Spirit of Kate Scholarship Award
Kate Pittard was a professional saxophonist, singer and songwriter for over 15 years in San Francisco. She played with Afrolicious, Gringa, My Blue Soul, and attended California Brazil Camp several times. Her obsession with Brazilian music drove her study of percussion, most notably the zabumba. As a self-ascribed lifelong student, she also played flute, pifano, guitar, various percussion, and she wrote songs both in English and Portuguese.
Tragically, Kate died of metastatic breast cancer on November 18, 2018 at 49 years old.
Kate is remembered for her kindness, humor, generosity, and bright, playful energy that inspired and uplifted those around her. Kate had a huge presence at CA Brazil Camp, where she spent her time dancing, singing, playing, and socializing. She had a particular love for the frevo ensemble classes taught by Spok, and she valued the Camp experience and community so much that she sponsored the tuition of a friend and bandmate who otherwise couldn't afford to attend. Her compassionate spirit and her loving support for women musicians was a gift we plan to keep giving in her honor.
Eligibility:
The Spirit of Kate Scholarship Fund offers full scholarships for low-income women (including trans and cisgender; non-binary and gender nonconforming individuals), ages 16 and up, to go to California Brazil Camp in Cazadero, CA for 1 week in August. One to two people will be selected each year and receive 100% tuition coverage for 1 week of Camp, including 5 days of classes, performances, all meals and tent cabin accommodations. Please note: Winner(s) will have to arrange their own transportation to and from Cazadero.
Applicants should be experienced musicians with a keen interest in Brazilian music (no previous Brazilian music experience required). Selection will be based on financial need, a willingness to participate in all opportunities, and an eagerness to apply what is learned at Camp to their own lives. We ask that Winner(s) follow up with us after camp with a short testimonial of their experience and a few photos. We hope to find participants who embody the spirit and brilliance of Kate so that her memory and legacy live on forever.
Viva Kaytchee!
Judges:
Annette A. Aguilar (Musician, Bandleader, Educator. Friend and mentor. Long-time Brazil Camp Teacher and Accompanist)
Maya Finlay (Sound Engineer, Musician. Close friend, co-founder of Gringa. 4-time Brazil Camp work-study attendee)
For more information about California Brazil Camp visit: http://calbrazilcamp.com
CALIFORNIA BRAZIL CAMP 2020 IS CANCELED DUE TO COVID-19.
APPLICATIONS WILL RE-OPEN IN 2021.