Mr. B: Conducting Change and Creating Opportunity in Music Education

DeLaSalle Music Program Director David Billingsley is a quarterfinalist for the Grammy Music Educator Award. Awarded by the Recording Academy and the GRAMMY Museum, the award was established to recognize current educators who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the field of music education and who demonstrate a commitment to the broader cause of maintaining music education in the schools.

From travelling the world, to performing alongside some of the biggest names in music – Sounds of Blackness, Stokley Williams, Mint Condition, Usher, Mary J. Blige, Earth, Wind & Fire, and even Stevie Wonder – Grammy-nominated music educator David Billingsley says his journey is not about fame – it’s about creating access for others. He believes every student should have the chance to pursue their musical dreams, regardless of their background or financial situation.

"This is all about giving kids opportunities to be creative, to travel and see the world, and to get careers potentially if that's what they want to do in music," said David – lovingly known as Mr. B by students at DeLaSalle High School where he teaches choir, band, orchestra, drum line, and jazz band. More importantly, he's building an arts education program that nurtures creativity and fosters personal growth.  

"Compared to any other teacher, Mr. B is really easy to talk to, so that makes music very accessible to all students," said Brody Gustner, DeLaSalle junior and trumpet player. "He helps us improve, and of course he's great at what he does so that helps bring us up closer to his level."

Under David's leadership, DeLaSalle's music program has undergone a revitalization, bringing in fresh energy and innovative ideas to inspire students. David aims to connect students with the broader world, encouraging them to recognize their potential to create positive change.

"Yes, it's about making music here in the classroom, but more importantly there's a world out there that's hurting and needs a word and positivity and light and love," David said. "There's just a huge opportunity for us to fill that void, and so that's what we're doing."

"Since Mr. B has been here, we've been going places," said Brody. Notably, the students travelled to France this past spring. "We went to French schools and played in front of other music kids. We were sharing what its like to be American and they were sharing their culture with us, and that was really fun."

A Legacy of Inspiration

David's journey as a music educator is deeply influenced by the mentors who shaped his own musical path. From his father, who introduced him to music and got him piano lessons at a young age, to influential teachers who guided him along the way, he recognizes the importance of mentorship. "It took a village to raise me," he says, acknowledging the impact of those who invested in his growth.

Now, as a mentor himself, David is cultivating a culture of accountability and resilience among his students. "This is a ‘show me’ business," he said. "You have to show what you can do. Don't just tell me."

The NAMM Foundation recognized David's work this year by giving DeLaSalle the Support Music Merit award, a distinction given to just 87 schools across the country for demonstrating a strong dedication to music education.

A recent testament to David's dedication and the positive impact he has on his students, being named a quarterfinalist for the Grammy Music Educator Award.

"To be nominated by the Grammy Academy is huge," David said, reflecting on the honor of being recognized among thousands of applicants. He sees this recognition not just as a personal achievement but as an opportunity to showcase the incredible work being done at DeLaSalle.

"There's such a need for a new type of school, a new type of learning, new technology," something David is actively creating. "And so it's going to be state-of-the-art. It's going to be one of the best in the world, I really believe that just because of what we're doing and how we're building."

David envisions a music program that not only excels in technical skills but also celebrates the rich history and contributions of Black musicians to American music. He is dedicated to unearthing untold stories and sharing them with his students, ensuring that they understand the cultural significance of the music they create.

"My biggest contribution to music education is giving it new life and resources that will last way after so it's about leaving a legacy," David said. "I hope that my lasting contribution to the field of music education is a new lens on what music education can look like, what it can become and how it can be."

As David continues to shape the music education landscape at DeLaSalle High School, he is cultivating a generation of creative thinkers and compassionate leaders who will carry the torch of music into the future. Leaning on his faith, David is confident in his abilities.

"We have to begin to do what God has placed in us in our hearts, and if we do that everything else will land where it's supposed to land," he said. "The best thing you could ever do with your life is to lay it down for someone else, to use your life as an example for people to learn from and grow from."

David is currently writing a piano book and hopes to share it with the world in November. If you'd like to support the release of the book, you can donate via CashApp or Venmo. Search 'DavidBillingsleyKeys'. Follow him on social media for updates on the Grammy nomination, new classroom initiatives and upcoming performances.