Nathan is the Division Manager, Community Development at Kitchener Public Library where he oversees the Heffner Recording Studios + Commons Studio film-making project, Fundraising, Well-Being and Community Connections teams, and Events.
Prior to working at the library, Nathan worked for over a decade coordinating projects of The Working Centre: an innovative community building organization in downtown Kitchener serving marginalized populations.
Nathan is a PhD student, holds an MA in Community Music and is a Canadian lecturer, musician, multi-genre artist, arts administrator, and community advocate.
Integrated CV: Overview
PhD Student, MA in Community Music, Graduate Certificate in Creative Writing, BA in English Literature
Experienced teacher in University, institutional, community, emergent and innovative settings
Published academic and creative author, editor, and contributor
Division Manager, Community Development at Kitchener Public Library, and Coordinator at The Working Centre
Responsible for the planning, implementation, and overview of diverse arts, community and service projects
Awarded and successfully administered arts and community grants
Accomplished fundraiser and celebrated collaborator
Established professional and community musician, film-maker, multimedia and video-artist
Accomplished songwriter, recording artist, producer, and multi-instrumentalist
Installation artist working in partnership with artists across visual and auditory mediums
Proficient camera operator, producer and director using RED camera kits, Black Magic 6k Pocket Cinema Pro arrays, Canon packages
Education
PhD: Philosophy, Community Music, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON 2023 - Present
Doctoral Special Seminars
Indigenous Perspectives
Community Music Therapy
Advanced Research Intensive
Utilizing music to recover mental health challenges
Music and Spirituality
Music and Life Span
Special PhD Seminar with Dr. Ansdell: (i) research stance/positionality, (ii) logic of research/method (iii) critical research reading, (iv) research writing
Master of Arts: Community Music, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON 2019
Selected course list:
Community Music Practices and Leadership
Qualitative Research Methods
Creativity and Interdisciplinary Arts
New Media, Business, Administration and Marketing (Agile Methodology)
Music and Meaning in Community Contexts
Creative Writing Graduate Certificate, Humber School of Writing: Humber College, Toronto, ON 2007
One-to-one supervision and mentorship program with Giller Award winner David Bergen
Bachelor of Arts: English Literature (Honours), Redeemer University, Hamilton, ON 2005
Special emphasis on creative writing via two independent research courses designed and implemented with writer in residence Hugh Cook
Publications
“In-Flux”, CMA Conference Proceedings, Tampere University, Tampere, FI 2024 (Pending)
“Reflections of Reflections: The stories of two community music students intertwined”, CMA Conference Proceedings, Tampere University, Tampere, FI 2024 (Pending)
Co-authored with Mason Smyth and Niki Kazemzadeh
“The Music of The Working Centre: Fresh Ground”, CMA Conference Proceedings, Helsinki, FI 2020
Arts-Based research, abstract, artist’s statement, paper, provocations
“Alternative Methods for Alternative People: Facilitated Community Music Activities within an Alternative Healthcare Model”, CMA Conference Proceedings, Helsinki, FI 2020
Abstract, pecha kucha presentation, project update, provocations, script
“Community Music at the Boundaries” (Student Editor, uncredited), WLU Press, Waterloo, ON 2021
Music lives where people live. The Eurocentric way music has been studied has excluded communities that are considered to be marginalized in one or more ways despite that the majority of human experiences with music is found outside of that realm. Community music has emerged as a counter-narrative to the hegemonic music canon: it seeks to increase the participation of those living on the boundaries.
“Coward”, Pif Magazine, Seattle, WA 01/10/2010
A young man confronts loss, regret, and hubris through the recurring imagery of his lover’s mangled engagement ring
“Coward” (excerpt), Dogzplot Flash Fiction, Online Publication 01/08/2010
Postcard story/flash fiction: edited excerpt from original short fiction of the same name
“Umbrella’d”, TOURIST Magazine, London, UK 15/08/2010
Short fiction:
Two strangers meet under the shelter of an umbrella and must introduce and reintroduce themselves to one another as the conditions in the microcosm evolve and corroborate to foster intimacy at an accelerated rate.
“Exodus of all the Magic Animals”, TOURIST Magazine, London, UK 15/07/2010
Magic Realism at its most intimate—two characters confront their ‘humanity’ in the wake of sudden loss.
