Jazz Scholarships

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, awarded to a graduating high school senior from the Central Washington area who wishes to pursue a music major with an emphasis in jazz studies at Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Washington.

2010 Recipient:

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.