2025 Lou Smith Scholarship
Vocal student Kyla DeBoes is the recipient of SEMJA’s 2025 Lou Smith Scholarship.
Kyla, a graduating senior in the Detroit Public Schools, was a participant in last week’s Detroit Vocal Jazz Workshop. Although she had little prior interest in jazz, she embraced the week’s jazz curriculum, enthusiastically taking notes, participating in activities, and making “jazz friends.” She plans to add jazz classes to her schedule this fall at Oakland University. The cost of Kyla’s Detroit Vocal Jazz Workshop tuition was covered by SEMJA’s scholarship.
Pictured is Workshop director Scott Gwinnell presenting the award certificate to Kyla.
Louis Smith was a beloved and highly acclaimed trumpter / educator who spent much of his life and career in Ann Arbor. He was recorded widely on the Blue Note and Steeplechase labels, appearing with some of the finest players of the day. He taught instrumental music in the Ann Arbor Public Schools and directed the University of Michigan Jazz Band. Contributions to the Lou Smith Scholarship Fund can be made here.
photograph by Jeff Dunn