The Graham Academy

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The Graham Academy, the performance arts training division of Gros Morne Summer Music (GMSM), was founded in 2016. With new programs and opportunities being introduced each year, Graham Academy was established to support and perpetuate the legacy of musical excellence in Corner Brook as developed by the Chair of Gros Morne Summer Music, Dr. Gary Graham.

The Graham Academy, an initiative of Gros Morne Summer Music (GMSM), is proud to be founded based upon the rich history of Dr. Gary Graham’s work here in Corner Brook. The Graham Academy gets its name and spirit from Gary Graham, the Chair of Gros Morne Summer Music from 2007 until his passing in June 2019, and the recipient of both the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador, and an Honorary Doctorate from Memorial University for excellence in music education and lifelong service to the arts. Each initiative of the Graham Academy celebrates and supports the continuation of a different aspect of fifty years of Dr. Graham’s teaching here in Corner Brook.

OUR HOME

Located at 110 Humber Road just behind Immaculate Heart of Mary School, this beautiful historic building has become home to music and art, friendship and laughter for generations to come.

OUR COMMITTEE

The Graham Academy, led by The Graham Academy Committee; is a standing operational committee of Gros Morne Summer Music (GMSM). It is responsible to the Board of Directors; reporting to the monthly GMSM Board meetings, and to the GMSM Artistic Director. The Committee’s mandate is to uphold the mandate of Graham Academy, which is to provide excellence in music education with a focus on the different aspects of performance arts. Graham Academy program decisions will be made by the Graham Academy Committee in consultation with faculty and staff through consideration of feedback received from members. The Co-Chairs will facilitate all decisions and ensure that they are in line with the mandate of The Graham Academy and Gros Morne Summer Music.

OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES

MISSION STATEMENT

The Graham Academy offers youth in Newfoundland and Labrador accessible, performing arts training and performance opportunities in a nurturing, community-minded environment, through a broad range of high-quality performing arts activities aimed to improving the quality of life for our community through the participation in and promotion of the performing arts.

VISION STATEMENT

To build a better community by providing meaningful and inspiring artistic development for youth through accessible youth performing arts opportunities in a nurturing, community-minded environment.

PURPOSE

Graham Academy’s good work is forever guided by its namesake, Gary Graham, and his lifelong dedication to youth development through the arts, his commitment to our community, his compassion and support for those in need and his drive for excellence. In developing and delivering performing arts opportunities to youth in Western Newfoundland and Labrador, The Graham Academy recognizes that performing arts teach young people the skills needed to grow, learn and excel in all aspects of their lives.

GUIDING VALUES

We believe exposure to the arts has a profound effect on the development of a child, the vitality of our community and the quality of our world.

Graham Academy’s youth programming is committed to develop skills in a variety of performing arts disciplines including, but not limited to, choral and musical theatre and through performance opportunities.

Through these opportunities young people are empowered to be confident, creative and to connect with their community.

As a proud member of the Gros Morne Summer Music family, the Graham Academy seeks opportunities to support youth development by working with and learning from, professional artists engaged in activities with GMSM where possible.

GOALS

To provide a professional atmosphere where excellence is valued, positive performance etiquette is practiced, and respect for all areas of production is insisted upon.
To provide opportunities for youth to assume responsibilities, appreciate their value as a member of an ensemble, develop their individual talents and apply cooperative social skills needed to collaborate in the theatre.
To enhance appreciation of the performing arts in our community.
To increase the participation of youth representing diverse and underserved populations of our community in performing arts.
To support like-minded arts organizations within the community and region, resulting in a broader array of sustainable arts offerings to all.
To provide classes, concerts, workshops, and performance opportunities for aspiring young artists.
To provide a bridge between leading professional artists and aspiring young artists.
To create an environment which encourages collaboration between different disciplines of performing arts.
To cultivate the artistic development of students through a variety of educational opportunities, such as offering weekly training, workshops, seminars, master classes and performance opportunities.
To promote public awareness and appreciation of the performing arts and arts education and training.
To inspire and encourage creative self-expression and build self-esteem within the youth of our community.
To cultivate a deeper appreciation of the performing arts within all participants and spectators.

INCLUSION STATEMENT

Graham Academy celebrates diversity of expression, loving

and living, and supporting youth in being their best selves!

HISTORY OF GRAHAM ACADEMY

The Graham Academy was established in September 2016 by Gros Morne Summer Music (GMSM) in collaboration with Dr. Gary Graham, to support and perpetuate the legacy of musical excellence in Corner Brook as developed throughout the lifetime of Dr. Gary Graham.

The Graham Academy is proud to be founded based upon the rich history of Dr. Gary Graham’s work here in Corner Brook. The Graham Academy gets its name and spirit from Gary Graham, the Chair of Gros Morne Summer Music from 2007 – 2019, and the recipient of both the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador, and an Honorary Doctorate from Memorial University for excellence in music education and lifelong service to the arts. Each initiative of the Graham Academy celebrates and supports the continuation of a different aspect of fifty years of Dr. Graham’s teaching in Corner Brook.

WHAT MEMBERS HAVE TO SAY

Layla has truly BLOSSOMED as a performer at the young age of 5 (almost 6)! Each time I see her on stage my mind is blown and I am so so grateful that she has this opportunity to explore her passions and enjoy the warm embrace of her musical theatre family.

-Nancy Buckle, Layla’s mom

OUR LOGO

When we debated the right logo for the Graham

Academy we wanted something that represented

where this organization is rooted. For many of us who

sat in school choirs or took private lessons with Gary,

his handwriting on the chalk board or our dictation

books was distinct, terrifying, and endearing.

Many young students can be heard referring to Mr.

Graham as ‘Mr. G’ and/or affectionately referring to him simply as “G” as they enter adulthood.

With all of this in mind we decided on a logo that’s primary focus is that of ‘Mr. G’ or ‘G’. What better way to brand an academy dedicated to growing his legacy and inspiring generations to come than with the penmanship of the man himself?

Andrea Barrett snuck into a piano lesson and requested Mr. G write out the words GRAHAM ACADEMY plus several dozen letter ‘G’s that we then sent to graphic designer Jeremy Osmond at J.Osmond Design. Jeremy then converted the handwriting into a variety of different graphic images that we spent a month debating.

Once we found ourselves arguing about the bottom twig on the corner of a letter ‘M’ we knew we were just about there. A few finishing touches from Mr. Osmond and here we are, the official logo of the Graham Academy.

We are so excited that this logo will pay tribute to the education, excellence and inspiration embodied by our very own Mr. Graham.

We hope this is something our whole community can feel very proud of.