16-year old Connor Ross' submission "We Are One" selected following nationwide anthem search.
TORONTO, Jan. 19, 2015 /CNW/ - "It's what the nation needs to know"-- poignant lyrics from We are One, the 2015 Music Monday anthem penned by talented 16-year-old singer/songwriter Connor Ross. In a song that captures Canada's cultural mosaic, We Are One illuminates the purpose of this annual artistic celebration; providing an anthem that is sure to inspire Canadians of all ages to unite in recognition and celebration of the vital role music plays in our culture, our communities and in our schools.
The 2015 anthem features a wide variety of musical arrangements and lyrical translations, enabling Canadians of various cultural backgrounds to sing the song in unison in the language that resonates with their musical soul. Organizers encourage registration from schools, community groups, arts and business organizations, as well as individuals to join us for this annual display of Canadian solidarity through music.
With We Are One, Bolton, Ontario's Connor Ross will join the ranks of Serena Ryder, DALA, Chris Tait, Luke Doucet, Col. Chris Hadfield and Ed Robertson as a composer of the Music Monday anthem. Connor's composition was selected out of 200 submissions for the Music Monday Anthem Search by a panel of music industry professionals, music educators and previous Music Monday songwriters.
"Congratulations to Connor for this special recognition - and helping to bring communities together to share the love of music," said Alan Convery, Director, Community Relations TD Bank Group. "We're honoured to be a part of this celebration, as TD has a longstanding commitment to supporting access to music and the arts, including a strong focus on musical education."
Canada's annual nation-wide celebration of the power of music in our lives, especially our schools, has gathered millions of voices since it began ten years ago. Visitors to the Music Monday website (www.musicmonday.ca) can view the video of the original recording of We Are One, download music and lyrics, and register a group for the annual celebration. Later this month, a number of variations recorded by noted recording artists will become available.
"I was thrilled to discover that the winner is a high school music student, which essentially represents where the message of Music Monday actually lives," says Holly Nimmons, Executive Director of The Coalition for Music Education. "I think in particular the lyric 'it's what we learn through every note and what the nation needs to know' will resonate with participants this year. As we unveil We Are One, let the nationwide rehearsals begin!"
Co-sponsored by SOCAN (Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada), The Anthem Search competition was launched in September 2014, and yielded entries from songwriters between the ages of nine to sixty-three and of all backgrounds across Canada, ranging from young music students to professionals. In addition to having his song receive Grand Prize honours, Connor also won $10,000 worth of musical equipment generously provided by Yamaha Canada Music Ltd.
We Are One was recorded at The Orange Lounge Recording Studio. It features a mixed voice choir as well as the talents of several young musicians. The song is produced by Platinum award-winning Producer/Songwriter Rob Wells who is known for his work with artists such as Canadians Keisha Chanté, Justin Bieber, Corey Hart, Marie-Mai, Eva Avila, Ish and internationally Ariana Grande, Adam Lambert and Selena Gomez.
Music Monday is made possible with the generous support of the TD Bank Group and the NAMM Foundation as well as Titanium level support from Yamaha Canada Music Inc., Long and McQuade and all of our partner organizations.
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ABOUT MUSIC MONDAY
On the first Monday of May, hundreds of thousands of participants join together to sing and play the Music Monday Anthem, performing it in a national showcase, and across the country in schools, public parks, and communities to celebrate the galvanizing power of music. The anthem serves to unite the nation's voices and inspire millions to sing out about the importance of music in our schools and communities.
ABOUT THE COALITION FOR MUSIC EDUCATION
Music Monday is an annual initiative of The Coalition for Music Education, an organization made up of parents, students, educators, and business people from varying walks of life who support school music programs and highlight the importance of music education for all young people in Canada. More info: www.musicmakesus.ca.
ABOUT CONNOR ROSS
A high school student, who learned of the Music Monday Anthem Search from his music teacher, Connor Ross fell in love with music at the age of seven when he got his first piano. From there, Connor was classically trained through the Royal Conservatory program and branched into performance, writing, musical theatre, and acting, as well as playing other instruments such as guitar, trumpet, and upright bass. Connor is currently a Grade 11 high school student in Mayfield Secondary School's Arts Program. Connor composes and records music in his home studio as well as performing in his band, North of Nowhere, and continues to develop as an aspiring artist.
ABOUT ROB WELLS
Rob Wells is a multi-platinum, award-winning producer/songwriter based in Toronto & Los Angeles. He has worked with numerous multi-platinum selling artists, with songs landing on millions of award winning records. His work has appeared in major release films, network TV shows and video games worldwide. Rob has appeared as a music producer on E!'s "House Of Carters" & YTV's "The Next Star". Awards include first place in numerous song writing competitions, SOCAN #1 awards, gold, platinum and multi-platinum certifications.
ABOUT TD COMMUNITY GIVING
TD Bank Group invests in communities in order to effect positive change in the places where it operates and where its customers and employees live and work. In 2014, TD donated more than $82 million to community organizations in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. In Canada, TD focuses on education and financial literacy, creating opportunities for young people and the environment. For further information, please visit www.td.com/corporate-responsibility.
ABOUT ORANGE LOUNGE
The Orange Lounge has featured a who's who of contemporary artists since it's opening in 2004. Currently the premiere recording studio in Canada, it regularly hosts artists such as Drake, TI, Nelly Furtado, Justin Bieber, and One Direction. It is a creative hub of music, film, TV, and advertising, housing recording studios, writers, artist management, and video production. It is also home to the popular web series "The RDIO sessions Live @ The Orange Lounge presented by ET Canada, which has featured artists such as Lorde, Imagine Dragons, One Republic, and Florida Georgia Line among others.
SOURCE Coalition for Music Education in Canada
Video with caption: "video : Coalition for Music Education unveils ?"We are One?", the 2015 Music Monday anthem penned by talented 16-year-old singer/songwriter Connor Ross". Video available at: http://stream1.newswire.ca/cgi-bin/playback.cgi?file=20150119_C7660_VIDEO_EN_10314.mp4&posterurl=http%3A%2F%2Fphotos.newswire.ca%2Fimages%2F20150119_C7660_VIDEO_EN_10314.jpg&order=1&jdd=20150119&cnum=C7660
Image with caption: "16-year old songwriting 16-year old Connor Ross joins the ranks of Serena Ryder, DALA, Chris Tait, Luke Doucet, Col. Chris Hadfield and Ed Robertson as a composer of the 2015 Music Monday Anthem. (CNW Group/Coalition for Music Education in Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150119_C7660_PHOTO_EN_10315.jpg
Image with caption: "Coalition for Music Education in Canada (CNW Group/Coalition for Music Education in Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150119_C7660_PHOTO_EN_10316.jpg
Media Contact: Victoria Lord, 416.484.9047 or [email protected]
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