ASSINIBOIA - The Assiniboia and District Arts Council hosted a free concert at the Shurniak Art Gallery on June 7. This concert featured
Assiniboia’s very own, Hal Schrenk, and singer/songwriter, Carrie Catherine.
Hal Schrenk was born in and grew up in Assiniboia and displayed musical talent from a very young age and was a member of the local marching band. At the young age of 8, Hal won several drumming awards, including most promising percussionist.
Throughout his life, Hal has worked on over 100 different drum and percussion tracks, won numerous awards for music featured in film and commercials including the television series “Party of Five”, “Time of your Life” and “Renegade Press”.
His producing skills showcased on Jay and Jo’s Sophomore effort “Victory” was voted sixth in the Best Saskatchewan Albums of 2020.
Schrenk has performed in festivals such as Lilith Fair, Juno fest, the Western Canadian Music Awards, Canadian Country Music Week Festival, the Sasktel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival, and World Expo.
He has won many awards including a Juno, a Western Canadian Music Award, six SCMA awards and a Showcase Film and Video Award.
In 2014 Schrenk was one of the top ten musicians nominated for the Canadian Country Music Association’s “Drummer of the Year” award.
Hal has had the opportunity to have worked with over 40 artists, including Tebey, Karli June, the Heels, and Chris Buck, and currently performing with Carrie Catherine, Jordyn Pollard, Shantaia, Washboard Union and Amanda Hagel. In addition to his musical achievements, Schrenk is also a talented graphic designer.
He has produced work in several mediums, including digital, print, web, film, and video. In his career, Hal has received over 50 design awards, including various national and international accolades.
The intimate performance featured a handful of songs sung by Carrie, with Hal by her side playing all kinds of percussion instruments ranging from different kinds of drums, a guitar case and other custom made instruments. Schrenk took the time throughout the performance to talk about his instruments and explain their origins or method of use which brought an interesting educational factor to the performance.
This concert also included question and answer sessions throughout the evening with Hal himself, interviewed by Marni Chadwick, who grew up with Hal and lived close by. The interviews were filled with stories by both parties of his time growing up in Assiniboia.
Hal discussed things like his experience in the music industry, his incredible stories about the places he has been and the people he has met, his love for Assiniboia and giving back, his experience as a music director and producer, and the SCMA that were hosted in Assiniboia, which Schrenk was a part of.
This unforgettable evening was a great success, bringing in a large audience of over 60 people, most knew Hal growing up.
