New Training Coordinator

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We are pleased to announce that there’s a new staffer permanently in the Music Industry Training Coordinator chair at MARIA.

Brandon-born Sean McManus is returning to the position that he originated back in 2002, when he set up the Resource Centre when MARIA first moved to its present location. Since leaving five years ago to pursue schooling in Toronto, Sean has received a Masters degree in Musicology and Ethnomusicology from York University. He’s also a graduate from the Brandon University School of Music. Sean has taught music and theatre to students from elementary to senior levels, and has worked as a teacher assistant for undergraduate University courses. While living in Brandon, he served as the Executive Director of both the Brandon Folk Festival and the Brandon Jazz Festival. Currently, Sean plays in the self-managed, Manitoba-based folk-pop band the Dust Poets, which has toured across Canada and the United States, and has released three independent recordings including the recent Lovesick Town. Sean is also a freelance designer with several not-for-profit and artist web sites and CD packages in his portfolio. Sean has moved back to Winnipeg with his wife Karla, who is a professional singer and is also a member of the Dust Poets.

Everyone at MARIA would like to send a huge thank you to Glen Willows, who has been generously filling in as Training Coordinator for the last several months while we searched for a permanent replacement for the departing Susan Krepart. Glen did a fantastic job organizing this year’s Music Works workshop series, bringing in top industry professionals from across the country. He has also consulted with countless with MARIA members, sharing his vast knowledge of the music biz and his unique perspective as both an artist and a manager. He also helmed a wonderful Songwriter in Residence week, mentoring several local songwriters.

Glen will now focus all his energy on his work at Burning Circus Management managing such acts as Inward Eye, Tele, Alverstone, Ash Koley, and Mad Young Darlings. We’re sure you’ll still be able to find Glen kicking around the office every once in a while.

The coming year will be full of exciting changes and advancements to MARIA’s Resource Centre and training initiatives as well as a great new season of workshops coming this fall. Keep your eyes on your mailboxes in coming months for more information.

As always, the Resource Centre is open during the week. In between workshop seasons, why not visit the Resource Centre library which is filled with books on just about every aspect of the music industry, including management, touring, marketing, and much much more. There are also some useful tip sheets available online in the Members section of manitobamusic.com.

If you are interested in booking a consultation, Sean will be available in the Resource Centre Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm. You can reach him at:

Sean McManus
Music Industry Training Coordinator
P: 204.975.5191
F: 204.942.6083
E: sean@manitobamusic.com
www.manitobamusic.com

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