Look who's receiving Algoma U's honorary degree this year

NEWS RELEASE

ALGOMA UNIVERSITY

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Algoma University names 2012 honorary degree recipient
 
Music Conservatory Principal Guy Traficante honored
 
SAULT STE. MARIE, ON (May 7, 2012) - Algoma University is pleased to announce that Guy Traficante will be the Honorary Degree Recipient at the 2012 Convocation ceremonies, to be held next month.
 
"In recognition of all that Guy Traficante [shown] has done, not just for Algoma University, but for the community of Sault Ste. Marie, we are proud to name him as the Honorary Degree Recipient for the Class of 2012," said Dr. Richard Myers, president of Algoma University. "Most studies link successful cities with a thriving arts community, and Guy Traficante is one of the main reasons that we have an arts community that far exceeds the standards for a city of our size."
 
"It is certainly a thrill to receive an honorary degree from Algoma University," said Traficante. "When I first came to Sault Ste. Marie, it was clear that there was tremendous potential. I am pleased that I have helped to bring the study and enjoyment of music to so many in the region. I feel that a firm foundation has been established that now has the potential to lead to considerable further growth in music at Algoma University. It is indeed an honor to receive this award."
 
Mr. Traficante is a graduate of the North Carolina School of the Arts (now the University of North Carolina School of the Arts).

He has studied violin with Vartan Manoogian, Paul Makanowitzky, Ivan Galamian, Mauricio Fuks, and Lorand Fenyves.

He has served as concertmaster of the North Carolina School of the Arts Symphony Orchestra, the McGill University Symphony Orchestra, as well as the Montreal Chamber Orchestra, with noted guest conductors, including composer Aaron Copeland.

He has performed in masterclasses with renowned string pedagogues including Janos Starker, Erick Friedman and the late Joseph Gingold.

He has attended sessions in Siena, Italy, and studied at the prestigious Meadowmount School of Music in upstate New York, which features alumni including some of the world's greatest soloists: Itzhak Perlman, Pinchas Zukerman, Joshua Bell, James Ehnes and Yo-Yo Ma.

He also spent two summers at the Banff Centre where he had the opportunity to study with many noted artists including the late Franco Gulli and Sydney Harth (concertmaster of the New York Philharmonic and Chicago Symphony Orchestras).
 
Mr. Traficante arrived in Sault Ste. Marie in 1979 through a grant from the Ontario Arts Council, to teach violin at the Algoma Conservatory of Music and Algoma University College, serve as first violinist in a professional resident string quartet and as concertmaster of the Sault Symphony Orchestra.

Formerly he was the teaching assistant to Mauricio Fuks at McGill University and taught through the McGill Preparatory School of Music.

He developed a large class of private students at the Conservatory paving the way for the relocation of three additional violin instructors.

In 1986, while serving as an instructor of violin at Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Mr. Traficante submitted a restructuring proposal for the Algoma Conservatory of Music to prevent its closure, and was appointed to the position of Principal.
 
Since 1986 the Conservatory has greatly expanded, primarily through the development of the resident musician program.

This has involved relocating 23 teachers and performers to Sault Ste. Marie from across Canada to teach at the Conservatory and Algoma University.

Through their excellent work in the community the Conservatory has expanded from about 150 students to nearly 700, making it the second largest non-profit, charitable school of music in Ontario (exceeded only by the Royal Conservatory in Toronto).  

In addition in 1991 Mr. Traficante founded the Shingwauk Chamber Music Series (now Algoma Conservatory Concerts), which brings internationally renowned soloists and ensembles to perform in Sault Ste. Marie and provide masterclasses for senior music students.
 
About Algoma University

Algoma University offers a wide variety of liberal arts and sciences degree options including programs in psychology, computer science, business administration, fine arts, community economic & social development and biology in Sault Ste. Marie, Brampton, Timmins and St. Thomas.

As a partner with Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig, Algoma U is committed to respecting Anishinaabe knowledge and culture.

Algoma University has launched its Essential Elements Campaign to expand its campus and offer more scholarships and awards to students.

To learn more, visit here.

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