The Vernon Jazz Society has announced the presentation of jazz scholarships totaling $2,400 to aspiring Okanagan secondary school jazz musicians.
“Every year we try to help young musicians as they pursue their goals,” said Vernon Jazz Society past president Brian McMahon.
Two North Okanagan students joined one from Salmon Arm and two from Kelowna in receiving funds to offset the costs of musical studies or equipment.
Drummer Matt Harwood-Jones, a Grade 12 student at W.L Seaton Secondary, received $600 and plans to enter jazz studies at Selkirk College in Nelson, while trombone player Sean Lavigne, a Grade 12 student at Kalamalka Secondary entering jazz studies at Capilano University in North Vancouver, also received $600.
Other recipients included Chris Petterson, a Grade 12 alto sax player at Salmon Arm Secondary, who received $600 and will enter jazz studies at Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo; Kelowna Secondary Grade 10 baritone sax student Blago Hristovski, who received $400, and his sibling Ilyja Hristovski,a Grade 9 trumpeter at Dr. Knox Middle School, who received $200. Both are enrolled in the summer jazz camp in Kelowna.
“The Vernon Jazz Society gratefully acknowledges the generosity of our patrons who contributed to the scholarship fund, as well as major donations from the Vernon Teachers’ Association, the Vernon Community Singers, and Kalamalka Rotary,” said McMahon.
