About David
At the turn of the last century, Manoog Deratzian became an avid actor and director in Upstate New York, an interest which he passed on to his own son, Larry, and in turn to David. Larry and David founded a business making theatrical props, and producing variety shows, and David performed widely throughout the Eastern part of New York beginning at age 9. David took up the bass guitar in high school to fill the void in his High School band, and later played in several rock, concert and big bands. Several of David’s uncles on his mother’s side were multi-instrumentalists as well, and so he also learned guitar and some banjo. David studied double bass with noted Philadelphia bassist Paul Klinefelter and International virtuoso Lauren Pierce, and plays extensively in Eastern Pennsylvania, NEw Jersey and New York. David also plays tuba, guitar, mandolin and has played with local concert bands and orchestras.
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Music is only one part of David’s life, and his eclectic background has allowed him to wear many hats. David has a degree in Theatre, and for many years worked as a free-lance scenic, lighting and props designer in regional and educational theatre. Most recently, he has devoted his time to stage and musical direction in the Philadelphia area, including Fiddler on the Roof, Shrek, Cabaret, and Sweeney Todd as Director; and Legally Blonde, Hair, Jekyll/Hyde and Little Shop of Horrors as Musical Director or Conductor. David has also directed “straight” plays, including one of the first Philadelphia area productions of Clybourne Park and World Premiere of a new play, Pursued by a Bear.