Dan McCoy
Raised in Gravenhurst, I began playing the piano by ear at the age of 4 and ended up with two Master’s degrees, the first in Musicology from the University of Toronto and the second in Early Keyboard Performance from The Liszt School of Music in Weimar, Germany.
I have a long history playing in all styles of music, which is why it is a joy for me to be able to offer varied musical perspectives on familiar themes at Trinity. With the ultra-flexible Senior Choir on board, I have been privileged to offer a smorgasbord of genres, instruments, and connections with a constant aim toward excellence.
During my time at Trinity, we’ve been able to establish the Muskoka Ukulele Society, which has taken on a life of its own, having played for numerous local groups and functions over the years, from the Gravenhurst High School, to the Manor, to the Rotary Club, to St James Anglican Church, the list goes on. The Muskoka Youth Choir was also founded and were invited to the Gravenhurst Opera House thrice to open for other acts as well as musicked in seniors residences. We also saw the birth and support for The August Organ summer concert series, welcoming Canada’s best organists to play our restored Casavant pipe organ. We’ve had two Vintage Film Festivals with live musical accompaniment. We’ve welcomed the acclaimed Ontario Youth Choir. As well, we hold a space for international communities such as the choir we hosted from Germany and the Neema African Children’s Choir. In summer 2018, we were honoured to have the Tewit Youth Band from Harrogate, England entertain us for the Opening Day of the August Organ series.
I’m also especially proud of the strong connections we’ve maintained over the years with the pillars of our cultural fabric: local music organizations such as the Muskoka Concert Band and Bifocals Band, the Muskoka Concert Association, Gravenhurst schools, and now the Sawdust City Music Festival.
Outside of my duties in Gravenhurst, I am also the Associate Director of the King Edward Choir in Barrie and the President of the Royal Canadian College of Organists (RCCO), Simcoe-Muskoka Chapter. I recently completed an accredited mindfulness course, became a certified yoga instructor and made a pilgrimage to India in 2018 where I received the spiritual name “Prem Sagar” or “The Ocean of Love,” which I am doing my best to live up to.
I am honoured to serve alongside Rev. Allan Lynk. He is a true artist of life. Our church administrators also hold a dear place in my heart.
See you Sunday!
Dan