DIMANCHE

Jazz at the Sandbar (UNO Photo)

by Shay Sokol

Tip jars aren't the only help up-and-coming NOLA brass musicians are getting these days. Jazz enthusiasts Nathan and Priscilla Gordon donated $25,000 to UNO to establish the Gordon Scholarship in Brass, which will support new undergraduate students majoring in jazz. The Scholarship will be granted each semester, provided the student remains in good standing with the University. The first award will be made as early as this upcoming fall semester.

Nathan, a trumpet player himself, and Priscilla Gordon reside in New Orleans and Reno, Nevada. The Gordons, active supporters of the local jazz scene and UNO’s Jazz at the Sandbar series, said they intend their gift to UNO to “help continue the evolution of jazz in New Orleans.”

“We think the best way we can help enhance jazz in New Orleans is to fund this scholarship at UNO, and help students get the best possible instruction,” Nathan Gordon said in a press release.

In April, the Gordons sponsored a Jazz at the Sandbar concert featuring Grammy-winning musician Maurice Brown. UNO’s Jazz at the Sandbar series gives UNO students the opportunity to perform with nationally and internationally known jazz musicians in front of live audiences.

Eligible students will receive $625 per semester towards tuition and educational materials costs. Students are chosen either through an online application, or if a professor in the Jazz department nominates a student to receive the scholarship based on their talent and good standing with the University. Recipients of the Gordon Scholarship in Brass are eligible to receive the scholarship for a maximum of eight semesters.