David Shipps is an active orchestrator, conductor and arranger based out of Nashville, TN, working with a variety of clients ranging from print music and internet-based publishers to recorded works and album projects, from live event productions to film and video game recordings.
David began studying music at an early age, first learning the piano, and then moving on to the trumpet. Along the way, he developed an interest in composition and soon began studying the scores of great classical works. Out of these studies came a love for composing, premiering his first work for full orchestra entitled “Sounds of Life” at the age of 18. As a Magna cum Laude graduate of the University of North Texas, David received an intense classical training in composition, studying for two years with one of America’s most prominent female composers, Dr. Cindy McTee.
Out of this training comes a deep-rooted passion for creating music at its highest level, both aurally and visually. Whether orchestrating alongside a composer, conducting a room full of musicians or writing an arrangement for a client, David displays his desire for musical excellence through the quality of his work, his attention to detail, and his continuous efforts to bring out the best in those around him.
In recent years, opportunities in the tv/film/videogame market have allowed David to contribute to a number of projects, both as an orchestrator and as a conductor. These projects have allowed him to work alongside many wonderful composers such as Carter Burwell, John Debney, Gordy Haab, Steve Jablonsky, Bear McCreary, Paul Mills, Trevor Morris, John Paesano, Heitor Pereira, Wilbert Roget II, and Austin Wintory. He has contributed his orchestrating skills on projects spanning multiple mediums, including “The Angry Birds Movie 2”, “Star Wars Squadrons”, “Destiny 2: Forsaken”, “Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War”, “My Little Pony: The Movie”, “London Has Fallen”, “Call of Duty: WWII”, and tv series such as “Taken” and “Vikings.” David has also been called upon to conduct a host of other projects such as “Mother’s Day”, “The Last Witch Hunter”, “You, Me, and the Apocalypse”, “Star Wars: Knights of the Fallen Empire”, “Rise of the Tomb Raider” and “Dragon Age: Inquisition” (where he also served as the orchestrator).
Prior to his involvement in music for media, David was well established in the sacred print industry, with over 375 arrangements and orchestrations to his name. He has been a key figure in several large projects, including the LifeWay Worship Hymnal, WORD Music’s “More Songs for Praise and Worship” product line and the Worship Together Modern Hymnal. As an orchestrator, he has worked with Westpark Creative Group on over 20 productions for Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Regents Cruises, and Disney. His contributions on live events have included the Nashville Symphony’s “HymnSing,” North Dakota’s “Medora Musical,” the Air Force Band of the Reserve, as well as concerts by multiple orchestras across the United States.
When he is not writing music, David enjoys spending time with his family, serving in various ministries at his church, studying Bible chronology, and exercising. His professional associations include ASCAP, the Texas Music Educator’s Association (TMEA) and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.
David makes his home in Spring Hill, Tennessee, with his beautiful wife, Elizabeth, their two sons, Drew and Dawson, and his ever-supportive (albeit lazy) dog, Humphrey.