The Kevin Woods Irish Arts
Scholarship Fund
In keeping with their ongoing commitment to making quality arts programs more accessible to families in the Bronx and Yonkers, The Riverdale Children’s Theatre proudly announces the creation of the The Kevin Woods Irish Arts Scholarship Fund. Named after the father of RCT founder Derek Woods, the fund will help defray tuition costs to RCT families who study at the Woodlawn House of Irish music with multiple All Ireland Medalist and TTCT certified instructor Erin Loughran
The Kevin Woods Showband was a pioneering showband in rural Ireland in the late 40’s and early 50’s, comprised of Kevin and his siblings Maureen, Shane, and Michael. “I am so proud to help create this program to honor not only my Dad, but also my Mom, and my Aunts and my Uncles. They gave me a life long love and appreciation of Irish traditional music and culture” said Derek Woods. “It’s never easy finding the time or money for music instruction, and this will help with not only lessons but travel costs. Many of our Woodlawn and Yonkers families are invested in their kids learning both musical theatre with RCT and keeping the traditional music of Ireland alive with Irish music lessons as well. They are an inspiration to me and the heart of RCT at Saint Barnabas School”
“We are so excited to team up with RCT to honor and show our appreciation to families who have been so invested and supportive of arts and culture in our community ” says Loughran. The accomplished instructor, who was also the 2011 NY Rose of Tralee, has brought her New York Ceili Band to Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann each year for the past 6 years. “We have a tremendous appreciation to the families who encourage their children to continue the arts, with music and traditions that we feel are so important to preserve and pass down to future generations.” The first recipient of of the fund will be The family of Terina and Dermot Fleming. The Fleming’s have been a big part of RCT Woodlawn, and Daughter Aoife and son’s Connor, Ryan and Shea will have their studies underwritten by the fund for 2019-2020
For more information, or to find out if your family is eligible for the scholarship, email Derek Woods
