celebrations
Welcome to the collaboration page for the production aspect of the upcoming third studio album by Garth Prince, the JUNO Award-winning Namibian-Canadian children's music performer and educator. We are excited to embark on a global journey to foster an awe-inspiring musical and cultural exchange among children. This time, we are collaborating with schools in Okahandja (Namibia), Edmonton (Canada), and a children's choir in Cape Town (South Africa).
It takes a whole village, and your support is invaluable in making this incredible journey a reality.
Thank you for being a part of our global community to support the development of children through the arts!
It takes a whole village, and your support is invaluable in making this incredible journey a reality.
Thank you for being a part of our global community to support the development of children through the arts!
Our PROJECT team
Garth Prince in Toronto, JUNO Awards 2022
Phil Anderson
Michelle Prinsonsky and the family
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Name: Garth Prinsonsky, a.k.a. Garth Prince
Role: Artist, Executive Producer and Primary Contact Prinsonsky, a former banker and financial advisor, transformed his music hobby into a fulfilling, award-winning career as Garth Prince and the founder of The African Music Academy of Canada. He completed MacEwan University’s Arts and Cultural Management Diploma program where he now teaches Managing in the Music Industry, shaping the next generation of music professionals. Name: Phil Anderson | Role: Sound Engineer and Producer Phil has been an industry leader since 1989. He served on the Alberta Recording Industry Association board from 1992 to 1994, which eventually became "Alberta Music," a non-profit, member-based association dedicated to helping professionals in the music industry. Phil was the CEO of the fully accredited Power Sound Recording Arts and Music Production Program in Alberta from 1997 to 2015 and has worked with notable personalities such as Kenny Aronoff, Brad Pitt, and Chris Hadfield. Name: Michelle Prinsonsky (Garth's wife) Role: Education and Logistics Manager Michelle is an Assistant Principal with Edmonton Public Schools. She holds a Master’s degree in Education Leadership from City University of Seattle. In addition to her professional achievements, Michelle has supported Garth Prince as a singer on his previous albums and currently serves as the Board Secretary of the African Music Academy. |
timeline
Phase 1: Completed in 2023
Phase 2: Completed in 2024
Phase 3 - In Progress
Phase 4 - Fall Break 2025
Phase 5 - Black History Month 2026
Phase 6 - September, 2026
Phase 7 - October 2026 to December 2026
- Initial Planning, Research, and Concept Exploration:
- Began with the idea of a Christmas album but expanded to a "Celebrations" theme.
- Composed inclusive and culturally diverse songs like "Mango Juice" and "Whatever You Do" (celebrates friendship).
- Recorded bed tracks (drums, bass, and guitars) for the first eight songs.
- Scroll to the bottom of the page to see a video recap of Phase 1
Phase 2: Completed in 2024
- Recording and Arrangements:
- Recorded bed tracks for the next eight songs.
- John McMillan from MacEwan University wrote a string quartet arrangement for Jesu Weya.
- Gustav Shikomba, from The University of Namibia, wrote a research report on the challenges of the Namibian music education system to inform our upcoming trip to Africa.
- We recorded all percussions for the album.
Phase 3 - In Progress
- Soloist Recordings and Press Release:
- Children from Garth Prince's 2024 residency programs to record their voices for the Canadian component during Black History Month.
- SCHEDULE: Recordings on February 16th, 2025
- 08:00 - 10:00 Sound engineer setup
10:00 - 12:00 Group 1 Children's Vocals recordings (Duggan and Greenfield Elementary students)
12:00 - 13:00 Lunch break and flex time
13:00 - 15:00 Group 2 Children's Vocals recordings (St Elizabeth Seton and Edmonton Christian Northeast students )
15:00 - 16:00 Adult Choir arrival, rehearsal, and flex time
16:00 - 18:00 Choir Recordings
Phase 4 - Fall Break 2025
- Travel to Africa:
- Garth Prince and a small team will travel to Cape Town, South Africa, and Okahandja, Namibia to record youth and children's voices.
- Partners: Cape Town Children's Choir and Five Rand Primary School Choir.
Phase 5 - Black History Month 2026
- Final Recordings and Production:
- Complete recordings of final vocals, string quartets, band arrangements, and other overdubs.
- Mixing and mastering of the album.
Phase 6 - September, 2026
- Album Launch:
- Host an album release concert in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, aiming for an in-person event unlike the previous album released during COVID.
Phase 7 - October 2026 to December 2026
- Promotional Residency Tours and Performances:
- Tour locations include Toronto, New York, Cape Town, and Windhoek.