About David
Dr. Julian White, Distinguished Professor/DOB Emeritus-FAMU, with David Gregory
Carmela Maffongelli, Soprano Soloist-Rome Opera Theater (Performing "O Mio Babbino Caro")
Former Hardaway High School Band Students of Dr. Gregory traveling in Spain
Dr. David Gregory is a highly successful teacher/conductor who has earned accolades from his profession through his work with musicians at all levels. His recognitions are numerous, and he has served his profession in many appointed and elected positions, including President of the National Band Association. He has been featured as a keynote speaker at music conferences, served as a consultant for numerous school systems, and his adjudication and conducting invitations have taken him throughout the United States, Great Britain, and Western Europe.
His bands have performed for more than 40 conferences of regional and national significance, including the Midwest Clinic (3x), the American Bandmasters Association National Convention (3x), the National and Southern Division MENC conventions (4x), and the GMEA In-service conference (14x). Personal and professional awards for Dr. Gregory include numerous National Band Association “Citations of Excellence,” the Phi Delta Kappa “Excellence in Leadership Education Award,” the Sudler Foundation “Order of Merit,” the “GMEA Distinguished Career Award,” and the Kappa Kappa Psi “Distinguished Service in Music Medal.” He is a member of the Phi Beta Mu “Georgia Bandmasters Hall of Fame,” the “National High School Band Directors Hall of Fame,” and was named a “Midwest Legend” in 2021. Gregory was elected to the National Band Association's "Hall of Fame of Distinguished Conductors" in 2020, and was the initial recipient of the NBA's “Presidential Medal of Distinction" in 2023.
His book, entitled "Students as Teachers...Things They Taught Me; Life Lessons They Gave Me” has received wide acclaim as a "must-read" for teachers and directors.
The Georgia Wind Symphony, Dr. David Gregory - Conductor Emeritus
After spending more than fifty years teaching young people, I began reflecting on some things I hadn't fully appreciated while I was in the middle of rehearsals, football games, theory lessons, bus trips, administrative requirements, and all the wonderful chaos that accompanies teaching.
I discovered that while I had spent a career teaching students, they had quietly spent those same years teaching me.
Some taught me about perseverance. Some taught me about belonging. Some taught me about discovering joy. And some even taught me it was OK to laugh at myself.
Those lessons became a book called “Students as Teachers.” The lessons are shared as stories, and perhaps they'll remind you of students who changed your own life along the way. Enjoy the stories and lessons.
James Seda, Omar Thomas, & David Gregory
David Gregory & Col. Hal Gibson, Conductor Emeritus-The U.S. Army Field Band
Soloist Joy McCarthy. Conductors Kim Bain, David Gregory, Alfio Zito, Randall Coleman - Sicily Concert
Jay Gephart, David Gregory, & Col. Don Schofield-Commander/Conductor, The United States Air Force Band
David Gregory, Former Student Vincent Rosse, and Sonja Rosse
David Gregory and Robert Sheldon - American Bandmasters Association Convention
David Gregory, Abigail Russom, Sheila Smith - NBA/CBDNA Conference
Dr. Myra Rhoden and David Gregory - American Bandmasters Association Convention.
Band Director Boot Camp with Lesley Moffat
Chasing What Matters Podcast
Beyond the Baton with Joey Weisler
This easy-to-read book, written in an intimate conversational style, is filled with interesting, relatable, and relevant stories and anecdotes regarding all aspects of teaching at every level. I found myself reliving experiences and circumstances through my own career as I read his engaging text and reflecting upon both his words and what actually happened in my life - how I might have handled it correctly or not, how I might have handled it differently, or would in the future. It was an enjoyable and thought-provoking read. I highly recommend this wonderful book to band directors, both new and old (experienced?), for the insight and lessons that are needed by all of us. - Dr. Mark Walker - Director of Bands, Troy University
Having taught for 17 years in public school band programs and 28 years in the university system, it has been my experience to note that many (university) music education classes are taught by those who have little to no secondary school teaching experience. Therefore, Dr. Gregory’s book is extremely important and would be a valuable asset in all university training programs for teachers. - Thomas V. Fraschillo DMA, Director of Bands Emeritus, USM/Past President, American Bandmasters Association.
Having been one of Dr. Gregory’s students, I found much of the book affirming rather than unfamiliar. Its stories and observations reflect many of the lessons I experienced as his student, while also offering an important reminder of something teachers can easily forget: the influence we have on our students often extends far beyond what we teach in the classroom. At the same time, he reminds us that students can become teachers themselves, offering profound lessons about life, relationships, perseverance, and humanity that have little to do with music-making or education. Dr, Chris Lawhorne, Director of Athletic Bands/Associate Director of Bands, UTC
In his book, “Students as Teachers,” Dr. David Gregory recounts stories about students who actually taught him important life lessons. Those of us who have been a part of the teaching profession will find numerous situations in his book that we can relate to personally. Those who are not in the teaching profession might find some important lessons about the impact that good teachers have on their community and how the relationship between teachers and students creates a meaningful culture. I encourage you to get a copy of the book and to explore the powerful life lessons that Dr. Gregory so eloquently describes. - Gary Gribble – High School Band Director, Ret.
This book is not a textbook, but perhaps it should be. No theories. No institutional philosophies. Rather, a book of real-life experiences from a career spanning more than half a century at every level imaginable. This book is exactly what future music teachers need as preparation in their music education classes and in their free time as sustenance, consolation, and encouragement during times when one might be “getting worn down.” - Joseph Hermann–Director of Bands Emeritus, Tennessee Tech University/Past President American Bandmasters Association
“Students As Teachers…” reminded me of many of my own strikingly similar experiences, and the more I read, the more aware and appreciative I am of the students in my own stories! I have learned far more from my students than I could ever hope to have taught them. They all helped me grow in this profession, and for that, I will forever be in their debt. I highly recommend this book to all current, retired, and future teachers of any subject! It certainly should be required reading in all Music Education courses. - Jody Dunn, High School Band Director/Member Florida Bandmasters Association Hall of Fame
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