Mount Gambier’s maestro

The Mount Gambier struck gold when Trish Bruggemann decided to pursue her music education by attending the James Morrison Academy of Music.

The Portland local became so entrenched in the local community that she decided to call Mount Gambier home and she has enriched the music culture of the city ever since.

It was in 2019 that Trish, whose primary instrument is the trumpet, relocated for the opportunity to train at the jazz great’s academy, graduating in 2021.

She is now a music teacher at a couple of local schools and has taken a lead role in groups including the Mount Gambier City Band and Limestone Coast Symphony Orchestra.

“I got pretty heavily involved with the community straight away when I moved here,” Trish said.

“I just love being part of the community and built great friendships and secured some great jobs.

“I also met my husband at the academy so we basically just decided to stay.”

A glimpse back at Trish’s childhood answers the question as to how she got involved in music – she grew up in a family where music was at its heart.

“I grew up in the brass band at Portland,” she said. “My dad was the conductor and then my sister took on the role and is still conducting the band.

“I was exposed to music very early through my family. I was at rehearsals sitting in a pram.”

Trish has held the musical director role with the Mount Gambier City Band since 2020, bringing her expertise across all brass instruments, as well as her vocal skills, which she has also showcased at community events, including Australia Day celebrations.

Trish has a strong commitment to attracting young musicians to the region’s ensembles, bands and orchestras and feels like they are making progress with regenerating the local music scene.

“We are making sure we have the future in mind,” Trish said. “We are always encouraging the kids coming through to get involved. The best way to improve as a musician is to be part of these community bands and it is amazing to be a part of community events.”

Trish is passionate about ensuring individual instrumental lessons remain accessible for everyone as well.

“We have to make sure every child has an opportunity,” she said.

And while Trish loves performing, she believes teaching was always going to be in her future.

Fortunately she has been able to balance both, courtesy of her time at the James Morrison Academy of Music.

“I made so many contacts at the academy and I have done gigs with them in Melbourne and Adelaide every now and again and I was part of the band for James Morrison’s 60th Birthday Celebratory Tour in Melbourne and Adelaide as well,” Trish said.

“I love performing and I do wish I could do it more often. It is a nice break from being in charge and it is a reminder of why you are involved in music in the first place.”