About
The Chapel Musicians Ensemble (formerly Chapel Choir) focuses on supporting the music of public chapel worship services at Conrad Grebel University College. The ensemble invites all singers, keyboardists, string, guitar, and woodwind players at the University of Waterloo and beyond to join us as we serve Grebel Chapel services through our musical leadership and sacred music offerings, with a focus on early western music repertory and other acoustic church music traditions.
Director
I am truly privileged to guide musicians developing their skills in the very practical application of Christian worship. Whether you are religious or not, spiritual or not, Christian or not, there is something to learn from the real, recurrent, messy work of being a chapel musician. Sacred music of the Christian tradition reflects the artistic offerings of millions around the world who regularly pause from the pressing demands of their lives to remember an eternal hope. - Kate
Rehearsals
Chapel Musicians are assigned to groups that rehearse together twice a week: once collectively on Monday evenings and again at another time convenient to the members.
Days: Mondays
Time: 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Location: Chapel, Conrad Grebel University College
Key dates for involvement
First rehearsal: Monday, Sept 14th, 6:00pm-7:30pm
Retreat: Saturday, TBA, 9:00am-2:00pm (includes rehearsal time, reflection time, and a workshop with a guest clinician)
Three Chapels: Wednesdays as assigned, 4:30pm-5:20pm
Lessons and Carols Dress Rehearsal: Wednesday, Dec 9th, 3:00pm-4:30pm
Lessons and Carols Performance: Wednesday, Dec 9th, 5:00pm-6:00pm
Performance attire: Solid black dress top (minimum 3⁄4 length sleeve), black bottoms (full length); black shoes.
Audition dates
All new applicants must audition.
Normally, Chapel Musicians continuing from previous terms do not need to re-audition unless they are auditioning with a different instrument than before.
While priority is given to University of Waterloo students, auditions are also open to staff, faculty and the larger University community.
Location: Chapel, Conrad Grebel University College
Winter Term audition info coming soon!
Audition repertoire
Please prepare the following song, "Amazing Grace", for your audition, either the vocal or instrumental part.
Singers, you may sing in any key: choose a starting pitch that is suitable to your voice and range.
Steps to join
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Fill out the Participant Form (see following).
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Register on Quest if you'd like to receive credit (see following for full sequence details).
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Prepare & show up for your audition.
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If accepted, come to the first rehearsal. If not accepted, try again next term!
Participant form
All new ensemble applicants and returning ensemble members must fill out this form to participate every term. Winter 2026 coming soon.
Register for credit
Ensemble credit = 0.25 units. Add to normal course load or ask your advisor for a permission code to override your course limit.
Credit sequence details
Credits are accrued in sequence. If it is your first time participating in an ensemble, register for Music 116 and continue incrementally up the sequence for each new term or additional ensemble.
Important: it is your responsibility to drop the course on Quest if you do not pass the audition or choose not to participate.
Course requirements
1. Engaged participation and attendance at weekly rehearsals (see Attendance Policy, below).
2. Individual preparation, as assigned, for rehearsals. Musicians are responsible for learning assigned materials on their own and must be prepared to demonstrate proficiency in small groups or individually from time to time.
3. Participation in all assigned Chapel performances and additional rehearsals, as needed.
Participation fees for extracurricular members
Students participating as an extracurricular: $30
Non-students: $60
Once accepted into the Chapel Musicians Ensemble, please make your payments via our online portal below.
Attendance policy
For details about your expected attendance and for mandatory steps to follow in case of an absence, please review the following guidelines.
- Attendance is required at all rehearsals whether you are taking the course for credit or not. Please contact the director, Kate Steiner, and your group if you need to miss rehearsal.
- You are allowed one (1) excused absence from rehearsal without jeopardy to your credit. Missing a rehearsal or an assigned Wednesday Chapel performance without communication ahead of the event will result in no credit for the term automatically. If you must be absent more than once due to illness, you must communicate with the director and your group to arrange coverage or reassignment. All musicians must be present for the dress rehearsal and final concert. Non-credit members are subject to the same attendance requirements.
- For students who require special accommodation due to significant illness or extenuating circumstances, please see this site. (Includes Verification of Illness Form [VIF], Self-Declaration, Religious observances, etc.)
- All musicians must be present for the dress rehearsal and final service. Non-credit members are subject to the same attendance requirements.
Outcomes
- Build musical skills in a collaborative team
- Learn and practice accompanying group singing
- Perform regularly throughout the term with feedback in a constructive environment
- Gain familiarity with a wide range of sacred music styles
- Learn basic guidelines for performing in ritual spaces
Awards
The Helen Martens Choral Music Award
This award is for students enrolled in one of the Music Department choirs. Choristers who exhibit a passion for choral music and demonstrate vocal excellence in choral singing will be considered. Note: Choir members who show leadership skills in rehearsals and concert preparation are preferred.
The Agnes Giesbrecht Scholarship
The Giesbrecht Scholarship Fund supports and promotes choral music and training among students enrolled in the Music Program at Conrad Grebel University College and pursuing studies at the University of Waterloo. Awarded to students who have a strong academic record, are actively involved in the Music Program, possess excellent vocal skills, and demonstrate a keen interest in choral music, including the Russian Mennonite choral music tradition. A member of the Chapel Musicians Ensemble who will serve as assistant to the Director of the ensemble during the tenure of the award, normally being one academic year. Typically awarded in the Spring Term, for the upcoming year.
