Over its 13+ years, Jazz Jam at the RCA has become a cornerstone in Kelowna’s jazz community. Every Thursday at 5:00 PM, the RCA Atrium comes alive as hosts Craig Thomson and Stephen Buck guide young players through classic standards and improvisation. That weekly stage time builds confidence, chops, and a sense of belonging. Your donations keep the jam going, and a portion of those tips powers the RCA’s Jazz Jam Scholarship Program.
This year, the focus was on private instruction. Four emerging musicians each received $800 toward jazz private lessons, giving them the chance to work one-on-one with instructors to refine their skills and deepen their understanding of the music.
The 2025 scholarship recipients are:
Tim Derochie – Tenor sax, Grade 12 at Okanagan Mission Secondary.
Hayden Haslam – Bass sax, Grade 9 at Glenrosa School.
Josh Desjarlais – Alto sax and vocals, Grade 12 at Mont Boucherie Secondary.
Cameron Walker – Guitar, Grade 11 at Mont Boucherie Secondary.
Each of these students is committed to growing as a musician, and these funds help them access specialized lessons that strengthen technique and fuel creativity.
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The Jazz Jam Scholarship Program began in 2022 as a collaboration between the RCA, Craig Thomson, and Stephen Buck. It exists thanks to the generosity of the Jazz Jam audience as every tip in the jar goes directly toward supporting young talent. These contributions make it possible for local students to pursue training that might otherwise be out of reach.
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Show your support and hear tomorrow’s players today at Jazz Jam, every Thursday at 5:00 PM in the RCA Atrium. Everyone is welcome, bring an instrument, a friend, or just your ears.
The RCA extends its gratitude to the community, mentors, parents, and donors who continue to make this program thrive. Your generosity invests in real students with real dreams, helping Kelowna’s next generation of jazz musicians find their voice.
To learn more about our arts education programs, workshops, and camps, visit our website.
