The Mike deTurberville Scholarship
Biography
Mike was born in England and grew up in an Oxfordshire village during World War II. The music of the time, heard on B.B.C. Radio, was Big Band, jazz and popular tunes that are still loved today. After the war ended, the family returned to London where Mike went to his father’s old school, now 400 years old. By this time, Mike’s passion was playing soccer, and his love for the game never left him.
At age 18, Mike began his compulsory two years of National Service and was posted to Germany. While there, he saw a performance of Jazz at the Philharmonic, a touring group of some of the jazz greats. He never forgot the pleasure it gave him. His interest in the music deepened when Ike Isaacs, the jazz guitarist, became his brother-in-law and Mike went to his concerts and heard stories of recording at Abbey Road studios. Later, living in Victoria, Mike continued playing soccer and now coached juvenile teams, which he did for many years. Mike was an early member of UJAM, enjoying evenings at Herman’s and mingling with Victoria’s many talented musicians. But his thoughts soon turned to forming a group within UJAM for student-aged musicians interested in playing jazz. Recruited from local schools and mentored by professional musicians, The Young All-Stars came into being and continue to play jazz.
- Joan DeTurberville
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Amount: Two scholarships of $1,500 each
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Eligibility: Vocalists aged 16 to 25 as of December 31, 2024, who are residents of Vancouver Island
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Use of Funds: For direct music education expenses (e.g., lessons, camps, or music programs)
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Deadline: June 1, 2025
How to Apply
Step 1: Scholarship Form
Submit the Scholarship Application Form.
Note: All fields are required. Do not include photos or extra documents.
Step 2: Performance Video
Record your performance video. Please follow these guidelines:
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Record two contrasting jazz standards, each no more than 3 minutes
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Include title and composer of each song
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Live accompanists are preferred; backing tracks are acceptable
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No multi-tracking or overdubs
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Audio should be clear and balanced
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Use YouTube or SoundCloud to host your videos (unlisted or public)
Step 3: Email
Submit your application via email to ujamsevents@gmail.com. Please follow these guidelines:
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Subject: “Connie MacDonald Scholarship Application 2026”
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Confirmation that you submitted the scholarship form
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Working links to your performance videos
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Do not attach audio files (mp3, WAV, etc.)
Selection and Performance Opportunity
Applications will be reviewed by a panel after the deadline.
The successful award recipients will be asked to perform at a venue in Victoria at a date and time to be determined. Friends and family of the award recipients and the general public will be invited to attend, free of cost.
For questions about the award, email ujamsevents@gmail.com, with "Attention Karen Lindsay" in the subject line.