Jazz Education Network has recognized ULM’s trumpet performance major Solomon Temitope Abang “…as an aspiring jazz trumpeter, educator, composer, and vocalist” and awarded him the prestigious 2020 David Baker Scholarship.
Abang traveled to New Orleans Jan. 7, 2020, for the Jazz Education Network’s International Conference and was recognized at the ‘JENeral’ Session on Jan. 9. Abang is an international student from Nigeria who chose ULM for two reasons: New Orleans and Eric Siereveld, associate professor of Music.
Established in 2010 by world-renowned jazz educator Jamey Aebersold, the David Baker Scholarship honors the legacy and contributions of the late Indiana University Jazz Studies Department Chair, NEA Jazz Master, and JEN LeJENd of Jazz Education.
Siereveld, who studied with Baker, said, “I can think of no one more deserving of this award than Solomon. He is a hardworking, dedicated young man, constantly striving to advance his craft. As a former student of David Baker, I can say that Solomon reflects the same fierce spirit and commitment to the jazz art form that David had, and it is a personal point of pride that Solomon has the opportunity to contribute to David’s interminable and dynamic legacy.”
The scholarship is given in recognition of an outstanding university student that demonstrates talent, spirit and commitment to the field of jazz studies.