The Tony G Rising Star Award
The Vail Jazz Foundation is pleased to continue 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 nine awards to Eagle County students in 2026, encouraging aspiring young musicians to follow their dreams and develop their artistic potential.
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Elementary School (Grades 4–5): Four teacher-nominated recipients will each receive a $500 instrument allowance.
2026 Tony G Rising Star Award Criteria-Elementary School
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Middle School (Grades 6–8): Two teacher-nominated recipients will each receive $1,500 to support their music education, including instruments, instruction, sheet music, recordings, or music camps.
2026 Tony G Rising Star Award Criteria- Middle School
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High School (Grades 9–12): One recipient will receive $2,000 to support their musical growth and ambitions.
2026 Tony G Rising Star Award Criteria- High School
The Recipients
Please join Vail Jazz in congratulating the past award winners 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