Training, Conferences and Workshops
Ontario Library Association Super Conference, Ontario Library Association, Toronto, ON 2022, 2025
Safe Drug Use, Harm-reduction and Naloxone Training, Sanguen, Kitchener, ON 2025
Cyber Awareness Training, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON 2024
AODA Integrated Accessibility Training, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON 2024
Community Music Activity Commission Conference, International Society for Music Education, Tampere, FI 2020, 2024
Level A First Aid CPR/AED Certificate, St. John’s Ambulance, Kitchener, ON 2024
London City of Music Conference, London Music Office, London, ON 2023, 2024
GTA Training: Mental Health, Wellness, and a Caring Community Training, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON 2024
Young Worker Health and Safety Training, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON 2024
Certificate, Music Care Conference, Room 217 Foundation, Waterloo, ON 2024
Indigenous Allyship - Training Series, Crow Shield Lodge, Kitchener Public Library, Kitchener, ON 2022
AFP Congress, The Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Toronto Chapter, Toronto, ON 2021
Intercultural Development, Diversipro and Kitchener Public Library, Kitchener, ON 2021
Individual and organizational Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI), assessment, and training
Land-Based Indigenous Allyship - Training Seminar, Crow Shield Lodge, New Hamburg, ON 2021
Indigenous Peoples and System - Training Seminar, Crow Shield Lodge, New Hamburg, ON 2021
Ministry of Labour Health and Safety Training, Kitchener Public Library, Kitchener, ON 2021
WHMIS Training, Kitchener Public Library, Kitchener, ON 2021
PPE Training for Frontline Staff, Sanguen, Kitchener, ON 2020
Ethics Certificate, TCPS 2: Core, Panel on Research Ethics, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON 2018
Completed the Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans Course on Research Ethics training
Blanket Exercise, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON 2018
In 1996, the Aboriginal Rights Coalition worked with Indigenous elders and teachers to develop an interactive way of learning the history most Canadians are never taught. The Blanket Exercise was the result; it has since been offered thousands of times and the fourth edition was released in 2016
Affiliations and Memberships
Member, Arts and Culture Advisory Committee, City of Kitchener, Kitchener, ON 2025-Present
Junior Fellow, Laurier Centre for Music in the Community Research Centre, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON 2025 (pending)
Member, CULC Safety and Security Team, Canadian Urban Libraries Council, CA 2024-Present
Member, Builders Club, Kitchener, ON 2024-Present
A high-trust community where ambitious people connect, experiment, and execute.
Executive Committee Member, Grand River Black Music Festival and Conference, Kitchener, ON 2022-Present
University Teaching, Partnership, and Facilitation
Instructor, MU622: Creativity & Interdiscip. Arts, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON 2025
Teaching Assistant, MU623, 621, 440, 240, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON 2023-2025
“New Media, Business, Administration and Marketing”, “Community Music Practice and Leadership” (graduate level courses); “Music Making and Social Justice”, “Community Music Capstone” (undergraduate level courses)
Guest Lecture and Workshop Facilitation, MU622: Creativity & Interdisciplinary Arts, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
Coordinated a 2.5hr module that included a lecture on film-making philosophy and techniques, and my practice in the field through the lens of an arts administrator, film-maker, community and professional musician
This lecture was prepared to complement an immersive film-making workshop at Commons Studio, and adjusted for online presentation when pandemic restrictions dictated
Students engaged with framing and three-point-lighting techniques independently via household lighting resources, camera phones/tables/webcams over Zoom, and participated in a video scavenger hunt where uploaded clips were critiqued for technique, intent, evocation, and meaning
Producer and Community Partner, MU246: CM Ensemble II, Wilfrid Laurier University and Kitchener Public Library, Kitchener, ON 2022
Partnered with Faculty of Music to produce multi-camera, multitrack recordings of student ensembles in theatre and studio settings
Acted as producer, director, camera operator and editor
Guest Lecture, MU620: Music and Meaning in Community, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON 2020
Lecture and discussion with MA students: “Towards a Philosophy of Community Music”
Community Partner and Guest Lecturer, MU340: Community Music Principles and Practices, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON 2018-2020
Worked collaboratively with course instructor to re-designed MU340 for online delivery and pandemic relevance amidst COVID 19 restrictions and their impact on in-person placements
Guest lectures: “Working Centre Philosophy of Community Development”; “Introduction to Film-making”
Mentored two groups of students as they researched and prepared curriculum for alternative music education projects at The Working Centre: for young-adult residents at Water Street House for tri-morbid individuals, and preschool-to-middle school aged students in a cooperative “Pod School” acting as an emergency daycare for essential workers of The Working Centre
Integrated community music students into Working Centre and Commons Studio placements and activities
“I’ve found this past week to be really rewarding as a student. Amidst all the craziness of COVID-19, I was unsure when I’d be able to feel like the work I was doing was relevant. In-person interactions seemed unlikely, and I found that a lot of school work I was doing felt unimportant or disconnected. I found that being involved with Nathan and actively seeking out ways to be useful at the Water Street House gave me that sense of usefulness in my academic life.”
