There, although not a trained musician himself, he was best known as the "Music Man" for his work developing elementary school music programs and productions for his students in grades K-6.

Bentley was also active as a city, state and national delegate representing the United Federation of Teachers (AFT), but since retiring, Bentley has had more time to devote to his interests in the arts through his work as a free lance writer and performing arts critic. First known for his reviews at Westchester's famed Peekskill Paramount Theater (where he has reviewed such stars as Mimi Hines and Crystal Gayle) he just spent a busy summer in
Texas where his newspaper column "The People's Critic," offers reviews of various Houston area entertainment. Some of his favorite "assignments" this season were reviews of the national concert tours of Itzhak Perlman, Cher, and Harry Connick jr., in addition to wonderful performances of the Houston Symphony, Houston Ballet and numerous local productions. He has
also co-authored original short plays that have been produced by The
Woodlands Symphony Orchestra (Texas) as concert introductions for young people.

Bentley's long association with Texas began as a young child when
his family moved there for two years. He later returned and gained a
bachelor of arts degree from the University of Texas. Since retiring, he is a frequent visitor to friends and family in the Lone Star State. [Bentley Has maintained a home in The Woodlands, Texas since 1986] An
alumnus of Manhattan's American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Bentley also holds a masters degree in education from Brooklyn College. Bentley is a member of The Lambs club, the American Theatre Critics Association, and the International Association of Theatre Critics.

E-Mail David Dow Bentley III