When David was a teenager, his older sister, Janet, who liked “popular” music, left some sheet music on the piano. The song was “Deep Purple,” and when David played it, he discovered a lifelong love for the American Popular Songbook. Although his training continued to be classical, with summers at Interlochen Music Camp, where he studied with Percy Grainger, David became a jazz pianist.
David played professionally from his college days, as his beloved “night job,” leading small jazz combos, playing solo piano and accompanying jazz and cabaret singers. David continued to explore the art of improvisation, and studied with Jazz masters such as George Shearing, Lee Evans and Kirk Nurock.
In the mid-1990s, he was selected by Dick Hyman to be featured in a Master Class in Jazz Piano at the 92nd Street Y in New York City. He played Cole Porter’s “Dream Dancing” and had an engaging conversation with Dick Hyman about his choice of keys!
In addition to gigs as a jazz pianist, David enjoyed leading Sing-Alongs with audiences in hospitals, community and church groups, and senior residential facilities, and above all with alumni groups at Cornell Reunions.
PHOTOS
Cornell University Songbook
Theta Delta Chi Fraternity, Cornell University
David at a Cornel Reunion
CORNELL SONGBOOK
Devoted to his Alma Mater, David created a CD of the Cornell Songbook from vinyls of the 1950 Glee Club, designed to encourage the tradition of group singing among undergraduates and alumni. Distribution of the CD was facilitated at June Reunions and as a project of the Sphinx Head Society. In 2013 the CD was uploaded to the CU website so that now all could learn and enjoy the 12 key Cornell songs. It can also be found on iTunes.
CABARET
WITH SUSAN DINGLE
Since 1986, David and Susan wrote and performed cabaret evenings featuring the favorite composers of the American Popular Songbook, the Gershwins, Cole Porter, Rodgers & Hart, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Harold Arlen and Irving Berlin. They were frequently featured by the Primetimers Group at Brick Church in NYC, at the Glenview in Naples, Fl.; Peconic Landing in Greenport, as well as other venues in New York City and Long Island. They also performed in hospitals, senior centers and for other community groups.
PAST PERFORMANCES
NEW YORK CITY
Brick Church - 4 Cabarets...Annual Dinners
New York Public Library - Cabaret
The Ravelled Sleave
Intercontinental Hotel
Delmonico's Lounge
Achilles Track Club
Lotos Club
The Little Club
Cornell Club - Dinners…Meetings
University Club
Union Club
Union League Club
Racquet & Tennis Club
Landmark Education
Maxim's
NY Rotary Club
UN - Rotary Event
PRIVATE PARTIES
Cornell University
Cornell Glee Club …accompanist - 3 years
Homecoming…Reunions (jazz band)…Sing-a-longs
The Savage Club of Ithaca
Various luncheons and dinners
OTHER
The Bohemian Club (and Grove)…
San Francisco
The Insurance Roundtable
The Greenbrier
The Homestead
New Stanley Hotel - Nairobi
The Suburban Squires …Philadelphia
Golf Outings…for Presidents Nixon and Eisenhower
TESTIMONIALS
“I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to you for providing the piano music for Rotary International Day at the United Nations. I had many, many compliments on the music. It certainly added to our day. Thanks for all you did to make our conference the best one ever. Many people mentioned your intermittent music as adding to the wonderful day. I hope you will be able to provide your services for our next year's event.”
—Rotary Representative to the United Nations
“On behalf of the N/Y Women's City Club members and guests present at last week's Civic Spirit Awards Dinner, thank you for the wonderful music you provided throughout the reception and during dinner. It contributed so much to the special ambiances of the evening.”
—President, New York Women’s City Club
“As chairman of the New York Rotary Club's committee for fellowship, I would like to take this opportunity to convey to you a very special thank you for the music you and Susan provided for our cocktail evening at the Kitano hotel. Your contribution to the evening was not only appreciated by all the club members who attended, it was instrumental in making the evening a success.”
—President, New York Rotary Club
“David, you provided a special treat for your high school classmates at the Headmaster's home...presenting us with a cassette you made of music popular during the class's high school years. The tape was exceptional.”
—U.S. Journal
“David, you play beautifully and we fully enjoyed your entertainment.”
—Bonaventure Textiles (reception)
“On behalf of the Antonio G. Olivleri Center (NYC) for Homeless Women I want to thank you for your delightful music which provided a special background for our party.”
—Event Chairperson
“Thank you, thank you. Your talent and generosity pushed our evening to the peak of perfection. Both Herb and I appreciate what you did for us.”
—Wedding announcement party
“Everyone involved in our Senior luncheon was thrilled at the absolutely delightful occasion it turned out to be. The first time you try something you never know. We asked for your help because of your charm, cheerful energy ad kindness. You came through beyond our dreams and your gifts man so much.”
—Associate Pastor. Brick Church
“Thank you for your wonderful piano music at the party for Interfaith Neighbors. It made the evening really special. The evening raised $33,000 for Interfaith's ongoing programs and this success is due to the generosity of donors such as you.”
—Program chairman
“Susan and David...what a duo! You two really made it a party and everybody ha a blow-out good time. I really thank you for pulling all that joy and exuberance out of your socks and splashing it all over us. What a difference a day makes.”
—Chairman Cabaret program
“Harvey and I had such a fun time at Jean and Bill's party the other night. However, it would not have been so if you were not providing the wonderful entertainment. It was just the right “touch” and you were great.”
—Gail and Harvey
“The party was a smashing success. Many thanks for your very important part in it.”
—Jean and Bill