David Columbus Billingsley
- Racine, Wis.
- B.A. in music, liberal arts
- What's next: Working as dean of student affairs at the LoveWorks Academy for the Visual and Performing Arts in Golden Valley, Minn., before attending graduate school at the University of South Florida in fall 2008
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UW-Eau Claire photo by Rick Mickelson |
David Columbus Billingsley has a gift, and while he's honed it during his time in UW-Eau Claire's music program, he's also spent plenty of time sharing it.
Billingsley, a talented pianist, has performed with UW-Eau Claire's Jazz II and III ensembles and at the Viennese Ball, the largest social event hosted annually by the university. Since his freshman year, he has been a favorite entertainer at campus events hosted by UW-Eau Claire's Office of Multicultural Affairs and Alumni Association. He also directed the UW-Eau Claire Gospel Choir.
While Billingsley came to UW-Eau Claire in fall 2003 to study music education, he later changed his major to a music liberal arts track to gain a broader musical learning experience He designed his own minor, "Music in Society."
Billingsley grew up listening to his favorite gospel group, Darnell Davis and the Remnant. As an adult, he has traveled and performed with Davis' group throughout the United States. Billingsley's talents and versatility also have taken him abroad. In January 2005, Billingsley performed at the Umbria International Jazz Festival in Orvieta, Italy, with the Grammy Award-winning gospel group James Greer & Company.
With extended plans to begin graduate school at the University of South Florida in fall 2008, Billingsley will begin work this summer as dean of student affairs at the LoveWorks Academy for the Visual and Performing Arts in Golden Valley, Minn., a public charter school serving grades K-8. He also will record an album with Darnell Davis and open a piano studio in the Minneapolis area.
More on David Billingsley
Future plans: To own my own music conservatory for disadvantaged children, obtain my doctorate in music, get married and live happily ever after!
What he liked most about his time at UW-Eau Claire: Being a part of the piano studio of Dr. Donald Patterson. He brought music to life and made it fun.
Highlights of life at UW-Eau Claire: Meeting really cool people, hanging out with friends in the cafe, biking on the trails through campus, attending multicultural events, and concerts on the Campus Mall.
Proudest college accomplishments: I formed the UW-Eau Claire Gospel Choir, which greatly impacted not only the campus but the entire Eau Claire community. The choir itself has had more than 350 members over the past four years I've been director. I also had two highly successful piano recitals.
Advice for incoming students: Get involved with a student organization and other activities in the community. Be yourself and have fun getting to know you. Take your time and really enjoy the full college experience.
Learn about other featured May 2007 graduates
