Mount Gambier has marked the end of an era, but where one door has closed another is set to open.
The James Morrison Academy of Music held its final valediction concert last week, signalling the closure of the Mount Gambier-based academy.
However, Head of School James Morrison simultaneously announced a change in direction for the academy and the beginning of an ambitious new “pop up” initiative.
“It’s been a tumultuous two years, with many tertiary students studying online and music programs disrupted in so many ways across the country,” Mr Morrison said.
“At JMA we have been luckier than many, with most of our students being able to complete their degrees in person at our Mount Gambier campus.
“But even so, the closing of borders and restrictions on movement have challenged students and faculty at every turn.
“Of course, large universities have borne similar burdens and our partner, University of South Australia, is no exception.
“With the cessation of new intakes, JMA has spent this year completing the degrees of our current students – and now we come to a crossroads at the end of 2021.
“The circumstances in which we find ourselves have led to a decision to cease operations in our present form – that is, to leave the tertiary sector and substantially close the campus at the Old Town Hall.”
Mr Morrison said it had been “seven wonderful years and many, many students have experienced jazz education in a way that we have been honoured to share”.
“The chance to bring world class faculty to regional South Australia and further cement Mount Gambier’s reputation as a centre for jazz has been a privilege and we cannot thank our supporters enough,” he said.
“My life-long friend and mentor Don Burrows spent much of his career teaching, and in particular, he had a passion for bringing music to the disadvantaged.
“This was sometimes children in remote areas, sometimes those with socio-economic challenges, sometimes children in indigenous communities – basically anyone who did not have the access to musical experiences enjoyed by so many fortunate students.
“We intend to continue that legacy of Don’s in every way we can.
“The James Morrison Academy will now operate as more of a ‘pop up’ academy, working as an outreach organisation taking music to wherever it is needed and inspiring young people who may not otherwise get an opportunity to hear, play and learn about music – and particularly jazz.
“There will be no geographic limitations to this work, it may be a week in the outback, it may be a day in the inner city, and it may be on the other side of the world. Our base of operations will still be Mount Gambier.
“We also plan to bring young musicians to the Mount for special events and further the building of Mount Gambier’s reputation as a centre for jazz.”
