Congratulations Graduates of 2015!
Metalworks Institute celebrated the graduating class of 2015 at the Living Arts Centre in Mississauga on Saturday January 16th 2016. Annual Key Note Speaker Alan Cross was on hand to remind graduates of their accomplishments and hard work to date. Alan provided encouragement and motivation to each graduate as they embark on their future success within the entertainment industry
The academic success of those within the graduating class is recognized with Mentorship and Outstanding Achievement Awards. Mentorship Awards are presented to graduates who have academically excelled throughout their studies. Recipients receive a one-on-one mentoring session with a leading music industry professional, who has generously donated their time to provide an invaluable opportunity for a deserving graduate. Outstanding Achievement Awards are presented to graduates who have demonstrated outstanding achievements, made positive contributions to student life, or actively participated in school events and volunteer opportunities throughout their studies.
Founder Gil Moore presented this year’s Alumni Special Achievement Awards in recognition of two previous graduates who have made significant contributions in their chosen fileds within the entertainment industry. Metalworks faculty and staff are proud of the success this year’s recipients have achieved. Tom Wood (2012) received the award in recognition of his achievements in Show Production and Event Management as Front of House Engineer and Production Manager for JUNO-Nominated Canadian singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes’ 2015 international headlining tour. Jennifer Essiembre (2009), received the award in recognition of her achievements in Entertainment Business Management, particularly in her new role as the senior manager, creative at ole Majorly Indie in Los Angeles, California.
Mentoring Awards
Steve Baird – Lighting Designer – Currently on Tour with Dream Theatre
Melissa McKee
David Bottrill – Three time GRAMMY-Award Winning Producer (Muse, TOOL, Silverchair)
Joel Martens
Alan Cross – Internationally Known Broadcaster, Interviewer, Writer, Consultant, Blogger and Speaker
Jonathan Juffs
Andy Curran – Director of A&R at SRO/Anthem Entertainment and Musician, Producer, Songwriter
Nicholas Cabraja
Lenny DeRose – Veteran Studio Engineer and Music Producer (Motley Crue, Walk off the Earth, Lights)
Drake Andrews
Denise Donlon – Broadcast and Recording Industry Executive, Former President of Sony Music Canada
Richard Weller
Ian D’Sa – Musician, Songwriter, Producer and guitarist in Canadian rock group Billy Talent
Justin Madill
Rik Emmet – Guitarist of the Year at the Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards, Educator and Vocalist/Guitarist for Canadian Rock Band Triumph
Robert Wilson
Jake Gold – President of the Management Trust
Molly Fogarty
Ralph James – President of the Agency Group
Tanesha Audet
Randy Lennox- President, Entertainment Production and Broadcasting at Bell Media and former President and CEO of Universal Music Canada
Shelby Galliot
Alex Lifeson – Musician and guitarist of Canadian rock group Rush
Paul Sullivan
Richard Mills – Agent at The Feldman Agency
Nicholas Alexander
Gil Moore – Metalworks Founder and Drummer in Canadian Rock Group Triumph
Zacky Bucknor
Kardinal Offishall – Canadian rap artist, record producer and record executive. Currently the Creative Executive Director of Universal Music Canada’s A&R team
Mackenzie Calarco
Allan Reid – Director of MusiCounts and VP of A&R at Universal Music Canada
Richard Condo
Noah ‘40’ Shebib – Canadian record producer (Drake, Lil Wayne, Beyonce)
Harley Arsenault
Gary Slaight – President of Slaight Music
Christopher Thompson
Bob Spencer – President of Metalworks Production Group
Skye Nolan
Outstanding Achievement Awards
ole Music Publishing Award
Jerume Madridejos
McDSP Award
Mackenzie Calarco
Long and McQuade Apex 460 Award
Nicholas Alexander
Canadian Music Week Award
Christopher Thompson
Sennheiser MK4 Award
Melissa McKee
Sennheiser MK8 Award
Joel Martens
Norris Whitney / Music Books Plus Award
Richard Condo
Sanderson Entertainment Law Award
Richard Weller
Sonor Award
Kristian Balinov
Founder’s Award
Michael Ashton
Congratulations to the graduating class of 2015!
We wish all of you the very best success!