Thaddeus Tillman, 1986-2006

Scholarship fund in honor of former Ellington band trumpet player.
Thaddeus Portrait Thaddeus Tillman, former Ellington band member and Rincon High school alumnus, left us Feb. 26, 2006. Thaddeus spent three years performing in the Ellington Band, the Arizona Women's Jazz Orchestra and the Miles Davis Combo. Thaddeus was accomplished on the trumpet/flugelhorn, piano and drums. He was a recognized and beloved figure throughout the Tucson area jazz club scene sitting in regularly at The Old Pueblo Grill, J Nippon, The China Rose and the French Quarter. Thaddeus always made time for younger musicians and took care in giving the best musical advice whenever called upon.

In addition to the considerable musical skills and intensity he brought to all of the ensembles he performed with, Thaddeus had a passion for skateboarding.

Thaddeus will be remembered for his outstanding musicianship, his kind and gentle demeanor, his compassion and his contagious sense of humor. He is survived by his father, Manning Tillman, and his grandmother, Katie Breedlove.

This scholarship is made possible by the Tucson Jazz Institute and the Thaddeus Tillman Memorial Fund.
We will be awarding a $500 scholarship at the MAY 9, 2010, MOTHER'S DAY CONCERT.

We are seeking applicants from thoughout the greater Tucson area ages 16-19 based on:

  1. Desire and plan to continue musical studies
  2. Musical ability
  3. Financial need

We need:

  1. Letter of application detailing musical background, plans for musical study and what the $500 will be used for.
  2. Tape of musical performance. (Two selections...2 jazz or 1 jazz and one classical)
  3. Two letters of reference from music teachers outlining their experience with you and their evaluation of your potential in the field of music or music education.
Applications must be recieved by April 23, 2010.

Applicants DO NOT need to be Tucson Jazz Institute students!

The Edith Collinsworth Memorial Scholarship
Scholarship Winner
  Award winner Shelby Gravette December 2009

This scholarship is awarded to one young man and one young woman grades 6-12 to pay for tuition for the Tucson Jazz Institute. The award is based on talent, financial need and personal character.

To apply for the scholarship please submit the following:

  1. A short essay as to why you are enrolling in the Tucson Jazz Institute and how you plan to use your experiences and education with the TJI in the future.
  2. Submit a tape or CD with three examples of your musicianship. This may be substituted by a personal audition.
  3. A brief statement of financial need.

Submit to:

Tucson Jazz Institute
Edith Collinsworth Memorial Scholarship
6061 E Broadway
Suite 121
Tucson, Arizona 85711