MusiCan's Fred Sherratt Award to go to Selkirk College Music Grad

MusiCan, the charitable arm of the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, together with CTVglobemedia, announced today the establishment of the MusiCan Fred Sherratt Award to be given in this inaugural year to 11 outstanding post-secondary graduates of Canadian music programs.

"We're very pleased to be recognized by the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences as a top-tier music education program in the country," said Don MacDonald, coordinator of the Contemporary Music and Technology program at Selkirk College. "The award will surely become a tremendous endorsement and an unforgettable experience for one of our deserving graduates."

Each recipient will receive $3,500 and a trip to Toronto including transportation, meals and accommodation. All 11 recipients will attend a reception and spend an educational day at MuchMusic and CHUM FM. The awards will be granted annually beginning Spring 2008.

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 2000-03 and prior to that, he played a number of roles including executive vice president and chief operating officer. He was inducted into the Canadian Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 1995.

"We are grateful to CTVglobemedia for this incredible contribution allowing us to continue to support young Canadian talent and to be able to honour Mr. Sherratt's contribution to the development of radio and television in Canada," said Srinka Wallia, Executive Director, MusiCan.

"We are delighted to fund these new awards as part of CHUM Radio and CTVgm's overall significant contribution in support of MusiCan's mission. And I am thrilled that they have been named in Fred Sherratt's honour. Fred has been a champion of Canadian talent throughout his entire career," said Ivan Fecan, President and CEO of CTVglobemedia.

The MusiCan Fred Sherratt Award will be available to post-secondary graduating students of the 10 other colleges and universities across Canada already partnered with MusiCan, including: The Art Institute of Vancouver, The Banff Centre, Capilano College, Fanshawe College, Grant MacEwan College, Harris Institute for the Arts, Humber College, Musitechnic Educational Services Inc., St. Francis Xavier University and Trebas Institute

MusiCan, the music education charity of the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences is helping keep music alive in schools across Canada. MusiCan's mission is to ensure that young people in Canada have access to a comprehensive music program through their school.

Since 1989, scholarships have been awarded annually to exceptional students enrolled in post-secondary Music Industry Arts Programs. These Scholarships have assisted many young Canadians with the help they need to develop their talent, and launch their careers.

Winners are selected by the heads of programs at participating schools, based on a number of criteria, including good academic standing, excellent performance ability, strong leadership skills and a consistent dedication to improvement and excellence in their work. For more information about MusiCan, visit www.musican.ca.

First published on February 19, 2008