Needham Community Education

Dr. David Neves is currently the Coordinator of Music Education at the University of Rhode Island and Director of Youth Wind Ensembles for the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra & Music School. Neves also serves as Advocacy Chair for the RI Music Education Association. In 2017, Neves retired as Director of Fine and Performing Arts for the Needham Public Schools in Massachusetts, completing 41 years of full-time work in the public schools. Prior to Needham, Dr. Neves served 29 years as the Director of Bands and Supervisor in Scituate, RI. While in Needham, Neves worked to expand the quality and consistency of all of the Arts Education programs. He implemented formal interdisciplinary programs via STEAM Art/Music classes in the elementary schools, a middle school interdisciplinary art initiative, and non-traditional performing ensembles at the high school. Under Neves’ leadership, Needham’s participation in statewide adjudication festivals and events, such as MICCA, Scholastic, District/State/National honors groups, expanded exponentially, receiving numerous national, regional and state awards. Neves received the Massachusetts Music Educators Association Visionary Leadership Award in 2017; Rhode Island State Teacher of the Year in 2002; and the National Milken Educator Award in 1991. In 2004, he was named Rhode Island’s “American Star of Teaching” by the US Dept. of Education. In 1999, Neves was selected as “Outstanding Band Director, Rhode Island” by School Band/Orchestra Magazine. Neves has been an adjunct professor at the University of RI, Providence College and Rhode Island College and a guest lecturer in music education throughout the country. Neves was the coordinator of the design team for the Music Proficiency Standards that became part of the Fine Arts graduation mandate for all students in Rhode Island. Neves continues to guest conduct, and present clinics throughout New England on band conducting/rehearsing, music proficiency, curriculum, assessment, distance rehearsing strategies, and arts integration. As the Music Director for the Rhode Island Philharmonic Youth Wind Ensembles, he directs its premiere ensemble, the Symphonic Winds. He is the founder and director of the Needham Community Band and RISQ: Rhode Island Saxophone Quartet, and has a small private teaching studio.