David Warder
David was born and raised on a farm just outside of Lion’s Head, taking private piano lessons during his childhood to complete Grade 9 piano through the Royal Conservatory of Music before leaving home to study Mathematics and Accounting at the University of Waterloo.
He has been involved in church music his entire life, singing with the Sunday School; then the Junior Choir; then playing for church services starting in 1978. David had an ecumenical upbringing. Most of his musical leadership has been in the United and Anglican churches in Lion’s Head but, at one time or another, he has played in almost every church on the Peninsula; often at multiple churches in a single day.
Before coming to St. John’s, David served as the Organist for Christ Church in Lion’s Head for over 15 years. During this time, he was involved with introducing the Common Praise hymn book to the congregation, starting a church choir which grew from 6 people to 17 at its peak, and working with mass choirs for special services in the wider Parish. David also participated in and/or assisted with leading several music workshops in the Diocese. He received the Bishops’ Award for Excellence in Ministry and was invited to be a worship leader/music teacher at the Diocesan Synod in London, Ontario.
In 2013, David became the Director of the Community Christmas Cantata Choir. This choir’s repertoire has expanded to Easter Cantatas and they now travel to perform these Cantatas around the Peninsula. Working with this group is some of the hardest work David does, but it also brings him some of the greatest joys.
David has sung with the Wiarton Community/Concert Choir for most sessions since 1991 and participated in a music program at the Golden Dawn Nursing Home twice a month from 2012 to 2019.
Besides music, David is a Chartered Professional Accountant and a school bus driver. In his spare time he enjoys participating in local amateur theatre, fundraising, and working in his yard and gardens.