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Volume 2, issue 1, Spring/Summer 2013
121 Winters College
Winters Alumni
4700 Keele Street
Newsletter
Toronto, ON
M3J 1P3
416-650-8199
wcmaster@yorku.ca
In This Issue:


Pg. 2 MESSAGE
FROM THE PRESIDENTS
Pg. 3 PROFILE:
- Brianna Roberts
- Corey Payette

Pg. 4, 5 YORK
ALUMNI Key Figures In Canadian
Mixed Martial-Arts
Feature Film

Pg. 6 PROFILE:
- Matteo Parente

Pg. 7 IN MEMORY
OF:
- Michael Marcuzzi
- Courtney Cathers

Pg. 8 LOST &
FOUND, PRIVATE
CD COLLECTION
ON SALE
Special Edition
A message from Marie Rickard...
Dear Winters Alumni,
Hi Everyone, a very delayed greeting! This should have
been the Fall/Winter issue of the Winters Alumni
Newsletter. Now it’s the Spring/Summer issue. I hope
that the year was an eventful one for you. It’s always
so exciting to find out how well travelled many of our
alumni are. In the past few months, some of you have
written to us from the US, Africa, Korea, Japan and
various parts of Europe where you’re involved in career related projects, interesting volunteer work – or just plain exploring! Please keep us in the loop and
send photos! I had the good fortune to spend part of this past summer in Turkey
–and I must say that Istanbul is one of the most fascinating and beautiful cities
I’ve ever experienced. Make sure you let us know where you’re travelling these
days!
In this issue you will be hearing from our current Winters Alumni President,
Shayna Goldberg, and outgoing Winters College Council President, Mahssa
Chavoshi. Our lineup of Alum are as follows... Brianna Roberts, Corey Payette,
Pasha Patriki, Allan Ungar and Matteo Parente.
As always, we are pleased to give you the opportunity to look for old friends,
to reconnect with roommates from back in the day, so just let us know.
Best,
Marie
MASTER OF WINTERS – Marie Rickard
ALUMNI PRESIDENT – Shayna Goldberg
ALUMNI & GRADUATE COORDINATOR– Angelica Dourado
COLLEGE PROJECT ASSISTANT—Niko Markakis
Page 2
Winters Alumni Newsletter
Message from Shayna Goldberg
Hey everyone!
My name is Shayna Goldberg, and I am the President of the Winters
Alumni Association.
I graduated in 2008 with a degree in Fine Arts Cultural Studies.
While at York I held a number of positions on the Winters College
Council, including Vice-President of Social and Cultural Affairs. I was
also a Peer Mentor, and even worked in the Masters office for a year.
I am back at York now, after working for a theatre company in Toronto, and currently working on an MBA.
Shayna Goldberg Winters Alumni Association President.
I am very excited to be supporting Winters Alumni. Marie Rickard,
Lindsey Ostrosser, the Winters Events Organizer and I will be contacting many of you and working towards a more active Alumni presence in Winters.
Please also don’t hesitate to contact us if you’d like to get involved and become a part of the association. We
are having an email made up, but for now, please contact the Winters Masters Office.
That’s all for now, but see you all soon,
Shayna Goldberg
Message from Mahssa Chavoshi
Hello Alumni,
As my final days of President of Winters College Council and my undergraduate degree come to a close, you all have been on my mind. The thought of
soon joining all of our amazing and inspirational alumni brings joy to my mind.
Reading all of your profiles through my years as a student has motivated me
to want to lead as much of an exciting life as you have. While I have not had
the pleasure of meeting most of you, I feel as if we all are connected in a
small way. I hope that I get the chance to meet you at future Alumni events
and get the opportunity to share our memories of this College that we’ve all
called home at one time or another.
Rock on Winters!
Mahssa Chavoshi
Mahssa Chavoshi Winters College Council
President.
Volume 2, Issue 1
Page 3
Profile: Brianna Roberts
Jambo Winters!
My name is Brianna Roberts and I graduated from Winters College in the
spring of 2012 with a Major in Theatre and a Minor in African Studies.
During my time at York University I was fortunate to be a part of the Creative Ensemble stream of the Theatre department, as well as take a variety of classes within African Studies with a heavy focus on the arts and
development. Outside of the classroom and studio I was Co-President of
the Theatre Student Association and VP of Programming for the Creative
Arts Student Association (CASA). Being a student leader was always extremely important to me, and I loved creating a sense of community
among Fine Arts students.
