News Article

Fifteen music industry and performance (MIP) and recording arts (RA) students will travel to Gander on Friday, Nov. 8 for Music Newfoundland and Labrador’s (MusicNL) Annual Conference and Gala Awards. Numerous events have been planned between the St. John’s and Gander host locations, all culminating with the awards show on Sunday.
 
“Our long partnership with MusicNL certainly strengthens our students’ knowledge of the industry,” MIP instructor, Wade Pinhorn said of the more than decade-long partnership.
 
“The students will be taking in as much as possible of the various activities. They will attend sessions on everything from music management, to funding, to touring and performing, as well as attend the Gala Awards show and the CBC Songwriter’s Circle session. Each evening there will also be a series of early and late artist showcases.”
 
On Thursday, Pinhorn along with instructors Scott Hammond and Ginger Bennett hosted an information session for high school students in neighbouring Springdale.
 
“The faculty is taking the opportunity to present program information at the high school level while we are out in central,” Pinhorn said. “We are always hoping to attract new students and this is the perfect opportunity to reach out to central Newfoundland.”
 
On Saturday, College of the North Atlantic (CNA) will sponsor the Industry Awards Brunch at Hotel Gander. The 15 students will have an opportunity to break bread with artists and other conference delegates and also recognize the MusicNL’s member’s pick for industry professional, educator, volunteer and outstanding company of the year.
 
Winners of the Newfound Talent competition held earlier in the week will perform during the brunch. Past winners of the competition include former students of both the MIP and RA programs.
 
Brenda Tobin, dean of the School of Academics, Applied Arts & Tourism, will bring greetings on behalf of the college.
 
“For us, it’s wonderful to be working in partnership with MusicNL. It’s great to see our students and faculty have a chance to meet face-to-face and showcase their talent, while meeting professionals already in the industry,” Tobin said. “The activities our students take part in during this event gives them a taste of what they can expect as they embark on their new professions.”
 
Later that evening, the College of the North Atlantic delegation will participate in the Hotel Gander All Ages Showcase.
 
“A band called the CNA All-Stars, comprised of four MIP students and one RA student will perform at the all-ages showcase event,” Pinhorn said. “They will share the stage with bands such as Rapartee and RocketRocketShip, which has an MIP graduate as one of its core members.”
 
Denis Parker, executive director of MusicNL, says the partnership with CNA is a very important component of their educational mandate.
 
“Given the ever-changing face of the global music industry, it is even more important for MusicNL to work closely with CNA to ensure their graduates are totally prepared for a career in the music business,” he said.
 
More information about the MusicNL Annual Conference and Gala Awards is available at www.musicnl.ca. You can learn more about the college’s MIP and RA programs at www.cna.nl.ca.
 

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Media Contact:
 
Glenda McCarthy
Public Relations Specialist
College of the North Atlantic
709.643.6408
glenda.mccarthy@cna.nl.ca