David Eccles

David F. Eccles is a native of Norfolk, Virginia. He serves as Orchestra Program and Upper School Orchestra Director at The Lovett School in Atlanta, Georgia. In the spring of 2022, he was honored with the O. Wayne Rollins Master Teacher Award. He was the Director of String Music Education and Orchestral Activities for over a decade at VanderCook College of Music in Chicago, Illinois. An active clinician, adjudicator, conductor, and cellist, Eccles has served as music director and principal conductor, as well as guest conductor, for numerous orchestras. Mr. Eccles has presented educational sessions at several local, state, and international conferences, including the Midwest Band and Orchestra Directors Clinic & Conference, the American String Teachers Association Conference, and many state music educators conferences. Mr. Eccles is a contributing author for the Hal Leonard Corporation. Additionally, he is a featured string educator in the book "Rehearsing the High School Orchestra."

Personal Statement

Perspective enables one to view the world and situations with empathy and compassion. I hope to bring to the ASTA Board my perspective as someone who has greatly benefited from a life in music, teaching, and learning. I am deeply grateful for the support, guidance, and community that ASTA has provided throughout my career. I have a strong desire to give back to this organization that continues to shape our profession. Over the past 34 years, as an orchestra teacher, conductor, and cellist, I have witnessed firsthand how string music can transform lives by providing people with opportunities for self-expression, connection, and recognition, regardless of their background.

Leadership Experience

I’ve served as a board member and leader on several nonprofit boards, including the Foundation for the Advancement of String Education, the American String Teachers Association, and the Skokie Valley Symphony Orchestra. I’ve also served as Chair of the ASTA National Orchestra Festival, President of the Illinois chapter of ASTA, and faculty advisor of a collegiate ASTA chapter.

Response to Challenges in String Education

The current challenges we face lie in the looming shortage of teachers entering the profession. I aim to assist the ASTA Board in identifying, recognizing, and capitalizing on opportunities to attract passionate musicians and innovators to the industry. We also need to be proactive in forming meaningful connections with pre-service and early-service teachers as they establish and lead their local communities.

Response to RIA

The opportunities to build a better life through self-expression and community that this profession offers should be available to all. ASTA is in a unique position to serve as a conduit for bringing teachers, creators, and the business community together in the pursuit of art and humanity. My leadership style is built on finding strength in consensus with these constituent groups. I will listen to and honor all voices as the board supports this work.

Vision for ASTA

ASTA is constantly evolving and adapting to meet the needs of artists and innovators who will change the world. I plan to continue this cycle of forward movement through thoughtful, ethical, and committed leadership. With new technologies and an increasingly connected global community, we are in an exciting moment where we can share the joy of string playing more widely than ever. I want to help ASTA lead in this space.