MusiCounts Fred Sherratt Award

Established in 2007 in partnership with CTVglobemedia, the MusiCounts Fred Sherratt Award is given each year to 12 outstanding post-secondary graduates of Canadian music programs.

Each recipient receives $3,500 and a trip to Toronto, including transportation, meals and accommodation, to attend a reception for all 12 recipients and spend an educational day at MuchMusic and CHUM Radio.

Broadcasting pioneer Fred Sherratt was instrumental in building CHUM Limited into one of Canada’s leading media companies. He served as Vice-Chairman of the company from 2000-2003 and prior to that held a number of roles including Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. He was inducted into the Canadian Association of Broadcasters Broadcast Hall of Fame in 1995, in 1993 received the Ted Rogers Senior/Velma Rogers Graham Award for his “pioneering spirit and contribution to the broadcasting system,” and in 2008, received the Ontario Association of Broadcasters’ inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award. He was honoured by CARAS with the Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award earlier this year.

The MusiCounts Fred Sherratt Award is available to post-secondary graduating students of the following 12 partner colleges and universities:

The Art Institute of Vancouver - Vancouver, BC
The Banff Centre - Banff, AB
Capilano University - North Vancouver, BC
Fanshawe College - London, ON
Grant MacEwan College - Edmonton, AB                                                                                                                                  
Harris Institute  - Toronto, ON
Humber College - Toronto, ON
Musitechnic Educational Services Inc. - Montreal, QC
Red Deer College - Red Deer, AB
Selkirk College - Nelson, BC
St. Francis Xavier University - Antigonish, NS
Trebas Institute - Montreal, QC; Toronto, ON

2010 Fred Sherratt Recipient Biographies

Kristjan Bergey: Recently completing a four-year music degree from the School of Creative and Performing Arts at Humber College, Kristjan Bergey graduated at the top of his school as an accomplished saxophone performer. Also exceeding academically, Bergey developed an interest in recording and engineering while at Humber, and is in the process of completing a professional quality CD of his work. Kristjan remains modest despite his achievements, which gained him further respect from his teachers, and will no doubt prepare him for a successful career.

Jocelyn Bruno: A 2009 graduate from Musitechnic, Montreal native Jocelyn “Dramatik” Bruno used music to overcome difficult family circumstances while growing up. Bruno quickly realized his talent for writing lyrics and began rapping in English and French, eventually becoming part of Montreal’s ‘Hip Hop Supremes.’ His group, Muzion, formed with J-Imposs Kyll and signed to major label, BMG, has been nominated for several awards at the ADISQ Gala where he was also awarded Songwriter of the Year. Bruno is currently pursuing a solo career.

Nicole Byblow: Having musical skills in several areas, including voice, piano and songwriting, Nicole Byblow graduated as one of the top students in her program at Selkirk College in April 2010. Her advanced harmonic and theory knowledge have helped build her already honed talents, and during her studies, was relied upon to supply music for various college functions and community fundraising events. Whether it’s as a solo artist or within a group, Nicole excels at performing. She has recorded two CDs and now plans to invest her time in advancing her songwriting career.

Nathan Chandler: Nathan Chandler has completed a Bachelor of Music in Performance and a Master of Music in Sound Recording at McGill University. There, he was also a member of the National Youth Orchestra. Aside from his formal schooling, Nathan Chandler spent two years as audio associate and senior audio associate at the Banff Centre during 2008 and 2009, where his first position was held while simultaneously completing his Masters. At the Banff Centre, Chandler furthered his skills in sound recording, all the while making time for other musicians in the program as a mentor prior to their recording sessions. Recently, Chandler accepted a position as an audio conservator with Library and Archives Canada.

Jessica George: Jessica George graduated in the Spring of 2010 from Harris Institute’s Arts Management Program (AMP) in 2010. George is a highly motivated and hard-working student. A very personable individual, she excelled in team environments and was an effective leader. Prior to attending the Harris Institute, George completed two years at Ryerson studying for a Bachelor of Arts in Culture and Entertainment where she made it to the Dean’s List. Thanks to her consistent academic excellence throughout the program, she was the top Honours Graduate from the Harris Institute.

Nathan Hay: Nathan Hay received a diploma in Music Performance at Grant MacEwan University in 2010, where he consistently exceeded expectations both musically and academically. Thanks to his musical strength, Hay was often counted on for his leadership and improvisation, a role he willingly accepted with integrity and care. Developing a strong rapport with his colleagues, students, and superiors, Hay has chosen to pursue a career in music.

Francis Hooper: Francis Hooper consistently pushes the boundaries of his knowledge, being insatiably curious and interested in all things music and audio related. Regularly mentoring other students who were having trouble with course material, Hooper was often chosen as team leader for various projects, opportunities with students from other departments. He is one of the rare students who received employment in sound design with a game and animation production company (Bardel Entertainment) shortly after graduating, where he takes on all opportunities to learn about the industry and to develop new skills and knowledge.

Matt Howell: Majoring in electric guitar at the Red Deer College Music program, Matt Howell graduated in 2009 with a strong academic record and a heavy involvement within the music program itself. He was the president of the Music Society, which allowed him to help organize activities for the music students, and also provided backstage support during various music shows throughout the year. Outside of school Howell continues to be an active member of his community, teaching guitar as well as two rock combos with other alumni from Red Deer College. He is currently expanding his repertoire by taking classical guitar lessons.

Ron Hynes: Ron graduated with honours from St. Francis Xavier University with a Bachelor of Music, where he held the position as top bassist. Showing many areas of strength, including composition and arranging, Hynes has also taken great initiative for his study of jazz, and quickly became a positive role model for all students in his department. Having a strong work ethic as well as a commitment to community involvement, Hynes has volunteered much of his time to mentor young aspiring bassists in the program.

Michael Kennedy: Michael Kennedy studied Jazz Studies at Capilano University, having graduated in Spring 2010. During his studies, Kennedy proved to be both an exceptional student and performer. Michael participated in all of the ensembles offered at Capilano during his time there. Thanks to the great maturity of his playing and through his leadership, he quickly became a respected member of the Jazz Studies department.

Shannon Penner: Shannon Penner is a 2010 graduate of Fanshawe College’s Music Industry Arts program. Throughout his time at Fanshawe College, Penner remained at or near the top of his class academically. An active member of the school community, Penner excelled at music composition and editing, in part thanks to prior professional experience as a 3D animator. Outside of the classroom, Shannon served as a representative for Music Industry Arts for a year, a position that involved leadership on many levels including budgetary, curricular and non-curricular. Thanks to his experience in many areas of college life, peers often looked up to him.

Christopher Wares: Graduating With Excellence in 2009 from the Studio Recording and Live Sound program at the Trebas Institute in Montreal, Chris Wares was at the top of his class. These achievements mirrored those of his previous studies at Concordia in Fine Arts, majoring in Electroacoustics and minoring in Business Studies, graduating With Distinction and being granted membership into the Golden Key International Honour Society. After graduating, Wares was hired to co-produce, record and mix an album with an up-and-coming local band, working with Montreal’s top recording and mastering studios. Wares most recently began writing a book about the various aspects of the Canadian music industry.

For a complete list of MusiCounts Fred Sherratt Award recipients, please click here.