Campus News
Film Legend Visit with Centre for Arts and Technology Graduates
Hollywood Mega Star and Canadian Icon, Dan Aykroyd visited with graduating Digital Filmmaking students at Fredericton’s Centre for Arts and Technology. Mr. Aykroyd, in New Brunswick to promote his recently launched wines took time out of his busy promotional schedule to visit with students graduating in the New Year.
Mr. Aykroyd, perhaps best known for his various roles on Saturday Night Live and movies such as Trading Places and The Blues Brothers spoke at length with students in Fredericton and in Kelowna, BC, who joined live via Video Conferencing Unit (VCU).
Aykroyd applauded the work that the Centre for Arts and Technology is doing and urged graduates to continue on the creative path.
"Keep your work and the process simple, don’t overcomplicate things. You are working in the future of film and entertainment. The digital era has arrived; every set in Hollywood uses digital technology, gone are the days of the white cotton gloves being used to edit film."
Mr. Aykroyd further encouraged students to apply their skills to all levels of life, no matter what path they chose.
"Doctors will always have the medicine to make you better, bankers will always hold on to your money, but nothing is more important than laughter. Whether you are in film, television, theater, or any other medium, laugher should be the one constant to keep the human spirit going."
Mr. Aykroyd took time to answer questions and sign autographs with the students and staff before heading to his next engagement. Lindy Townsend, who spear headed efforts to bring the mega star to the school, was excited to see Mr. Aykroyd take an active interest in the Film Graduates careers.
"It was a great parting gift to our digital film students. Having Dan Aykroyd walk into the school to inspire and encourage our students before heading out into the world of film is an experience the students will never forget. Bringing talent from the industry into our school is a vital part of the educational process, it makes learning exciting and it supercharges the creative spirit- the staff had a good laugh as well."
Mike Murphy the Campus Marketing coordinator did some investigation in to Mr.Aykroyd's other pursuits and found that Mr. Aykroyd comes from a long line of law enforcement and fancied himself as a policeman before his chosen path in entertainment. As a big thank you from the school, Mr. Murphy arranged for the Fredericton Chief of Police, Barry McKnight to escort Mr. Aykroyd to his next appointment-police style. " I just wanted to make sure we gave Mr. Aykroyd a send off he would remember and appreciate".
Busy Summer for Audio Engineering Students
By Mike Murphy
While most people typically enjoy some down time and are able to take advantage of those lazy days of summer; the Audio Engineering Department at Fredericton’s Centre for Arts and Technology was in full swing! Between recording music festivals and competitions and getting the chance to record legendary Jazz artists in Fredericton, department head Kevin Herring and his students enjoyed a very busy and fulfilling summer of audio engineering.
Between August 9 and 11th a number of 2nd year Audio Engineering students were in Moncton to record competitions and the award ceremony for the Federation of Canadian Music Festivals. Involvement in the event was coordinated by Department Head Kevin Herring and involved 3 students; Andrew Barfitt, Will McLeod and Brett MacFadyen. These students were given the unique opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge into real life situations. “Activities such as this provide the students the opportunity to experience the pressures of actual situations outside of the classroom. They also afford students the opportunity to establish connections with musicians of their own age, many of whom will become the next generation of professional classical musicians in Canada.” According to Department head Kevin Herring.
Once again this summer, Audio Engineering students were given the opportunity to work at the New Brunswick Summer Music Festival, held at the University of New Brunswick between the 21st and 25th of August. This year’s event was highlighted by a rare live performance by one of Canada’s most accomplished jazz artists, Phil Nimmons. Mr. Nimmons was accompanied by JUNO Award winning pianist David Braid. Audio Engineering students from the Centre for Arts and Technology Fredericton were once again responsible for recording the performances at this annual prestigious 5 night event.
To top an extremely busy summer off, the Centre for Arts and Technology offers its sincere congratulations to recent Audio Engineering graduate Dillon Anthony. Dillon was recently accepted, and will attend the Banff Centre in Alberta. The Banff Cultural Centre is a globally respected arts, cultural and educational institution. Dillon started his work/study Assistantship in music and sound in September. Of note, Dillon is the only Canadian to be accepted into this year’s program. Congratulations Dillon!