Currently I am living and working in Kenya for Me to We working with incredible youth on projects spearheaded by Free the Children. Free the Children has built over 650 schools and currently over 55,000 young people
are attending school daily because of Free the Children’s holistic and sustainable development model. As well as education, Free the Children works in
partnership with communities, using our Adopt A Village model, to provide
water and sanitation, heath care, alternative income and food security. As a
leadership facilitator I work with and empower young people to create positive change both domestically and internationally. I will be living in Kenya
until 2014 and in the future I plan on creating educational programming that
uses theatre as a tool for youth empowerment in East Africa. It was my involvement in student leadership at Winters that helped me develop skills to
be successful in Kenya. I must extend my greatest thanks to Winters College
and Winters College Council who were always exceptionally supportive of the Theatre Student Association and CASA. Winters
was always willing to support my initiatives to bring a variety of
African musicians, playwrights and activists to campus. Winters
and the faculty of Fine Arts allowed me to discover my passions
to the fullest and encouraged me to take my art and ambitions all
the way to East Africa.
If you want more information on the work Free the Children does
in Canada and around the world, feel free to check out
www.freethechildren.com
All the best from Kenya!
Kwa Heri Winters!
Profile: Corey Payette
Corey Payette - BFA Music
class of 2008
After graduating, Corey moved to Vancouver BC where he was cast in the
world premiere of the musical Beyond Eden at Theatre Calgary/Vancouver
Playhouse Theatre Company which performed to sold out audiences for the
Cultural Olympiad in Vancouver. He then went on to perform in La Cage Aux
Folles at the Playhouse. In 2011, Corey began writing the Book/Music/Lyrics
for his second original musical (currently untitled) about a family coming to
terms with the affects of the Indian Residential School System. The musical was
given a full weeklong workshop at the Vancouver Playhouse Theatre Company with a public presentation on October 30th, 2011. Corey is currently on a
tour of the Yukon in the new play JUSTICE which tours to the National Arts
Centre in Ottawa this spring.
Page 4
Winters Alumni Newsletter
YORK ALUMNI KEY FIGURES IN CANADIAN MIXED MARTIAL-ARTS FEATURE FILM
York Alumni PASHA PATRIKI and ALLAN UNGAR
Key Members of the Canadian Feature Film Tapped
Author: Jeremy Shell, MBA
“Tapped” is a stylishly-crafted, gritty dramatic film written and
directed by Allan Ungar. Shot in London, Ontario, it tells the story of Michael Shaw (played by Canadian Cody Hackman), a
nineteen year old who is wasting his potential. Shaw, never able
to deal with the emotional aftermath of watching his parents’
murder in a carjacking, finds new hope in the mentorship of Reggie, an old friend of his father’s (played by Michael Biehn, from
such films as Terminator, Aliens, and The Rock) who runs a traditional dojo. Through training and mentorship, Reggie rebuilds
Michael’s character. Michael is
tested when he discovers that his
parents’ murderer is still out there,
moonlighting as a cage fighter.
Faced with a chance to confront the killer (played by UFC star Krzysztof Soszyński) in a winner takes all MMA tournament, Michael decides to go after
him. The film showcases UFC stars Anderson Silva and Lyoto Machida as key
trainers who prepare Shaw for the MMA battle of his life. The film is a fun ride
with spectacular visuals.
Writer/Director Allan Ungar graduated in 2011 with an MA in Film. Tapped is
his directorial debut. Also a graduate of the New York Film Academy in Los
Angeles, Ungar has a cinematic style that attempts to redefine conventional
genre films with innovative approaches to writing.
Another Fine Arts graduate and Winters College alumi is Pasha Patriki who is
the Director of Photography. Patriki has eleven years of filmmaking and an expansive body of excellent work
behind him. He has shot many
dramatic features, feature documentaries, commercials and music videos; most notably a music
video for the popular band “Down With Webster”, nominated
for Best Pop Video Of The Year at the 2012 Much Music Video
Awards. He has also been honoured with awards from the NY
Independent Short Film Festival (“Best Cinematography”) and
the Wildsound Film Festival.
Pasha Patriki: “Working on “Tapped” has been a fun experience.
