Director of Music appointed for Parish of

All Saints, Wokingham

Following the resignation of the previous Director of Music, Ralph Franklin, the Parish sought a replacement Director. After interview, and approval by the Parochial Church Council, David A Rance MA (Music) was appointed to the post from 1st October 2006.

David Rance was educated at the Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe, and Durham University where he graduated with an honours degree in music. While still at school he took on his first organist’s post in a Methodist church at the age of fifteen. A year later he became choirmaster as well. While at university he was organist and choirmaster at St. Mark’s Parish Church, Byker, Newcastle upon Tyne.

After graduation David became a secondary school music teacher, eventually becoming Head of Music at Kendrick Girls’ School, Reading, where he remained for fourteen years until his retirement.

David was able to fit in other musical activities from time to time. He has played for services in almost every Christian denomination and has latterly been a peripatetic organist and/or choirmaster at churches where there has been a musical interregnum. He has also conducted various amateur choirs and orchestras and been musical director of amateur operatic societies. As if this is not enough he is also on the panel of examiners in music for the Edexcel examinations board, is duty organist two days a week at the Reading Crematorium, and composes anthems and organ music.

David has many non-musical interests. His hobbies have included sound recording, printing, book-binding, photography, and computer programming (in C++!). He has a cottage in Normandy where he grows his own wine and cider. Sport? David likes to play tennis but unfortunately can’t find anyone bad enough to play with him!

A committed Christian for most of his life, David was at one time a Methodist Local Preacher and a Bible Class leader. He and his wife would often lead the prayers and read the lesson at Greyfriars Church in Reading until his appointment here at All Saints.

He is married to Ann, has five children (and five grandchildren). His youngest daughter, Eleanor, was ordained in 1996 and is now a chaplain in the RAF.