Calvary offers a wide variety of musical opportunities, whether you would like to participate or simply listen and enjoy. The Chancel Choir sings at both Sunday morning services every week. The Children's Choir practices every Sunday during Sunday School and performs at special events throughout the year. Calvary's Sanctuary is also a popular concert venue for numerous local and touring choruses, orchestras and other musical groups.


Chancel Choir
Calvary's acclaimed 60-voice Chancel Choir comprises singers of exceptional talent whose music is coordinated to complement each Sunday's theme of worship. The choir is accomplished in a number of musical genres, performing modern, contemporary, spiritual and folk pieces during both church services and concerts, as well as major works from the Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Medieval periods.

The Chancel Choir is led by Alden Gilchrist who has been Director of Music at Calvary since 1965, having previously served as the church's organist. Alden has been active as a leader in Bay Area music education for decades, and in 1992 received the Prix de Martell award for "outstanding service in the San Francisco musical community." The Chancel Choir's CD The Word, includes his composition, Psalm 137 and his setting of Amazing Grace.

The choir is accompanied by Charles Worth, a versatile pianist, accompanist, vocal coach and organist. In addition to many performances with the choir and his solo appearances, he is frequently heard as an accompanist for singers from around the United States. He maintains a San Francisco studio for teaching and vocal coaching.

In addition to Sunday worship services and concert events, the choir performs at Calvary's yearly Epiphany, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday and Christmas Eve services.

Each summer, the Chancel Choir opens its doors to any experienced singer that wishes to sing at the 11:00 a.m. service for any duration of time during the summer.