David Ferguson Music Fund

Dave Ferguson Music Fund
Policy Goals are established to progress the Purpose
Policy Limits are defined that help preserve and defend the Purpose
Working Group and Community of Faith Tools, Processes, and Resources have been designed that progress the Purpose

Application Deadlines

May 31st & October 15th

May deadline funds to be disbursed in time for Fall program starts and October deadline funds to be disbursed in time for January program starts.

Please see below for how to apply.

Background

The former St. Matthew’s United Church, Calgary, faithfully created the David Ferguson Fund as a legacy to honour this influential and important music leader at St. Matthew’s and in Calgary’s choral community; to continue the ministry of music for participants in United Church communities across Chinook Winds Region or its successor bodies.

Purposes of the David Ferguson Music Fund

To inspire children, youth and young adults to experience God through music
To support music learning, education, and growth for children, youth and young adults through The United Church of Canada, with particular attention to choral and vocal musicianship
To support program planning for music education in faith communities in Chinook Winds Region or its successor body with particular attention to choral and vocal musicianship

David Howard Ferguson

And The United Church of Canada

Born in Calgary in 1940, David Ferguson grew up in a musical family. He enjoyed a long career as a chorister, soloist, teacher and conductor of school programs for orchestra and band, vocal coach, arranger, and adjudicator.  He is best known for his many choirs and ensembles over the years in Calgary, working with singers of all ages and experience.

David’s early involvement with sacred music in the United Church effectively set the stage for what was to become a long and recognized career. As a young child, his singing talent was spotted early at Wesley United Church, where he was soon performing solos as a boy soprano and by the age of 15 was directing Wesley’s Children's Choir. A few years later he conducted the Calgary United Church Young People’s Choir, a city-wide group of singers that performed for various local congregations. Through the Young People’s Choir, he met a lovely alto, Barbara. They were married in 1962, and together raised three musical children.

David went on to become a Music Teacher, retiring from Western Canada High School in 1995. By that time, he was the Artistic Director of the Mount Royal Conservatory of Music Choral Program and later served as Chorusmaster of the Calgary Philharmonic Chorus. His choirs won innumerable medals at festivals and toured both nationally and internationally. In addition to his choirs’ accomplishments, David received many recognition awards for his personal achievements over the years. In all this time, he and his new family continued to maintain a connection with the United Church of Canada. After completing his Master’s Degree in Choral Conducting from the University of Colorado, he subsequently served as Minister of Music at Southminster United Church, St. Andrew’s United Church, and then St. Matthew’s United Church.

Following his retirement from St. Matthew’s, he was honoured with a special legacy from the congregation, resulting in the creation of the David Ferguson Music Fund. These bursaries will be a way of celebrating and continuing his legacy - a lifelong dedication toward creating and sharing the joy of music. Mr. Ferguson’s years of musicianship and service changed the lives of practically everyone who made music with him, and he is honoured to now be able to help a new generation pursue their musical dreams.

How to Apply

You can access the online application form HERE or by clicking the button on the right.
  1. Download the application form here or by clicking the button below
  2. Submit your proposal by submitting the form below, by emailing dfmusicfund@gmail.com, or by mailing to the address below:
    Chinook Winds Region - David Ferguson Music Fund
    43 Riverside Dr. P.O. Box 98
    Okotoks, AB T1S 0J2
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