Henry and Lyn Church Jazz Studies Endowed Scholarship
Merit-based jazz scholarship for the UNCSA School of Music.
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Established in December 2021 by Henry Church.
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When asked what inspired him to endow a scholarship fund for Jazz Studies at UNCSA, Henry shared a story from his early adult life. He vividly recalled his first few days at Richmond Professional Institute (now Virginia Commonwealth University). Walking into the Student Union, he was struck by the sound of Dave Brubeck’s “Take Five” playing over the building’s sound system. Though Henry appreciated all kinds of music, this particular piece stopped him in his tracks. He had never heard anything quite like it, and its unique rhythm moved him in a way that was new and profound. The memory stayed with him so clearly that, even 60 years later, he could recall the experience in detail.
That moment marked the beginning of his deep admiration for jazz music, and it was a passion that would stay with him throughout his life. When it came time for Henry to find a meaningful way to give back, supporting a student in their own musical journey felt like a natural choice. Each contribution to Henry and Lyn’s namesake scholarship honors their shared love of music and their lasting connection to UNCSA. Thank you for helping to keep Henry’s memory alive and supporting the next generation of jazz musicians.
Impact
This scholarship has allowed me to focus on my growth as a musician without the added weight of financial strain. It has enabled me to dedicate myself to exploring a variety of musical styles, participating in performances, and contributing to programs like the Winston-Salem Jazz Workshop. Additionally, it has provided the time and resources to conduct meaningful research. I reached out to over 300 collegiate percussion educators across the country, analyzed responses from 260 participants, and compiled my findings into a comprehensive hour-long presentation. This work, aimed at understanding and addressing pain and injury prevention for musicians, reflects how your support has helped me push my boundaries and contribute to the broader music community while furthering my personal and artistic development. –Fourth Year Undergraduate Recipient
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Make a gift to this scholarship
1. Visit UNCSA Donate Now.
2. In the “I want to support” drop down menu, please select Other.
3. Use the text box to write in the name of the scholarship(s) and/or fund(s) you would like to receive your contributions.