Alumni Spotlight: Cassidy Wheatcroft ’16

WPGA House: Hemlock
Current Path: Founder of Marine Parade Entertainment

Life Since Graduation

Since leaving WPGA, I’ve bounced between Nashville, LA, and Vancouver playing music. During university, I interned at Hans Zimmer’s music production and publishing company, 14th Street Music, which was a massive inspiration for me to compose, write, and eventually start my own company. In 2025, I launched Marine Parade Entertainment, where I write, produce, and market music and digital media on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.

Following a Passion to Nashville

I was heart-set on Belmont University in Nashville, which was the only school I applied to. At the time, it was one of the few schools that offered great contemporary music programs. They ran these programs out of some of Nashville’s most historic recording facilities, such as Ocean Way Studios and Columbia A Studios, where I studied audio engineering, songwriting, and the music business.

How the Wolfpack Prepared Me

I genuinely remember saying to my parents after my first year at Belmont, “Wow, WPGA did an incredible job with the university prep.” I’ve said to several people how thankful I am for both my education and community at WPGA. A lot of artists tend to be put off by the business side of creativity, but I think a big part of my passion for combining artistry and business comes from the balance of arts and academia at the school.

Lessons in Balance and Fun

The most valuable skill I learned at WPGA was balance—100%. The school engraved a system of exercise, friendship, discipline, and a passion for education into my everyday life. I also had a ton of fun at WPGA. I truly had a blast every day, and I carried that throughout life because every day at work now, I still have a lot of fun!

Heartwarming Memories

I clearly remember the first time Mr. Elmer showed me the music rooms in Grade 4 or 5. As a young "music-nut," seeing all the guitars and percussion instruments felt like I had gone to heaven. My friends and I would go in there during recess and lunch all the time; the music teachers were so kind to us, even though they had to put up with a lot of terrible sounds coming from those rooms! I’ll also never forget the band trips to New York and Whistler.

The People Who Guided Me

Mr. Morden remains one of my favorite people I have ever met. I took several history courses with him and I always felt that he showed such respect toward his students. He made me feel like just another person he was speaking to, rather than a kid. It was a meaningful lesson that no matter the age or position, respect and kindness between two people can mean the world. He constantly made my day whether we were talking about ancient civilizations or the TV show Nashville.

The Quick Hits

  • WPGA in 3 words: Inspiring. Supportive. Fun.
  • Fun Fact: I can juggle pretty well!
  • What I’m most proud of: My loyalty to friends and family. That will always be the most important part of my life.

A Wish for the Future

My greatest wish for WPGA is that it keeps its positive spark. It is an absolute joy to walk through the halls and I credit that to the incredible staff who always seem to be smiling. I felt that wonderful energy when I first came in Grade 4 and I feel it when I drive past the school now in my 20s.
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Since 1996, West Point Grey Academy has gratefully resided on the Jericho Lands, the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Nation and sə̓lílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nation. Honoured to learn and play on these beautiful lands, we endeavour to be a leader in Indigenous education. In creating shared understanding and opportunities, we hope to help foster a more equitable society for all.

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West Point Grey Academy

4125 West 8th Avenue
Vancouver, B.C., V6R 4P9
Tel: 604-222-8750