2024 Award Recipient - Sam LawsonThe Leon Bradley Memorial Grant
Leaders create more leaders, no one knows this better than educators. It is their calling, just as it was for “Mr. B” as his students affectionately called him. Music educators passionately encourage young musicians. They create and foster the necessary developmental momentum. Coaching an improvisational art-form such as jazz is not easy…it is essential. It teaches life skills such as selfless collaboration, individual expression, taking risks & redefining yourself every day through the power of jazz. The purveyors of America’s original musical gift to the world deserve recognition for helping reflect us at our best, just like Mr. B did. Above all, they teach us to swing! The Leon Bradley Memorial Grant seeks to further his life's work through encouraging "emergent" directors in the field of jazz, increasing their professional affiliations, helping promote excellence & garnering community support! Eligibility Directors who have between 2 but no more than 10 years teaching with an active jazz program. Nominations - Nominations can be submitted by school principals, professional colleagues, or the director themselves. - Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation from a college professor, colleague, principal or similar person. - Applicants must submit a video clip of their jazz ensemble in performance. Fill out the application form HERE and submit to: [email protected] DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS NOVEMBER 30 Visit the Leon Bradley Memorial Grant Facebook Page Here Recipients - If possible, be in attendance for the presentation at the annual MMEA convention. - Submit a letter to our board for inclusion at the convention the following year stating how the grant was utilized & the impact it had on your program. - Be an ambassador for MOAJE & the grant through the activities of your program such as concerts, social media, website, newsletters, etc. Leon Bradley Memorial Grant Recipients 2018 - Harvey Lockhart 2019 - Gina Buxton 2020 - Dustin Shrum 2021 - Andrew Fischer 2022 - Caroline Collins 2023 - Natalie Palomo 2024 - Sam Lawson |
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Donate to the Leon Bradley Memorial Grant Here:
Donations by check are also accepted and may be mailed to: Community Foundation of the Ozarks Attn: Leon Bradley Memorial Grant P.O. Box 8960 Springfield, MO 65801 Committee Members Mary Elizabeth Bradley, retired professor, pianist & wife of Leon Bradley Nathan Bradley, Missouri State Highway Patrol, son of Leon Bradley Karl Bradley, US Air Force musician, son of Leon Bradley Shannon Bradley, attorney, daughter of Leon Bradley Cathy Coonis, educator, performer & former student Jeff Gouge, retired US Air Force officer, performer & former student Susan Gouge, pianist, teacher & former student Bob Smither, retired US Army musician, performer & former student Partners Drum Genius |