Maestra D'Walla Simmons-Burke

Maestra 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 (e.g..Amazwi Treble; Complesso Voce’ and the renowned Burke Singers). The fourth and fifth choral ensembles are Schola Cantorum (TTBB) and the Grammy-nominated Winston-Salem State University Choir (aka WSSU Singing Rams).  Her choirs have performed with local/regional and world symphony orchestras and are well sought after for their performances of master choral works, social justice music, spirituals, and world music.  D’Walla’s ensembles have also performed on national stages (e.g…Carnegie Hall and the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts).  Each choir performs domestically and internationally. She was named one of the national conductors and coordinator for the 105 Voices of History Concert Choir at the John F. Kennedy Performing Arts Center and Nassau, Bahamas. She has received numerous awards for teaching, community service, performance and for her national achievements in music and research (e.g…105 Voices of History Concert Choir John F. Kennedy Performing Arts Center Award and recently, theInaugural Simon G. Atkins Champion of Education Award).

Simmons-Burke has made numerous guest appearances as a conductor/adjudicator/clinician and lecturer for high and middle school All-State/All-County and collegiate choral festivals/workshops. Also, she is often sought after as a vocalist.