The 2024 Al Downing Jazz Education Scholarship Competition

What

The Al Downing Jazz Education Scholarship Competition, initiated by Al Downing in the 1980s and established annually since 2004, showcases the top jazz high-school seniors from Pinellas County. After a rigorous application process facilitated by the Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Association, up to five outstanding finalists are selected to compete in this esteemed competition.

Each finalist will perform two jazz standards accompanied by our esteemed house rhythm section, La Lucha, during the 90-minute competition. Following the performances, La Lucha will entertain the audience while a panel of three experienced judges evaluates each contestant.

This year, we’re excited to feature finalists Emani Baines from Gibbs High School and Wesley McDaniel from Tarpon Springs High School. In a special addition, the 2020 finalists, who missed the chance to perform live due to the pandemic, will grace the stage, showcasing their talents to a live audience and panel of judges. The winners of this year’s competition will be awarded financial scholarships to support their jazz education at any university of their choice.

Click Here to register.