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 candidate, holds an MA in Community Music and is a Canadian lecturer, musician, multi-genre artist, arts administrator, and community advocate.
Integrated CV: Overview
PhD Candidate and 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 song-writer, recording artist, producer, and multi-instrumentalist
Proficient in Logic, Final Cut Pro, Adobe Suite, DaVinci Resolve, MyLearningSpace, MS Office, Google Workspace, Drupal and consumer website development tools, social media and e-commerce applications
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
Community Music Therapy
Advanced Research Intensive: exploration of a range of research methods and case studies using diverse approaches
Utilizing music to recover mental health challenges
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 (link to YouTube video), 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, YouTube link to 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
“Indigenous Allyship” Training Series (Coordinator), Crow Shield Lodge, Kitchener Public Library, Kitchener, ON 2022
AFP Congress 2021, The Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Toronto Chapter, Toronto, ON 2021
Intercultural Development, Diversipro and Kitchener Public Library, Kitchener, ON 2021-2022
Individual and organizational Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI), assessment, and training
Anti-racist training
“Land-Based Indigenous Allyship” Training Seminar, Crow Shield Lodge, New Hamburg, ON 2021
“Indigenous Peoples and Systems” 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
Working at Heights Training Certificate, Worksite Safety, Kitchener, ON 2021
Scissor Lift Operator’s Certificate, Worksite Safety, Kitchener, ON 2021
Level A First Aid CPR/AED Certificate, St. John’s Ambulance, Kitchener, ON 2021
Safe Drug Use, Harm-reduction and Naloxone Training, Sanguen, Kitchener, ON 2020
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
University Teaching, Partnership, and Facilitation
Teaching Assistant, MU621 and MU240, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON 2023, 2024
Delivered workshops, modules, and seminars, held office hours, graded papers and delivered feedback, administered online grade-book and e-learning in MyLearningSpace.com
Community Development (present) and Festival Manager (2023), Grand River Black Music Festival and Conference (formerly known as: Mel Brown Music Festival and Symposium), Kitchener-Waterloo, ON 2022 - Present
Administrative and Festival lead: secured funding; worked closely with Executive and Operational committees; advised on conference, curation, and marketing activities; cast vision and developed five year plan for festival sustainability and growth; represented Kitchener Public Library on Executive Committee
This project is a collaboration of interdisciplinary partners, with each partner offering unique resources for achieving the goals of this multi-faceted project. As partner organizations are engaged in research and knowledge mobilization both inside and outside the academy, a multidirectional flow of awareness is created, with the objective being to challenge the status quo in academia, and enhance the intellectual, cultural, and pedagogical dimensions of society beyond the university walls.
““[Kitchener Public Library] has a knack for platforming artists and authors on a steep upward trajectory and Haviah Mighty is a perfect example of this. Since booking Haviah a month ago, she has played the Aud with the Arkells, was featured on CBC’s q, dropped a single featuring Shad, and became the first woman to win a rap album/EP of the year for her mixtape “Stock Exchange” at the Juno Awards” earlier this month.”
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
Laurier Graduate Scholarship, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON 2024
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
Laurier Graduate Scholarship, WilfridLaurier University, Waterloo, ON 2019
“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
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 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, Kitchener Public Library, Kitchener, ON 2021-Present
Responsibilities include:
Social Innovation, Consultation and Action
Coordinating and contributing to strategic planning sessions and wordsmithing with the KPL Board of Directors and Overlap Associates
Championing and coordinating the committee for the review and implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 calls to action at KPL
Reworking and hiring for an expanded community connections, outreach, diversity & inclusion team with the deputy CEO of KPL
Attracting, mentoring and hiring diverse and skilled staff in recognition of Kitchener’s cosmopolitan downtown, in service of equity, and in correction of KPL’s tradition as a predominantly eurocentric institution
Planning and implementation of social enterprise projects at KPL that can contribute steady revenue streams, and fund innovation in equitable practice
For example, in order for KPL to go “fine-free” as we did last year, the organization must strategically plan to make-up the loss of up to $170 000 in yearly revenue
KPL Studio Projects
Oversight and management of KPL’s studio projects and staff
Heffner audio recording studios, Studio Central media lab, and the Commons Studio film-making and social enterprise project (in partnership with The Working Centre)
Marketing and Events
Managing a small team of marketing and special occasions staff specializing in integrated print, social media and emergent media, presence, ground level and image marketing strategies
Responsible for the design, implementation and maintenance of a new, integrated and responsive KPL website for Fall 2021
