Lou Williamson Jazz Award
Administered by the Victoria Jazz Society
2026 submissions are now open!
New to 2026: Eligibility conditions have been expanded!
Submission Deadline: Friday May 20, 2026
THE LOU WILLIAMSON JAZZ AWARD was established in 2012 by Chris and Eve Millington in memory of percussionist Lou Williamson, a gifted performer, former McGill instructor and highly respected music administrator. The Lou Williamson Scholarship Fund and Victoria Jazz Society are pleased to announce the Lou Williamson Jazz Award. The purpose of the $2000 cash award is to encourage a talented high school student to continue their music studies in jazz.
*The award was previously only available to students in Greater Victoria and the Gulf Islands, but has been expanded to include graduating students from South and Central Vancouver Island.
Download the application form below for the rules & criteria and submission procedures!
Recent winners:
Saxophonist WILL JACKSON from Royal Bay Secondary School, 2025
Trumpeter HENRY BAKER from Oak Bay High School, 2024
Saxophonist COLE ASHLEY from St. Michaels University School, 2022
Drummer CHASE WARD from Oak Bay High School, 2021
Bassist BELLA FEDRIGO from Reynolds Secondary School, 2021 (Honourable Mention)
Saxophonist CLAY WILKINSON from Oak Bay High School, 2020
Trumpeter OWEN CHOW from Oak Bay High School, 2019
Saxophonist ROWAN FARINTOSH from Mount Douglas Secondary School, 2018
Pianist SAM LARAMEE from Reynolds Secondary School, 2018