PITTSBURGH, April 21, 2008 — BNY Mellon and the Pittsburgh Jazz Society today announced that applications are being accepted for the 2008 Pittsburgh Jazz Society/BNY Mellon Jazz Scholarship.

The recipient of the one-year, $5,000 award will be selected by a panel of nationally recognized jazz musicians and educators on the basis of musical interest and ability as demonstrated by an application and audition tape that includes samplings of various musical styles. Any new or continuing undergraduate student from western Pennsylvania who is enrolled full-time at any four-year college or university in the United States during the fall 2008 semester is eligible to apply. The scholarship will be evenly divided between the fall 2008 and spring 2009 terms.

Scholarship applications must be submitted to the Pittsburgh Jazz Society by Monday, June 2, 2008. For more information or to obtain an application, visit the Pittsburgh Jazz Society's Web site at www.pittsburghjazz.org.

"The BNY Mellon Jazz Scholarship offers an avenue for talented young musician to advance their skills," said Rose M. Gabbianelli, executive vice president and global director of Public Affairs, The Bank of New York Mellon. "Together with the Pittsburgh Jazz Society, we are dedicated to raising awareness for jazz music and to supporting jazz education and performances."
"To build on our jazz legacy through education is important both musically and historically. The PJS / BNY Mellon Jazz Scholarship keeps this rich cultural treasure alive for future generations," said Tony Mowod, founder of the Pittsburgh Jazz Society.

A non-profit 501(c) (3) all-volunteer organization, The Pittsburgh Jazz Society is dedicated to the promotion, preservation, and perpetuation of all jazz through education, performance, partnering and community outreach for members and the general public. Please visit www.pittsburghjazz.org to become a member, to download the PJS / BNY Mellon Jazz Scholarship application or to learn more about the Pittsburgh Jazz Society.

BNY Mellon Jazz supports non-profit organizations engaged in live jazz performances and jazz education, and recognizes individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to Pittsburgh's rich jazz tradition.