
A swinging 18-piece big band, led by Marianne May
Mission
The mission of Jazz Community is to uphold its commitment to founder
Bill May's original vision of education and entertainment through the
uniquely American language of Jazz. To this end, Jazz Community is
dedicated to preserving the music of the jazz masters. Jazz Community
seeks to expand the cultural landscape of big band jazz by showcasing
new works created by Chicago area composers and arrangers.
Scholarship
In memory and tribute to Bill May, who touched so many lives as a music
educator and mentor, Jazz Community raises monies annually for the Bill May Jazz Education Fund.
Each year, one or more deserving students is awarded scholarships
toward their attendance at summer jazz camp. Past recipients of the
scholarship are listed in our honor roll.
Eligibility
Consideration will be limited to high school sophomores and juniors, in
good academic standing, who are participating in their school's jazz
program. (In rare circumstances, outstanding freshman who meet all
other criteria may also be considered.) The focus on "mid" classmen is
to help ensure that the benefits to the student of attending jazz camp
can be expanded upon through continued participation in their high
school's jazz program.
Additional requirements for consideration are:
- A letter of recommendation by the student's jazz band instructor or
private music teacher, with focus on the student's leadership skills
- Student's year in high school
- Student's current GPA
- Student's instrument
- An essay by the student, briefly explaining why they should be
considered for the scholarship, what they hope to gain from the summer
jazz camp experience, and how they plan to share their experience with
fellow students the following year
- An audition may also be required, to be determined on an as-needed basis
An application is available for download. Completed applications should be mailed to Jazz Community and must be postmarked by April 1. If you are interested in applying for the scholarship, or donating to the Bill May Jazz Education Fund, contact Jazz Community for more details.
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