The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences & Music Education Charity of Canada announces 2009-2010 officers and Board of Directors

Toronto, ON - The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) and the Music Education Charity of Canada (MusiCounts) announced today its 2009-2010 Officers, Board of Directors and incoming Chair following its Annual General Meeting.

CARAS and MusiCounts announced the appointment of Ed Robinson as Chair to the Board of Directors. With a long and distinguished career in the Canadian television industry, including many years of association with the JUNO Awards at both CTV and CBC, Robinson brings to CARAS a wealth of knowledge and experience. Robinson recently retired from CTV where he was the Executive Vice-President for Programming, as well as President and General Manager of The Comedy Network and SPACE: The Imagination Station. His career in entertainment began at CBC Television in 1980 as Deputy Creative Head for their Arts, Music, Science and Variety Department.

"This is a real honour," said Robinson. "I have incredible respect for CARAS and the great work it does on behalf of our music industry. CARAS plays a critical role in not only promoting Canadian music around the world but also by helping foster new talent from coast to coast. I'm looking forward to learning all aspects of the music industry during my tenure as Chair."

In a related announcement, Melanie Berry, President, has been promoted to the title of President & CEO of The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) and the Music Education Charity of Canada (MusiCounts).

"Ed is a perfect fit as Chair of the Board," said Berry. "This position requires someone who will take an active, hands-on role while blazing a trail for CARAS in the coming years. Ed's exemplary leadership skills and passion for the music industry will ensure that we continue to steer this organization towards a bright future."

CARAS and MusiCounts gratefully acknowledges the commitment of its Board members who continue to proactively impact Canada's music industry and bring forth their expertise, insights and leadership to the organizations.

The Complete List of the 2009-2010 CARAS and MusiCounts Officers and Board of Directors:

Chair: Ed Robinson: CARAS & MusiCounts Chair
1st Vice-President: Steve Kane: President, Warner Music Canada
2nd Vice-President: Randy Lennox: President & CEO, Universal Music Canada
Secretary/Treasurer: Humphrey Kadaner: President, HMV Canada
Melanie Berry: President & CEO, CARAS & MusiCounts
Bruce Allen: President, Bruce Allen Talent
Vivian Barclay: General Manager, Warner Chappell Music Canada Ltd.
Deane Cameron: President, EMI Music Canada
Shane Carter: Co-President, SONY Music Entertainment Canada Inc.
Vinny Cinquemani: President, SL Feldman & Associates
Rob Farina: Executive Vice President, Content for Astral Media Radio
Paul Haagenson: President, Canada, West, Live Nation
Ralph James: President, The Agency Group Canada
Aideen O'Brien: President, Mighty Craic
Julien Paquin: President ’Äì Agency Division, Paquin Entertainment Group
Ed Robertson: Artist, Barenaked Ladies
Patti-Anne Tarlton: VP Live Entertainment, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd.
Chris Taylor: Owner & Founder, Taylor Mitsopulos Klein Oballa
Louis Thomas: President & CEO, Sonic Entertainment Group

About CARAS

The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences/L'academie canadienne des arts et des sciences de l'enregistrement (CARAS) is a not-for-profit organization created to preserve and enhance the Canadian music and recording industries and to contribute toward higher artistic and industry standards. The main focus of CARAS is the exploration and development of opportunities to showcase and promote Canadian artists and music through vehicles such as The JUNO Awards. For more information on the 39th Annual JUNO Awards or The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) please visit our websites at www.junoawards.ca and www.carasonline.ca.

About MusiCounts

MusiCounts, the music education charity of Canada associated with The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, is helping to keep music alive in schools across Canada. MusiCounts continues to inspire young Canadians through its mandate to ensure that every student has the opportunity to receive quality music education, develop their talent and build self-esteem. MusiCounts provides grants, fosters music programs and awards scholarships. Since the Program's establishment in 1997, over $3 million has been donated impacting close to 200,000 students, their schools and communities from coast to coast. MusiCounts has also honoured four extraordinary music teachers through the MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award. MusiCounts is supported by various initiatives such as the JUNO Award nominee compilation CD; annual contributions by CTVglobemedia; EMI Music Canada Inc.; Sony Music Entertainment Canada Inc.; Universal Music Canada and Warner Music Canada Ltd.; as well as Songwriters' Circle sponsored by CMPA and SOCAN; Juno Cup sponsored by The Keg Steakhouse and Bar; and individual and corporate contributions, including Astral Media, Rogers Broadcasting Limited and SIRIUS Canada Inc. For more information, please visit: www.musicounts.ca