Cliff Langin helps his brother’s musical legacy live on at NSCC: Hughie Langin
A natural talent for music
Hughie Langin was loved by many and had an appreciation for music like no other. While coming from a supportive family, Hughie faced a challenging life growing up due to an injury at birth. His life turned around when he was 48 years old and moved into a special care home, giving him the support he needed to thrive. His brother, Cliff Langin, then got Hughie involved with the YMCA, landing him a job as a cleaner for over 20 years, where everyone knew and loved him for his outgoing personality.
During this time, Hughie began building a life of his own and became involved in Halifax’s music community. “He had a natural talent for music,” says Cliff. “Despite no formal training, Hughie could play the piano by ear, and you’d think he’s playing off a script.” He would explore his talent further by visiting local bars and assessing the musicians. Becoming a staple in the community, he was often seen at Stayner’s Wharf Pub and Grill in Halifax enjoying a Shirley Temple. He had incredible chemistry with the musicians, bonding with them through his love of music.
Keeping Hughie's spirit alive
When Hughie's life was tragically cut short in a fatal accident in 2012, his sister Marjorie Lindsay suggested creating a lasting tribute. In honour of Hughie and the life he built for himself. Hughie’s family created Dream Hughie Awards for Music Arts students at NSCC’s Ivany Campus through the Community Foundation of Nova Scotia, celebrating his legacy with an annual event.
As their relationship with the College grew, Cliff wanted to provide more support for aspiring musicians at NSCC. So, in 2024, he, his nephew John Lindsay Jr. and Anne Campbell, worked closely with NSCC faculty Tom Easley and Jeff Goodspeed to bring the first annual Hughie Langin Workshop Series at Ivany Campus to life. Funded annually, the workshops cover topics such as health and well-being, creativity, networking and career development. The workshops connect students with local and touring artists in the community, including Grammy-nominated artists and NSCC alumni, to share their experience pursuing a career in the music industry.
“It's our way of keeping Hughie's spirit alive through music. Supporting these young musicians, seeing them grow and perform – it's exactly what Hughie would have loved,” says Cliff.
Inspiring the next generation of musicians
Tom Easley, who runs the workshop series, sees the impact firsthand. "The Hughie Langin workshops are a game changer for our students. Students are engaged with each visiting artist, which has led to deeper discussions on music and has given them pathways on how they can pursue a career in the music industry.”
NSCC alumni and Grammy-nominated artist and first-ever Dream Hughie Award recipient Laura Roy (Music Arts ‘12) recently hosted a workshop, leaving students feeling inspired. "Having Laura Roy as a guest speaker was such an amazing opportunity. The talk made me reflect on my own journey and left me feeling motivated to put in the work and go after what I want," says second-year Music Arts student Sadie Arsenault.
For Cliff, seeing these young musicians excited about their future is exactly what Hughie would have loved. "I'm committed to continuing this legacy as long as I can," says Cliff. "Because it's not just about remembering Hughie, it's about inspiring the next generation of musicians. That's how we keep his passion for music alive."
View the Hughie Langin Workshop Series 2024-25 artist list:
Kinan Azmeh – World Music Performance from Grammy-nominated artist, Syrian Clarinetist and composer
Layale Chakar – World Music Performance from Grammy-nominated artist, Lebanese Violinist composer
Mark Adam – Award-winning musician, producer and educator, “The Art of Practice”
Laura Roy – Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and NSCC Music Arts alumni
Zach MacLean – Local professional guitarist and bandleader, “Healthy Touring”
Tom Richards – Low-brass specialist, pianist, composer, conductor and producer, “Large project management and funding”
Alexis Baro – Cuban Trumpet player, Improv Workshop, African Heritage Month
Nick Halley – Local drummer/percussionist, keyboardist, composer and conductor, “The Rhythm Workshop"
Continue the legacy of a loved one
Learn more about how you can create a memorial award or initiative in honour of a loved one to support students with the NSCC Foundation, make a memorial donation online to an existing award or initiative or contact us to discuss your options for giving:
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