“I appreciate that [Nathan] is able to acknowledge his privilege and power, and uses it to elevate the voices and experiences of the most marginalized. This example has impacted the way that I approach my practice as a community musician and has challenged me to re evaluate the ways that I engage with those around me who are marginalized.”
Community Partner and Panelist: “System Navigation”, CMEG301: Social Inclusion, Local Democracy and Community Enterprise, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON 2018-2020
Integrated CMEG students into Working Centre and Commons Studio placements and activities
Acted as a liaison and support person to Laurier and Working Centre staff
Teaching Assistant, MU101: Music and its Contexts, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON 2018-2019
Taught weekly sessionals, held office hours, graded papers, administered and coordinated online grade-book and e-learning in MyLearningSpace.com
Awards, Grants & Scholarships
Lois and Charles MacDonald Music Bursary, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON 2024, 2025
Laurier Graduate Scholarship, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON 2019, 2024, 2025
President's Scholarship – Graduate, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON 2024
Micro-grants for Waterloo Region “In-Flux”, Pat the Dog Theatre Creation, Kitchener, ON 2023
SSHRC Grant, Collaborator and Researcher: “Hope Through Hip Hop”, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON 2022
SSHRC Grant, Collaborator: “Mel Brown Music Festival and Symposium”, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON 2021
Arts Grant: “Imperfect Palindrome” Song Cycle, Region of Waterloo Arts Fund, Waterloo, ON 2019
This successful application was built-off of an independent research project with Dr. Yun as part of the MA in Community Music program at Laurier
“The value of this project lies in the innovative approach. This not just another composer producing an album. The work is informed by Mr. Stretch’s excellent creative skills combined with a keen mind directed towards community music values. That is, the work is ultimately a strong step towards individual and community awareness — a key component in community building we sorely need from our arts. I give this project the highest recommendation. If funded, it will make a significant and positive contribution.”
Arts Grant: “Dynamite Quartz” Collaborative Multimedia Arts Project, Region of Waterloo Arts Fund, Waterloo, ON 2018
Featuring large-scale collage by artist Phil Irish, and sound design by Joseph Murray
Arts Grant: “Threes” EP, Region of Waterloo Arts Fund, Waterloo, ON 2017
Featuring members of the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Orchestra
Arts Grant: “Be Your Man (Giant Eyeball Version)” Video Art Project, Region of Waterloo Arts Fund, Waterloo, ON 2015
Arts Grant: “Bass Lions” EP, Region of Waterloo Arts Fund, Waterloo, ON 2014
Arts Grant: “Body Doubles” Video Art Project, Region of Waterloo Arts Fund, Waterloo, ON 2013
Arts Acclaim Award, “Reily” LP, City of Brampton, Brampton, ON 2007
Research Presentations and Invited Talks / Performance / Participation
Panelist - “Do More Good Dialogue: Hangouts, Havens, and Hubs”, Waterloo Region Community Foundation and Gehl Institute, Kitchener, ON 2025
Invited Participant - “Collaboration Workshop - Downtown Kitchener Safety & Security”, City of Kitchener, DTK Business Association & Region of Waterloo, Kitchener, ON 2025
Workshop Leader - “CULC/CBUC Safety and Security Toolkit: a Year Later” & “Safety and Security: Integrating Wellbeing & Community Connections Teams”, OLA Super Conference, Toronto, ON 2025
Presentation - “In-Flux: Measuring Experience”, Music Care “Music through the Lifespan” Conference, Room 217 Foundation, Waterloo, ON 2024
Presentation - “In-Flux: The Ethical Significance of Nonrepresentational Art in Public Space, CMA ISME Conference, Tampere, FI 2024
Performance and Presentation - “In-Flux”, Kitchener Public Library, Kitchener, ON 2023
With Dr. Gerard Yun
Co-presentation - London City of Music Conference: “Mel Brown Music Festival and Symposium: Celebrating Black Music, Building Meaningful Relationships”, London Music Office, London, ON 2023
Panelist - London City of Music Conference: “Music in all the Alt Spaces”, London Music Office, London, ON 2023
The concept of ‘meanwhile space’ is growing in popularity as we explore ways to better use facilities, infrastructure and workspace that predominately sits idle or vacant beyond the traditional 9am - 5pm work schedule. This panel explores the use of non-traditional performance venues and the role that municipalities can play in supporting emerging talent in unique and underutilized spaces.
