Formerly known as The Grande Prairie Marching Band, we can trace our roots as far back as 1916. A community band that has operated under the name of The Grande Prairie Band and was the starting point for the Composite High School Band and Orchestra.
The Grande Prairie Music Society is a non-profit, community group that offers 5 music ensembles: the Jazz Band, Grande Prairie Marching Band, Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, and Youth Orchestra. We are open to all community members.
In 2021, we became aware of a desperate need in our region for community-run music ensembles; the importance of music had to be unhitched from 4-year election cycles, boards, and changing administrations.
We determined that we owed future generations of local musicians a fresh, community-based start. We could grow organically and musically, together. After months of legwork by stalwart local musicians with an eye for the future, the Grande Prairie Music Society was formed in August 2021.
Krista (B.Mus, B.Ed, CERTESL) studied cello with Tanya Prochazka at the University for Alberta. Upon completion of her studies, she has taught string classes and conducted orchestras since 2001. She has participated in many conducting workshops and seminars including the University of Toronto wind band conducting symposium, and the conducting workshops of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra under the tutelage of Cosette Justo Valdes. Her passion, other than her family, is bringing the joy of orchestral music making to young musicians.
Chris has been involved with marching bands since joining the North Battleford City Kinsmen Band in 1997. After playing with this organization, he left an received a degree in Music Education from the University of Saskatchewan. He accepted a job in the Grande Prairie Public School Division as a music teacher and also became involved with the Grande Prairie Marching Band first as a member, then an assistant director. Chris Gallagher now holds the position of director of the marching band.
Dr. Robert (Bob) Howey is a multi-instrumentalist specializing in clarinet, saxophone, and flute, as well as conducting, singing, and music education. His focus has been performing in and conducting music ensembles such as concert bands, jazz bands, jazz combos, choirs, rock and country bands, orchestras, and pit orchestras. As an educator, he has taught K-12 music, including general music, choir, and concert and jazz bands. His post-secondary teaching includes woodwind, music ensembles, music history, music theory and aural skills.
Dr. Bob’s extensive music education includes B.Mus. (Performance), UAlberta, B.Mus. (Mus. Ed.), USask, MMA and DMA (Instrumental Music Education), ASU. A Grande Prairie native, he currently directs the Grande Prairie Symphony Orchestra, and the Grande Prairie Symphonic Wind and Jazz Ensembles.
Our objectives are:
The objects of the society are detailed in the Article of Incorporation.
There are two categories of Members.