PITTSBURGH, April 8, 2009 — Applications are being accepted through Monday, June 1 for the 2009 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 2009 semester is eligible to apply. The scholarship will be evenly divided between the fall 2009 and spring 2010 terms.

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

"We established the Pittsburgh Jazz Society / BNY Mellon Jazz scholarship with the clear intent of helping gifted students offset increasing tuition costs," said Jim McDonald, director of philanthropy and employee programs for BNY Mellon. "

Over the years, these scholarships have benefited Pittsburgh's Jazz scene. Through our collaboration with BNY Mellon, we are recognizing the most promising young jazz musicians" said Tony Mowod, founder of 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.

A non-profit 501(c) (3) all-volunteer organization, The Pittsburgh Jazz Society (PJS) 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.com to become a PJS member, to download the Pittsburgh Jazz Society / BNY Mellon Jazz Scholarship application or to learn more about PJS.