Moderated by Adam Sturgeon Musician, Ombiigizi & Status/Non-Status, with: Laura Simpson CEO/Co-founder, Side Door, Savanah Sewell Founder The Grickle Grass Festival, Winter Spectacular, London Girls Rock Camp, Andrew Chung Artistic Producer, London Symphonia
Lecture and Provocations - Winter School: “Community Music, Public Space and Climate Justice”, Wilfrid Laurier University, UK, Canada, Germany, Ireland 2022
A philosophical and practical talk that exists in sequence with video resources Catastrophe and Resilience: By Frances Westley for the Mayors' Dinner 2020 (video) and Emergence and the Emergency: By Joe and Stephanie Mancini (video).
The value of music and music making is considered in context of the global and local enormity of climate change. Language and concepts for meaning making and future planning - for individuals and organizations - are explored in context of emerging, coexisting and growing crises. The intersection of three local institutions' (The Working Centre, Kitchener Public Library, and Community Music) values and projects provides scaffolding for this meditation on meaning in the time of crises.
Discussion and Performance - Virtual Noon Hour Concert Series: “Connecting with Nature”, University of Waterloo: Conrad Grebel University College, Waterloo, ON 2022
Improvised and composed music performance for shakuhachi, effected guitar, acoustic guitar, and bio-sonification of plants with Dr. Gerard Yun
Discussion: shakuhachi as a trans-cultural instrument and facilitating element in integrated performance and bleeding-edge musical experimentation with bio-sonification
Invited Artist Talk: “enCompass”, Redeemer University, Hamilton, ON 2022
Co-Presentation: “Integrated Marketing at the Library”, Ontario Library Association Super Conference “Gather”, Toronto, ON 2022
Juried presentation
With Shirley Luu
Presentation and Integrated Performance: “The Grand River Watershed at Fresh Ground”, Fresh Ground, Kitchener, ON 2021
Group improvisations for graphic notation, dance, vocalizations, electronic vocal manipulation, found sounds & recordings, and guitar pedals
Presentation: “The Music of The Working Centre: Fresh Ground”, CMA ISME Seminar, Helsinki 2020
Arts-based research project presentation, short paper, and moderated discussion
This audio presentation was specially calibrated for headphones
Pecha Kucha Co-presentation: “Alternative Methods for Alternative People: Facilitated Community Music Activities within an Alternative Healthcare Model”, CMA ISME Seminar, Helsinki 2020
With Niki Kazemzadeh, MA
Panelist: “Home”, Sing Fires of Justice Festival, Waterloo Region, ON 2020
Roundtable discussion on “Home” with Jean Becker (Senior Director, Indigenous Initiatives UW), and Bashar lulu Jabour (self-styled “Immigrant Poet”), and Debbie Lou Ludolph (Director of the Kanata Centre for Worship and Global Song at Martin Luther University College)
Discussion on “Home” starts at 29:00
Featured Musician: “Contemplative Music Pause” Sessions, Kanata Centre for Worship and Global Song at Martin Luther University College, Waterloo, ON 2019, 2020
Improvisations for electric guitar, effects pedals, and shakuhachi in collaboration with Dr. Yun
Public Lecture and Installation: “The Music of The Working Centre: Fresh Ground”, Fresh Ground, Kitchener, ON 2019
Capstone event for MA in Community Music: Wilfrid Laurier University
Public Lecture and Arts Based Research (sounded installation) presentation, followed by Q&A
Invited Talk: “Imperfect Palindrome”, X-Camera Experimental Learning Circle: Inter Arts Matrix, Fresh Ground, Kitchener, ON 2019
Described my evolving artistic practice in music, film, soundscape and installation toward an emerging understanding of “music in the community”
Invited Talks: “How an Ecosystem Develops: The Thinking and Practice Behind Community Tools, and “‘Emergence’ in Community Building”, Summer Institute in Grassroots Sustainability, The Working Centre, Kitchener, ON 2018, 2019
