The Planning Committee—Members of the Symposium

David Sears, is the Senior Director, Education Programs for the GRAMMY Foundation.  He serves the foundation by working with youth based programs under the GRAMMY in the Schools ‘umbrella’.  An alumnus of California State University, Los Angeles, David is a long time voting member of The Recording Academy as an instrumentalist, producer and singer.  His comfort in the both music education and the music industry makes him a valuable resource to the GRAMMY Foundation, the Recording Academy and the music education community.

Prior to joining the Foundation staff in July 1994 David served as Director of Instrumental Music, Hamilton High School Academy of Music, September 1987 to June 1994.  He participated in the conception, development and successful implementation of the cutting edge music magnet school in the Los Angeles Unified School District.

Sears conceived and taught the Electronic Music Program as well as the 27 member Brass Ensemble acclaimed as one of the finest of its kind in the United States.  He also taught music theory and composition as well as directing the Wind Ensemble & Percussion Ensemble.

Many of his students are successful participants in the music industry as musicians, composers, producers or engineers working with such artists/projects as Mary J. Blige, Eminem, the Ellington Orchestra, Disney Channel’s “The Proud Family”, UPN’s Girlfriends, Kanye West, Usher, Brian McKnight, Monica, Stevie Wonder, the Laws Family (Hubert, Ronnie and Eloise), Alicia Keys, Brian McKnight, Gerald Lavert and many more.

A few of the artists with whom he has worked include The Temptations, Danny Kaye, Jonathan Winters, Hugo Montenegro, Larry Carlton, Mary Wells, Ben Vereen, Andy Griffith, Billy Paul, Craig T. Cooper, Brian McKnight, James Moody, Dave Koz, Harry Belafonte, All 4 One, Jon Secada, Tito Puente, Neena Freelon, Quincy Jones, Monica, Horace Silver, Curtis Mayfield and LL Cool J.

Other professional and community service activities and affiliations include, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), International Association for Jazz Education (IAJE) American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) and a voting member of The Recording Academy.

Continuously active in church from an early age David has served as an Elder, Trustee, Music Director, member of Hand Bell Choir & Ensemble, and Pastor Nominating Committee.  He is currently the Composer-in-Residence at Holman Church in Los Angeles, one of the largest United Methodist congregations in the Western United States.

Other current or past affiliations/activities: Volunteer work with the Los Angeles Chapter of the Recording Academy, AfofM, neighborhood schools, Little League programs, high school and semi-pro baseball coaching.

:: Back to Planning Committee ::