Committing to ethics and equity in marketing — in consultation with Dr. Yun at Laurier — to better serve our community and push innovation and sustainability in the field
Fundraising
Coordinating all fundraising initiatives and donor relations in close partnership with KPL CEO
Currently working with corporate and community sponsors, writing federal, provincial and municipal grants to support a new build: the planned Southwest library branch will be a $10 000 000+ net-zero build in collaboration with indigenous stakeholders that features a pavilion-in-the-park feel, specialized collections, digital media lab, outdoor programming space, demonstration kitchen, greenhouse, extensive landscaping and urban gardens
Coordinator, The Working Centre, Kitchener, ON 2009-2021
Areas of Responsibility Included:
Commons Studio
Coordinated of all aspects of the Commons Studio – a social enterprise project of The Working Centre that promotes and supports film-making and digital storytelling
Supervised student placements, integrating skilled contributors from Laurier, UofW, Conestoga College, Humber College, and local high schools
Awarded and administered grants from New Horizons for Seniors, Hallman Foundation, OAC, City of Kitchener, and the Region of Waterloo Arts Fund in excess of $250 000
Purchased and managed an extensive inventory of film-making equipment for community use and rental
Established innovative partnerships that expanded the capacity of the Commons Studio and provided cutting-edge technology and opportunity to local film-makers and artists
Increased revenues by 65% over five years while expanding on capital assets, physical footprint, community engagement and profile
Shot edited, and delivered films for community partners and The Working Centre – including short films that satisfied grant reporting criteria, and profiled vulnerable people groups
Supportive Housing Initiatives
Hired, trained, and coordinated diverse teams of workers to respond to homelessness and social precarity in Waterloo Region through affordable, flexible, and responsible housing initiatives
Supportive Housing services at TWC increased substantially while under my supervision, and progressed from an unfunded and limited model, to a fully funded and responsive community project that added two major initiatives in the past year alone: Water Street House and University Avenue
These projects increased our housing capacity by 100 units in the midst of a global pandemic and necessitated the hiring and specialized training of over 40 staff
Water Street House and University Avenue are financially supported by the LHIN, Federal Government, Region of Waterloo, Inner City Health Alliance, and the City of Kitchener
Water Street House’s social and therapeutic programming is predicated on Community Music principles in coordination with Laurier’s School for Music in the Community
Attending and Participating in Common Table and Board Meetings
Represented The Working Centre as part of the executive team (Common Table) at the Board
The Common Table acts as a distributive and decision making hub within The Working Centre’s web of interdependent nodes, wherein issues and ideas pertaining to coordination of The Working Centre as a whole are discussed
Agenda items for both groups include strategy, budgetary, infrastructure, disciplinary administrative and staffing consideration
Contributions to the Mayors’ Dinner and other Fundraising Initiatives
Worked closely with Joe and Stephanie Mancini and the Mayors’ Dinner Selection Committee (including the Mayors’ of Kitchener, Cambridge and Waterloo) to plan and implement an annual gala event
The Mayors’ Dinner has been celebrating community-builders in Waterloo Region for over 25 years, and has an annual attendance of 1000 people
Participated in capital campaigns (including a single campaign in excess of $1 000 000), crafted individual asks, received and hosted funders contributing in-kind or monetarily to Working Centre initiatives
Website and Social Media Coordination and Contributions
Coordinated an ambitious and organization-wide website and social media refresh and rebuild based on a strategic plan that includes significant investment in e-commerce, a networked social media strategy, and a complete streamlining of TWC’s main website (to be delivered Fall 2021)
Designed and published TWC’s initial and subsequent online donations websites; over 60% of The Working Centre’s donations are now processed online
Contributed articles, structure, and design to The Working Centre’s dynamic, Drupal based website; maintaining organizational voice and tone throughout
Contributions to Good Work News
Wrote, co-wrote and edited articles for, and contributed photography to Good Work News – The Working Centre’s quarterly newsletter
Good Work News has a distribution of over 11,000 people and its combined issues act as the Annual Report to the Board of Directors, and an important communications tool for funders and other invested community members
Worked closely with Joe and Stephanie Mancini to upload and organize 25+ years of Good Work News articles to an online, searchable database for academic use
Hiring and Mentoring
Wrote job posting, receiving and parsed resumes, selected and interviewed candidates, and oriented new colleagues within The Working Centre
Designed and implemented innovative training modules that prepared staff to work
Designed and led tours and workshop series on Working Centre philosophy and practices for groups of students, co-workers, funders, and community members
Wrote and maintained the Permanent Job Posting — an online portal for interested individuals to apply to the The Working Centre outside of formally posted job opportunities
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