Local talent continues to shine at OMAs
Kristine Dandavino was the recipient of the Music Teacher of the Year award
Local talent continues to shine at the 2020 Oshawa Music Awards (OMAs) as they continue their awards ceremony online through the month of May.
The event went virtual this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic with the OMAs announcing one to two categories each Saturday over several weeks. The final show is set to take place on May 23.
This year, the recipient of the Music Teacher of the Year award honoured Oshawa teacher Kristine Dandavino. The award highlights a music teacher who has made a substantial impact on their student’s lives.
Each nominee was selected from submissions from the community and ranked by a committee based on their biography, evidence of musical leadership, and testimonials submitted by former students.
As a special treat, Dandavino was honoured with a special message from 16-year-old 2020 Juno nominee Kalista Wilson.
“When I came to your studio as a shy nine year old, I wouldn’t even sing in front of you and now I’m almost 16 and in a Juno nominated band, and if it weren’t for what you taught me, I wouldn’t [have gone this far in my career]…Thank you for everything you’ve done for me and my family,” said Wilson in her congratulations address to her former teacher.
A graduate of the University of Ottawa, Dandavino is a pianist and singer based out of Oshawa. She is the founder of Oshawa Opera and acts as Artistic Director, staging several productions throughout the year, often in support of local charities such as Luke’s Place, and Back Door Mission.
Dandavino also runs her own music studio teaching voice and piano to children and adults. Additionally, she is an active leader within her industry by serving as treasurer of the Oshawa and District Branch of the Ontario Registered Music Teachers Association (ORMTA) and participating as a member of the National Association of Singing (NATS).
“Listening to my colleagues, and their testimonials and at the end of the day we are all winners because we get to work with youth. We get to influence the adults of tomorrow so we’re all winners,” Dandavino said in her acceptance speech.
Other finalists included Mike Paglia from All Saints Catholic Secondary School who was awarded second place, and Whitby music teacher Andrew Cohen from Ormiston Public School took third.
Crown Lands received Band of the Year at the 2020 Oshawa Music Awards. (Facebook photo)
This past weekend saw this year’s Band of the Year award go to Crown Lands, who takes home the honour for the second year in a row.
Crown Lands, comprised of Oshawa/Courtice bandmates Cody Bowles and Kevin Comeau, showcased their newest single “Spit it Out” during the awards ceremony, prior to being awarded.
After meeting six years ago, Bowles and Comeau pursued success through a relentless touring schedule across southern Ontario.
Crown Lands has released two EPs, “Mantra” (2016), and “Rise Over Run” (2017), and performed with major acts such as Jack White, Coheed and Cambria, Primus, and Rival Sons.
This year will see the release of Crown Lands’ self-titled album through Universal Music and produced by six-time Grammy winner Dave Cobb.
“It’s such an honour to receive this award for the second year in a row,” said Bowles in his acceptance speech. “The support from everyone has been unbelievable and we’re feeling the love [from our fans] despite this quarantine,” he added.
The OMAs’ remaining two shows will take place on Saturdays at 7 p.m. and can be viewed on the OMA website, www.oshawamusicawards.ca, and other social media channels.
Best Songwriter(s) will be announced on May 16, and the final show of the season will recognize the Durham Song of the Year on May 23.