Dave received his Bachelor of Music Education degree from Baker University and his Masters in Choral Music Education from Arizona State University. In 2000, after spending twenty-eight years as a high school choral director, he made the decision to retire in order to devote more time to writing music. During his years as a choral music educator, he also taught musical theater, music theory, guitar and humanities. Dave also has twenty years experience directing church youth choirs and five years experience as a director of a community college choir. He enjoys guest directing honor choirs and presenting workshops and interest sessions to high school choral directors.

Dave is a recipient of the “Excellence in Teaching” award from the Arizona Music Educators Association. In the year 2000, he was selected as the “Arizona Music Educator of the Year” and also received the “Lifetime Recognition Award” from the Choral Directors of Arizona.

Dave and Jean Perry have been writing and publishing songs for schools and churches for over twenty-five years. Their music has been performed by choirs in Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, North America and Australia. They have over three hundred songs in print and are recipients of multiple special composers awards from ASCAP.

Since moving to Sierra Vista in 2002, the Perrys have become involved in a number of community groups. They both served a two year term on the Ranchos Carmela Property Owners Association board and are advisory board members for the Cochise Children’s Choir, assisting with directing as needed. They both are members of Sierra Vista United Methodist Church and sing in the choir. They co-direct Cantaremos, a vocal ensemble that sings several times thoughout the year at church functions, both sacred and secular music. Jean provides a weekly music experience with the Village Christian Pre-School children. and has served as substitute accompanist and organist for the church. They are both members of HASRA (Huachuca Area School Retirees Association) and hold minor offices on the board. Dave serves on the Sierra Vista Symphony board and the Arts and Humanities Commission for the city.