Jennifer McCluskey played Don Burrows’ baritone sax with the New Melbourne Jazz Band at the Peninsula Jazz Club recently.

So impressed are the Club with Jennifer’s ability they are sponsoring her and presented her with a cheque and a special sax harness to help take the weight of her instrument.

Jennifer began her jazz music career at the AJM taking the workshop classes. She is now studying jazz as a Bachelor of Music student at the James Morrison Academy of Music in Mount Gambier, an extension of the University of South Australia.

James Morrison approached Jennifer, “How do you feel about doing a gig with me?” and Jennifer jumped at the opportunity to be a part of the newly formed James Morrison Blues Band. They played to record numbers (13,000 was mentioned) at the Blues and Broadbeach Festival with a backdrop of sand and surf.

Jennifer was back at the AJM to join the under 25s group and to be part of their final concert before she flew back to Mount Gambier. We wish her well in her endeavours and look forward to hearing her play for many years to come.