We put our resourcefulness to the test, making a big picture with
a very modest budget. I salute everyone on the film for working
to the highest standards of production.”
Volume 2, Issue 1
Page 5
Allan Ungar: “For my first major film, I couldn't have asked for a better group of people to work with. The task
was daunting, but with hard work and preparation, I feel confident we truly delivered as a team. I am still in awe
of the talent we worked with, both on and off screen.”
Mike Sousa, a York Economics graduate is one of the film’s producers. He began his career in film production at the age of 18
and became a skilled editor and post production technician. At
York he also developed producing skills, and learned musical
scoring. Accomplishments include the scoring of twelve films, as
well as cinematography, production management and story editor credits on several more, including several short films, commercials and his first full-length feature. These York graduates are
making a name for themselves in Canadian film; a fast paced
business that relies on changing technologies and production ideologies.
Patriki says:
“The technology has changed quite a lot since I graduated from York – it has become
cheaper. More things are possible today. Back then HD video was still new, and shooting on film was more common than any other format. Today we are working with 4K
and higher digital motion picture resolutions. The whole way of managing camera and
footage has completely shifted. Technology is advancing faster than ever, but the
basic principles of filmmaking remain the same. My York Film education prepared me
to succeed by teaching me these key principles.”
When asked how aspiring filmmakers can break into the business, Ungar said….
“Knock on as many doors as you can and never let the word “no” discourage you.
With hard work and gumption, you can succeed. Try to find people who share your
vision. Collaboration is the key.”
Pasha Patriki: “There isn't a sure formula for “breaking into the business”. Everyone
has gotten to where they are on a different path... One thing I am certain of – if you
love what you are doing, and you are persistent,
sooner or later (hopefully sooner) you will be noticed. The more industry people
you meet – the more you will be able to surround yourself with like-minded
people, and form a team of ninja filmmakers! It's no accident that so many
York graduates collaborated on the production of 'Tapped’.”
These York Alumni agree that their paths in film began when they were
young and that their York training and experience helped them forge their
professional careers.
Winters Alumni Newsletter
Page 6
Profile: Matteo Parente, BFA ’10, MA ’11
“Education is the most powerful weapon, which you can use to change the world”. Nelson Mandela
Since graduating with an MFA in music composition in 2011 Matteo Parente has
been touring across the Far East. Performing with bands in Vietnam, Thailand,
China, Korea, United Arab Emirates, and Singapore.
His passion for music started at a very young age. He began playing the guitar
and always dreamt of touring the world and playing music. Near the end of his
Masters studies, while he was finishing his thesis, Matteo auditioned for several
bands worldwide. In December 2010, he learned from an agent in Hong Kong,
that he was about to go on tour that would begin in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
In the past two years, Matteo has played for thousands of people at 600 shows.
Eventually he was promoted to the role of musical director (MD) where he would
oversee the rehearsals, compose intros and endings to the songs, and coordinate
the choreography. Matteo was able to use what he learned in the music department at York and apply it to his profession. In addition, Matteo’s educational
background allowed him to better understand and appreciate other musical
styles such as Chinese, Arabic, and Korean-pop
music that he experienced in those countries. The
Great Wall of China.
whole experience has “... challenged me to become a better guitarist, and has expanded my
horizons.” He also moved into other creative avenues such as programming and
audio-production as well as earning two endorsements from Ernie Ball Music
Man guitars, and Xotic effect pedals.
The experience of living in different cities in South East Asian countries has expanded Matteo’s view of the world. He immersed himself in their languages
cultures, culinary specialties, and attractions; the Cu Chi tunnels in Vietnam, the
Buddhist temples in Thailand; the Great Wall of China, the Sheikh Zayed
Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi and the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) in Korea. These
travel experiences and the different musical styles and influences of his band
mates have expanded his musical boundaries and perception of the world.
Matteo now living in Singapore, is now looking forward to the next chapter of
Tiger Temple in Thailand. his life; he wants to explore Korean pop music, also known as K-pop, which has
spiked in popularity in recent years, as evidenced in the popularity of Korean
singer PSY and his hit “Gagnam Style”. His debut CD, “out of This
World” received great reviews and he is now hard at work on a second album.
