David Saleeba Albert, a native of Noblesville Indiana, started his musical career in Elizabeth City, North Carolina under the direction of Scott C. Callaway playing Trombone, Flute, Bassoon and Percussion in the School Band. He attended Berklee College of Music in Boston Mass during which time he was also a studio drummer. He finished his Music Education Degree at East Carolina University in Greenville, NC and became the Conductor of the Band Program in Elizabeth City after Mr. Callaway retired.

Ten years later, he moved to Raleigh, NC, where he was selected to start the Band Program and Chair the Arts Department of Leesville Road High School. Bands under Mr. Albert’s baton have performed at numerous State Conventions and performed in many major cities in the U.S including the Midwest Clinic in Chicago. Il. Mr. Albert retired from North Carolina Public Schools on 1 July 11 with 31 years of service.

Mr. Albert has mentored with Buddy Rich and performed with the Dorsey Brothers Orchestra as well as with Butch Miles, Joe Ascione, Milt Hinton, Don Menza, Buddy Baker, Vincent Herring and Tommy Newsome. Mr. Albert is a student of the “Tonight Show” drummer, Ed Shaughnessy. Along with teaching, conducting, and performing clinics, Mr. Albert can be heard in a variety of Symphony, Symphonic Band, and Jazz settings as well as being the co-leader and holding down the drum chair of Albert-Hobbs Big Band.

Mr. Albert has served as president of the Eastern District Bandmasters Association, has served as a board member of the Central District Bandmasters Association has been awarded “Band Director of the Year” and twice awarded, “Award of Excellence”. Mr. Albert served as President of the North Carolina Bandmasters Association and is now the Immediate Past President of The North Carolina Music Educators Association. Mr. Albert is a member of the Boards of Directors of the North Carolina Wind Orchestra, the Triangle British Brass Band, a member of the Education Board of the North Carolina Symphony, a member of The American School Band Directors Association and is an Honorary Member of Phi Mu Alpha. In 1998, he was appointed by the Governor of North Carolina to serve on the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Music Committee to develop the National Standards for NBPTS. He has been a member of the North Carolina Music Educators Association and the North Carolina Association of Educators for thirty-two years.

Mr. Albert is married to the former Margaret Cowan; has two sons, Joseph Taylor and Christopher David; and one step-son, John Christian.