David Bode

David Bode was born in New Orleans on the Summer Solstice, June 21, in the Year of the Rat, 1984. He began his musical journey at a young age, first on the recorder, then the clarinet, before finding his true love, the saxophone. David’s passion for music grew while attending Archbishop Rummel High School, where he was a member of the Marching Band, Symphonic Band, and Jazz Band. During his senior year, he was Lead Alto in the Louisiana All State Jazz Band, and was awarded the Rand Voorhies Award for Most Outstanding Musician at Archbishop Rummel. David performed his first professional engagement while a sophomore and has been performing ever since.

David pursued his musical education at Loyola University New Orleans, where he studied with Tony Dagradi, John Mahoney, Johnny Vidacovich, and Dr. Joseph Herbert, among others. While at Loyola, David performed with a variety of ensembles at numerous clubs in New Orleans including Tipitina’s, The Howlin’ Wolf, The Maple Leaf, and more. He also performed at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival from 2003-2006. In 2006, David graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Music Education.

After graduation, David decided to continue his study of music at the University of New Orleans where he was taught by Ed Petersen, Steve Masakowski, Hank Mackie, Leah Chase, Victor Atkins, and others. While at UNO David began to sing with the UNO Jazz Voices under the direction of Cindy Scott. During this time, David continued to work as a professional musician, culminating with the release of his first album, Arrival, in March 2007. This album was produced by David and featured 7 of his compositions as well as songs by his band mates. According to Alex Rawls of Offbeat Magazine, “...the compositions are consistently smart and a little risky,...Arrival is a very promising album.” The band, Bodesattva, performed a weekly Tuesday show at the Banks St. Bar in New Orleans for much of 2007.

After graduating from UNO with a Master’s Degree in Jazz Studies in December 2007, David gave in to his wanderlust and moved to Beijing, China, where he continued to play music as well as teach English and study Chinese. While in Beijing, David became a regular guest at the noted music club, East Shore Jazz Cafe, as well as playing private events. He also performed with the Beijing International Chamber Orchestra. In December 2008, David returned to his hometown of New Orleans to further pursue his music career.

In 2009, David joined the Symphony Chorus of New Orleans with whom he performed Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 and Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. He also joined the Opera Chorus of New Orleans and will appear in Verdi’s Requiem and Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman in 2010. Also in 2009, David became a member of the New Leviathan Oriental Foxtrot Orchestra with whom he plays public and private events.

Besides playing the saxophone and singing, David is an active composer and arranger. His pieces have been performed by Fleur de Brass Quintet, Mandeville High School Marching and Jazz Band, and the Symphony Chorus of New Orleans, among others. He is currently working on a multimedia jazz ballet adaptation of Shakespeare’s The Tempest. In addition to his busy performing schedule, David hosts both a Classical and Jazz radio show WTUL New Orleans 91.5 FM. David is a member of the American Federation of Musicians; the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers; the American Guild of Musical Artists; and the Young Leadership Council of New Orleans. David is currently the Woodwind Instructor at the St, Lucia School of Music in Castries St. Lucia.