David Allen guides the development and alumni relations initiatives for the School of Music. Previously he served as Outreach and Public Engagement Director Managing programs such as Illinois Summer Youth Music, the Instrumental Chamber Music Symposium, and many more School of Music Outreach and Public Engagement programs. He also worked with all Music Education students as they gained early field experience in the classroom and through student teaching internships. 

David and his brothers Gregory and Michael represent the third generation of music educators in their family. This family history of music educators goes back to his grandfather, John Melton, who started his teaching career in Illinois in 1927. David joined this tradition in 1996, when he was appointed Director of Bands at Salem Community High School in Salem, IL. In 1999, he became Director of Bands at Champaign Centennial High School in Champaign, IL, where he taught for five years. At both schools David directed the concert, jazz, marching, and pep bands.   

David has been a member of the teaching and administrative faculty of Illinois Summer Youth Music since 1994. He has taught many university courses within the Music Education curriculum at U of I.  He frequently serves as a clinician and adjudicator for local and state-wide music festivals and is an active member of the Illinois Music Educators Association. David is a co-adviser for the U of I chapter of the Illinois Collegiate Music Educators Association.