Wally Rants

Wally Rants
Faculty: Gone, but not forgotten

Faculty Position: Musical Director (1956 – 1987)

Last Updated: 11.02.08 
Bio: Deceased: Born March 16, 1931 to Roland and Helen Rants, Wally has a sister, Pat, and brother, Roland, he had endured his fruitful learning years with. He was born in San Bernardino, California, but grew up in Whatcom County and graduated from Mt. Baker High School, Deming Washington in 1949. Upon which he entered the US Navy as a musician. He was on active duty with the aircraft carrier Princeton during the Korean War. Once discharge from the service, Wally furthered his education at both the University of Washington and Western Washingotn University, where he earned his bachelors of arts degree in music education. During his studies at W.W.U., he played professionally in the Vancouver (BC) Symphony as well as meeting and marrying the love of his live, Sarajane King.

In 1956, Wally began teaching instrumental music in the Highline School District. The first years saw him teaching beginning band at five of their elementary schools. Next, he taught at Chinook Junior High School. Later, he was the first band director at Tyee High School. The many years spent at Tyee High School earn him recognition as a leader in music education. His groups traveled the world! Europe, Hawaii, New Orleans, Nevada and Vancouver (BC)  are sites of tours his groups have traveled to, but his legend is truly more vast. Wally retired from public schools in 1987, but not from education, music or community service! On February 16, 1998, he was inducted into the Washington Music Educator’s Association Hall of Fame.

Wally’s music lives on…after retirement, he has been a guest conductor throughout Washington State and Japan for symphonies, high school bands and elementary school bands. After many years of conducting music, Wally has began performing music. Picking up the French Horn and building up his “chops”, Wally played with the Farragot Brass Band, Hometown Band, Olympic Community College Band and the Bremerton Symphony. Best of all, his music will always live on…through his legacies: you and I that have been so touched by his instruction. Some of his students have become professional musicians, university professors of the arts and public school music teachers. But truly, what he taught goes beyond simple rhythms and melodies…     In 1991, after serving as Counselman for the City of Tukwila, WA, Wally Rants was sworn in as the Mayor. These years saw much growth for the City of Tukwila. During his tenure, Wally saw to revitilizing the streams in Tukwila to strenghten the wild salmon population. As part of the Sister City Committee, Wally strenghtened relations with Tukwila’s sister city in Japan. He was a strong voice in the Suburban Cities Organization and instrumental in both the Seatac Airport’s 3rd runway and Sound Transit’s lightrail projects.  After his second term as Mayor, Wally and his wife of 48 years built their dream house in Yukon Harbor and had their last four years together.

John Wallace “Wally” Rants of Yukon Harbor in Port Orchard left his family and friends on December 2, 2004. Wally, a young 72 years of age, was suffering from cancer, but went quickly and peacefully.

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Tags: Band, Teacher, Tyee Senior High School, Wally Rants