David R. Black has been a section bassist with Pacific Symphony for over 25 years. He began his career with the Symphony while working on his Bachelor of Music degree at California State University, Fullerton. He continued his studies at the California Institute of the Arts in Valencia, where he received a Master of Arts in music. During this time, he studied with Bertram Turetzky, as well as Dennis Trembly, principal bassist of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. From 1984-89, Black was the solo bassist for the Roger Wagner Chorale, touring and recording three albums. Black has spent many summers performing with music festivals including the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music and the Ojai Music Festival.

Black has played with many other orchestras in Southern California, including the Long Beach Opera and the San Diego, Pasadena, Redlands and Riverside symphonies. He is currently Professor of Bass at Biola University and Whittier College.