July   27 · 28 · 29    2012

Jazz Scholarship Recipients

Jazz in the Valley has for many years fostered interest in jazz music through programs like Paint to Jazz and early morning jazz clinics. Collaboration with Central Washington University’s Jazz Studies Program has enabled students in the Kittitas County schools to listen to and learn from talented, cutting edge musicians. In 2010, the JIV Board established the Jazz in the Valley Young Musician Scholarship, a $1000 scholarship awarded to students from Washington who wishes to pursue a music major with an emphasis in jazz studies at Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Washington

2011-12

Taryn Zickefoose

Transfer Student

This year’s recipient of the Young Musician Scholarship is Taryn Zickefoose. Originally from Edmonds, WA, Taryn is currently a transfer student to Central Washington Universities Jazz Studies program. Having studied jazz since the seventh grade, she has participated in the top jazz choir and band at Point Loma University in San Diego, CA. and at Mount Hood Community College in Portland, Ore. As a member of the jazz choirs, she has traveled to the Monterey Jazz Festival and the Jazz Education Network Conference in New Orleans.

Taryn Zickefoose is a percussion performance and special education major, maintaining a 3.7 GP A and hoping to pursue a Masters in Music Therapy. As a music therapist, she will be using her jazz musician skills as a way to help special needs students. She enjoys teaching younger players and wishes to provide them with the tools to continue pursuing their passion for music. Taryn says, "Not only has jazz taught me how to look outside the normal structure of music and to be creative in how I express myself, but it has also taught me how to work with other people."

She is currently playing in Vocal Jazz One with Professor Vijay Singh, and states that it has "already been an eye-opening experience." The level of musicianship that is required of students is challenging, and she looks forward to continuing to study with the students and professors at CWU. Taryn will be a great addition to CWU's Jazz studies program!

2010-11

Kathryn Chavez

Kennewick High School

We are delighted to congratulate Kathryn Chavez of Kennewick High School as the first recipient of the 2010 Jazz in the Valley Young Musician Scholarship. As an outstanding pianist with a strong jazz and classical background, Kathryn has won numerous awards.

Kathryn says she had applied to other schools, but after listening to CWU’s jazz band, she realized that CWU was the place for her. Kathryn already has enjoyed working with Chris Bruya, CWU's Director of Jazz Studies, in her high school band program, saying that it was a great experience and that she admires Bruya's intensity and quick-paced methods of teaching ensembles. She says she is truly honored and grateful to receive the first Jazz in the Valley Young Musician Scholarship. We wish her continued success in her studies at CWU.