Matteo wishes to thank all his professors at York University Music Department for sharing their knowledge, expertise, and guidance, especially Al Henderson and Ron Westray (his Master’s advisors) and Michael Coghlan, Graduate Program Director of the music department
www.matteoparente.com
Buy his debut album Out of This World on
itunes: http://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/out-of-this-world/
id550835862
Shenzhen, China.
Volume 2, Issue 1
Page 7
In Memory of Michael Marcuzzi
Music Professor & Winters Fellow
1966-2012
Born in Windsor, Ontario on September 23, 1966, after a lengthy battle with
cancer, Michael passed away on September 27, 2012. He was only 46 years
old, a passionate man with boundless enthusiasm and a love of music, learning,
research, and great conversation. Michael was much loved as a Professor of Music, as well as an associate Professor in the Faculty of Education at York. Prior to
joining the full-time faculty at York University, he taught for ten years at the university and secondary school levels in Windsor, Toronto and California. A man of
many hats, who fought the bigger battles to lessen the load of others, Michael
joined the Regent Park School of Music (Toronto) in 2011. Its program flourished
in large part due to his countless volunteer hours and relentless spirit to ensure
children had access to music education. He performed with symphony orchestras in Windsor, Detroit, and Mississauga and as a freelance trumpeter with numerous artists in Canada, U.S. and Cuba. He credits as an arranger and
composer include work with the Canadian Brass, University of Memphis Jazz Orchestra, and Toronto-based Latin
ensembles Orquesta Fantasia and Pacande. A memorial concert was held in the Winters Dining Hall on October
10, 2012. The Marcuzzi family, old friend Bernardo Padron, Marie Rickard, the Master of Winters College and
the Music faculty were instrumental in bringing this event together. He continues to be missed.
In Memory of Courtney Cathers
Theatre & Winters Alumnus
1988-2013
COURTNEY CATHERS Suddenly following a tragic vehicular accident in Lindsay,
Ontario on Sunday, February 3, 2013 in her 25th year. The favorite "oldest"
daughter of Bill and Sue. Much loved sister of Ryan and Holly. Loving granddaughter of Edward and Doreen Gordon of Cholsey, England, John Cathers, Joan Addison, Ann Hanna, and the late Emily Cathers Thompson. She will be sadly missed by
her loving partner Adam Wall of Shropshire, England. Courtney attended the
Country Day School where she excelled at art, making music and public speaking.
She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre from York University. She loved everything to do with animals. Horses, cats and dogs were her passion. Courtney was a brilliant treasure who will be remembered forever, deeply, and will be indescribably missed.
PRIVATE CD COLLECTION ON SALE!!!
This massive collection was donated by Winters Fellow,
Stewart H. Ross and is housed in the Office of the Master at
Winters College. We are selling these CDs (many one-of-a
kind and out of circulation) at a starting price of $5.00. All
proceeds go to establishing an Award for a deserving Winters
College Student. Please come by to see the collection or email
us if you are interested.
A partial list can be seen on the Winters website at:
www.winters.yorku.ca
LOST & FOUND
From Estelle Paget:
“Is there a chance someone would know (possibly in the
Advancement Office???) how to reach my former professors, Dr. Hedi Bouraoui and Dr. Ted Rathe? I would
be thrilled if this message could be forwarded to them.
They played an important role in my life and don’t
know how to thank them.
Please do not hesitate to ask me any further questions
or make any comments. Please feel free to forward my
message to others you think might be interested (Early
Childhood Education at York???)
Thanks for letting me know if you are able to forward
my message to Professors Bouraoui and Rathe.”
Estelle Paget
Executive Director
KidCareCanada Society
5361 Parker Avenue
Victoria, BC
V8Y 2N1
CANADA
Tel: (250) 479-7587
Cell: (250) 818-0639
Email: estelle.paget@shaw.ca
Web: http://www.kidcarecanada.org
* Since this request, Winters has forwarded Estelle’s message to Dr. Hedi Bouraoui and the Faculty of Education.
CONTACT US!
Are you looking for an old schoolmate or
professor that used to be a part of Winters? Feel free to contact us and we will
help you find them.
121 Winters College
4700 Keele Street
Toronto, ON
M3J 1P3
416-650-8199
wcmaster@yorku.ca
Special Thanks to Angelica Dourado, Niko Markakis, and
Mahssa Chavoshi for all of their assistance on this Issue.