OUR COMPOSERS

 

Dale Wood

 

Dale Wood is a freelance composer whose career was launched at the age of 13 when he won a national hymn writing competition for the American Lutheran Church. Over eight million copies of his published works have since been sold throughout the world, and performances have been noted in 59 foreign countries in recent years.

Dale was for many years Organist and Choirmaster in San Francisco at the Episcopal Church of St. Mary the Virgin, as well as director of the Grace Cathedral Boys' Chorus. He served in a similar capacity in Lutheran churches in Hollywood, and Riverside, California.

Wood served as editor emeritus for The Sacred Music Press, following his work as the executive editor from 1975 to 1996. His hymns and canticles are found in the Lutheran Book of Worship, Worship II, Seventh Day Adventist Hymnal, The Presbyterian Hymnal, The United Methodist Hymnal, the Moravian Book of Worship, the Chalice Hymnal, and several hymnal supplements.

The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) honored Dale Wood annually since 1967 for his "very important contribution towards the creation and development of contemporary American Music." His beloved community at The Sea Ranch, California, was regularly treated to his musical expertise in the various artistic endeavors he supported and enhanced with his creative talents.

Dale died peacefully at his Sea Ranch home on April 13, 2003. For more informaton about his contributions to the music world, please visit his web site.