting them to attend a SPAH show, specifically designed for young students.

The SPAH Youth Scholarship is funded by donations to the William Rosebush Youth Fund. Your Donation to this Fund can help SPAH bring scholars to the Convention in future years. Since its inception, the Scholarship program has brought over 60 young people from around the world to the SPAH Convention, and welcomed dozens more through ONLINE programs and Youth Outreach in our host cities -all funded by your donations.  Thank you.

If you would like to donate, either click here, or send a check, made out to: SPAH Inc., PO Box 551381, Dallas, TX 75355. Note on the check that you would like it to go to the William Rosebush Youth Fund. You may also donate to the Youth Fund online when you join or renew as a SPAH member, or when you register for the Convention. Your donation may be tax deductible. Speak to a tax professional for details.

Help bring bring a new generation of harmonica players to SPAH!

If you have any questions, please contact us.