Representation in the Classroom
Dr. D'walla Simmons-Burke
Musical Colonization is when our classical music education system does not recognize, validate, nor honor cultural music education of its black and brown children.
There is a difference between being a cultural music educator and a classical music educator. You can be both.
Meet Your Professor
D'Walla Simmons-Burke is the Director of Choral and Vocal Studies and founder of three of the five choral ensembles currently existing within the department of Music at Winston-Salem State University (Winston-Salem State University Singing Divas; Complesso Voce’ and the renowned Burke Singers). The fourth choral ensemble is the Grammy-nominated Winston-Salem State University Choir (aka WSSU Singing Rams). Her choirs have performed with local/regional and world symphony orchestras and is well sought after for their performances of master choral works, social justice, Negro spirituals and world music. These ensembles have also been commissioned to debut choral works and they have performed on national stages such as Carnegie Hall and the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. Maestra Simmons-Burke has also performed internationally with her choral ensembles and as a guest conductor/lecturer (Prague, Czech Republic; Nassau, Bahamas; Accra, Cape Coast & Kumasi, Ghana - West Africa; and Pilanesberg, Cape Town and Johannesburg – South Africa). D’Walla served as one of the national conductors for the 105 Voices of History Concert Choirduring their performances at the John F. Kennedy Performing Arts Center and in Nassau, Bahamas. She was also the national choral coordinator as well as one of three national conductors who lead the 105 Voices of History Concert Choir in their inaugural performance at the Grand Ole Opry.
Under Simmons-Burke's baton, her choral ensembles have performed for regional, national and international dignitaries. She has been the recipient of several teaching, community service and performance awards for her national achievements in music and research (i.e… Winston-Salem State University Patterson Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award, Winston-Salem State University Cedric Rodney Service Award and The John F. Kennedy Center for The Performing Arts 105 Voices of History National Conductor's Award). She is listed in Outstanding Young Women of America and holds memberships in several professional organizations such as the Music Educators National Conference; American Choral Directors Association; Chorus America; National Association for the Study and Performance of African American Music; National Association of Negro Musicians; Intercollegiate Music Association; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., The Moles, and The Links, Inc.
Simmons-Burke has made numerous guest appearances as a conductor and adjudicator for high school All-State/All-County festivals and collegiate choral festivals/workshops. Her academic research focuses on socio-cultural and political issues of underrepresented groups through their music, political music and Authentic/Mindful Leadership in music. She is often sought after as a choral music clinician and lecturer.