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By Mandy Haggerson

For the Clemmons Courier

Some people talk about doing things for others, and then there are those who just do them. Dr. David Allen Sr. has spent his entire personal and professional career trying to inspire others to be the best version of themselves that they can be.

Growing up as one of eight children, Allen had role models in his life that taught him that hard work yielded fruitful results.

“My mom and I were always very close. I admired how hard she worked and how kind she was as a person,” Allen said. “She taught me how to cook, clean and aspire to dream big. She also taught me to have an appreciation for music, something that has stayed with me my entire life.”

Learning to play piano began with his mother’s guidance, however, it didn’t take long to realize how talented he was.

“Back when I was growing up, you walked everywhere you went. It was the mode of transportation for school and playing with your friends. I walked to my piano lessons when I was 10 years old,” Allen said. “I started playing at church when I was 10 years old.”

He was so gifted, that the church hired him to play for them part time.

“On most days when walking to my piano lesson, I saw kids playing baseball,” Allen said. “I would stop and watch. There were no little league teams on my side of town. Every Saturday morning, I would watch as much baseball as I was able to. It cultivated my enthusiasm for sports in general.”

One sport that Allen was able to play anywhere and anytime was basketball.

“I always was working on my ball handling skills in my free time,” Allen said. “Whenever I played for a team, I was locked in and focused. I also could run quickly which helped with my game, too.

“There was never a coach that I didn’t learn something from. Whether it was running cross country or playing basketball at R.J. Reynolds High School, I wanted to work hard for my team and coach.”

Allen relished at having the opportunity to play for famed, “Big House” Gaines at Winston-Salem State University.

“Realizing how much of an impact coaches and teachers had on me as a kid, I earned a degree in health and physical education from Winston-Salem State University,” Allen said. “My big brother had a passion for reading, and I often read his comic books which spawned my interested in reading and education. He was another hard worker in my family that whether he was a working as a bus boy or getting his history degree, I respected his work ethic.”

While in college, Allen also married his long-time love, Sharon.

“We had met at church,” Allen said. “Growing up as a church kid, she was always there and so was I. We started courting in junior high school and have now been married for 51 years this Jan. 18. Sharon has always been very supportive of my passions.”

The newlyweds were tested with supporting each other’s passions when Allen was whisked away because of his blooming musical career.

“I began play for professionals all over the country on the piano and organ. Then I started delving into songwriting. What happens to most people in the music business, they are looking for validation and notoriety. I didn’t need that,” said Allen, who had already received that as just a teenager.

Having received national attention prior to becoming an adult, Allen was going to places like London and Alaska because he loved music.

“I love how it allows me to express my creative side. When people hear your music, they hear you,” Allen said.

When Allen completed his tours throughout the country, he chose to establish his roots with Sharon in the same community he grew up. At the urging of his sister, he looked into special education because of the demand for positive role models. Allen earned a certificate from High Point University.

“I’ve taught middle school for over 32 years at three different schools. I also have coached basketball, both girls and boys from all levels from middle school to high school,” Allen said.

Working with kids in the classroom and on the court has been so rewarding. For the coach who has won way more games than he has lost, he appreciates helping kids feel confident and empowered. Currently serving as a junior varsity girls coach at Summit School, Allen splits his time also working as a dean South Fork Elementary School and music director for two churches.

“I had considered retiring,” Allen said. “But I still have so much energy left to do something. Both St. Paul United Methodist and First Baptist Church have found a way to allow me to serve simultaneously.”

While inspiring other children has been a passion of Allen’s, he has always made time to show his own kids, David Jr., and Davida that they are why he works as hard as he does.

“The moment they were born, I realized really quickly it wasn’t about me anymore,” Allen said. “And when my grandson, Eimaj was born 3 years ago, oh wow, my world was really flipped upside down. Anyone who comes into my home knows how important he is to me.”

The accomplished musician, teacher and coach is excited to see what still lies ahead with influencing the next generation. Still the only musician to compose, direct and play in the Winston-Salem Symphony plans to make music for years to come.

“I don’t plan to slow down with my students, musical pursuits or coaching anytime soon. I feel called to that ministry. It’s my way to serve. My motto has always been, to leave whatever situation you are in better than you found it,” Allen said. “You might not always get credit for all you do but try and make a difference.”