Bassist Leon Boykins Receives Pittsburgh Jazz Society/Mellon Jazz Scholarship

Bassist Leon Boykins Receives Pittsburgh Jazz Society/Mellon Jazz Scholarship

PITTSBURGH, Sept. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Jazz bassist Leon Boykins has been selected to receive the 2006 Pittsburgh Jazz Society/Mellon Jazz Scholarship. Son of Darryl and Sequaia Williams of Penn Hills and an alumnus of Schenley High School, Boykins has returned this fall to Temple University in Philadelphia, where he is a senior in Temple's jazz studies program.

Chosen by a panel of nationally recognized jazz musicians and educators on the basis of his scholarship application and accompanying audition tape, Boykins will receive a $5,000 award from the Pittsburgh Jazz Society and Mellon Jazz. Boykins performs as a member of several Temple University ensembles, as well a number of local groups in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.

"Leon's accomplishments at Temple continue a tradition of outstanding young jazz talents from the Pittsburgh area making their mark in college and university jazz programs all across the country," said Tony Mowod, president and founder of The Pittsburgh Jazz Society. "We salute him for his musicianship, and wish him well as he continues his jazz studies."

"This year's scholarship award is a great way for both Mellon Jazz and The Pittsburgh Jazz Society to mark two decades of support for jazz education in Pittsburgh," said James P. McDonald, Mellon first vice president and director of community affairs. "Presenting the award to a student from Pittsburgh who is studying in Philadelphia is uniquely resonant with Mellon Jazz's extensive involvement in jazz education in both the Pittsburgh and Philadelphia communities," McDonald added.

Mellon Jazz celebrates its 20th anniversary of support for jazz in the Pittsburgh area this year and Pittsburgh Jazz Society will reach the same milestone in 2007. 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. Mellon Financial Corporation's year-round celebration of jazz excellence, 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. More information on Mellon Jazz activities is available via the Mellon Jazz link at www.mellon.com.

Source: Mellon Financial Corporation; Pittsburgh Jazz Society

CONTACT: Tony Mowod of Pittsburgh Jazz Society, +1-412-343-9555, or
mowod@pittsburghjazz.org; or Ron Sommer of Mellon Financial Corporation,
+1-412-236-0082, or sommer.rw@mellon.com

Web site: http://www.mellon.com/

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