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(1952 -- December 3, 20081)
Born in Northern Ontario, Allen R. Wayte began his music career as a choirboy at Grace Cathedral, San Francisco. Musical studies in organ and harpsichord performance, brought him home to Canada, and later England. While in England, Mr. Wayte studied improvisation with the then organist of Ely Cathedral, Dr. A Wills.
Upon his return to Canada he held positions in Ontario including that of Organist and Master of the Gentlemen and Boys of St. Peters, Brockville. In the summer of 1997, Allen was appointed the Director of Music at FirstBaptistChurch, Halifax. His duties include the administration of a music programme that includes four choirs, a concert series and regular organ recitals.
For the 2006-2007 academic year, he was appointed University Musician at the Atlantic School of Theology. At AST his time was spent playing for daily Chapel and teaching in the foundation year programme. As an active recitalist and accompanist, he has recorded for both Vision and CBC television, and CBC Radio 2. He has performed for such gatherings as the National Convention of the Royal Canadian College of Organists and the Global Convention of the Hymn Society. Mr Wayte is known for his electric and exciting improvisations on the organ and his ability to programme ideas that inform and engage the audience. Allen has successfully presented recitals on such topics as the "Sinking of the Titanic" and the use of fiction, as with his recital using the text of "Lord of the Rings". Mr Wayte conducts two community based choirs, the Chebucto Singers and Seton Cantata Choir. As a choral director, Mr. Wayte has achieved acclaim as a conductor who obtains the best from the singers under his control. Allen maintains an active studio of organ and piano students.
We join with Allen’s many friends and loved ones in expressing our sorrow for his loss and our thanksgiving for having known him. May the God whose resurrection power gives us our hope surround Allen’s many friends and loved ones with peace and comfort.
AST established an award in his name, the Allan R. Wayte Music and Liturgy Award, given each year to a deserving student of any year who has demonstrated an interest in the integration of music and liturgy with their study of theology and preparation for ministry.