For the fifth year in a row, Gary Atkins will be returning to Camp and we couldn’t be happier!
Ever since we first met Gary, he has amazed us……not just because he knows soooo much about music, technology, computer programming, and guitars, but because of his uncanny ability to inspire people and unlock their creative muse. Always looking to support and help musicians and writers of all ages, he leaves an impact wherever he goes…and with his wealth of knowledge, experience, and excellence, he has gone many places!!
Gary is a composer, guitarist, keyboardist, arranger, orchestrator, copyist, and computer specialist who has worked in theatre, television, film and multimedia. Currently, he is the Technology Co-ordinator for the Royal Conservatory of Music (Toronto). As a Sibelius “Ambassador,” Gary travels across the continent to demonstrate the Sibelius software for teachers and other educators. He is a Logic 9 Master trainer, a Logic X trainer and Canada’s only Certified Sibelius trainer. He has been sought after by award winning composers such as Herbie Hancock, Joe Sealy, Glenn Morley (Genie Award winner), David Blumberg (Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, American Idol), Yves Frulla (Celine Dion Band: Keyboard Player), Dave Young (Bass: Oscar Peterson), Tariqh Akoni (Guitar: Josh Groban & Stevie Wonder), Clarence McDonald (James Taylor, Aretha Franklin, Barbara Streisand), Benjamin Wright (Justin Timberlake, Michael Jackson) and others to provide training for individual users and groups on how to use Sibelius and other software. He is an Apple Consultant and in 2007, he became an Apple Distinguished Educator.
Gary co-wrote the music for the CTV series Creepy Canada with Martin Deller. He has assisted and acted as copyist for some of Canada’s award-winning composers (John Welsman, Paul Hoffert and Glenn Morley), and created charts for Gino Vannelli’s Summer of 2005 Tour. He is a former faculty member of Humber College’s Music Program and has also taught music theory, orchestration and film scoring at the Trebas Institute (private college) in Toronto.
When Gary returns to Camp this year, he will be helping participants combine their musical skills and aspirations with technical innovation. Using various programs & computers, Gary will teach students how to use technology to their musical advantage. Students will have an opportunity to learn how to write, record, arrange, and practice with the computer as well as do other interesting and practical things that lend to creative and personal development.
In addition to his computer and technical skills, Gary will also be sharing his passion for the guitar. Coming with a background in blues and jazz, he has a whole lot of expertise to offer. We can’t wait for everyone to work with him and experience what we are so privileged to know!