ST. CLAIRSVILLE – Steven Moore of St. Clairsville became a two-time national banjo-playing champion when he was named the first place winner at the 44th Annual Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, Kan., in September.

Moore, a native of Bethesda, first captured the title of “National Bluegrass Banjo Champion” in 2008 when he was 17 years old and a senior at Union Local High School.

His instrument prize was an Ome “Odyssey” banjo by Ome Banjos of Boulder, Colo. He has also placed first in such places as Rockygrass, Renofest and Merlefest.

Moore has been playing the banjo for 16 years and also plays the guitar. He resides in St. Clairsville with his wife, Dani. His website is stevenmoorebanjo.com.