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.