Music Ministry
The Bible is filled with music, and so is Grace.
Music plays a vital role in the worship and life of Grace. Discover how music can deepen your spiritual faith and how you can help to enliven the faith of our community.
There is an open call for adults and children to join the music ministry at Grace. Please read the details below and then sign up for your prefered music ministry group. Our music director will then contact you for the next steps.
Grace Presbyterian Chancel Choir: Provide music for Sunday services, concerts and special events Sing from the classical canon as well as contemporary music Rehearse from September to June one evening a week
Grace Notes Children’s Choir: Kids 7+ Build basic music skills Join children from the congregation and community Build basic music skills Sing with the Grace Choir at special services (Christmas, Easter, etc.)
Grace Handbell Choir: Join this enthusiastic group that brings a joyful sound to our services. Rehearse Tuesday evenings at 7PM and ring at Sunday morning and Evening Grace services throughout the year. A great way to get involved in music ministry.
Camerata: Instrumental ensemble for intermediate to advanced players. Play music from the classical canon and contemporary works. Rehearse Sundays at 12:30 PM after service. Perform in services solo or with the choir. All instruments welcome, with a special need for strings and brass.
Vocal Choir
Choir rehearsal is held Thursday evenings starting at 7:30pm.
The choir has approximately 30 members and provides music leadership in worship each Sunday morning. There are section leaders who support its members, all of whom love to sing. New members are always welcome. If you are interested in joining our choir, please contact our Music Coordinator, Matthew Kallio, at mattk@gracecalgary.org.
Handbell Choir
The handbells rehearse Monday evenings
The handbell choir is made up of multiple enthusiastic members. The bells ring their joyful sound several times throughout the year in the Sunday morning and Evening Grace services. If you are interested in becoming involved in the music ministry at Grace, the Handbell Choir would be a fun way to start. Please get in touch with our Music Coordinator, Matthew Kallio, for more information.
Matthew Kallio, Music Coordinator
Hello Grace Presbyterian Church! My name is Matthew Kallio, and I am very happy to be joining your church in the role of Music Coordinator.
I thought I would share a little about myself so you can get to know me better. My musical journey began at the age of 8 when I began my studies in Canada’s Royal Conservatory of Music. Following studies with the RCM, I continued to earn post-secondary credentials in music at Cambrian College of Applied Arts and Technology in Sudbury, Ontario (Diploma in Piano Performance) and Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia (Bachelor of Music – Piano/Organ).
After graduation, I worked in Halifax, NS as a professional musician. I held positions at the Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts as piano faculty, King’s Presbyterian Church and All Saints Anglican Church as organist/music director. Following Halifax, I worked in Ontario as a pianist for Cambrian College and Laurentian University. I was the artistic director of the City of Lakes Music Society.
I have over 20 years of professional teaching experience in private, conservatory and post-secondary music instruction. In addition to my teaching work, I am in demand as a collaborative pianist, ballet pianist, theatre musician and chamber musician. I have also enjoyed working with and singing with various professional and amateur choirs as a pianist, organist, and singer.
Since moving to Calgary, I have had the privilege of working as a pianist for the Alberta Ballet and teaching a private studio of students. I very much look forward to meeting you and getting to know the folks at Grace. Please do not hesitate to say hello and introduce yourself! I also very much look forward to meeting and working with our musicians and choir here at Grace. I welcome your thoughts and hope to foster a fun, collaborative approach to music that creates meaningful worship for your community.
Singing Lessons from the Choir
The Grace Choir is filming a series of singing lesson videos. Here is Taylor teaching phonation. Stay tuned for more videos…coming soon.
Did you Know?
The Grace Memorial Organ
The Grace Memorial Organ, known around the world, lays the foundation for our vibrant music ministry.
This instrument was originally built and installed by the Canadian Organ Company when the Sanctuary opened in 1912. The Organ had 44 stops and 46 ranks, playable on four manuals and pedals, with an echo division uniquely located in the centre of the ceiling of the Sanctuary. All of this at the cost of $6000.00.
By 1953 the original console had worn out. And the tubular pneumatic action needed to be upgraded. In 1959 an additional twenty new stops were added, changing the Great Division completely. In 1976 and 1980, major re-leathering of the original chests was completed. The Organ has five divisions, Echo, Swell, Great, Choir, and Pedal. The longest pipe is 16 feet long and a foot square. The shortest pipes are ¾ inch long and about the thickness of a pencil. In January of 2002, the last rebuild concluded with 3700 pipes in total.