Invited Talk: “Pastoral Circle as Methodology”, Summer Institute in Grassroots Sustainability, The Working Centre, Kitchener, ON 2015, 2016, 2017
Featured Musician, Cross-Genre Collaborative Workshop Series with the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Orchestra, Waterloo Region, ON 2011 & 2012
Featuring award winning Conductor Edwin Outwater
Invited Talk/Reading, English Department: Redeemer University, Hamilton, ON 2007
Featuring students from the MA of English in the Field of Creative Writing program at UofT
Read excerpts of original fiction workshopped with David Bergen at Humber School of Writing
Relevant Work History
Division Manager, Community Development; Community Development - Manager, Kitchener Public Library, Kitchener, ON 2021-Present
Coordinator (Executive Team), Integrated Supportive Housing, The Working Centre, Kitchener, ON 2012-2021
Employment Counselor; Supportive Housing Worker; Teen Program Specialist, The Working Centre, Kitchener, ON 2009-2012
Skills and Experience
Programming and Events
Led system-wide programming initiatives at KPL and The Working Centre, managing annual series, large-scale festivals, and sponsoring emergent programs grounded in co-design, local partnerships, and strategic outcomes (e.g., Author Talks, workshops for Black youth, arts-based installations).
Oversaw program evaluation design using mixed methods—combining attendance data, feedback loops, and thematic analysis to drive continuous improvement and outcome measurement.
Developed collaborative programs that integrated digital tools and equity strategies (e.g., installation art, community storytelling, immersive film modules), amplifying access to creative and learning opportunities.
Creative Resources Management
Managed a suite of creative resources and spaces including Heffner Studio, Commons Studio, digital media labs, and film-making equipment, developing policies, best-practices, and partnership strategies that expanded public reach, and supported targeted revenue generation.
Designed and implemented staff and customer training in creative media tools, increasing digital independence, problem solving, and self-guided access through community-led initiatives.
Developed successful grant proposals and business cases for capital expansion and resource acquisition, balancing creativity, cost, and accessibility.
Strategic Planning and Governance
Direct contributor to KPL’s strategic planning process, collaborating with Board members, senior staff and consultants to design vision-and-values-aligned strategies with measurable outcomes.
Acted as a governance liaison and executive-level strategist at The Working Centre, assisting with board packages and facilitating distributive decision-making through the “Common Table” model.
Delivered presentations and written reports to Boards and executive teams across sectors, synthesizing complex operational and community insights into actionable planning.
Completed training in institutional governance, collective agreements, policy development, and inclusive public service through The Working Centre, KPL, Laurier, and affiliated organizations.
Fund Development and Revenue Generation
Designed and executed multi-stream fund development strategies at KPL and The Working Centre, integrating major giving, annual campaigns, rentals, sponsorship, and naming rights.
Wrote successful grant applications securing over $8.3 million over eight years in institutional funding and stewarded relationships with private, municipal, provincial, and federal funders.
Created and co-created rate cards, decks, reports, and business cases to develop and support social enterprise initiatives like the Commons Studio and venue rental projects.
Increased year-end donor participation by over 30% year-over-year through targeted, community-informed campaigns.
Customer Insight, Equity and Service Design
Led program and service design and implementation across multiple projects and spaces at KPL and The Working Centre, gathering direct user feedback and integrating co-design methods into service planning and delivery.
