2019 Paul Kitchin Award for Outstanding Community Involvement

Metalworks Institute first began sponsoring Interprovincial Music Camp (IMC) in 2011. IMC provides opportunities to youth who are passionate about music and entertainment and who wish to spend a summer week learning and experiencing activities with other passionate musicians. Campers gather annually at Camp Manitou, situated on the majestic Manitouwabing lake and river near Parry Sound, Ontario. Since the camp’s establishment in 1961, its directors have developed a wide range of programs. These include Jazz Camp, Musical Theatre, Band/Orchestra, Camp Rock, Glee, Scratch Lab and Songwriting.

Metalworks Institute sponsors IMC’s Sound Engineering program (formerly called Event Production) by providing instructors and curriculum for the program. This program provides young people (13-19) who are passionate about the entertainment industry, but who prefer working behind the scenes, the opportunity to learn the technical aspects of producing a live concert. Under the guidance of an instructor and one or two Metalworks Institute graduates, the Sound Engineering campers learn how to set up and operate sound and lighting for daily performances by the Camp Rock and Jazz Camp students. Campers are also taught the basics of backline & stage setup, audio production and live recording.

Metalworks Institute’s goal was to fill a gap in the typical programs offered to young people who are passionate about music.

In addition to faculty and curriculum support for the Sound Engineering program at IMC, Metalworks supplies the production for the camp’s final faculty concerts and musical theatre production. This enhances and improves the camp experience for all campers and staff. The concerts feature performances from campers as well as from instructors who are all renowned professional musicians. Metalworks Institute sends professional show producers and event production graduates to teach campers how to set up a lighting show, record a live performance, set up backline and produce excellent live audio. This experience helps expand campers’ knowledge and improves their overall learning experience.

The sound Engineering camp is one week, but IMC maintains the use of the equipment for 1 month.

The Paul Kitchin Award for Outstanding Community Involvement is awarded annually to a CCO member college that has exhibited, through community involvement, exceptional service in the enhancement of the prosperity of Ontarians. This year’s Awards Gala Dinner marks the first year the award is being presented.