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Rosanne Howell

Rosanne is radiant and very enthusiastic. That is something I remember about her when she came to tape her "Jazzology" a couple of years ago... well that, and her choice of influence...Tupac Shakur. Yes, Tupac Shakur - unconventional to say the least.

At first we were concerned, but Larry Green told her if she could relate it to herself and her jazz studies. it was a go...and that the cut was G rated.

Moreen Murray

I met up with Rosanne at one of my neighbourhood haunts for lunch and visited her at Humber College a couple of days later where she works in their fabulous new recording studio. Rosanne felt a special connection with the rapper who died all too young - such a connection in fact that she remains in touch with his mother, activist Afeni Shakur and members of his circle - even writing a bio for one - Big Syke. I remember her telling me she had gone to visit the performing arts centre outside of Atlanta they had built, a place for inner city kids to express themselves through art, music and dance. The centre includes a peace garden and a statue of Tupac.

While Rosanne's studies at Humber, as a vocalist, were completed in 2007 (a lovely recital by the way) she is still on campus, working as recording engineer and teaching assistant for the state of the art studio and labs. What an advantage to the school having someone who not only is a Trebas grad, but also completely understands the music she is helping to record! I confess I don't have a clue what all those levers and lights mean on the board - but it's impressive nonetheless. I was introduced to a few of her amiable and hard-working co-workers - Andy Pryde and Sylvan - on the last day before classes resume. Things were quiet.

There are sound-proofed work station rooms (three, and in high demand) where the students can mix things themselves (something they learn in the MIDI lab upstairs - where Rosanne assists), a classroom with board and TVs - so as recently happened, a vocal ensemble can see instrumentalists in the recording studio and record simultaneously. There's a new Hammond acquisition, numerous pianos....wow.

The Humber students have an amazing facility for recording, which has also been used by artists such as David Clayton Thomas and John McLeod's Rex Hotel Orchestra. A display case of a sampling of Juno awards lets you know the high quality of staff. Special shout out to the staff in the music office, especially the effervescent and highly capable Marsha Duggan.

In addition to Humber, Rosanne also works at the Royal Conservatory of Music recording recitals and in our neck of the woods - the Nelvana studios in Liberty Village, sound for television including the animated series "Babar" - with the voice of Gordon Pinsent and jazz singer Molly Johnson among others. The busy mom of a 14 and 8 year old is working on her own labour of love a recording of which she has 12 or 13 tracks in preliminary mode. Rosanne says she will write, sing, arrange and produce - but no engineering! She also has written songs for short films.

We also connected on our love of cooking and baking, exchanging tips. She finds time every morning to play piano - kind of her meditation and centreing. Rosanne's energy shines through every moment. I think that's a great example for us all and for embracing the new year.

Visit www.rhmusic.ca to listen to samples of her songs, and go to www.tasf.org to find out about the performing arts centre - they are looking to build practice rooms and a theatre.