Contributed to equity audits and responsive hiring practices, and co-led institution-wide implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action at TRC Committee.
Trained in Design Thinking, Indigenous Allyship, Intercultural Development, mental health and wellness, and harm reduction, supporting the creation of safe, responsive, and innovative public services.
Applied a combination of qualitative research methods (e.g., interviews, thematic analysis, focus groups, autoethnography) and quantitative data analysis (e.g., CRM and dashboard metrics, evaluation design, logic models) to evaluate services and shape policy.
Marketing, Communications, and Community Engagement
Oversaw integrated marketing strategies across KPL's web, print, and social channels, including an equity-centered redesign of the public-facing website in 2022.
Co-presented “Redefining Marketing at the Library” at the Ontario Library Association Super Conference (2022), emphasizing community-responsive communications and integrated marketing philosophy.
Designed impact-driven messaging for donor engagement and public advocacy, integrating institutional storytelling with qualitative research findings and data visualization.
Extensive experience in media relations, report writing, and public representation, including interviews, speaking engagements, and community panels.
Leadership, Supervision, and Culture Building
Built and supervised high-performing unionized and non-unionized teams across community service organizations.
Designed and delivered innovative training modules in frontline and equity-oriented service, including workshops on relational ethics and institutional transformation.
Embedded values of community, equity, and responsiveness through leadership roles at KPL and The Working Centre, and through national work with CULC and the Grand River Black Music Festival.
Actively promoted workplace culture, mentorship, and succession planning, empowering managers and staff to lead change and co-design projects aligned with strategic goals and outcomes.
Data, Digital Innovation, and Creative Technology
Oversaw studio infrastructure and strategy at KPL, including Heffner Studio and Commons Studio, integrating digital creation with community engagement, film-making, and education.
Led data collection and reporting projects using both CRM systems and custom dashboards to inform executive decision-making and Board reporting (e.g. Wellbeing & Community Connections monthly stats reporting, Commons Studio and Frontstream/Giftworks CRM).
Applied digital tools and AI-enabled research strategies through both academic and public-sector roles, including SSHRC-funded initiatives in digital storytelling and community-based inquiry.
Participated in institutional digital strategy development including web UX, intranet design, and product planning for accessible, user-focused service delivery at KPL and The Working Centre.
Education and Research Training
PhD Student at Wilfrid Laurier University with advanced doctoral training in qualitative, quantitative and mixed methodologies, including constructivist grounded theory, phenomenology, a/r/tography, autoethnography, participatory action research, and ethical research design including the use of web-based survey and data collection instruments.
Completed doctoral seminars on research logic, positionality, research writing, and critical methodology, and led research-creation projects incorporating both ethnographic and analytic methods.
MA in Community Music with coursework in qualitative research, new media administration, community engagement, and evaluation frameworks.
Completed TCPS 2 Core Certificate in Research Ethics, ensuring rigorous adherence to ethical protocols in human-subject research.
Delivered local, national and international conference presentations and workshops on mixed methods research in music, ethics, and community development, integrating empirical and experiential insights into practice.
Collections and Local History
Directed the development and stewardship of both traditional and non-traditional library collections at KPL, including physical and digital assets, ensuring alignment with diverse community needs, equity frameworks, and strategic outcomes.
Co-led KPL’s TRC Committee, integrating community-informed policies to diversify collections and embed Indigenous and equity-deserving voices across services.
Contributed to the stewardship and digitization of local history materials through Commons Studio, including the archiving of over 25 years of Good Work News and documentary filmmaking projects centered on local histories at The Working Centre.
