BANFF, AB, March 13 /CNW/ Canada's next generation of jazz musicians will
get a head start on their careers, thanks to a new jazz fellowship established
by TD Canada Trust. The $150,000 donation will be used to establish the TD
Canada Trust Music Fellowships in Jazz, which will support musicians attending
programs at The Banff Centre in 2008 through 2011.
    "We're excited that these fellowships will help music students develop
their skills and gain important new experiences. At TD we believe that helping
students obtain their educational goals is one of the best ways we can have a
positive impact on communities," says Ron McInnis, Senior Vice President, TD
Canada Trust. "In partnership with The Banff Centre we're pleased to be making
a difference together to the future of music and musicians."
    The Banff Centre is one of the most important training grounds in the
world for jazz musicians and composers. The Centre's music programs bring
leading performers and composers together with young emerging artists in an
intense program of master classes, ensemble playing, discussion, and
experimentation.
    The TD Canada Trust Music Fellowships will provide scholarship support to
young jazz artists registered in the Centre's fall and winter music residency
programs. In addition to learning from leading faculty, the musicians will
have opportunities to showcase their skills through public performances at the
Banff Winter Arts Festival.
    "TD Canada Trust's generous support will help young jazz musicians
achieve their dreams," says Mary Hofstetter, president and CEO of The Banff
Centre, "and communities across Canada will benefit as music created in Banff
enriches performances from coast to coast."
    Jazz programming at the Centre began in 1974 when jazz legends Oscar
Peterson and Phil Nimmons came to Banff to put their ideas on jazz education
into practice. Since then some of the most notable names in jazz have passed
through the Centre's doors, including Dave Holland, Anthony Braxton, Cecil
Taylor, Kenny Werner, Steve Coleman, Ed Blackwell, Hugh Fraser, and Dave
Douglas.
    For more information on The Banff Centre's music programs visit
www.banffcentre.ca/music.

For further information: Debra Hornsby, Director of Communications, The
Banff Centre, (403) 762-6333, debra_hornsby@banffcentre.ca,
www.banffcentre.ca