Profile: Music, Community, and Connection - Sing with Kelda Mikalson
Community contribution: Lorraine Campbell's latest in her Profiles series for Harmony Centre spotlights Kelda Mikalson.
REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION FROM HARMONY CENTRE
by Lorraine Campbell
I had the pleasure of sitting down with Kelda Mikalson recently and took the time to get to know a little bit about her and the programs she offers at Harmony Centre.
Originally from Calgary, Kelda holds a Bachelor of Music from the University of Lethbridge, as well as being a certified Personal Support Worker, and now spends her time teaching music as well as working in group homes in the area.
Kelda moved to Owen Sound in 2009 to help a friend move her store, got involved and subsequently became assistant manager of ‘Around the Sound’ local food market and community kitchen until 2011.
She was teaching music at Fromager’s when it was purchased by Long and McQuade music stores, and stayed with the new owners when they made the move to the upper east side of Owen Sound.
Prior to COVID, Kelda was taking her intergenerational programs to retirement homes and long-term care facilities. The programs were aimed at infants, parents, and seniors. She says the participants had a lot of fun all together.
Looking for a space of her own, Kelda moved to Harmony Centre in June of 2024 and has settled well into her airy studio. With softly carpeted floors and bright colours on the walls, it is easy to picture her students feeling comfortable in this space.
She teaches voice to children starting as young as five years old and on up to ‘children’ in their senior years. Her classes are low pressure, and she encourages her students to play and have fun with their voices; to open up and explore and be brave.
She offers both private and group lessons and everyone is welcome, whether the student is seasoned or brand new to singing; whether the student is serious and preparing for auditions or singing for the pleasure of self-improvement and gaining confidence for church choir, campfire, or karaoke. Classes run late afternoon and into the evening on weekdays.
Kelda also offers a preschool program four mornings a week for young children and their caregivers called “Music Together,” which is based on an established program. She provides an illustrated book, a CD, and a download of the songs for each session so that the participants have a collection of music, which changes each session.
Kelda’s parting words: “Just sing and have fun! Use your voice!”
If you would like more information on what Kelda has to offer, please contact her at:
musictogetherwithkelda@gmail.com or 519-371-8275.
‘Profiles’ is an awesome series of articles by Harmony Centre board member Lorraine Campbell. Each month, Lorraine writes about the people and the community groups that make this remarkable facility what it is today.
Thank you to sponsors of The Owen Sound Current Writers’ Fund, who make these community contributions possible. Contributions from the community do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of The Owen Sound Current and its editor or publisher.