The Tony G Rising Star Award
The Vail Jazz Foundation is pleased to launch the Tony G Rising Star Award in honor of late Vail Jazz Goes to School co-founder Tony Gulizia. This merit-based award will provide the opportunity for talented Eagle County children to grow their musical interest with financial support towards purchase of an instrument, music lessons, classes, band camps or private instruction.
The award has been made possible through the generous support of long-time Vail Jazz supporter Kathy Cole – a close friend of Tony’s — through the Kathy and Trent Cole Scholarship Fund and with ongoing support from Alpine Bank.
The Awards
Vail Jazz will bestow 10 awards to Eagle County children, encouraging aspiring young musicians to follow their dreams and showcase their talent.
Five teacher-nominated recipients of grades 4 – 5 will each receive a $500 instrument allowance.
Five recipients in grades 6 – 8 will receive $1500 for instruction and to form a jazz band, and will be showcased at next year’s Vail Jazz Goes to School final concert as well as the 2024 Vail Jazz Festival.
The Recipients
Applications will be open later this summer for 6 – 8 graders, and the five teacher-nominated 4th and 5th graders have already received their awards.
Please join Vail Jazz in congratulating the following Eagle County students in kick starting their musical journeys:
Guadalupe Alvarez Rodriguez
Eagle Valley Elementary
Nominated by his 4th grade teacher Cynthia Reichardt
Eli Stroker
Stone Creek Charter School
Nominated by his 4th grade teacher Jenny Roussel
Christopher Martinez
Avon Elementary School
Nominated by his 5th grade teacher Savannah Shifrin
Lyla Hulse
Edwards Elementary School
Nominated by her 5th grade teacher Kayla Steinmetz
