TRIMAC MUSIC PRESENTS DEWAYNE MCALLISTER

MUSICIAN, SONG WRITER, VOCALIST, MUSIC EDUCATOR

Bringing entertainment, healing, affirmation and joy to a community that often gets overlooked, our seniors!

Work

“Something To Think About” is Dewayne’s one-man show, blending meaningful songs with spoken inspiration to leave seniors feeling uplifted, valued, and motivated.
This engaging, thought-provoking performance offers a range of benefits that support cognitive and social well-being for those in attendance. Each presentation is thoughtfully tailored to align with residents’ interests and passions, helping foster a sense of purpose and fulfillment while promoting overall well-being.His service to seniors began in his teenage years as director of the “Mighty Male Chorus” at his church, where he worked with men of all ages, including many older adults. Today, as a Band Director, he continues that commitment—working with seniors well into their eighties and nineties, and bringing patience, respect, and a genuine love of music to every interaction.Your seniors will leave feeling encouraged, engaged, and inspired from the "Something To Think About" experience.

About

Dewayne McAllister is a dedicated music educator, conductor, songwriter/arranger, and performer whose career has been defined by a passion for inspiring students and creating transformative musical experiences. With years of experience guiding young musicians, he has built a reputation for fostering creativity, confidence, and excellence—both in the classroom and on the concert stage.A two-time recipient of the Booker T. Washington Teacher Award and honored multiple times as “Most Influential Teacher” by graduating seniors, Dewayne’s teaching has left an enduring mark on countless lives. His ensembles earned five consecutive invitations to the MSBOA State Band Festival, and his leadership was further recognized when he was named Minority Educator of the Year by the Michigan State Lottery Commission. He has also been nominated for both Disney’s Teacher of the Year Award and the Michigan Teacher of the Year Award.Beyond the classroom, Dewayne has served as Conductor at the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in Twin Lake, Michigan, and the MSU Community Music Summer Band Camp in Detroit over a span of seven years. He has directed ensembles including the Detroit Public Schools ( DPS) All-City Middle School Band and served as the Percussion Instructor over the DPS All-City Marching Band. His creative contributions extend into the community as well—most notably, writing the PSA, “School Is”, which helped secure a $1.5 billion bond to improve Detroit Public Schools. He also partnered with the Health Alliance Plan (HAP) of Michigan through the MEAP Song Project to raise educational awareness across the state.In addition to his career in education, Dewayne is an accomplished songwriter, musician, and vocalist. He wrote and co-produced the gospel album Open Up and Let the Lord Come In, featuring the songs I’m Going To Live My Life and Prayer For Protection. He also appeared as lead vocalist in The McAllisters, Once Upon a December Eve Albums/CDs and DVD projects. His studio work includes commercial vocal recordings for Fox 2 Detroit under the direction of Emmy Award–winning composer Joseph LoDuca, best known for his works which include, Hercules, Xena: Warrior Princess, and The Librarians.As a performer, Dewayne has opened for gospel greats such as BeBe & CeCe Winans and John P. Kee. He has served as a road and studio musician for various artists, and performed in churches and on stages across the country. His artistry reflects the same passion he brings to his teaching—using music as a vehicle for inspiration, connection, and upliftment.Perhaps most rewarding, Dewayne’s influence is reflected in the accomplishments of his students—many of whom have become educators, and professional musicians. Some have performed with renowned artists such as Brian McKnight, Martha Reeves, Aretha Franklin, and Michael Bublé. Others have gone on to join elite drumlines, record major film soundtracks, and share their gifts on stages across the world.With every performance, rehearsal, and teaching moment, Dewayne McAllister continues to uphold his lifelong mission: to inspire through music, empower through education, express the love of God, and keep the joy of learning alive.