What is Club Cubase Edmonton?
It's a users group (started in May 1999) where we typically demo some of the many features of Steinberg's Cubase SX/SL and other Steinberg products. As well, we look at programs that are related to Cubase, such as third-party plug-ins and virtual instruments. It's also an opportunity to meet with people with similar interests and to share problems, solutions and successes! We try to vary the content including both audio and MIDI functions using Cubase.
When and where do we meet?
We meet on the first Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. The meetings are held in the Music Technology Lab, Room 134, (middle corridor, bottom floor, watch for signs) at the Centre For The Arts of Grant MacEwan College. The meetings run until about 9:30 p.m. with a short break in the middle for chat and snacks. Is there a cost to join?
The cost is $20.00 per year (a bargain!). Of course, you're welcome to come to the first meeting at no cost and see what we're all about.
What kind of topics will be covered?
We try and talk about all the aspects of Cubase and it's peripherals. Some previous topics have including things like: the audio pool, editors, controllers, score editing, recording and mixing techniques, understanding General Midi, and so on. We've also looked at related programs like Reason, ReCycle, SampleTank 2, various plug-ins, virtual synths like the Model E, PPG Wave, Pro 53, B4, LM-4, Halion, Kontakt, etc.
Do I have to be an accomplished musician?
Absolutely not! The members of the group range from home hobbyists to professionals. The presentations assume very little previous knowledge, and should appeal to everyone. The emphasis is on learning more about the "tool" to better create and enjoy music!
Are there any perks for coming to meetings?
We often have door prizes generously provided by Steinberg Canada or third-party vendors. We've had draws for things like Steinberg watches and t-shirts, as well as programs like the LM-4, SampleTank LE, Cubase tutorial CD-Roms, PPG Wave, etc. On occasion we'll also have a guest lecturer and/or artist to assist us in a demo. We've had guests in to cover topics like drum programming, song writing and recording techniques. Also, we usually provide donuts in the break!
Also, let's not forget the pooled resources of the members and facilitators to answer any support questions, equipment needs, or even to exchange musical ideas!
Who runs the group and whom do I contact?
Club Cubase Edmonton is run by Marcel Hamel and Richard Craig. The majority of the demos are presented by Marcel with Richard handling the administrative, financial and business duties.
Marcel has worked in the Music Program at Grant MacEwan College since 1983 after graduating in Piano Performance and Recording Arts. He took a sabbatical in 1991-93 to complete a degree in Music Synthesis Production and Music Production Engineering from the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston. Marcel also worked for a year in retail sales, and continues Production work in his home studio, supplemented with live playing.
Richard is retired from the CBC after 25 years as a Producer for CBC Radio. He's picked up 2 Juno Awards and 3 Canadian Music Council Awards along the way. As a keyboardist, guitarist, composer and arranger he's still active with music and music technology at his home studio and around Edmonton.
CONTACT CLUB CUBASE EDMONTON
You can contact Marcel Hamel at: hamelm@shaw.ca or by telephone at (780) 458-2295
Richard Craig can be reached at: wrcraig@shaw.ca, or by telephone at (780) 486-3974