Former WollCon jazz student Alec Watts celebrates his mentor, Eric Dunan.

Wollongong has put itself on the map as a jazz town! We have jazz in schools, at the mall, in our libraries, on the radio and at community events. Often our young musicians go on to the top jazz schools and carve out successful careers.   

The enthusiasm for jazz in our community comes from a collective awakening nudged along ‘just’ a little by trumpeter, jazz musician and teacher Eric Dunan.

Eric is passionate about music and sharing his expertise. There is always a cohort of Wollongong students in the Sydney Conservatorium’s Bachelor of Jazz Performance, the most prestigious jazz course in Australia.

Following his departure in April from Wollongong Conservatorium, the base for Eric’s teaching and jazz programs for the past 20 years, it’s time to reflect and pay tribute to the band man.

As the race to replace human action with AI speeds up, keeping ‘Live Music Alive’ has never been more important. Many are hoping Eric stays in town and continues to bring joy to our youth.    

I was a student of Eric’s, after starting saxophone in high school. Eric showed me how to realise my goals through opportunities in various bands, and going on tour to America!  Eric inspired me to pursue jazz. He introduced me to communities and lifelong friends; guided me into Sydney Conservatorium; and modelled what an educator could achieve. Now I teach and conduct a band of my own.

I really struggle with where I fit in, but music has given me more than I could have imagined. Thank you Eric, you deserve all the love in the world.

Visit www.wollongongjazz.com