OIART student Douglas Beck hones his sound design skills using the real-time audio integration tool ISACT (Interactive Spatial Audio Composition Technology). ISACT is being used as part of the Sound Design course. The instructor, Vince Iannelli, had this to say about the use of a tool such as ISACT within the Gaming industry, “Video games are produced within a very structured framework as are the sounds that are designed for the game. Tools such as ISACT give professionals, and now OIART students, the ability to streamline the sound design portion of that process while becoming familiar with emerging industry-standard software. The unique capabilities of ISACT will likely find their way into mainstream music engineering and production soon enough.”
Live Sound Guru Ron Schroeyens visits OIART
The work that Ron Schroeyens has done in the live sound arena is paralleled by few, having started the most successful live sound company in Western Ontario, The P.A. Shop. Ron has been privy to every aspect of the live sound business from bookings to Front of House mixing. Mr. Schroeyens has setup and run live sound for such artists as Radiohead, Creed, Usher & The Tragically Hip to name a few. As part of the Live Sound course, Ron will be visiting OIART this month to share his insight into the live sound business.
Beatles production comes to OIART
Recently, noted author Andy Babiuk visited OIART to lecture on the instruments and production techniques used by the Beatles to make their landmark recordings. His presentation included numerous unpublished photos, personal anecdotes, and studio outtakes. Students received a fascinating insight into the creative approach behind some of the most successful recordings in history, as Mr. Babiuk's book was researched with the participation of the surviving Beatles, the Estates of John Lennon and George Harrison, and the Beatles' engineering and production team.
CSBS Welcomes OIART
OIART is pleased to announce a new working arrangement with The Canadian South Blues Society. CSBS is responsible for Blues Fest, a blues event drawing talent from around the globe, in addition to other blues flavoured events in Southern Ontario. This will be the second year OIART students have volunteered at Blues Fest. This new arrangement will see the continuing involvement of OIART students at CSBS sponsored events for years to come and will give OIART students the opportunity to re-enforce their live sound skills in real-life settings. CSBS spokesperson Greg Simpson had this to say about his experience with OIART students, “the students from OIART always show up ready to work… we're looking forward to working with them on a more regular basis now, and I'm certain that we're all going to benefit greatly.”
OIART Guest Lecturer Wins Juno
Congratulations to OIART guest lecturer Vic Florencia who recently won Best Engineer at this year's Juno awards. Vic won for his work on Esthero's Wikked Lil Grrrrls album but has worked with such top artists as Nelly Furtado and Bedouin Soundclash. Vic will be visiting OIART again for another guest lecture in the upcoming semester.
