Metalworks Institute Celebrates its Latest Graduates

On Saturday, January 31, 2009, Metalworks Institute held its annual graduation ceremonies for the graduating class of 2007-2008. The event took place in the Institute’s Main Lobby and Performance Stage, and rates as one of the highlights on the Institute’s calendar.

The evening began with hors d’oeuvres and cocktails in the lobby, giving students an opportunity to catch up, introduce accompanying friends and relatives, and enjoy the sounds of the Double A Jazz Trio, who entertained the assembled prior to and following commencement.

Master of Ceremonies and MWI Instructor Brian Allen opened the commencement ceremonies, welcoming all those in attendance and congratulating all of the grads on their academic achievements. Brian then introduced Metalworks Institute Program Directors Pier Di Biase and Ron Rogers, who took to the stage to confer diplomas and honours diplomas on the Audio Production & Engineering, Entertainment Business Management and Show Production & Event Management graduates.

Following the presentation of the diplomas, MC Brian Allen introduced Alan Cross, our keynote speaker for the evening. In addition to being Senior Program Director for Splice Interactive and former Program Director for The Edge 102.1, Mr. Cross is also the host, writer and producer of the acclaimed syndicated radio program The Ongoing History of New Music. Alan congratulated all of the students on their achievements, and wished them all luck as they embark on their careers in the industry.

Following Alan’s remarks was the distribution of the Academic Achievement Awards. The list of award winners and presenters is as follows:

Norris Whitney Communications Award for Outstanding Achievement in Live Sound in the Audio Production & Engineering Program.
Presenter: Michael Filer - Editor, Professional Sound
Recipient: James Dobson

Long & McQuade Award for Outstanding Achievement in Audio Post Production
Presenter: Pat Furlan - Manager, Long & McQuade Mississauga
Recipient: Andrew Jablonski

Maple Music Award for Outstanding Achievement in Record Companies
Presenter: Ron Rogers - Director, Entertainment Business Studies
Recipient: Peter Chiappetta

Canadian Music Week Award for Outstanding Achievement in Event Management (SPM Program)
Presenter: Mary Simon - Sponsorship Liaison, Canadian Music Week
Recipient: Crystal Carew

Canadian Music Week Award for Outstanding Achievement in Event Management (EBM Program)
Presenter: Mary Simon - Sponsorship Liaison, Canadian Music Week
Recipient: Jennifer Budd

Digidesign Pro School Award for Outstanding Achievement in Digital Audio
Presenter: Graham Brewer - MWI Instructor & Digidesign Certified Expert in Music, Post, ICON & Venue
Recipient: David Mohacsi

Roland Canada Award for Outstanding Achievement in Music Theory
Presenter: Lyle Crilly - PC Music Specialist, Roland Music Canada
Recipient: Andrew Jablonski

Music Books Plus & Canadian Musician Award for Outstanding Achievement in Entertainment Marketing
Presenter: Michael Filer - Editor Canadian Musician
Recipient: Darren Benner

McDSP Award for Outstanding Achievement in Music Production
Presenter: Pier Di Biase - Director, Audio Production & Engineering Studies
Recipient: Darren Benner

Sony Music Award for Outstanding Achievement in Styles & Genres (EBM Program)
Presenter: Amos Carlen - MWI Instructor / Producer
Recipient: Peter Chiappetta

Songwriters Association of Canada Award is awarded to the Student Who Has Demonstrated Outstanding Promise and Ability as a Songwriter
Presenter: Joan Besen - Keyboardist / Songwriter of Prairie Oyster
Recipient: Karim Rushdy

Sanderson Entertainment Law Award for Outstanding Achievement in Entertainment Law
Presenter: Paul Sanderson - Sanderson Entertainment Law, MWI Instructor
Recipient: Kevin Dorin

Music Marketing Award for Outstanding Achievement in MIDI & Synthesis
Presenter: Andrew Josephs - US Sales Coordinator / Administration, Music Marketing
Recipient: Perry Sanders

Digidesign Pro School Award for Outstanding Achievement in Show Production Systems
Presenter: Graham Brewer - MWI Instructor & Digidesign Certified Expert in Music, Post, ICON & Venue
Recipient: Craig Holland

Sennheiser Award for Outstanding Achievement in Recording Engineering
Presenter: Anne Joyce - Marketing Director, Sennheiser Canada
Recipient: David Mohacsi

Mississauga Arts Council Instructor of the Year Award
Presenter: Craig Titus - Academics Director, Metalworks Institute
Recipient: Graham Brewer

RIM / Telus / Skywireless Award for Outstanding Achievement in RF Technologies
Presenter: Grace Luna - Senior Sales Manager, Business Development Skywireless
Recipient: Luis Pimentel

SRO / Anthem Award for Outstanding Achievement in Artist Management
Presenter: Antoinette Fabiano - Executive Director, Metalworks Institute
Recipient: Jennifer Budd

Digidesign Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Audio Production & Engineering Final Projects
Presenter: Helen Georgopoulos - Digidesign & MWI Alumni
Recipient: Karim Rushdy

Tom Cochrane / Takamine Guitar Award is awarded to the student that had best represented the ideals and goals of Metalworks Institute at the highest level while demonstrating an outstanding work ethic, high academic standard and outstanding promise as a musician.
Presenter: Wally Bienowski - KMC Music
Recipient: Matthew Piggott

Sennheiser / Neumann Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Audio Production & Engineering Program
Presenter: Anne Joyce - Marketing Director, Sennheiser Canada
Recipient: Andrew Jablonski

Sennheiser Award for Outstanding Achievement in Show Production & Event Management Program
Presenter: Anne Joyce - Marketing Director, Sennheiser Canada
Recipient: Craig Holland

Metalworks Institute Faculty Award is Awarded to the Student With the Highest Overall Average
Presenter: Craig Titus - Academics Director, Metalworks Institute
Recipient: Andrew Jablonski

Metalworks Institute Founder’s Award
Presenter: Gil Moore - President and CEO, Metalworks Institute
Recipient: Crystal Carew

The official ceremonies concluded with closing remarks from Metalworks Institute founder and president Gil Moore, who commented on the school’s impressive growth, and all of the outstanding talent the school has produced in the past four years. Mr. Moore then capped off his remarks by presenting the Metalworks Institute’s Founders Award to Crystal Carew.

With the official ceremonies out of the way, it was time for friends and family to celebrate the grads’ achievements, as guests enjoyed further hors d’oeuvres, music and drinks in the lobby.

Thanks to all Metalworks faculty and staff who helped make our graduation ceremony a resounding success. We’d also like to thank all of our student volunteers: Jason Baty, Esme Guevara, Kasandra Cutting, Nick Tsioros, Gaelan Burke, Mike Reynolds, Jay Brisson, Frazer McCrindle, Paul Johnston, Jeremy McDougall, and Anthony Deleo.

Congratulations to all Metalworks Institute’s graduates for their hard work, dedication, and academic achievement.

And thank you to all our Educational Partners for your continued support.

For more photos of the graduation night, please click below to our Facebook Page:

Facebook Photo Gallery 1
Facebook Photo Gallery 2