Alpha School of Music graduates first tertiary cohort

The five graduates — drummer Jonathan Gordon; bassist Alejandro Keating; violinist/vocalist Zuri Aiko Gordon; percussionist Sanje Landell; and keyboardist Matthew Reid — completed a pioneering two-year programme blending performance and music technology training. The ceremony, held at Alpha’s 26 South Camp Road campus, drew faculty, family, and industry supporters. 

In her address to the graduands and well-wishers, Magnus shared: “When the Sisters of Mercy launched the Alpha school of music in 2021, it was on the shoulders of 129 years of music education on this campus. The hope was that this new generation of Alpha musicians, the new Alpharians would take up the baton, and continue the legacy of innovation and excellence.

“I believe we can safely say that hope was well-placed and that this first cohort will indeed be good ambassadors for brand Alpha.”

ASOM’s programme, Jamaica’s sole tertiary ensemble-performance track, accepts students without formal training via auditions for guitar, bass, drums, brass, and keyboards. All enrollees master core theory, ear training, music production, and business fundamentals. 

In his commencement address, Steve Wilson — artiste manager, music professional, author and mentor to the graduating class — used a Tiwa Savage song, Keys To The Kingdom, to inspire the new graduates to trust their Alpha training. 

“When you do encounter challenges, and you will,” he said, “I encourage you to reflect on your journey at Alpha to be reminded that you have the tools and the ability to not just believe in yourself but be yourself, your best self and live a life best described by the Alpha motto – ‘Upward & Onward’.”

Triumph Over Doubt 

Valedictorian Jonathan Gordon, a former standout Mona High footballer, recounted trading soccer dreams for music. Described as a virtuoso on drums, Gordon easily set hearts pattering with his stirring words.

“I felt like a dunce because I did not read music at that time, but it was also the same time I appreciated the [Alpha] ensemble,” he said, praising the shared group learning experience for the entire cohort in front of an appreciative audience.

“[My classmates and I] clapped the riddims together as an ensemble. The [catchphrase] we always do, ‘TAH!’, it comes from that and that was one of our greatest moments.”

The Sandy Park resident had different visions for himself after leaving Mona High School as a star footballer with interest from international clubs. He recounted that the choice to stay in Jamaica and go to school at Alpha was a difficult one because he would have to give up something that he was very good at, to start a new career in music where his chances for success were far from guaranteed.

He admitted how he entered the Alpha School of Music without formal training   and initially felt out of place but the Alpha ensemble, or band format, made him comfortable and confident.

“On the first day I felt doubtful, confused, and nervous, and on the last day I feel hopeful, elevative, and victorious,” he said.

Zuri Aiko Gordon, ASOM’s first female graduate, expanded her classical violin skills into pop-band settings. She remembers passing through the gates with anticipation of what was to come. 

“The first day of school was a little bit scary, very exciting, and hopeful.  As the only girl there, I’m setting history… I heard about the Skatalites and Alpha, so that was really cool,” she said. Zuri Aiko aims to create her own brand as a singing artist and a musician armed with a deeper musical understanding. While violin is her principal instrument at Alpha, Gordon added other instruments to her repertoire and learned how to incorporate her instrument in brand new formats.

“I was really able to delve into building my understanding of music and playing with a [pop] band. With the violin, it’s usually an orchestra or solo. Coming to the school really opened me up to playing in a band with bass, drums and a piano. I just got more experience and now I can play on the road with different types of musicians.”

Legacy of Support 

The school, revitalized in 2021 through partnerships with Digicel Foundation, American Friends of Jamaica, and the Sean Paul Foundation, repurposed Alpha Boys’ School dormitories into cutting-edge studios.