David Bender, 17, is a cellist studying at Vanderbilt University’s Blair school of music. David began the cello at age five with Anne Hall Williams and studied with her for six years; completing Suzuki training. He has received two Suzuki David Mazenec scholarships, one Wachs scholarship, and a full Senior Myra Jackson Blair Honors Scholarship for five years at the Blair School of Music.

David has won various competitions such as the Curb Youth Symphony concerto competition, MTNA state division, and the UTK cello workshop competition. He has been in the Curb Youth Symphony for the past six years, and is currently principal cellist. He has also attended multiple summer music festivals including the Sewanee music festival, Montecito International music festival, and the Brevard music festival.

David has taken master classes from renowned musicians such as Anthony Elliot, Melissa Kraut, Paul York, Amy Sue Barston, David Garrett, John Kaboff, Tanya Lesinsky Carey, Avi Friedlander, Joshua Gindele, and Eric Kim among others. David is currently a student of Dr. Felix Wang.