STUDENTS at Carey Baptist College jammed with jazz legend James Morrison as part of an exclusive masterclass held last Monday (October 24).
As part of an assisted entry music program, Carey tests its Year 4 students on their tone, pitch and rhythm. High-scoring students are offered six months free instrument hire and tuition, paid for by the school.
Morrison praised the school’s music department and its teachers for creating a special environment conducive to students achieving their potential.
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READ NOW“This school is extraordinary. It’s no coincidence that Carey has seven students coming to the James Morrison Academy.”
The James Morrison Music Academy is housed at Mt Gambier, South Australia, and offers tertiary courses in jazz including a three-year Bachelor of Music. Seven graduates from Carey will head to the academy next year after passing its rigorous academic and audition requirements.
Morrison’s wife Judi said it was the first time the academy had seven students from one school being accepted into their program, with the highest previously being only two.
Carey’s music administrator Catherine Jones credited the school’s director of music Scott Loveday for students’ success.
“His rigorous classes ensure students are well prepared for tertiary courses but he also makes music fun and instils in students a pure love and joy in music.”
Loveday was awarded the national Wenger Band Directors Award at the 2016 Generations in Jazz event earlier this year. His prize was a masterclass for his students with James Morrison.
Year 8 music students and saxophone players Abbie Langford and Ella Holbert (13) attended the masterclass and said it had inspired them to continue with music through to graduation.
Both have benefited from the school’s music program and said that it had made them look forward to going to school.
“I don’t mind maths when I know I have a music lesson,” said Ella.
The pair have also developed a taste for jazz.
“I listen to lots of jazz and the charts, of course,” said Abbie.