BLACK AMERICAN MUSIC
SCHOLARSHIP
CAJ Black American Music Scholarship
CAJ Black American Music Scholarship
Jazz is a profound Black American art form that has inspired individuals from diverse races, cultures, socioeconomic backgrounds, and nationalities to dedicate themselves to its performance and growth. In alignment with CAJ's mission to promote jazz education and performance across California, the CAJ Black American Music Scholarship is designed to support Black American students in their journey to further study jazz. This scholarship can be applied toward a range of artistic development activities, including the purchase of equipment, private lessons, camp or workshop tuition, and more.
How to Apply:
1. Complete the CAJ-BAM Scholarship via this FORM
2. Submit a personal essay describing your musical background, goals, and intended use of scholarship. Minimum of 300 words, and no more than 700.
3. Upload audio/video recording (under 5-minutes in length) performing a jazz selection.
4. Provide a Letter of Recommendation from a music educator.
Application Deadline: Due April 15.
Award: $500 - $1000
Eligibility: Applicants must be under the age of 21, of Black American descent, currently enrolled in a music program or private music lessons, and reside primarily in California.
Review & Award Process: Applications submitted by the deadline will be reviewed by a committee of CAJ board members at the end of April. Awardee(s) will be notified the second week of June.
2025 BAM Scholarship Winner
Cameron (CJ) Kilgore
Cameron Kilgore is currently a senior at Folsom High School in Folsom, CA. An active member in the music program, he has performed with the Folsom High Jazz Band, Marching Band, Vocal Jazz Ensemble, and Live Performing Arts Academy Jazz Band. He has also served as drum major, section leader, and as a featured soloist. CJ was chosen to participate in the California All-State Vocal Jazz Honor Ensemble as lead bass and a soloist twice, each time receiving scholarships to the Stanford Jazz Workshop summer program.
An active community member, CJ has worked with Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) for 4 years during its annual Summer ACE Academy camps to introduce aviation career paths to African-American and other young students. He also served as Co-Organizer for his high school’s first ever Special Needs Prom.
CJ will be putting this award toward his pursuit of a Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Performance at Howard University's Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts.
2024 BAM Scholarship Winner
Mason Head
Mason Head, a 17-year-old trumpet player from the Sacramento area, is deeply passionate about jazz and music production. As the lead trumpet for Folsom High School's Jazz Band 1 (Class of 2025), Mason showcases his exceptional talent. He creates original music projects and collaborates with local artists using FL Studio and Logic Pro. A rising star in the jazz community, he earned a spot in the 2025 CASMEC All-State Jazz Band and actively performs with the Sacramento Youth Symphony. Mason is also preparing for auditions to join the prestigious "Jazz Ambassadors" program at the University of the Pacific. Under the mentorship of Grammy-nominated trumpet virtuoso Mike Rocha, he has refined his technique, gaining recognition for his musicality and technical skill in various jazz festivals and competitions.