Recording Artist “Bass Lions”, Nevado Records & Fortnight Music, Toronto & Guelph, ON 2007-2018
Acted as principal songwriter and arranger; contributed principle guitar, bass and vocals, and secondary percussion and keyboards live and in studio
Wrote and secured grants, prepared budgets, and met all reporting requirements
Projects have received multiple arts grants since shifting focus to include available granting opportunities as part of a diversified funding model
Raised complimentary capital from individuals and independent bodies, and secured in-kind contributions from invested corporate partners
Prepared and executed communications plans for pre-release, release, and post-release components of multiple record release campaigns and tours
Negotiated contracts for representation and distribution with record labels, management and promotional organizations
Solicited and contracted producers, graphic designers and artists, photographers, videographers, guest artists, and members of the KW Symphony Orchestra to partner with on special projects
Managed online presence and social media campaigns including Facebook, Bandcamp, CBC Radio, Instagram and Twitter profiles
Contributed media design including: website banners, posters, media packaging, one-sheets, photography, videography, video art, audio recording and mixing
Acted as media contact during promotional campaigns, providing copy and participating in all online, print, and radio interviews
Work History Continued
Jurist, FACTOR Canada, CA 2018-Present
Music Teacher (part time), Cooperative “Pod” School at Fresh Ground, Kitchener, ON 2020-2021
Co-producer, “Drummer to Drummer” Web Series, Toronto ON & Halifax NS 2018-Present
Shelter Support Worker, Mission Services, Hamilton, ON 2007-2009
Music Coordinator and Musician (Volunteer), Youth Eventz, Hamilton and St. Jacobs, ON 2005-2011
Chapel Music Coordinator and Musician, Redeemer University, Hamilton, ON 2000-2005
Releases: Professional Recordings and Video Art
“In-Flux”, Nathan Stretch and Dr. Gerard Yun, Kitchener Public Library, Kitchener, ON 2024 - Present
Binaural, site-specific recording for installation art, shakuhachi and scissor lift
In progress
Calibrated for stereo headphone listening
“Crushed, my beloved”, Nathan Stretch and Phil Irish, Kitchener and Elora, ON 2022
Video Art: https://www.philirish.art/post/the-passion
"Crushed, My Beloved" explores dynamic and repetitive movement representative of people on a cyclical journey. While ultimately a hopeful installation, the subjects' emotional and physical arcs flow from high to low, and around again in a loop. It is a piece representing crushing weight, resilience and vulnerabilities of a shared humanity, featuring: a powerful young black woman, an elderly caucasian man, an asian person transitioning from female to male, and a middle-aged white woman with her two children -- all sharing intimate space and experience
“Perpetual Ceremony”, Nathan Stretch, Clarence Cachagee and Phil Irish, Kitchener, ON 2021
Mixed media, site-specific installation
The nearly two-story collage was iteratively assembled on-site by Irish, Stretch, community members, and Library Staff. It draws primarily from paintings representative of a “home” that is being simultaneously deconstructed and/or reconstructed — a dynamic energized by the interplay between graphic, photo-realistic, and abstracted elements. At the heart of the slashed, sculpted — and at times disruptive — colourful mass, a stark black-and-white video plays on a loop. The subject is engaged in what can be described as “perpetual ceremony”; the flame and smoke from a central smudge pot bind and cleanse the disparate pieces of the paper-based installation. The ritual is paced. The fire is tended — the smoke rises to the ceiling as gift.
“It’s enormous and intentionally so. We wanted to put something in the main lobby that would hold space and impose itself on space that isn’t usually used in this way in order to make a place for people to consider Truth and Reconciliation to contemplate and to have conversation.”
“Dynamite Quartz”, Bass Lions, Independent Release, Kitchener, ON 2019
Video Single
Multimedia, video-art project produced in collaboration with large-scale collage artist Phil Irish, and sound designer Joseph Murray
“Threes” EP, Bass Lions, Independent Release, Kitchener, ON 2017
EP with members of the KW Symphony featuring original arrangements and composition
“Bass Lions’ Threes will make music fans rejoice and other bands jealous. It is a record not to be taken lightly. From start to finish, Threes is innovating, refreshing, clever, and thoughtful. ”
“Be Your Man (Giant Eyeball Version)”, Bass Lions, Fortnight Music, Guelph, ON 2015
Single – remix and accompanying video
“We Got Guts”, Bass Lions, Fortnight Music, Guelph, ON 2015
Video single
Filmed, edited and released at NIGHT/SHIFT, Kitchener’s nuit blanche style festival of the arts
“Bass Lions” EP, Bass Lions, Fortnight Music, Guelph, ON 2014
EP of original music
“[Bass Lions’] music is interesting, complex and varied – combining alt-rock/alt-pop’s sense of melody and harmony with complex musical arrangements and time signatures you’d find in jazz music.”
