Liam Grimm Bursary

Founded in 2008, the Liam Grimm Music Bursary is awarded to a deserving student who meets the following criteria:

• is a student of the Campbell River, Qualicum or Comox Valley School District
• has a letter of recommendation from a school or private music teacher
• has a letter of recommendation from a community music contact
• will attend a college or university music program in the same calendar year or the year thereafter
• bursary application and all pertinent documentation should be submitted to school counselling office by April 30th of the students’ Grade 12 year Application is then forwarded to the Georgia Straight Jazz Society for consideration
• The applicant should submit a letter demonstrating qualities that exemplify the following attributes of Liam Grimm: the joy of studying and playing music in school and, in turn, sharing one’s personal music talents with community organizations ie-community bands/choirs/pit orchestras/church choirs The applicant should also describe his/her future plans in studying music

Funding of the Bursary is by a fundraising concert hosted by the Georgia Straight Jazz Society. Depending on funds raised, more than one student may be awarded a bursary.

The 2008/2009 recipient was Nicolas Sieber, attending VIU jazz studies on trombone. In 2009/2010 the bursary was awarded to Highland grad Danielle Fortin, also a trombonist.

For more information on the Bursary please contact jazz@georgiastraightjazz.com

About Liam Grimm

The jazz community lost a great friend and musician with the passing in March 2009 of Liam Grimm. A gentleman, always supportive, great fun to perform with, he will be missed.

Liam developed a taste for jazz from age 10, quickly becoming a fan of Harry James and infatuated with the harmonies and trumpet power of the "Maynard Ferguson" versions of the Stan Kenton band. He obtained his Bachelor of Music on trumpet at the University of Idaho (where he instigated jazz activities that ultimately became the internationally renown Lionel Hampton School of Music), and went on to acquire his M.A. in trumpet from Denver University as well as taking graduate studies in composition.

An improviser in the casual "West Coast" style, he was influenced by Pete Candoli with the Henry Mancini band and Don Fagerquist and Shorty Rogers with the Dave Pell Octet.  Others influences included the intimate styles of Jack Sheldon and Chet Baker and the "bop" sounds of early Miles and Kenny Dorham.

His favourite group setting was the mid-sized 8 to 12 piece 'small band', allowing for tasty arrangements and plenty of solo space. He greatly enjoyed backing vocalists.

Resident in Campbell River, Liam was busy on the local jazz scene, playing with Jazztown, The Blue Monks, First Pressing, Jazzberry Jam, Annie Siegel and Jazz Noir. His trumpet playing was a highlight of the Georgia Straight and Campbell River Big Bands.