David Belcher

As a student at Burkburnett High School in 1983, I was very honored the first time I was asked to play with the Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra. The conductor at that time, William Boyer, was also my bassoon teacher. Mr. Boyer asked me to play the bassoon to portray the musical role of the bullfrog in “Tubby the Tuba” for an education concert. I was truly excited and humbled by that opportunity to share the stage with those professional musicians back in the day. A few years later while attending Midwestern State University, I began covering the second clarinet part for the Orchestra on a regular basis. Since then I graduated from MSU with a Music Education degree, taught music and math in the the public schools, married my high school sweetheart, Sandra, with whom we have two sons Griffin and Grady, earned a Master’s degree in Woodwind Performance from Texas State University, and Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Woodwind Performance from The University of Oklahoma. In addition to playing clarinet with the WFSO, I have also served the Orchestra as a librarian, production assistant, Education Coordinator, and saxophonist in the WFSO Jazz Ensemble. Today I am still excited and humbled every time I have the opportunity to share the stage with the musicians of the WFSO. I do not take these experiences for granted, and I am very grateful for all the hard work and artistry of my colleagues, and thankful for the WFSO Board of Directors and administrative staff for making the WFSO a part of my life