About David

“My passion is sharing the wonder of music with my colleagues and students.  We bring joy to all who hear us.  Good vibrations everywhere!”

Raised primarily on Classical music, it didn’t take long for David to branch out into Rock, Folk, Country, Jazz, and “other stuff”.  David’s musical experiences have been extraordinarily varied, and new ones continue to happen.  Along the way he’s accompanied such stars as Cab Calloway, William Warfield, Bernadette Peters and Ben Vereen, among others.

David studied cello with Carmen Rasmussen in New York, and later David Vanderkooi in Nashville.  First cellist and assistant conductor of his High School orchestra, he played in many regional orchestra festivals, directed by such notables as Alexander Schneider.  In his senior year he was named to the New York All-State Orchestra.  He’s played in the Nashville Symphony, Savannah Symphony, Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra, and many others.  He’s participated in numerous recording sessions, theatre productions, and church concerts.

With the bass guitar, David played in several rock bands including two that toured extensively around the USA.  He spent a few years in Texas playing in a Country & Western band.  Appeared in a movie, “Betsy’s Wedding”, directed by Alan Alda.  The “Swamp Band” opened shows for Little Feat including one for an audience of 4500, David’s largest so far.  On upright bass he’s played in numerous theatre productions and concerts.  Toured with the Hallelujah Singers and recorded a Christmas special with them for SCETV.

David studied classic guitar with Nicolas Zaninovic in New York, and John Johns in Nashville.  He developed his own comprehensive teaching program and has taught hundreds of students, many of whom are now working musicians.  At Hilton Head High School and Community Bible School in Beaufort, David directed guitar ensembles playing his own arrangements.  He’s played in many shows including productions of “Man of La Mancha”, “Evita”, and “Tommy”.

With “The Truly Original Band”, David played electric fiddle held between his knees!  Mark O’Connor and Steve Morse appeared onstage with the band.  When he moved to Hilton Head he resolved to do it right and took violin lessons with Dorothy Mauney.  Together David and Dorothy built the Hilton Head Youth Orchestra.  David managed the group, played whatever string instrument was needed to help out, and was Assistant Conductor.  He directed the Hilton Head High School Orchestra for several years, and currently directs the Apothic String Ensemble.  With the St. Gregory the Great choir, he traveled to Rome and played violin in concerts there.  Theatre credits include “Always Patsy Cline” and two productions of “Fiddler On the Roof”.

A friend handed David a mandolin at a party when he was 20 and he couldn’t put it down.  He says if stranded on a desert island, that might be the one to have.  He’s played mandolin solos with the Nashville Symphony, Savannah Symphony and the Hilton Head Choral Society.  Played it in recording sessions, theatre productions, weddings, and various special events.

He’s the area’s leading symphonic banjo player, having played banjo (tenor) with the Savannah Symphony, the Savannah Music Festival, and the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra, once with William Warfield.  The instrument has also been featured in theatre productions at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, and other special events.

David comes from a family of singers and voice teachers, and has always sung.  The only time he’s ever been to Carnegie Hall, he was on stage singing with the Tanglewood Festival Singers.  He’s directed several church choirs and is currently on staff at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church.  He serves as the Music Director at Congregation Beth Yam.