Meet David Anavitarte

Who is David Anavitarte?

Maestro David R. Anavitarte has dedicated his life to giving God all the glory through the art of music. His musical journey began at age seven. The piano was his first musical instrument. David spent many evenings in Philadelphia, watching the Philadelphia Orchestra rehearse as a child. He has a passion for music and music excellence.

David and Kathy were married in 1983 in Warminster, Pennsylvania. They met in Takoma Park Maryland, at Columbia Union College, on the gymnastics team. They love spending time together with their children and their little grandbaby, Kate. They also enjoy country drives together and looking for unique antique shops and restaurants with ambiance. Music and worship ministry, spending time out in nature, and traveling are just a few of their favorite activities. David and Kathy have two adult children: Donielle, their daughter, is a Registered Nurse who is married to William Halvorsen. Devin, their son, is a secondary English and Bible teacher and Christian playwright with a Masters in Divinity.

David is the Music Director and Conductor of the Brazos Chamber Orchestra since its inception in 1998. The orchestra serves the Brazos Valley region providing free concerts to the community. He serves as Director of Music and Worship at First United Methodist Church, in Burleson Texas. At First Methodist, David leads the Chancel Choir, SonShine Singers, SonShine Ringers, Glory Ringers, ORION, as well as plans and directs the worship for both traditional and contemporary services. He is also the Music Director and Conductor of Brazos Chorus, a Christian community choir since its inception in 1992. Brazos Chorus began as a men's chorus at Huguley Memorial Hospital, Fort Worth Texas. Ladies were added to the chorus in 1998. The Brazos Chorus became an independent community choir in 2009 and continues to grow.

David is Music Director and Conductor of the Bosque Chorale. The Bosque Chorale is part of the Civic Music Association of the Bosque Arts Center in Clifton, TX. David has taught Music Education including classroom music, choir and handbells on the elementary, middle, high school and college/university levels including serving as a department chair.

David has studied conducting with American greats Paul Salamunovich, Ray Robinson, Jon Robertson, Daryl One, and Jim Dearing. David is in demand as a Conductor and Clinician in Choral and Orchestra music as well as leading workshops in worship. He also maintains an active voice and piano studio.

David attributes his understanding of the choral and orchestral sound to his mentor, teacher, and good friend, the late Maestro Paul Salamunovich, who died April 3, 2014.