Dave Lee

Musical "DNA" was established early in Dave's life! With a grandfather who had his own country-swing band, parents who loved the music of the "Big Band Era," and volumes of RCA "78's" to sit and listen to on the old Zenith Cobra, it was just a matter of time. "What goes in must come out," and so at the age of 13, a musical career began. First it was "J. P. and the Hallucinations," then "Reflections of Soul," as Dave found himself playing all over East Texas as a young teenager. A love for God, but a disconnect with music in the church set up what seemed a frustrating choice until the "Jesus Movement" of the late '60s forged a new way for the world of spirituality and creativity to co-exist. And the rest is….well; guess that story's still being written!

Dave currently resides in northwest Austin and divides his vocational life as a professional musician into three areas: performance, education, and ministry. Dave manages and plays with both the Ken Ragsdale Orchestra and "NAJO," a 17-piece jazz band. "Band of the Hills," "Sanctuary Jazz," and other Austin jazz settings fill out the rest of Dave's performance life. Teaching private trumpet lessons, leading the "Sanctuary Choir," and working with Cynthia and Ragan on worship services provide variety, balance and fulfillment for Dave's musical life! Prior to a return to Texas in 2001 and a year of theological studies at the Episcopal Seminary here in Austin, home was the Pacific Northwest, which formed the backdrop for 16 years of worship/pastoral ministries and music teaching/performance. After graduating from Howard Payne University in 1974, Dave spent time in the field of broadcasting, which led to radio work in the Seattle and Austin areas. He has also directed church music ministries in Casper, WY and Springdale, AR, where he served as orchestra director and arranger. As a singer, composer and instrumentalist, Dave attributes his eclectic musical taste to the Giver of song, Jesus Christ.

Dave and his wife, Annette (who teaches kindergarten at Laurel Mt. Elem.), have been married 31 years and have two children. Jeremy is a tax/estate attorney in Dallas, and Jaime is a freshman at Westwood High School.