“Body Doubles”, Bass Lions, Independent Release, Kitchener, ON 2013
Single - experimental simultaneous song/video creation and production
NIGHT/SHIFT official selection
“… is Diamonds”, Bass Lions, Nevado Digital / Fontana North, Toronto, ON 2010
LP of original music
“It takes just over 20 minutes for Bass Lions to get intimate ― every bit of this album feels like it’s being projected right in front of you. There are fuzzy guitars, tussled percussion, subtle keyboards and warm, steady guitars. Nathan Stretch and Janine Smienk take over the harmonies on longing lyrics of love, friends and shiny objects. …Is Diamonds shows great promise.”
“More than Islands”, Bass Lions, Nevado Records, Toronto, ON 2009
EP of original music
“There’s a certain feel to Bass Lions’ debut EP, More Than Islands that any keen follower of the past two decades of Canadian rock will recognize. It’s an earthiness, coupled with a dark edge that suggests long, cold nights and barren highways. This has led to the band already drawing its fair share of comparisons to groups such as the Rheostatics.”
Selected Performance and Installation
Nathan Stretch, Dr. Gerard Yun et al, “Into the Ma of Nature: Intermedia explorations of sound and sight”, Kitchener, ON 2024
Performance for shakuhachi, effected guitar, voice modulation, video, and bio-sonification of plants
Nathan Stretch and Dr. Gerard Yun, “In-Flux”, Kitchener, ON 2024
Concert and live recording of original composition “In-Flux”
Nathan Stretch and Phil Irish “Crushed, my beloved” Installation, (The) Passion, Hamilton, ON 2023
Video Art installation for screen hung perpendicular
Nathan Stretch “Tryptic” Installation, enCompass, Hamilton, ON 2022
Video art installation for three screens
Nathan Stretch and Dr. Gerard Yun “Plant Choir” Performance, Open Ears Festival, Kitchener, ON 2022
Audio installation and performance for shakuhachi, effected guitar, voice modulation, and bio-sonification of plants
Nathan Stretch and Phil Irish “Crushed, my beloved” Installation, Imago: “Crossings”, Kelly Library, Toronto, ON 2022
Outdoor Video Art installation
In collaboration with artist Phil Irish
Nathan Stretch, Clarence Cachagee, and Phil Irish “Perpetual Ceremony” Installation, Kitchener Public Library, Kitchener, ON 2021
Two-story installation for inaugural National Day for Truth and Reconciliation featuring indigenous ceremony, video art, and large scale collage
Bass Lions “Dynamite Quartz” Video Release Party, Commons Studio, Kitchener, ON 2019
Acoustic performance with video projection in the “Infinity Cove” at Commons Studio
Featuring large scale, immersive collage by artist Phil Irish
Bass Lions “Threes” Listening Party and Installation, Fresh Ground, Kitchener, ON 2017
Bass Lions “Bass Lions” Performance, Riverfest Elora, Elora, ON 2015
Bass Lions “Bass Lions” Performance, Koi Fest, Kitchener, ON 2015
Bass Lions “Bass Lions” Performance, Kazoo! Fest, Guelph, ON 2015
Bass Lions “Bass Lions” Tour, 18 Show Central to East Coast Tour, CA 2015
Bass Lions “Orchestra 2.0” Performance, Maxwell’s Music and Events, Waterloo, ON 2015
With members and associates of the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Orchestra
Bass Lions “We Got Guts” Installation and Performance, NIGHT/SHIFT, Kitchener, ON 2014
Interactive video shoot and subsequent presentation of completed video-art project during a complementary musical performance
Bass Lions “Body Doubles” Installation, NIGHT/SHIFT, Kitchener, ON 2013
Interactive audio/video installation at Kitchener’s annual festival of the arts
Bass Lions “…is Diamonds” Tour, 15 Show Ontario Tour, CA 2011
Bass Lions “More than Islands” Tour, 10 Show Central to West Coast Tour, CA 2009
Reily “We Were Archaeologists” Performance, Sled Island Festival, Calgary, AB 2007
Reily “We Were Archaeologists” Tour, 24 Show East to West Coast Tour, CA 2007