Thaddeus Tillman, 1986-2006

Scholarship fund in honor of former AJA musician

Launch photo gallery

Thaddeus spent three years with the AJA performing in the Ellington Band, the Arizona Women's Jazz Orchestra and the Miles Davis Combo. Thaddeus was accomplished on the trumpet/flugelhorn, piano and drums. He was a recognized and beloved figure throughout the Tucson area jazz club scene sitting in regularly at The Old Pueblo Grill, J Nippon, The China Rose and the French Quarter. Thaddeus always made time for younger musicians and took care in giving the best musical advice whenever called upon.

In addition to the considerable musical skills and intensity he brought to all of the ensembles he performed with, Thaddeus had a passion for skateboarding.

Thaddeus will be remembered for his outstanding musicianship, his kind and gentle demeanor, his compassion and his contagious sense of humor.

He is survived by his father, Manning Tillman, and his grandmother, Katie Breedlove.

The Thaddeus Tillman Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is made possible by the Arizona Jazz Academy and the Thaddeus Tillman Memorial Fund.

We will be awarding a $500 scholarship at the Fifth Annual Arizona Jazz-a-thon in April 2007.

We are seeking applicants from thoughout the greater Tucson area ages 16-19 based on:

1. Desire and plan to continue musical studies
2. Musical ability
3. Financial need

We need:

1. Letter of application detailing musical background, plans for musical study and what the $500 will be used for.
2. Tape of musical performance. (Two selections...2 jazz or 1 jazz and one classical)
3. Two letters of reference from music teachers outlining their experience with you and their evaluation of your potential in the field of music or music education.

Applicants DO NOT need to be Arizona Jazz Academy students!

2006 Thaddeus Tillman Memorial Scholarship Recipient: Aaron Kirschner, Saxes/Clarinet
Catalina Foothills High School / AJA Graduate 2006
Music Major at the University of Iowa

Also availalable: The Edith Collinsworth Memorial Scholarship